Power distribution device and charging pile

Abstract

The present application provides a power distribution device and a charging pile. The power distribution device comprises at least one power distribution module, the power distribution module comprises M groups of power terminals, M groups of load terminals, and (M-1) groups of switches, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The M groups of power terminals and the M groups of load terminals have one-to-one correspondence and are directly connected; the m1-th group of switches among the (M-1) groups of switches is connected between the m1-th group of power terminals and the (m1+1)-th group of load terminals, 1≤m1≤(M-1), and m1 is an integer; or, the m2-th group of switches among the (M-1) groups of switches is connected between the m2-th group of power terminals and the (m2-1)-th group of load terminals, 2≤m2≤M, and m2 is an integer. The number of switches in the power distribution device designed in the present application is reduced, and thus the size and cost of the power distribution device can be reduced.

Description

Power distribution device and charging pile

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 22, 2024, with application number 202410086710.4, and priority to the Chinese patent application entitled “A Power Distribution Device and Charging Pile”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of charging, and in particular to a power distribution device and a charging pile. Background Art

[0003] With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, the use of electric vehicle charging equipment as supporting facilities is becoming increasingly widespread. In current practical applications, the power distribution device can dynamically distribute the DC power output by multiple charging modules in the charging device according to the actual charging power required by the vehicle. Currently, most power distribution devices adopt a full-matrix power distribution architecture, that is, a switch device is set at each power routing node to perform power allocation. For example, Figure 3 shows a power distribution device connected to four charging modules and four loads. The power distribution device needs to be equipped with 16 groups of switches. Each charging module is connected to each load through a group of switches K1-K4. The controller controls whether the power distribution device outputs power to the load by controlling the closing or opening of switches K1-K4. However, the full-matrix architecture has a large number of switches, resulting in a large power distribution architecture and high cost. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a power distribution device and a charging pile. When each power distribution module in the power distribution device includes M groups of power terminals and M groups of load terminals, the power distribution module designed by the present application only needs to include (M-1) groups of switches to reduce the number of switches in the power distribution device, thereby reducing the volume and cost of the power distribution device. Moreover, even if the number of switches in the power distribution device is reduced, each charging module connected to the power distribution device can still supply power to each load connected to it, that is, it supports any charging module to be dispatched to any load, ensuring that the charging flexibility reaches 100% to meet the actual power requirements of different loads.

[0005] In a first aspect, a power distribution device is provided, the power distribution device comprising at least one power distribution module, the power distribution module comprising M groups of power terminals, M groups of load terminals, and (M-1) groups of switches, each group of switches comprising two switches, one of the two switches being connected between the positive pole of the power terminal and the positive pole of the load terminal, and the other of the two switches being connected between the negative pole of the power terminal and the negative pole of the load terminal, the power terminal being used to connect to a charging module, and the load terminal being used to connect to a load, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The M groups of power terminals are directly connected to the M groups of load terminals in a one-to-one correspondence; the m1th group of switches in the (M-1) groups of switches is connected between the m1th group of power terminals and the (m1+1)th group of load terminals, where 1≤m1≤(M-1), and m1 is an integer; or the m2th group of switches in the (M-1) groups of switches is connected between the m2th group of power terminals and the (m2-1)th group of load terminals, where 2≤m2≤M, and m2 is an integer.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present application, when the power distribution module includes M groups of power terminals and M groups of load terminals, the power distribution module designed by the present application only needs to include (M-1) groups of switches to reduce the number of switches in the power distribution device, thereby reducing the volume and cost of the power distribution device. Even if the number of switches in the power distribution device is reduced, since the M groups of power terminals are directly connected one-to-one with the M groups of load terminals, the (M-1) groups of switches are respectively connected between the m1th group of power terminals and the (m1+1)th group of load terminals, or respectively connected between the m2th group of power terminals and the (m2-1)th group of load terminals. Therefore, each charging module connected to the power distribution device can still supply power to each load connected to it, that is, it supports any charging module to be dispatched to any load, ensuring that the charging flexibility reaches 100% to meet the actual power requirements of different loads. Moreover, in the same charging scenario, compared with the full matrix power distribution architecture, the number of switches that need to be closed in the embodiment of the present application is reduced, that is, the number of times the scheduling switch is switched is reduced, and the control of the switch is simpler.

[0007] Furthermore, the maximum current allowed by the switches in the embodiments of the present application is the sum of the rated currents of the charging modules connected to the power distribution module. In particular, when all charging modules have the same rated current output DC power, the maximum current allowed by each set of switches is the sum of the rated currents of (M-1) charging modules. This allows for standardized specifications for the switches in the power distribution module, facilitating switch selection.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible design, the power distribution module further includes a set of switches connected between the first set of power terminals and the Mth set of load terminals; or, a set of switches connected between the Mth set of power terminals and the first set of load terminals.

[0009] In the embodiment of the present application, the power distribution module includes a set of switches connected between the first group of power terminals and the Mth group of load terminals, or between the Mth group of power terminals and the first group of load terminals. When the charging module connected to the first group of power terminals supplies power to the load connected to the Mth group of load terminals, or when the charging module connected to the Mth group of power terminals supplies power to the load connected to the first group of load terminals, the number of closed switches can be reduced, simplifying the power supply path. In particular, when the number of power terminals and load terminals is large, the advantages of the additional set of switches in the embodiment of the present application are more prominent.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible design, the power distribution module further includes (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches. The m3th group of switches in the (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches is connected between the m3th group of power terminals and the (m3+i)th group of load terminals, where 1≤m3≤(M-2), 2≤i≤(M-2), and m3 and i are both integers; or, the m4th group of switches in the (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches is connected between the m4th group of power terminals and the (m4-j)th group of load terminals, where 3≤m4≤M, 2≤j≤(M-2), and m4 and j are both integers.

[0011] In the embodiment of the present application, the (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches added to the power distribution module can simplify the path for some charging modules to supply power to the load.

[0012] Furthermore, the addition of (M-3)*M / 2 switch groups changes the path through which some charging modules supply power to the load. The maximum allowable current for each switch group is now equal to the rated current of the connected charging module. This reduces the maximum allowable current per switch group, thus lowering costs. In particular, when the rated current of each charging module is consistent, the maximum allowable current per switch group is equal to the rated current of the individual charging module. This standardizes the switch specifications within the power distribution module and reduces the number of switch selection requirements.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible design, the power distribution module further includes P groups of load terminals and P*M groups of switches, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The P*M groups of switches are respectively connected between each group of load terminals in the P groups of load terminals and each group of power terminals in the M groups of power terminals.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present application, the power distribution device includes M groups of power terminals and P+M groups of load terminals, that is, the number of load terminals is greater than the number of power terminals. When the number of load terminals is greater than the number of power terminals, for these P groups of load terminals, a group of switches are designed between them and each power terminal in the power distribution device, so that the charging module connected to each power terminal can supply power to the load connected to any load terminal of these P groups of load terminals, that is, it supports any charging module to be dispatched to any load, ensuring that the charging flexibility reaches 100% to meet the actual power demand of the load. In addition, with this design, when the rated current of each charging module is consistent, the maximum current allowed by the multiple groups of switches in the power distribution device are all the rated current of a single charging module, ensuring that the specifications of the multiple groups of switches in the power distribution device are normalized.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible design, the power distribution module further includes R groups of power terminals and R*M groups of switches, where R is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The R*M groups of switches are respectively connected between each group of power terminals in the R groups of power terminals and each group of power terminals in the M groups of power terminals.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present application, the power distribution device includes M+R groups of power terminals and M groups of load terminals, that is, the number of power terminals is greater than the number of load terminals. When the number of power terminals is greater than the number of load terminals, for the R group of power terminals, a set of switches is designed between it and each power terminal of the M group of power terminals in the power distribution device, so that the charging module connected to each power terminal of the newly added R group of power terminals can supply power to the load connected to any load terminal of the P group of load terminals, that is, it supports any charging module to be dispatched to any load, ensuring that the charging flexibility reaches 100% to meet the actual power demand of the load. In addition, with this design, when the rated current of each charging module is consistent, the maximum current allowed by the multiple groups of switches in the power distribution device are all the rated current of a single charging module, ensuring that the specifications of the multiple groups of switches in the power distribution device are normalized.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible design, the power distribution device includes a plurality of power distribution modules, and all load terminals of each power distribution module in the plurality of power distribution modules are connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0018] In the embodiment of the present application, since all load terminals of each power distribution module in the multiple power distribution modules of the power distribution device are connected in a one-to-one correspondence, the number of power terminals directly connected to any load terminal increases. When a load connected to any load terminal requires charging, the number of charging modules directly connected to the load increases, and the power input to the load by the charging module increases, thereby increasing the speed of power supply to the load. When the load terminal is connected to an electric vehicle, this design can increase the charging power, speed up the charging speed, and enhance the user experience.

[0019] In a second aspect, a charging pile is provided, comprising a plurality of charging modules, at least one charging gun, and at least one power distribution device, wherein the power distribution device comprises at least one power distribution module. The power distribution module comprises M groups of power terminals, M groups of load terminals, and (M-1) groups of switches, each group of switches comprising two switches, one of the two switches being connected between the positive pole of the power terminal and the positive pole of the load terminal, and the other of the two switches being connected between the negative pole of the power terminal and the negative pole of the load terminal. The power terminals are connected to the charging module, the load terminals are connected to the charging gun, and the charging gun is used to connect to the load, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The M groups of power terminals are directly connected to the M groups of load terminals in a one-to-one correspondence; the m1th group of switches in the (M-1) groups of switches is connected between the m1th group of power terminals and the (m1+1)th group of load terminals, where 1≤m1≤(M-1), and m1 is an integer; or the m2th group of switches in the (M-1) groups of switches is connected between the m2th group of power terminals and the (m2-1)th group of load terminals, where 2≤m2≤M, and m2 is an integer.

[0020] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible design, the power distribution module further includes a set of switches connected between the first set of power terminals and the Mth set of load terminals; or, alternatively, connected between the Mth set of power terminals and the first set of load terminals.

[0021] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible design, the power distribution module further includes (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches. The m3th group of switches in the (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches is connected between the m3th group of power terminals and the (m3+i)th group of load terminals, where 1≤m3≤(M-2), 2≤i≤(M-2), and m3 and i are both integers; or, the m4th group of switches in the (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches is connected between the m4th group of power terminals and the (m4-j)th group of load terminals, where 3≤m4≤M, 2≤j≤(M-2), and m4 and j are both integers.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible design, the power distribution module further includes P groups of load terminals and P*M groups of switches, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The P*M groups of switches are respectively connected between each group of load terminals in the P groups of load terminals and each group of power terminals in the M groups of power terminals.

[0023] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible design, the charging pile includes multiple power distribution devices, each of which includes a power distribution module, and the P groups of load terminals of the power distribution modules in each power distribution device are connected in a one-to-one correspondence. The charging pile also includes a controller, which is configured to: when a load connected to at least one group of load terminals in the P groups of load terminals requires charging, control the closure of a switch connected between the at least one group of load terminals and a power supply terminal, so that all charging modules connected to the multiple power distribution devices supply power to the load connected to the at least one group of load terminals.

[0024] In this embodiment of the present application, the P groups of load terminals corresponding to each power distribution device can output the sum of the rated powers of all charging modules connected to the multiple power distribution devices, thereby increasing the output power of these P groups of load terminals. When these P groups of load terminals are connected to an electric vehicle, the charging power can be increased, the charging speed can be accelerated, and the user experience can be improved.

[0025] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the controller is also used to: when the load connected to at least one group of load terminals in the M groups of load terminals has a charging demand, control the switch connected between at least one group of load terminals in the M groups of load terminals and the power supply terminal to close, so that all charging modules connected to multiple power distribution devices supply power to the load connected to at least one group of load terminals in the M groups of load terminals.

[0026] In this embodiment of the present application, the M groups of load terminals in each power distribution device can output the sum of the rated powers of all charging modules connected to the multiple power distribution devices, thereby increasing the output power of these M groups of load terminals. When these M groups of load terminals are connected to electric vehicles, the charging power can be increased, the charging speed can be accelerated, and the user experience can be improved.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible design, the power distribution device further includes R groups of power terminals and R*M groups of switches, where R is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The R*M groups of switches are respectively connected between each group of power terminals in the R groups of power terminals and each group of power terminals in the M groups of power terminals.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible design, the charging pile further includes a controller. The controller is configured to: when one of the charging modules supplies power to a connected load via at least one set of switches, disconnect the at least one set of switches when a load connected to a load terminal directly connected to one of the charging modules requires charging.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present application, when one of the charging modules supplies power to a connected load via at least one set of switches, if a load connected to a load terminal directly connected to one of the charging modules requires charging, the at least one set of switches is disconnected. When the at least one set of switches is disconnected, one of the charging modules supplies power to the load connected to its directly connected load terminal, satisfying the power supply demand of the load connected to the load terminal directly connected to one of the charging modules. In other words, in an embodiment of the present application, each charging module prioritizes powering the load connected to its directly connected load terminal.

[0030] In addition, this scheduling method of the embodiment of the present application can also protect the life safety of users and avoid mutual influence when loads fail. This is because, in the case where one of the charging modules supplies power to the connected load through at least one set of switches, when the load connected to the load terminal directly connected to one of the charging modules has a charging demand, if the controller controls another charging module to supply power to the load connected to the load terminal directly connected to one of the charging modules, the load terminal directly connected to the other charging module will be energized. When the load terminal directly connected to the other charging module is not connected to a load, the user may accidentally touch the load terminal, endangering the user's life safety. Moreover, under this scheduling method, the two loads are connected. When one of the loads fails, the failure may spread to the other load, causing the failure of the other load, which is not allowed in actual scenarios.

[0031] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible design, the power distribution device includes multiple power distribution modules, and all load terminals of each power distribution module in the multiple power distribution modules are connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0032] For the technical effects in the second aspect that are not described in detail, please refer to the description of the technical effects that can be achieved by the possible design in the first aspect above, and no further details will be given here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a charging system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the charging system shown in FIG1 .

[0035] 3 to 26 are schematic diagrams of a power distribution device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, “ / ” means or, for example, A / B can mean A or B; “and / or” in this article is merely a way to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist, for example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present application, prefixes such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different description objects and have no limiting effect on the position, order, priority, quantity or content of the described objects. The use of prefixes such as ordinal numbers to distinguish description objects in the embodiments of the present application does not constitute a restriction on the described objects. For the statement of the described objects, please refer to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and the use of such prefixes should not constitute an unnecessary restriction. In addition, in the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more.

[0039] In order to facilitate understanding of the solutions of this application, the following briefly introduces the technical terms that may be involved.

[0040] This application can be applied to systems where power supply devices and loads charge each other through a power distribution matrix. In particular, for systems that include charging piles and electric vehicles, the charging piles can use power from the grid to charge the electric vehicles, and the electric vehicles can also output their own power back to the grid.

[0041] FIG1 exemplarily shows a schematic structural diagram of a charging system 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0042] 1(a) and 1(b), the charging system 10 may include a charging station 11 and an electric vehicle 12. The charging station 11 may receive AC power from an external power grid 20, convert the AC power into stable DC power, and transmit the DC power to the electric vehicle 12 to charge the electric vehicle 12. Alternatively, the electric vehicle 12 may also output electrical energy in reverse to the external power grid 20.

[0043] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1( a ), a charging station 11 may include a charging device 111, at least one charging terminal 112, and at least one charging gun 113. The charging device 111 may be electrically connected to the at least one charging terminal 112, and the at least one charging terminal 112 may be electrically connected to the at least one charging gun 113. In a specific implementation, one charging terminal 112 may be electrically connected to one or more charging guns 113.

[0044] The charging device 111 may include multiple power conversion devices that can convert AC power from the external power grid 20 into stable DC power and then transmit it to the charging terminal 112. The multiple power conversion devices may include, for example, an AC-DC converter and a DC-DC converter. The charging terminal 112 transmits the stable DC power to the electric vehicle 12 via the charging gun 113 to charge the electric vehicle 12.

[0045] The charging terminal 112 may include a housing, a human-machine interface, a charging control unit, a metering and billing unit, etc., and is used to perform information exchange, energy transmission, metering and billing, etc. with the electric vehicle 12.

[0046] The electric vehicle 12 may be a vehicle powered by electricity. The electric vehicle 12 may be a pure electric vehicle (pure EV / battery EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

[0047] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG1( b ), the charging pile 11 may include the human-machine interface, charging control unit, and metering and billing unit directly within the charging device 111. Thus, the charging pile 11 may include only the charging device 111 and at least one charging gun 113 electrically connected to the charging device 111, but not the charging terminal 112. The multiple power conversion devices within the charging device 111 may convert AC power from the external power grid 20 into stable DC power, which is then directly transmitted to the electric vehicle 12 via the charging gun 113.

[0048] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the charging system 10 shown in FIG1 , wherein the charging device 111 may include a plurality of AC-DC converters 1111 , a DC-DC converter 1112 , a DC bus 1113 and a power distribution device 1114 .

[0049] The input ends of the multiple AC-DC converters 1111 can be connected to the external power grid 20, and the output ends of the multiple AC-DC converters 1111 can be connected to the DC bus 1113. In other words, the multiple AC-DC converters 1111 can be connected in parallel between the external power grid 20 and the DC bus 1113. The multiple AC-DC converters 1111 can be used to receive alternating current (AC) from the external power grid 20, convert the AC power into DC power, and output the DC power through the DC bus 1113.

[0050] The input end of the DC-DC converter 1112 can be connected to the DC bus 1113, and the output end of the DC-DC converter 1112 can be connected to the charging terminal 112 via the power distribution device 1114. The DC-DC converter 1112 can receive the DC power output by the multiple AC-DC converters 1111 via the DC bus 1113, and further convert the DC power into DC power suitable for the vehicle 12 before transmitting it to the power distribution device 1114. The power distribution device 1114 can dynamically distribute the DC power output by the multiple DC-DC converters 1112 according to the actual charging power required by the vehicle. The distributed charging power is transmitted to the vehicle 12 via the charging terminal 112 for charging the vehicle 12.

[0051] As described above, the power distribution device 1114 can dynamically distribute the direct current output by multiple DC-DC conversion devices 1112 according to the actual charging power required by the vehicle. Currently, most power distribution devices adopt a full-matrix power distribution architecture, that is, a switch device is set at each power routing node to perform power allocation. For example, Figure 3 shows a power distribution device connected to 4 charging modules and 4 loads. The power distribution device needs to be equipped with 16 groups of switches. Each charging module is connected to each load through a group of switches K1-K4. The controller controls whether the power distribution device outputs power to the load by controlling the closing or opening of switches K1-K4. However, the full-matrix architecture has a large number of switches, which makes the power distribution architecture larger and more expensive.

[0052] Based on this, the present application provides a power distribution device that reduces the number of switches in the power distribution device, thereby reducing the size and cost of the power distribution device. Moreover, even if the number of switches in the power distribution device is reduced, each charging module connected to the power distribution device can still provide power to each connected load. In other words, any charging module can be dispatched to any load, ensuring 100% charging flexibility to meet the actual power requirements of different loads.

[0053] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the power distribution device includes at least one power distribution module 400, the power distribution module 400 includes M groups of power terminals 410, M groups of load terminals 420 and (M-1) groups of switches 430, each group of switches includes two switches, one of the two switches is connected between the positive pole of the power terminal and the positive pole of the load terminal, and the other of the two switches is connected between the negative pole of the power terminal and the negative pole of the load terminal, the power terminal is used to connect to the charging module, and the load terminal is used to connect to the load, and M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0054] The M groups of power terminals are directly connected to the M groups of load terminals in a one-to-one correspondence. The m1th switch in the (M-1) group of switches is connected between the m1th group of power terminals and the (m1+1)th group of load terminals, where 1 ≤ m1 ≤ (M-1), and m1 is an integer. Alternatively, the m2th switch in the (M-1) group of switches is connected between the m2th group of power terminals and the (m2-1)th group of load terminals, where 2 ≤ m2 ≤ M, and m2 is an integer.

[0055] In the embodiment of the present application, the M groups of power terminals are directly connected to the M groups of load terminals in a one-to-one correspondence, which can be understood as no switch between each group of power terminals in the M groups of power terminals and the corresponding load terminal in the M groups of load terminals. As for the connection between each group of power terminals in the M groups of power terminals and other load terminals, the embodiment of the present application is designed to be connected via a switch.

[0056] The following example uses a power distribution module with four power terminals and four load terminals as an example. When a power distribution module includes four power terminals and four load terminals, the module includes three switches. These three switches can connect to different power terminals and load terminals. See below for details.

[0057] In one implementation, these three groups of switches are connected between the mth group of power terminals and the (m+1)th group of load terminals, where 1≤m≤3. Based on this implementation, the first group of switches S12 is connected between the first group of power terminals and the second group of load terminals, the second group of switches S23 is connected between the second group of power terminals and the third group of load terminals, and the third group of switches S34 is connected between the third group of power terminals and the fourth group of load terminals, as shown in Figure 5.

[0058] In another implementation, the three groups of switches are connected between the nth group of power terminals and the (n-1)th group of load terminals, where 2≤n≤4. Based on this implementation, the first group of switches S21 is connected between the second group of power terminals and the first group of load terminals, the second group of switches S32 is connected between the third group of power terminals and the second group of load terminals, and the third group of switches S43 is connected between the fourth group of power terminals and the third group of load terminals, as shown in FIG6 .

[0059] It should be understood that the power terminals and load terminals specifically connected by these three groups of switches are not limited to the two implementations described above. As long as any charging module connected to the power distribution device can supply power to any load, this application can be applied. For example, in another implementation, the first group of switches S12 of the three groups of switches is connected between the first group of power terminals and the second group of load terminals, the second group of switches is connected between the third group of power terminals and the second group of load terminals, and the third group of switches is connected between the third group of power terminals and the fourth group of load terminals, as shown in Figure 7.

[0060] Combining Figures 5 to 7 , it can be seen that when the number of power terminals and load terminals is four, the power distribution module only needs to be equipped with three sets of switches. In the solution shown in Figure 3 , the power distribution device needs to be equipped with 16 sets of switches, which is significantly more than the number of switches in the embodiment of the present application. Therefore, compared with the solution shown in Figure 3 , the number of switches in the embodiment of the present application is significantly reduced, the size and cost of the power distribution device are further reduced, the switching loss is reduced, and the number of monitoring and control system interfaces is reduced, which has outstanding advantages.

[0061] The following takes the power distribution device shown in FIG5 as an example to introduce the path for the charging module to supply power to the load in different situations.

[0062] Case 1:

[0063] When each charging module supplies power to a directly connected load, the specific power path is shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, charging module 1 directly supplies power to load 1, charging module 2 directly supplies power to load 2, charging module 3 directly supplies power to load 3, and charging module 4 directly supplies power to load 4. In this case, each charging module can supply power to the directly connected load without closing any switches in the power distribution device.

[0064] Case 2:

[0065] When all charging modules are supplying power to load 1, the specific power path can be seen in Figure 9. For charging module 1, since the power terminal connected to charging module 1 is directly connected to the load terminal connected to load 1, charging module 1 can directly supply power to load 1. For charging module 2, the power terminal connected to charging module 2 is connectable to the load terminal connected to load 1 via switch S12. Therefore, when switch S12 is closed, charging module 2 can supply power to load 1 via switch S12. For charging module 3, the power terminal connected to charging module 3 is connectable to the load terminal connected to load 1 via switches S23 and S12. Therefore, when switches S23 and S12 are closed, charging module 3 can supply power to load 1 via switches S23 and S12. For charging module 4, the power terminal connected to charging module 4 is connectable to the load terminal connected to load 1 via switches S34, S23, and S12. Therefore, when switches S34, S23, and S12 are closed, charging module 4 can supply power to load 1 via switches S34, S23, and S12. All charging modules connected to the power distribution device supplying power to load 2, load 3, and load 4 is similar to all charging modules supplying power to load 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0066] Case 3:

[0067] When charging modules 1 and 3 supply power to load 1, and charging modules 2 and 4 supply power to load 4, please refer to Figure 10 for the specific power paths. For charging module 1, charging module 1 can directly supply power to load 1. For charging module 3, when switches S23 and S12 are closed, charging module 3 can supply power to load 1 via switches S23 and S12, as shown in Figure 10 (a). For charging module 2, the power terminals connected to charging module 2 can be connected to the load terminals connected to load 4 via switches S23 and S34. Therefore, when switches S23 and S34 are closed, charging module 2 can supply power to load 4 via switches S23 and S34. For charging module 4, since the power terminals connected to charging module 4 are directly connected to the load terminals connected to load 4, charging module 4 can directly supply power to load 4, as shown in Figure 10 (b).

[0068] It should be understood that there are many cases where different charging modules supply power to different loads. For the sake of brevity, they are not described in detail here.

[0069] In conjunction with Figures 8 to 10, even if the number of switches in the power distribution device is reduced, it is still possible to realize that each charging module connected to the power distribution device supplies power to each load connected to it, that is, it supports scheduling any charging module to any load to meet the charging power requirements of different loads. Moreover, compared with the power distribution device shown in Figure 3, the embodiment of the present application reduces the number of closed switches in the same charging scenario. For example, if charging module 1 and charging module 2 need to supply power to load 1, the power distribution device shown in Figure 3 needs to close two groups of switches K1, while the embodiment of the present application only needs to close one group of switches S12. Therefore, compared with the power distribution device shown in Figure 3, the embodiment of the present application requires a reduced number of closed switches, that is, the number of times the scheduling switches are switched on and off is reduced, and the control of the switches is simpler.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present application, when the power distribution module includes M groups of power terminals and M groups of load terminals, the power distribution module designed by the present application only needs to include (M-1) groups of switches to reduce the number of switches in the power distribution device, thereby reducing the volume and cost of the power distribution device. Even if the number of switches in the power distribution device is reduced, since the M groups of power terminals are directly connected one-to-one with the M groups of load terminals, the (M-1) groups of switches are respectively connected between the m1th group of power terminals and the (m1+1)th group of load terminals, or respectively connected between the m2th group of power terminals and the (m2-1)th group of load terminals. Therefore, each charging module connected to the power distribution device can still supply power to each load connected to it, that is, it supports any charging module to be dispatched to any load, ensuring that the charging flexibility reaches 100% to meet the actual power requirements of different loads.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the present application, the maximum current allowed by each set of switches is the sum of the rated currents of the charging modules connected to the power distribution module. For example, referring to FIG9 , when all charging modules are supplying power to load 1, the DC power output by charging module 1 does not need to pass through any switches to achieve the purpose of powering load 1. However, for charging modules 2, 3, and 4, they all need to pass through switch S12 to achieve the purpose of powering load 1. Therefore, the maximum current allowed by switch S12 is the sum of the rated currents of the DC power output by charging modules 2, 3, and 4.

[0072] When all charging modules are supplying power to load 2, the DC power output by charging module 2 does not need to pass through any switches to supply power to load 2. However, charging modules 1, 3, and 4 all require switches to supply power to load 2. Specifically, charging module 1 supplies power to load 2 via switch S12, charging module 3 supplies power to load 2 via switch S23, and charging module 4 supplies power to load 2 via switches S34 and S23. In other words, both charging modules 3 and 4 require switch S23 to supply power to load 2. Although switch S23 only aggregates the DC current output by charging modules 3 and 4, the maximum current allowed by switch S23 was initially designed to be the sum of the rated currents of charging modules 1, 3, and 4.

[0073] Similarly, the maximum current allowed by the switch S34 is the sum of the rated currents of the direct current output by the three charging modules: charging module 1 , charging module 2 , and charging module 3 .

[0074] In summary, the maximum current allowed by the switches in the embodiments of the present application is the sum of the rated currents of some of the charging modules connected to the power distribution module. In particular, when the rated current of the DC output of all charging modules is the same, the maximum current allowed by each group of switches is the sum of the rated currents of (M-1) charging modules. This allows the specifications of the switches in the power distribution module to be standardized, facilitating switch selection.

[0075] As mentioned above, with reference to Figure 5 , when switches S34, S23, and S12 are closed, the charging module 4 can supply power to the load 1 via switches S34, S23, and S12. However, while the charging module 4 can supply power to the load 1 via switches S34, S23, and S12, the path for the charging module 4 to supply power to the load 1 via switches S34, S23, and S12 is complex, requiring the closure of multiple sets of switches. This is especially true when the number of charging modules and loads reaches dozens or even dozens, as the charging module 1 needs to close even more switches to supply power to other loads, resulting in a more complex path.

[0076] In one embodiment, the power distribution module further includes a set of switches connected between the first group of power terminals and the Mth group of load terminals; or, a set of switches connected between the Mth group of power terminals and the first group of load terminals.

[0077] In the embodiment of the present application, the example of a power distribution module including four power terminals and four groups of load terminals is still taken. In one implementation, a group of switches S14 provided in the power distribution module is connected between the first power terminal and the fourth group of load terminals, as shown in FIG11 . Based on this design, when the switch S14 is closed, the charging module 4 can supply power to the load 1 through the switch S14. Compared with the power distribution module shown in FIG5 above, in which the charging module 4 supplies power to the load 1, the embodiment of the present application only needs to close one group of switches to realize the power supply from the charging module 4 to the load 1, thereby reducing the number of closed switches and simplifying the power supply path. In addition, when the switch S14 is closed, the charging module 1 can supply power to the load 4 through the switch S14. Compared with the power distribution module shown in FIG5 above, in which the charging module 1 supplies power to the load 4, the embodiment of the present application can also reduce the number of closed switches and simplify the power supply path.

[0078] In another implementation, a group of switches S41 provided in the power distribution module are connected between the fourth power terminal and the first group of load terminals, as shown in FIG12 . Based on this design, when the switch S41 is closed, the charging module 4 can supply power to the load 1 through the switch S41. Compared with the power distribution module shown in FIG5 above, in which the charging module 4 supplies power to the load 1, in the embodiment of the present application, only one group of switches needs to be closed to realize the power supply from the charging module 4 to the load 1, thereby reducing the number of closed switches and simplifying the power supply path. In addition, when the switch S41 is closed, the charging module 1 can supply power to the load 4 through the switch S41. Compared with the power distribution module shown in FIG5 above, in which the charging module 4 supplies power to the load 1, the embodiment of the present application can also reduce the number of closed switches and simplify the power supply path.

[0079] For situations where there are a large number of power terminals and load terminals in the power distribution device, the design of this set of switches in the embodiment of the present application can significantly simplify the power supply path. For example, assuming that the power distribution device includes 18 groups of power terminals and 18 groups of load terminals, based on the design shown in Figure 4, the power distribution device needs to include 17 groups of switches. When the charging module 18 supplies power to the load 1, these 17 groups of switches must all be closed, and the DC power output by the charging module 18 needs to pass through these 17 groups of switches before it can be transmitted to the load 1 to power the load 1. Based on the design shown in Figure 11 or Figure 12, the power distribution device includes 18 groups of switches. When the charging module 18 supplies power to the load 1, it is only necessary to close the switch connecting the 18th group of power terminals and the 1st group of load terminals. Thus, the DC power output by the charging module 18 only needs to pass through this 1 group of switches to be transmitted to the load 1 to power the load 1.

[0080] In the embodiment of the present application, the power distribution module includes a set of switches connected between the first group of power terminals and the Mth group of load terminals, or between the Mth group of power terminals and the first group of load terminals. When the charging module connected to the first group of power terminals supplies power to the load connected to the Mth group of load terminals, or when the charging module connected to the Mth group of power terminals supplies power to the load connected to the first group of load terminals, the number of closed switches can be reduced, simplifying the power supply path. In particular, when the number of power terminals and load terminals is large, the advantages of the additional set of switches in the embodiment of the present application are more prominent.

[0081] In one embodiment, the power distribution module further includes (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches.

[0082] wherein the m3th switch in the (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches is connected between the m3th power terminal and the (m3+i)th load terminal, 1≤m3≤(M-2), 2≤i≤(M-2), and m3 and i are both integers; or

[0083] The m4th switch in the (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches is connected between the m4th power terminal and the (m4-j)th load terminal, 3≤m4≤M, 2≤j≤(M-2), and m4 and j are both integers.

[0084] In an embodiment of the present application, the power distribution module further includes (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches, and these (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches can connect different power terminals and load terminals.

[0085] In one implementation, the m3th switch in the (M-3)*M / 2 switch groups is connected between the m3th power terminal and the (m3+i)th load terminal. For example, in a power distribution module comprising four power terminals and four load terminals, the power distribution module further comprises two switch groups. Of these two switch groups, the first switch group S13 is connected between the first power terminal and the third load terminal, and the second switch group S24 is connected between the second power terminal and the fourth load terminal, as shown in FIG13 .

[0086] In another implementation, the m4th switch in the (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches is connected between the m4th group of power terminals and the (m4-j)th group of load terminals. Still taking the example of a power distribution module including four groups of power terminals and four groups of load terminals, the power distribution module further includes two groups of switches. Of these two groups of switches, the first group of switches S31 is connected between the third group of power terminals and the first group of load terminals, and the second group of switches S42 is connected between the fourth group of power terminals and the second group of load terminals, as shown in FIG14 .

[0087] It should be understood that Figures 13 and 14 illustrate only two possible implementations. The additional (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches can also be connected to different power terminals and load terminals. For example, in another implementation, the power distribution module further includes two groups of switches, wherein the first group of switches S13 is connected between the first group of power terminals and the third group of load terminals, and the second group of switches S42 is connected between the fourth group of power terminals and the second group of load terminals.

[0088] The following describes the power paths used by different charging modules to supply power to different loads.

[0089] Taking the power distribution device shown in FIG13 as an example, when all charging modules supply power to load 1, charging module 1, similar to FIG9 , can directly supply power to load 1. For charging module 2, also similar to FIG9 , when switch S12 is closed, charging module 2 can supply power to load 1 through switch S12.

[0090] With respect to the charging module 3, the power terminals connected to the charging module 3 can be connected to the load terminals connected to the load 1 via the switch S13. Therefore, when the switch S13 is closed, the charging module 3 can supply power to the load 1 via the switch S13, as shown in FIG15. Compared with the power path for the charging module 3 to supply power to the load 1 shown in FIG9, in the embodiment of the present application, only one set of switches need to be closed to achieve the purpose of the charging module 3 supplying power to the load 1, thus simplifying the power supply path.

[0091] With respect to the charging module 4, the power terminals connected to the charging module 4 can be connected to the load terminals connected to the load 1 via the switch S14. Therefore, when the switch S14 is closed, the charging module 4 can supply power to the load 1 via the switch S14, as shown in FIG15 . Compared to the power path for the charging module 4 to supply power to the load 1 shown in FIG9 , in this embodiment of the present application, only one set of switches need to be closed to achieve the purpose of the charging module 4 supplying power to the load 1, thus simplifying the power supply path.

[0092] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present application, since each set of switches connects to a different power terminal and load terminal, when different charging modules supply power to the same load, each charging module supplies power to the same load through a different switch. For example, if all charging modules supply power to load 1, charging module 2 supplies power to load 1 through switch S12, charging module 3 supplies power to load 1 through switch S13, and charging module 4 supplies power to load 1 through switch S14. Therefore, the maximum current allowed by each set of switches is the rated current of one charging module.

[0093] In the embodiment of the present application, the maximum current allowed by switches S12, S13, and S14 is the rated current of charging module 1, the maximum current allowed by switches S23 and S24 is the rated current of charging module 2, and the maximum current allowed by switch S34 is the rated current of charging module 3. In the embodiment shown in FIG9 , the maximum current allowed by switch S12 is the sum of the rated currents of charging modules 2, 3, and 4, the maximum current allowed by switch S23 is the sum of the rated currents of charging modules 3 and 4 or of charging modules 1 and 2, and the maximum current allowed by switch S34 is the sum of the rated currents of charging modules 1, 2, and 3.

[0094] In other words, while the maximum current allowed by each switch group in the embodiment shown in FIG5 is the sum of the rated currents of the multiple charging modules, in the embodiment of the present application, the maximum current allowed by each switch group is the rated current of the charging module to which it is connected. This reduces the maximum current allowed by each switch group, thereby reducing costs. In particular, when the rated current of each charging module is consistent, the maximum current allowed by each switch group is the rated current of a single charging module. This allows the switches in the power distribution module to be normalized while also reducing the switch specifications.

[0095] The above describes the power path through which each charging module supplies power to each load when the number of power terminals is consistent with the number of load terminals. In some possible cases, the number of power terminals is inconsistent with the number of load terminals. The following describes the setting of switches in the power distribution device and the power path through which the charging module supplies power to the load when the number of power terminals is inconsistent with the number of load terminals.

[0096] Case 1: The number of load terminals is greater than the number of power terminals

[0097] In one embodiment, the power distribution module further includes P groups of load terminals and P*M groups of switches, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The P*M groups of switches are respectively connected between each group of load terminals in the P groups of load terminals and each group of power terminals in the M groups of power terminals.

[0098] In an embodiment of the present application, a power distribution device includes M groups of power terminals and P+M groups of load terminals, i.e., the number of load terminals exceeds the number of power terminals. When the number of load terminals exceeds the number of power terminals, a set of switches is designed between each of the P groups of load terminals and each group of power terminals in the power distribution device, so that a charging module connected to each group of power terminals can supply power to a load connected to any of the P groups of load terminals, thereby meeting the actual power requirements of the load.

[0099] FIG16 takes the case where the number of power terminals is 4 and the number of load terminals is 6 as an example. The specific path for each charging module to supply power to loads 1 to 4 is shown in FIG13 above and will not be described in detail.

[0100] This application primarily describes the situation where each charging module supplies power to loads 5 and 6. Specifically, taking each charging module supplying power to load 5 as an example, for charging module 1, the power terminal connected to charging module 1 is connected to the load terminal connected to load 5 via switch S15. When switch S15 is closed, charging module 1 can supply power to load 5 via switch S15. Similarly, charging module 2 supplies power to load 5 via switch S25, charging module 3 supplies power to load 5 via switch S35, and charging module 4 supplies power to load 5 via switch S45. The specific power paths are shown in Figure 17.

[0101] Taking each charging module supplying power to load 6 as an example, charging module 1 supplies power to load 6 through switch S16, charging module 2 supplies power to load 6 through switch S26, charging module 3 supplies power to load 6 through switch S36, and charging module 4 supplies power to load 6 through switch S46. The specific power path diagram is not shown.

[0102] It can be understood that, based on the connection method of the switches shown in FIG16 , the maximum current allowed by switches S12, S13, S14, S15, and S16 is the rated current of charging module 1, the maximum current allowed by switches S23, S24, S25, and S26 is the rated current of charging module 2, the maximum current allowed by switches S34, S35, and S36 is the rated current of charging module 3, and the maximum current allowed by switches S45 and S46 is the rated output current of charging module 4. In other words, in the embodiment of the present application, the maximum current allowed by each group of switches is the rated current of the charging module to which it is connected. In particular, when the rated current of each charging module is the same, the maximum current allowed by the multiple groups of switches in the power distribution device is the rated current of a single charging module, ensuring that the specifications of the multiple groups of switches in the power distribution device are normalized.

[0103] It should be noted that in some possible implementations, not all of the load terminals in the P groups of load terminals are connected to each group of power terminals through switches, and the charging module connected to each group of power terminals can also supply power to the loads connected to each group of load terminals in the P groups of load terminals.

[0104] For example, assuming that only switches S15 and S16 are added to the power distribution module, charging module 1 can supply power to load 5 through switch S15. Charging module 2 can supply power to load 5 through switches S24, S14, and S15. Charging module 3 can supply power to load 5 through switches S34, S14, and S15. Charging module 4 can supply power to load 5 through switches S14 and S15.

[0105] It should also be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, since the number of power terminals is less than the number of load terminals, it is very likely that the requirement of charging as soon as the vehicle arrives will not be met. Therefore, in actual applications, a solution of wheel charging and multiple power distribution modules in parallel can be used.

[0106] For example, in a wheel-charging solution, by controlling the closure of different switches, the same charging module can output power through different load terminals, thereby meeting the requirement of charging as soon as a vehicle arrives. For a solution with multiple power distribution modules connected in parallel, please refer to Figures 22 to 26 below for details.

[0107] Case 2: The number of power terminals is greater than the number of load terminals

[0108] In one embodiment, the power distribution module further includes R groups of power terminals and R*M groups of switches, where R is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The R*M groups of switches are respectively connected between each group of power terminals in the R groups of power terminals and each group of power terminals in the M groups of power terminals.

[0109] In an embodiment of the present application, a power distribution device includes M+R groups of power terminals and M groups of load terminals, i.e., the number of power terminals is greater than the number of load terminals. When the number of power terminals is greater than the number of load terminals, a switch is designed between the R groups of power terminals and each of the M groups of power terminals in the power distribution device. This allows a charging module connected to each of the newly added R groups of power terminals to supply power to a load connected to any of the P groups of load terminals, thereby meeting the actual power requirements of the load.

[0110] FIG18 takes the case where the number of power terminals is 6 and the number of load terminals is 4 as an example. Among them, the specific power path for any charging module among charging modules 1 to charging modules 4 to supply power to loads 1 to loads 4 is shown in FIG9 above and will not be repeated here.

[0111] This application mainly describes the situation where charging module 5 and charging module 6 supply power to any load. Specifically, taking charging module 5 supplying power to various loads as an example, for charging module 5, the power terminal connected to charging module 5 is connected to the load terminal connected to load 1 via switch S15. When switch S15 is closed, charging module 5 can supply power to load 1 via switch S15. Similarly, charging module 5 supplies power to load 2 via switch S25, charging module 5 supplies power to load 3 via switch S35, and charging module 5 supplies power to load 4 via switch S45. The specific power paths are shown in Figure 19.

[0112] Taking the charging module 6 supplying power to each load as an example, for the charging module 6, the charging module 6 supplies power to load 1 through switch S16, the charging module 6 supplies power to load 2 through switch S26, the charging module 6 supplies power to load 3 through switch S36, and the charging module 6 supplies power to load 4 through switch S46.

[0113] The following takes the power distribution device shown in FIG18 as an example to introduce the path for the charging module to supply power to the load in different situations.

[0114] Case 1:

[0115] When all charging modules supply power to load 1, please refer to Figure 20 (a) for the specific power path. As shown in Figure 20 (a), charging module 1 can directly supply power to load 1, charging module 2 supplies power to load 1 through switch S12, charging module 3 supplies power to load 1 through switch S13, charging module 4 supplies power to load 1 through switch S14, charging module 5 supplies power to load 1 through switch S15, and charging module 6 supplies power to load 1 through switch S16.

[0116] Case 2:

[0117] When charging modules 1, 3, and 5 supply power to load 1, and when charging modules 2, 4, and 6 supply power to load 2, please refer to Figure 20(b) for the specific power paths. As shown in Figure 20(b), charging module 1 can directly supply power to load 1, charging module 3 supplies power to load 1 via switch S13, and charging module 5 supplies power to load 1 via switch S15. Charging module 2 can directly supply power to load 2, charging module 4 supplies power to load 2 via switch S24, and charging module 6 supplies power to load 2 via switch S26.

[0118] It should be understood that there are many cases where different charging modules supply power to different loads. For the sake of brevity, they are not described in detail here.

[0119] It should be noted that, based on the connection method of the switches shown in FIG18 , the maximum current allowed by switches S12, S13, and S14 is the rated current of charging module 1, the maximum current allowed by switches S23 and S24 is the rated current of charging module 2, the maximum current allowed by switch S34 is the rated current of charging module 3, the maximum current allowed by switches S15, S25, S35, and S45 is the rated current of charging module 5, and the maximum current allowed by switches S16, S26, S36, and S46 is the rated current of charging module 6. In other words, in the embodiment of the present application, the maximum current allowed by each group of switches is the rated current of the charging module to which it is connected. The maximum current allowed by the switches in the embodiment of the present application is reduced, and the cost is reduced. In particular, when the rated current of each charging module is the same, the maximum current allowed by the multiple groups of switches in the power distribution device is the rated current of a single charging module, ensuring that the specifications of the multiple groups of switches in the power distribution device are normalized.

[0120] It should also be noted that in some possible implementations, not all of the power terminals in the R group of power terminals are connected to each of the power terminals in the M group of power terminals through switches. It is also possible for the charging module connected to each of the power terminals in the R group of power terminals to supply power to a load connected to any load terminal.

[0121] For example, assuming that only switches S15 and S16 are added to the power distribution module, then for charging module 5, charging module 5 can supply power to load 1 through switch S15. Charging module 5 can supply power to load 2 through switches S15 and S12; charging module 5 can supply power to load 3 through switches S15 and S13; and charging module 5 can supply power to load 4 through switches S15 and S14.

[0122] In one embodiment, the power distribution device includes a plurality of power distribution modules, and all load terminals of each power distribution module in the plurality of power distribution modules are connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0123] In an embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG. 21( a ), a power distribution device includes two power distribution modules as an example. Each of the two power distribution modules includes three sets of power terminals and three sets of load terminals, wherein the three sets of load terminals of the two power distribution modules are connected in a one-to-one correspondence. Specifically, the three sets of load terminals of power distribution module 1 and the three sets of load terminals of power distribution module 2 are connected in a one-to-one correspondence, which is equivalent to the load terminals of power distribution module 1 and power distribution module 2 being connected so that they jointly supply power to the load.

[0124] Referring to Figure 21(b), it can be seen that charging module 1 and charging module 1' are directly connected to load 1. Therefore, when load 1 needs power, charging module 1 and charging module 1' can jointly supply power to load 1, thereby increasing the power supplied to load 2. Similarly, charging module 2 and charging module 2' are directly connected to load 2. Therefore, when load 2 needs power, charging module 2 and charging module 2' can jointly supply power to load 2; charging module 3 and charging module 3' are directly connected to load 3. Therefore, when load 3 needs power, charging module 3 and charging module 3' can jointly supply power to load 3.

[0125] In the embodiment of the present application, since all load terminals of each power distribution module in the multiple power distribution modules of the power distribution device are connected in a one-to-one correspondence, the number of power terminals directly connected to any load terminal increases. When a load connected to any load terminal requires charging, the number of charging modules directly connected to the load increases, and the power input to the load by the charging module increases, thereby increasing the speed of power supply to the load. When the load terminal is connected to an electric vehicle, this design can increase the charging power, speed up the charging speed, and enhance the user experience.

[0126] For example, when the power distribution device is applied to a fully liquid-cooled supercharging station, charging modules connected to multiple sets of power terminals can simultaneously supply power to a load connected to a set of load terminals, thereby increasing the charging power of electric vehicles and helping to meet the demand for high-power supercharging of electric vehicles. This facilitates a charging speed of one kilometer per second, that is, it is conducive to charging an electric vehicle with the energy to travel one kilometer in one second, giving users a "cup of coffee, fully charged" charging experience.

[0127] The present application also provides a charging pile, which includes multiple charging modules, at least one charging gun, and at least one power distribution device, and the power distribution device includes at least one power distribution module.

[0128] The power distribution module includes M groups of power terminals, M groups of load terminals and (M-1) groups of switches. Each group of switches includes two switches. One of the two switches is connected between the positive pole of the power terminal and the positive pole of the load terminal, and the other switch is connected between the negative pole of the power terminal and the negative pole of the load terminal. The power terminal is connected to the charging module, and the load terminal is connected to the charging gun. The charging gun is used to connect to the load. M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0129] The M groups of power terminals are directly connected to the M groups of load terminals in a one-to-one correspondence. The m1th switch in the (M-1) group of switches is connected between the m1th group of power terminals and the (m1+1)th group of load terminals, where 1 ≤ m1 ≤ (M-1), and m1 is an integer. Alternatively, the m2th switch in the (M-1) group of switches is connected between the m2th group of power terminals and the (m2-1)th group of load terminals, where 2 ≤ m2 ≤ M, and m2 is an integer.

[0130] In one embodiment, the power distribution module further includes a set of switches connected between the first group of power terminals and the Mth group of load terminals; or, a set of switches connected between the Mth group of power terminals and the first group of load terminals.

[0131] In one embodiment, the power distribution module further includes (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches. The m3th group of switches in the (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches is connected between the m3th group of power terminals and the (m3+i)th group of load terminals, where 1≤m3≤(M-2), 2≤i≤(M-2), and m3 and i are both integers; or, the m4th group of switches in the (M-3)*M / 2 groups of switches is connected between the m4th group of power terminals and the (m4-j)th group of load terminals, where 3≤m4≤M, 2≤j≤(M-2), and m4 and j are both integers.

[0132] In one embodiment, the power distribution module further includes P groups of load terminals and P*M groups of switches, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The P*M groups of switches are respectively connected between each group of load terminals in the P groups of load terminals and each group of power terminals in the M groups of power terminals.

[0133] For matters not described in detail in the embodiments of this application, please refer to the relevant contents of the power distribution device in the above embodiments, and no further details will be given.

[0134] In one embodiment, the charging pile includes a plurality of power distribution devices, each of the plurality of power distribution devices includes a power distribution module, and the P groups of load terminals of the power distribution module in each power distribution device are connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0135] The charging pile also includes a controller, which is used to: when the load connected to at least one group of load terminals in the P group of load terminals has a charging demand, control the switch connected between at least one group of load terminals and the power supply terminal to close, so that all charging modules connected to multiple power distribution devices can supply power to the load connected to at least one group of load terminals.

[0136] In the embodiment of the present application, the P groups of load terminals of the power distribution module in each power distribution device are connected one-to-one, that is, the P groups of load terminals in each power distribution device are connected one-to-one with the P groups of load terminals in another power distribution device.

[0137] As shown in Figure 22, both power distribution device 1 and power distribution device 2 include four sets of power terminals and six sets of load terminals. The load terminal connected to load 5 in power distribution device 1 is connected to the load terminal connected to load 5' in power distribution device 2, and the load terminal connected to load 6 in power distribution device 1 is connected to the load terminal connected to load 6' in power distribution device 2. Thus, the four charging modules in power distribution device 1 and the four charging modules in power distribution device 2 can each supply power to load 5, load 6, load 5', and load 6'.

[0138] Since the load terminals connected to load 5 in power distribution device 1 are connected to the load terminals connected to load 5' in power distribution device 2, and the load terminals connected to load 6 in power distribution device 1 are connected to the load terminals connected to load 6' in power distribution device 2, it is equivalent to connecting the two sets of load terminals of the two power distribution devices accordingly, resulting in a total of 10 sets of load terminals, as shown in Figure 23. Among them, load 5 and load 5' are connected to the same set of load terminals, and load 6 and load 6' are connected to the same set of load terminals.

[0139] When load 5 requires charging, the controller can control the switches connected between load 5 and all charging modules to close, such as switches S15, S25, S35, S45, S15', S25', S35', and S45' shown in the figure, so that all eight charging modules can supply power to load 5. The specific power path is shown in Figure 24. When load 5' requires charging, its power supply path is the same as that of load 5 and will not be repeated here.

[0140] When load 6 requires charging, the controller can control the switches connected between load 6 and all charging modules to close, such as switches S16, S26, S36, S46, S16', S26', S36', and S46' shown in the figure, so that all eight charging modules can supply power to load 6. When load 6' requires charging, its power supply path is the same as that of load 6 and will not be further described.

[0141] Based on this design, the P groups of load terminals connected to each power distribution device can output the sum of the rated power of all charging modules connected to the multiple power distribution devices, thereby increasing the output power of these P groups of load terminals. When these P groups of load terminals are connected to electric vehicles, the charging power can be increased, the charging speed can be accelerated, and the user experience can be improved.

[0142] For loads connected to M groups of load terminals, the controller can schedule different charging modules to charge them based on different control logics, as detailed below.

[0143] In one embodiment, the controller is also used to: when the load connected to at least one group of load terminals in the M groups of load terminals has a charging demand, control the switch connected between at least one group of load terminals in the M groups of load terminals and the power supply terminal to close, so that all charging modules connected to multiple power distribution devices supply power to the load connected to at least one group of load terminals in the M groups of load terminals.

[0144] Still taking Figure 23 above as an example, when load 1' has a charging demand, the controller can control the switches connected between load 1' and all charging modules to close, such as switches S15, S25, S35, S45, S15', S25', S35', and S45' shown in the figure, so that these 8 charging modules can all supply power to load 1'. The specific power path is shown in Figure 25.

[0145] In this embodiment of the present application, the M groups of load terminals in each power distribution device can output the sum of the rated powers of all charging modules connected to the multiple power distribution devices, thereby increasing the output power of these M groups of load terminals. When these M groups of load terminals are connected to electric vehicles, the charging power can be increased, the charging speed can be accelerated, and the user experience can be improved.

[0146] It should be noted that in this case, the charging module 1' can directly supply power to the load 1' without passing through the switch S15'. The purpose of closing the switch S15' is to guide the DC power output by other charging modules to the path for the charging module 1' to supply power to the load 1'. For example, when the charging module 1 supplies power to the load 1', the switches S15 and S15' can be closed, so that the DC power output by the charging module 1 is transmitted to the load 1' through the switches S15 and S15', thereby supplying power to the load 1'. For another example, when the charging module 4' supplies power to the load 1', the switches S45' and S15' can be closed, so that the DC power output by the charging module 4' is transmitted to the load 1' through the switches S45' and S15', thereby supplying power to the load 1'. In other words, when all charging modules except charging module 1' supply power to load 1', the DC power output by each charging module must pass through switch S15'. That is, switch S15' collects the DC power output by each charging module. Therefore, the maximum current allowed by switch S15' is the sum of the rated currents of all charging modules except charging module 1'.

[0147] Alternatively, when charging module 1 supplies power to load 1', switches S16 and S16' may be closed, so that the DC power output by charging module 1 is transmitted to load 1' through switches S16 and S16', thereby supplying power to load 1'. For another example, when charging module 4' supplies power to load 1', switches S46' and S16' may be closed, so that the DC power output by charging module 4' is transmitted to load 1' through switches S46' and S16', thereby supplying power to load 1'. In other words, when all charging modules other than charging module 1' supply power to load 1', the DC power output by each charging module must pass through switch S16', that is, switch S16' aggregates the DC power output by each charging module. Therefore, the maximum current allowed by switch S16' is the sum of the rated currents of all charging modules other than charging module 1'.

[0148] Similarly, the maximum current allowed by switch S15 or switch S16 is the sum of the rated currents of all charging modules except charging module 1; the maximum current allowed by switch S25 or switch S26 is the sum of the rated currents of all charging modules except charging module 2; and so on.

[0149] In summary, in this scenario, the switches in the full matrix portion will serve as bus nodes for power output. That is, the switches connected between load 5 (or load 5') and each charging module, and the switches connected between load 6 (or load 6') and each charging module will all serve as bus nodes for power output. Therefore, the specifications of the switches in the full matrix portion must be higher than those of other switches. That is, the maximum current allowed by the switches in the full matrix portion is greater than the maximum current allowed by other switches. Other switches include switches S12, S13, S14, S23, S24, S34, S12', S13', S14', S23', S24', and S34'.

[0150] It is worth noting that in the embodiment of the present application, when all charging modules are supplying power to a load connected to one of the M groups of load terminals, the other load terminals are kept idle as much as possible, i.e., no load is connected to the other load terminals. This is because, when all charging modules are supplying power to a load connected to one of the M groups of load terminals, if the other load terminals are also connected to a load, it is equivalent to connecting all loads together, which can easily cause malfunctions, which is not allowed in actual scenarios.

[0151] For example, when all charging modules supply power to load 1', if load 1 has a power supply demand, since charging module 1 is directly connected to load 1, load 1 and load 1' are connected. When load 1 fails, the fault may spread to load 1', causing load 1' to fail.

[0152] Therefore, when all charging modules supply power to the loads connected to one of the M groups of load terminals, the other load terminals are kept idle as much as possible to avoid the impact on other loads when one load fails.

[0153] In another embodiment, the controller is also used to: when the load connected to at least one group of load terminals in the M groups of load terminals has a charging demand, control the switch connected between at least one group of load terminals in the M groups of load terminals and the power supply terminal to close, so that all charging modules connected to the partial power distribution device can supply power to the load connected to at least one group of load terminals in the M groups of load terminals.

[0154] Still taking the above-mentioned Figure 23 as an example, when the load 1' has a charging demand, the controller can control the switches connected to all the charging modules of the load 1' and part of the power distribution device to close, such as the switches S12', S13', and S14' shown in the figure, so that the four charging modules, charging module 1', charging module 2', charging module 3', and charging module 4', can all supply power to the load 1'. The specific power path is shown in Figure 26.

[0155] Similarly, when load 1 has a charging demand, the controller can control the switches connected to all charging modules of load 1 and part of the power distribution device to close, such as switches S12, S13, and S14 shown in the figure, so that the four charging modules, charging module 1, charging module 2, charging module 3, and charging module 4, can all supply power to load 1.

[0156] It should be noted that in this scenario, no switch will function as a bus node for power output, so the specifications of all switches can remain consistent. In particular, when the rated current of each charging module is consistent, the maximum allowable current for each set of switches in multiple power distribution devices is the rated current of the individual charging module, ensuring that the specifications of the multiple sets of switches in the multiple power distribution devices are normalized.

[0157] In one embodiment, the power distribution device further includes R groups of power terminals and R*M groups of switches, where R is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The R*M groups of switches are respectively connected between each group of power terminals in the R groups of power terminals and each group of power terminals in the M groups of power terminals.

[0158] In one embodiment, the power distribution device includes a plurality of power distribution modules, and all load terminals of each power distribution module in the plurality of power distribution modules are connected in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0159] For matters not described in detail in the embodiments of this application, please refer to the relevant contents of the power distribution device in the above embodiments, and no further details will be given.

[0160] In one embodiment, the charging pile further includes a controller configured to, when one of the charging modules supplies power to a connected load via at least one set of switches, disconnect the at least one set of switches when a load connected to a load terminal directly connected to one of the charging modules has a charging demand.

[0161] In an embodiment of the present application, the controller prioritizes scheduling the charging module to supply power to the load connected to the load terminal directly connected to it. Referring to Figure 22 above, when load 1 has a charging demand and the charging power required by load 1 is the sum of the powers of the two charging modules, charging module 1 and another charging module can supply power to load 1. Among them, charging module 1 can directly supply power to load 1, and another charging module can supply power to load 1. For example, charging module 2 can supply power to load 1 through switch S12. When both charging module 1 and charging module 2 supply power to load 1, when load 2 has a charging demand, switch S12 is opened. Since charging module 2 is directly connected to load 2, charging module 2 automatically supplies power to load 2 to meet the power supply demand of load 2. Since charging module 2 stops supplying power to load 1, the actual input power of load 1 decreases. The controller can schedule another charging module to supply power to load 1. For example, the controller can close switch S13, thereby scheduling charging module 3 to supply power to load 1 to meet the power demand of load 1.

[0162] In the case where both charging module 1 and charging module 2 supply power to load 1, when load 2 has a charging demand, if the controller dispatches charging module 3 to supply power to load 2, since charging module 2 is directly connected to load 2, charging module 2 supplies power to both load 1 and load 2 at the same time, which will cause the input power of load 1 to decrease. In addition, since the power terminal connected to charging module 3 is connected to the third group of load terminals (the load terminals connected to load 3 shown in the figure), when the controller dispatches charging module 3 to supply power to load 2, the third group of load terminals will be energized. If the third group of load terminals is in an idle state, the user may accidentally touch the load terminal, endangering the user's life safety. In addition, when both charging module 1 and charging module 2 supply power to load 1, charging module 3 supplies power to load 2, which is equivalent to connecting load 1 and load 2. When load 1 fails, the failure may spread to load 2, causing load 2 to fail, which is not allowed in actual scenarios. In short, a single charging module is not allowed to supply power to multiple loads at the same time.

[0163] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A power distribution device, characterized in that, The power distribution device includes at least one power distribution module. The power distribution module includes M groups of power supply terminals, M groups of load terminals, and (M - 1) groups of switches. Each group of switches includes two switches. One of the two switches is connected between the positive pole of the power supply terminal and the positive pole of the load terminal, and the other of the two switches is connected between the negative pole of the power supply terminal and the negative pole of the load terminal. The power supply terminals are used to connect to the charging module, and the load terminals are used to connect to the load, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Among them, The M groups of power supply terminals are directly connected to the M groups of load terminals in one-to-one correspondence; The m1-th group of switches among the (M - 1) groups of switches is connected between the m1-th group of power supply terminals and the (m1 + 1)-th group of load terminals, where 1 ≤ m1 ≤ (M - 1) and m1 is an integer; or, The m2-th group of switches among the (M - 1) groups of switches is connected between the m2-th group of power supply terminals and the (m2 - 1)-th group of load terminals, where 2 ≤ m2 ≤ M and m2 is an integer.

2. The power distribution device according to claim 1, wherein The power distribution module further includes a group of switches; The group of switches is connected between the first group of power supply terminals and the M-th group of load terminals; or, The group of switches is connected between the M-th group of power supply terminals and the first group of load terminals.

3. The power distribution device according to claim 2, wherein, The power distribution module further includes (M - 3)*M / 2 groups of switches; The m3-th group of switches among the (M - 3)*M / 2 groups of switches is connected between the m3-th group of power supply terminals and the (m3 + i)-th group of load terminals, where 1 ≤ m3 ≤ (M - 2), 2 ≤ i ≤ (M - 2), and both m3 and i are integers; or, The m4-th group of switches among the (M - 3)*M / 2 groups of switches is connected between the m4-th group of power supply terminals and the (m4 - j)-th group of load terminals, where 3 ≤ m4 ≤ M, 2 ≤ j ≤ (M - 2), and both m4 and j are integers.

4. The power distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The power distribution module further includes P groups of load terminals and P*M groups of switches, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 1; The P*M groups of switches are respectively connected between each of the P groups of load terminals and each of the M groups of power supply terminals.

5. The power distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The power distribution module further includes R groups of power supply terminals and R*M groups of switches, where R is an integer greater than or equal to 1; The R*M groups of switches are respectively connected between each of the R groups of power supply terminals and each of the M groups of power supply terminals.

6. The power distribution device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The power distribution device includes multiple power distribution modules, and all the load terminals of each power distribution module among the multiple power distribution modules are connected in one-to-one correspondence.

7. A charging pile, characterized in that, Including multiple charging modules, at least one charging gun, and at least one power distribution device. The power distribution device includes at least one power distribution module; among them, The power distribution module includes M groups of power supply terminals, M groups of load terminals, and (M - 1) groups of switches. Each group of switches includes two switches. One of the two switches is connected between the positive pole of the power supply terminal and the positive pole of the load terminal, and the other of the two switches is connected between the negative pole of the power supply terminal and the negative pole of the load terminal. The power supply terminal is connected to the charging module, and the load terminal is connected to the charging gun. The charging gun is used to connect to a load, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2; The M groups of power supply terminals are directly connected to the M groups of load terminals in a one-to-one correspondence; The m1-th group of switches in the (M - 1) groups of switches is connected between the m1-th group of power supply terminals and the (m1 + 1)-th group of load terminals, where 1 ≤ m1 ≤ (M - 1) and m1 is an integer; or, The m2-th group of switches in the (M - 1) groups of switches is connected between the m2-th group of power supply terminals and the (m2 - 1)-th group of load terminals, where 2 ≤ m2 ≤ M and m2 is an integer.

8. The charging pile according to claim 7, characterized in that, The power distribution module further includes a group of switches; The group of switches is connected between the first group of power supply terminals and the M-th group of load terminals; or, The group of switches is connected between the M-th group of power supply terminals and the first group of load terminals.

9. The charging pile according to claim 8, wherein The power distribution module further includes (M - 3)*M / 2 groups of switches; The m3-th group of switches in the (M - 3)*M / 2 groups of switches is connected between the m3-th group of power supply terminals and the (m3 + i)-th group of load terminals, where 1 ≤ m3 ≤ (M - 2), 2 ≤ i ≤ (M - 2), and both m3 and i are integers; or, The m4-th group of switches in the (M - 3)*M / 2 groups of switches is connected between the m4-th group of power supply terminals and the (m4 - j)-th group of load terminals, where 3 ≤ m4 ≤ M, 2 ≤ j ≤ (M - 2), and both m4 and j are integers.

10. The charging pile according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The power distribution module further includes P groups of load terminals and P*M groups of switches, where P is an integer greater than or equal to 1; The P*M groups of switches are respectively connected between each of the load terminals in the P groups of load terminals and each of the power supply terminals in the M groups of power supply terminals.

11. The charging pile according to claim 10, characterized in that, The charging pile includes a plurality of power distribution devices. Each of the plurality of power distribution devices includes a power distribution module, and the P groups of load terminals of the power distribution module in each of the power distribution devices are connected in a one-to-one correspondence; The charging pile further includes a controller, and the controller is configured to: When at least one group of the load terminals in the P groups of load terminals has a charging demand, control the switch connected between the at least one group of load terminals and the power supply terminal to close, so that all the charging modules connected to the plurality of power distribution devices supply power to the load connected to the at least one group of load terminals.

12. The charging pile according to claim 11, wherein, The controller is further configured to: when there is a charging demand for the load connected to at least one group of load terminals among the M groups of load terminals, control the switch connected between at least one group of load terminals among the M groups of load terminals and the power supply terminal to be closed, so that all the charging modules connected to the plurality of power distribution devices supply power to the load connected to at least one group of load terminals among the M groups of load terminals.

13. The charging pile according to any one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that, The power distribution device further includes R groups of power supply terminals and R*M groups of switches, where R is an integer greater than or equal to 1; The R*M groups of switches are respectively connected between each of the power supply terminals in the R groups of power supply terminals and each of the power supply terminals in the M groups of power supply terminals.

14. The charging pile according to any one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that, The charging pile further includes a controller; The controller is configured to: in the case where one of the charging modules supplies power to the connected load through at least one group of switches, when there is a charging demand for the load connected to the load terminal directly connected to the one charging module, disconnect the at least one group of switches.

15. The charging pile according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that, The power distribution device includes a plurality of power distribution modules, and all the load terminals of each of the plurality of power distribution modules are connected in one-to-one correspondence.

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