Signal bypass device and energy storage system

Abstract

The present application relates to a signal bypass device and an energy storage system. The signal bypass device comprises: a battery assembly, used for electrically interacting with at least one first external apparatus; and the at least one first external apparatus, comprising a signal bypass module, wherein the signal bypass module is used for bypassing a local target signal when the battery assembly has received target signals from other external apparatuses. By means of the signal bypass device, only one short-circuit control signal needs to be provided to the battery assembly, thereby avoiding arcing phenomena and improving the safety of the entire system.

Description

Signal bypass equipment and energy storage system

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications filed on September 11, 2024, with application number 2024112669782 entitled "Energy Storage System", application number 2024112674920 entitled "Signal Bypass Device and Energy Storage System" and application number 2024112678283 entitled "Energy Storage System Supporting Hot-Swap Function", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of energy storage technology, and in particular to a signal bypass device and energy storage system. Background Technology

[0004] The demand for new energy products is growing stronger, especially for energy storage products. For high-power, large-capacity energy storage products, considering the weight of the product, the main unit (inverter + DC output function) and the battery pack are generally designed separately. In this case, they need to be connected by a connecting cable. For products that can be connected in parallel, this connecting cable can also be used to connect the battery packs in parallel to the main unit to provide power to the main unit.

[0005] However, in order to reduce the size of the main unit, the DC output function is separated and a separate DC-DC converter is made. The DC-DC converter also needs to draw power from the battery pack using a connecting cable. The difference between the DC-DC converter's connecting cable and the main unit's connecting cable to the battery pack is that one end of the connecting cable is embedded in the DC-DC converter, and only one end is connected to the external battery pack.

[0006] When both the host and the DC-DC converter are connected to the battery pack, the battery pack will have two short-circuit signals (connection identification signals). The REG+ and REG- signals in both the host and the DC-DC converter will short-circuit the REG+ and REG- signals on the battery pack. In some applications, the simultaneous application of these two short-circuit signals can cause safety issues. For example, in hot-swappable energy storage systems, when both short-circuit signals are present, regardless of whether the host or the DC-DC converter is disconnected (i.e., one connection is removed), the REG+ and REG- signals on the battery pack will still be shorted by the unconnected REG+ and REG- signals in the host or DC-DC converter, and the VBAT+ and VBAT- terminals on the battery pack will remain energized. When the host and the DC-DC converter are operating under load, regardless of whether the host or the DC-DC converter is disconnected first, arcing will occur at the corresponding connection ports due to current flow.

[0007] Therefore, the issue of two short-circuit signals existing when the battery assembly is connected to the host and DC-DC converter needs further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In a first aspect, this application provides a signal bypass device, comprising:

[0009] A battery assembly for electrically interacting with at least one first external device;

[0010] At least one first external device, the first external device including a signal bypass module, the signal bypass module being configured to bypass a local target signal when the battery assembly has received a target signal from another external device, and the signal bypass module being configured to provide the target signal to the battery assembly when the battery assembly has not received a target signal from another external device.

[0011] Secondly, this application also provides an energy storage system, including the signal bypass device as described in any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 shows the circuit diagram of the packaged product in the conventional technology;

[0014] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing the connection of the main unit and the DC connector together to the battery pack in the conventional technology;

[0015] Figure 3 is a structural block diagram of a signal bypass device in one embodiment;

[0016] Figure 4 is a structural block diagram of a signal bypass device in another embodiment;

[0017] Figure 5 is a structural block diagram of an energy storage system in one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of an energy storage system in another embodiment.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: First switch module 600, first switch control unit 610, first switch 620, first switch control module 700, feedback unit 710, second switch module 800, first switch unit 810, second switch 811, third switch 812, second switch unit 820, third switch module 500, second switch control unit 910, fourth switch 920, second switch control module 200, fourth switch module 400, third switch unit 410, fourth switch unit 420, fifth switch 411, sixth switch 412. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, traditional technologies typically design the main unit (inverter + DC output function) and battery pack as separate units, requiring them to be connected via a cable. However, for products that can be connected in parallel, this cable can be used to connect the battery packs in a daisy-chain configuration to the main unit, providing power to it.

[0022] The two ends of the connecting cable are connected to the CN2 port of the host and the CN1 port of the battery pack PACK1, respectively. When switches SW1 and SW2 are closed, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the battery pack PACK1 are shorted by the shorting signals REG+ and REG- in the host. This connects pin 2 of the optocoupler U1 in the battery pack PACK1 to ground, and the optocoupler U1 starts to work, pulling pin 4 of the optocoupler U1 to ground. At this time, the target signal test1 changes from high level to low level. When the controller MCU detects that the target signal test1 is low level, it controls the relay RLY1 to close. At this time, the battery pack PACK1 delivers the power from the first power supply pin BAT+ and the second power supply pin BAT- to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the CN1 port and the CN3 port, thereby supplying power to the host. It should be noted that if the controller MCU detects that the target signal test1 is high, the control relay RLY1 will be disconnected. At this time, the power of the first power supply pin BAT+ and the second power supply pin BAT- of battery component PACK1 will not be delivered to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of CN1 port and CN3 port. The same applies to the following battery component PACKs. When combined use is required, connect the two ends of the connecting wire to the CN3 port of battery pack PACK1 and the CN4 port of battery pack PACK2 respectively. Close switches SW3 and SW4. At this time, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in battery pack PACK2 are shorted, that is, pin 2 of optocoupler U2 in battery pack PACK2 is connected to ground. Optocoupler U2 starts to work and pulls pin 4 of optocoupler U2 to ground. At this time, the target signal test2 changes from high level to low level. When the controller MCU detects that the target signal test2 is low level, it controls the relay RLY2 to close. At this time, battery pack PACK2 delivers the power from the first power supply pin BAT+ and the second power supply pin BAT- to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of CN4 port and CN5 port respectively. And through the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of CN3 port of battery pack PACK1, in parallel, that is, battery pack PACK1 and battery pack PACK2 are connected in parallel to deliver power to the host.

[0023] Furthermore, to reduce the size of the main unit, the DC output function is separated into a separate DC-DC converter. This DC-DC converter also needs to draw power from the battery pack via a connection cable. The difference between the DC-DC converter's connection cable and the connection cable between the main unit and the battery pack is that one end of this cable is embedded with the DC-DC converter, while only the other end is connected to the battery pack. As shown in Figure 2, using the original connection method to connect the DC-DC converter and the battery pack will have the following problems:

[0024] When the main unit (inverter) is first connected to the CN6 port of the battery pack, the battery pack delivers power from the first power supply pin BAT+ and the second power supply pin BAT- to the first power supply pins VBAT+ and VBAT- of the CN6 and CN8 ports. At this time, the first power supply pins VBAT+ and VBAT- of the CN8 port of the battery pack are energized. When the DC-DC converter is connected to the CN8 port of the battery pack, regardless of whether the switch SW7 is closed, the current will be relatively large because there is a capacitor CE1 in the DC-DC converter. The capacitor CE1 is in a short-circuit state when charging, so the current will be relatively large. As a result, when the DC-DC converter is connected to the battery pack, arcing will occur at the connection port.

[0025] When the main unit and the DC-DC converter are connected to ports CN6 and CN8 of the battery pack respectively, two shorting control signals exist: REG+ and REG- in the main unit and the DC-DC converter, respectively. These shorting signals short the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery pack. At this time, regardless of whether the main unit or the DC-DC converter is disconnected (i.e., one of the connecting cables is unplugged), the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery pack will still be shorted by the unplugged main unit or DC-DC converter's shorting signals REG+ and REG-. The first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of ports CN6 and CN8 of the battery pack will remain energized. When the main unit and the DC-DC converter are operating under load, arcing will occur at the corresponding connection ports due to current flowing through them, regardless of whether the main unit or the DC-DC converter is disconnected first.

[0026] It should be noted that all switches can only be closed after the connecting wires are properly connected; similarly, the connecting wires can only be unplugged after the switch is turned on.

[0027] In summary, under the above operating conditions, arcing will occur at the corresponding connection ports, compromising the safety of both the product and the user.

[0028] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a signal bypass device. Specifically, as shown in FIG3, the signal bypass device includes a battery pack and at least one first external device, the battery pack being used for electrical interaction with at least one first external device.

[0029] The battery pack can be a battery pack, but in other embodiments it can also be in other forms, which are not specifically limited here.

[0030] Each first external device includes a signal bypass module for bypassing the local target signal when the battery pack has received a target signal from another external device. Specifically, the signal bypass module determines whether to bypass the local target signal by detecting the type of control signal output from the battery pack control signal output terminal; for example, if the signal bypass module detects a first control signal output from the battery pack control signal output terminal, it bypasses the local target signal; if the signal bypass module detects a second control signal output from the battery pack control signal output terminal, it outputs the target signal to the battery pack.

[0031] The target signal can be a short-circuit control signal for the battery pack. After receiving the short-circuit control signal, the battery pack controls the battery pack to start working so as to perform electrical interaction with each external device connected to the battery pack. For example, the battery pack supplies power to each external device connected to the battery pack, or each external device supplies power to the battery pack, etc. No specific limitation is made here.

[0032] After an external device is connected to the battery pack, that device provides the target signal to the battery pack. Subsequent external devices connected will not be able to provide the target signal to the battery pack due to the presence of the signal bypass module. It should be noted that the first external device connected to the battery pack can be either a first external device, i.e., an external device including the signal bypass module, or a second external device that does not include the signal bypass module.

[0033] In this application, since only one external device can provide a target signal to the battery pack, and the other first external devices do not provide a target signal to the battery pack, the battery pack will not work when the external device that provides the target signal to the battery pack is first disconnected, and the power supply pin of the battery pack will not be energized, thus preventing arcing.

[0034] In an optional embodiment, the signal bypass module is also configured to provide a target signal to the battery pack when the battery pack does not receive a target signal from other external devices.

[0035] In this embodiment, when the first external device connected to the battery pack is the first external device, the signal bypass module of the first external device provides a target signal to the battery pack. Optionally, the default state of the first external device is set to provide a target signal to the battery pack. After the first external device is connected to the battery pack, the signal bypass module detects that the control signal output by the control signal output terminal of the battery pack is the second control signal (at this time, since no external device is connected to the battery pack, the battery pack is not working), and then the first external device outputs the target signal to the battery pack.

[0036] After the first external device is connected to the battery pack, the battery pack begins operation, and subsequent connected external devices do not provide a target signal to the battery pack. However, to ensure normal operation, when there are two or more external devices connected to the battery pack, the order in which they are disconnected needs to be restricted. For example, the first external device that does not provide a target signal to the battery pack should be disconnected first. When there is only one external device, the order in which it is disconnected is not restricted. Therefore, after disconnecting the first connected external device, the subsequent connected external device can provide a target signal to the battery pack. Disconnecting the later connected external device first will not affect the operation of the first connected external device, as detailed in the analysis below.

[0037] In one alternative embodiment, the system further includes a second external device connected to the battery pack, and the second external device is configured to provide a target signal to the battery pack when the battery pack does not receive a target signal from the first external device.

[0038] In this application, the second external device is a device that does not include a signal bypass module. Therefore, if both the second and first external devices are connected to the battery pack, the second external device must be connected first. The second external device provides the target signal to the battery pack. When the first external device is subsequently connected, it bypasses the local target signal. When there are two or more first external devices, the first external devices that do not provide the target signal to the battery pack must be disconnected first. When there is only one first external device, either the first external device or the second external device can be disconnected first.

[0039] In summary, the connection methods in this application may include:

[0040] 1. At least one first external device is connected to the battery pack PACK, wherein the first external device connected to the battery pack PACK provides a target signal to the battery pack PACK, including:

[0041] 1.1 Two first external devices are connected to the battery pack. The order in which the two first external devices are connected to the battery pack and the order in which they are disconnected are not specifically limited.

[0042] 1.2 Three or more first external devices are connected to the battery pack. The order in which the two first external devices are connected to the battery pack is not specifically restricted. However, the order in which they are disconnected is to disconnect the first external device that does not provide the target signal first. When there are two remaining external devices, the situation described in 1.1 applies.

[0043] 1.3 Only one first external device is connected to the battery pack PACK, which provides a target signal to the battery pack PACK.

[0044] 2. A second external device and at least one first external device are connected to the battery pack, comprising:

[0045] 2.1 A second external device and a first external device are connected to the battery pack. The second external device is connected to the battery pack first, so the second external device provides a target signal to the battery pack. Subsequently, the first external device can be disconnected first, or the second external device can be disconnected first.

[0046] 2.2 A second external device and at least two first external devices are connected to the battery pack. In this case, the second external device provides a target signal to the battery pack. The order of disconnection is to first disconnect the first external device that does not provide a target signal. If there is one first external device and one second external device remaining, the operation described above can be referred to.

[0047] In this application, both the first external device and the second external device can be a host computer or a DC-DC converter.

[0048] Following on from the previous section, the first external device includes a signal bypass module. Optionally, the first external device may further include a signal control module, which is used to control the connection and disconnection of the power supply pins of the battery pack PACK and the first external device. The structure of the signal bypass module and the structure of the signal control module are described in detail below.

[0049] When both the DC-DC converter and the host are first external devices, to distinguish them, the signal control module of the DC-DC converter includes a first switch module 600, which includes a first switch control unit 610 and a first switch 620. The signal control module of the host includes a third switch module 500, which includes a second switch control unit 910 and a fourth switch 920. The signal bypass module in the DC-DC converter includes a first switch control module 700 and a second switch module 800. The second switch module 800 includes a first switch unit 810 and a second switch unit 820. The first switch unit 810 includes a second switch 811 and a third switch 812. The first switch control module 700 also includes a first feedback unit. The signal bypass module in the host includes a second switch control module 200 and a fourth switch module 400. The fourth switch module 400 includes a third switch unit 410 and a fourth switch unit 420. The third switch unit 410 includes a fifth switch 411 and a sixth switch 412. The second switch control module 200 also includes a second feedback unit. In this application, the first external device is described using the names of the modules and units in the DC-DC converter. Similarly, the connection relationships and principles can also be applied to the modules and units in the host computer.

[0050] In one optional embodiment, as shown in FIG4, the signal bypass module includes a first switch control module 700 and a second switch module 800. The first input terminal of the first switch control module 700 is connected to the output terminal of the battery pack PACK control signal, and a fixed voltage is input to the second input terminal of the first switch control module 700. The control terminal of the second switch module 800 is connected to the output terminal of the first switch control module 700.

[0051] The first switch control module 700 is used to output a first switch control signal based on the first control signal and a fixed voltage when the control signal output terminal of the battery pack PACK outputs a first control signal; the second switch module 800 is used to switch the short-circuit state of the first latch pin and the second latch pin of the first external device to the open state under the action of the first switch control signal.

[0052] The first switch control module 700 is used to output a second switch control signal when the control signal output terminal of the battery pack PACK outputs a second control signal; the second switch module 800 is used to maintain the short-circuit state of the first latch pin and the second latch pin of the first external device under the action of the second switch control signal.

[0053] The first control signal output from the control signal output terminal of the battery pack indicates that an external device has been connected to the battery pack and has provided a target signal. This first control signal enters the first switch control module 700, causing the first switch control module 700 to output a first switch control signal. Under the action of the first switch control signal, the second switch module 800 switches the short-circuited state of the first latch signal and the second latch signal of the first external device to the open state, thereby bypassing the target signal of the first external device and ensuring that only one target signal is received in the battery pack. Furthermore, it should be noted that regardless of how many subsequent first external devices are connected to the battery pack, because the first external device has a signal bypass module, its local target signal is bypassed, thus ensuring that only one target signal is received in the battery pack.

[0054] When the first external device is connected to the battery pack PACK and the control signal output terminal of the battery pack PACK outputs the second control signal, that is, when no external device is connected to the battery pack PACK, the first switch control module 700 outputs the second switch control signal. The second switch module 800 is used to maintain the first latch pin and the second latch pin of the first external device in a short-circuited state under the action of the second switch control signal.

[0055] Referring to Figure 4, in this embodiment, the output terminals of the battery pack (ports CN12 and CN10 in Figure 5, and ports CN14 and CN15 in Figure 6) include a control signal output pin, a first latch pin, a second latch pin, a first power supply pin, and a second power supply pin. The corresponding ports of the first external device (port CN13 in Figure 5, and ports CN16 and CN17 in Figure 6) may include a target signal input pin, a first latch pin, a second latch pin, a first power supply pin, and a second power supply pin. When the first external device is connected to the battery pack, the corresponding pins are connected. The corresponding port of the second external device (port CN11 in Figure 5) includes a first latch pin, a second latch pin, a first power supply pin, and a second power supply pin. When the second external device is connected to the battery pack, the corresponding pins are connected. To enable the connection between the external device and the battery pack, this application may also introduce a connecting wire unit. One end of the connecting wire unit can be inserted into the output port of the battery pack or unplugged from the output port of the battery pack. The other end of the connecting wire unit can be connected to the first external device or the second external device through the corresponding port of the first external device or the second external device. In other words, the function of the connecting wire unit is to connect the output port of the battery pack to the corresponding port of the first external device or the second external device.

[0056] Optionally, as shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6, the first switch control module 700 is a comparator unit (comparator unit U5B in Figure 5, or comparator unit U6B and comparator unit U7B in Figure 6), and the voltage value of the first control signal input to the first input terminal of the comparator unit is less than a fixed voltage. The first input terminal of the comparator unit is directly or indirectly connected to the target signal input pin of the first external device. For example, the first input terminal of the comparator unit U5B is connected to the target signal input pin of the port of the first external device through a first resistor (resistor R15 in Figure 5, or resistors R42 and R30 in Figure 6). The second input terminal of the comparator unit is connected to the output terminal of a voltage divider circuit to input a fixed voltage. Referring to Figure 5, the voltage divider circuit may include a second resistor (resistor R10 in Figure 5, or resistors R36 and R22 in Figure 6) and a third resistor (resistor R13 in Figure 5, or resistors R39 and R27 in Figure 6). The first end of the third resistor is grounded, and the second end is connected to the second resistor and the second input terminal of the comparator unit. The second end of the second resistor is connected to a first auxiliary power supply (auxiliary power supply VCC4 in Figure 5 and auxiliary power supply VCC4 and VCC6 in Figure 6). In other embodiments, the voltage divider circuit may be in other forms, which are not specifically limited here.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first control signal enters the positive input terminal "+" (i.e., the first input terminal of the comparator mentioned above) of the comparator unit, and the signal at the negative input terminal "-" (i.e., the second input terminal of the comparator mentioned above) of the comparator unit is the voltage value of the third resistor, that is, the voltage value of the first auxiliary power supply after being divided to ground by the second and third resistors. Since the voltage value of the first control signal is lower than the voltage value across the third resistor, the comparator unit outputs the first switch control signal. In this embodiment, after the battery pack PACK is connected to an external device (e.g., the first external device or the second external device), the battery pack PACK outputs the first control signal, thereby the comparator unit outputs the first switch control signal. Optionally, the first switch control signal is low level. Under the action of the first switch control signal, the second switch module 800 switches the short-circuit state of the first latch signal and the second latch signal in the first external device to the open state.

[0058] In one optional embodiment, as shown in FIG4, the second switch module 800 includes a first switch unit 810 and a second switch unit 820. The control terminal of the first switch unit 810 is connected to the output terminal of the first switch control module 700; the control terminal of the second switch unit 820 is connected to the output terminal of the first switch unit 810; the first switch unit 810 is used to output a third switch control signal under the action of the first switch control signal, and the second switch unit 820 is used to switch from being connected to the first terminal and the second terminal to being connected to the second terminal and the third terminal under the action of the third switch control signal.

[0059] The first switch unit 810, under the action of the first switch control signal, outputs a third switch control signal to control the second switch unit 820 to switch its state. When the first external device is not connected to the battery pack, the first and second terminals of the second switch unit 820 are connected. When the first control signal is output at the control signal output terminal of the battery pack, the first switch control module 700 outputs the first switch control signal. Under the action of the first switch control signal, the first switch unit 810 outputs the third switch control signal. Under the action of the third switch control signal, the second terminal of the second switch unit 820 switches to be connected to the third terminal, thereby switching the short-circuit state of the first latch signal and the second latch signal of the first external device to the open state, and the first external device bypasses the target signal.

[0060] In one optional embodiment, the first switching unit 810 includes a second switch 811 and a third switch 812. The control terminal of the second switch 811 is connected to the output terminal of the first switch control module 700, and the first terminal of the second switch 811 is connected to the second auxiliary power supply. The control terminal of the third switch 812 is connected to the second terminal of the second switch 811, the first terminal of the third switch 812 is grounded, and the second terminal of the third switch 812 is connected to the control terminal of the second switching unit 820.

[0061] Optionally, the second switch 811 and the third switch 812 can be transistors. In other embodiments, the second switch 811 and the third switch 812 can also be other devices, and no specific limitation is made here. In this embodiment, the second switch 811 can be the first transistor (transistor Q1 in Figure 5, or transistor Q5 or transistor Q9 in Figure 6), and the third switch 812 can be the second transistor (transistor Q2 in Figure 5, or transistor Q6 or transistor Q10 in Figure 6). The first switch control signal output by the output terminal of the first switch control module 700 is at a low level, that is, the base of the first transistor is pulled low, the first transistor is turned on, and the first auxiliary power supply VCC4 enters the base of the second transistor through the fourth resistor (resistor R9 in Figure 5, or resistors R21 and R35 in Figure 6), the first transistor and the fifth resistor (resistor R14 in Figure 5, or resistors R28 and R40 in Figure 6). The base (b) and emitter (e) terminals are connected via an eleventh resistor (R16 in Figure 5, or R29 and R41 in Figure 6), turning on the second transistor. This allows the second auxiliary power supply (VCC3 in Figure 5, or VCC5 and VCC3 in Figure 6) to form a current loop through the second switching unit 820, the sixth resistor (R12 in Figure 5, or R24 ​​and R38 in Figure 6), and the transistor Q2. The second switching unit 820 then begins operation, switching its second terminal from being connected to the first terminal to being connected to the third terminal. This disconnects the first and second latching pins in the first external device, bypassing the local target signal. This allows the newly connected external device to bypass the local target signal when an existing external device is providing the target signal to the battery pack.

[0062] In one optional embodiment, the second switching unit 820 can be a relay (as shown in Figure 5, and in Figures 6, relays RLY6 and RLY8). The control terminal of the relay is connected to the second terminal of the first switching unit 810, the first terminal of the relay is connected to the first latching pin of the battery pack PACK, the second terminal of the relay is connected to the second latching pin of the battery pack PACK, and the third terminal of the relay is left floating. When the relay is not in operation, the second terminal of the relay is connected to the first terminal. The relay is used to start working when a first control signal is output from the control signal output terminal of the battery pack PACK, causing the second terminal of the relay to switch from being connected to the first terminal of the relay to being connected to the third terminal of the relay.

[0063] Referring to Figure 5 or Figure 6, one control terminal of the relay is connected to the second terminal of the first switching unit 810, and the other control terminal is connected to the second auxiliary power supply.

[0064] In this embodiment, the second switch unit 820 is a relay. Under the action of the third switch control signal output by the first switch unit 810, the relay switches from the connection between pin 4 (second terminal) and pin 3 (first terminal) to the connection between pin 4 (second terminal) and pin 5 (third terminal), so that the first latch pin and the second latch pin of the port of the first external device switch from the short-circuited state to the open state.

[0065] It should be noted that the first end of the second switch unit 820 can be directly connected to the first latching pin of the battery pack (as shown in Figure 5), or connected to the first latching pin of the battery pack via a switch (as shown in Figure 6), without specific limitations. Furthermore, the switch between the first end of the second switch unit 820 and the first latching pin of the battery pack, and the control switch in the signal control module, can be the same as or two separate switches, without specific limitations. Optionally, the switch between the first end of the second switch unit 820 and the first latching pin of the battery pack, and the control switch in the signal control module, can be located in the aforementioned connection line unit.

[0066] In one optional embodiment, the first switch control module 700 further includes: a feedback unit 710, the first end of which is connected to a first auxiliary power supply via a voltage divider resistor, and the second end of which is connected to the first input terminal of a comparator unit; the feedback unit 710 is used to process the first auxiliary power supply to obtain a feedback signal at the instant the first input terminal of the comparator unit switches from a second control signal to a first control signal, and inputs the feedback signal to the first input terminal of the first switch control module 700, wherein the voltage of the feedback signal is greater than a fixed voltage; the first switch control module 700 is used to output a second switch control signal when the feedback signal is input to the first input terminal and a fixed voltage is input to the second input terminal; the second switch module 800 is used to output a target signal to the battery pack PACK under the action of the second switch control signal.

[0067] Optionally, the feedback unit 710 can be a first diode (such as diode D1 in Figure 5, or diodes D2 and D3 in Figure 6). The first end of the first diode is connected to the second auxiliary power supply through a voltage divider resistor and is connected to the output terminal of the comparator unit. The second end of the first diode is connected to the first input terminal of the comparator unit.

[0068] In this embodiment, if the first external device that does not provide the target signal to the battery pack is disconnected, the operation can proceed directly after disconnecting the power supply pins corresponding to the battery pack and the first external device; this does not affect the normal operation of the battery pack. If the first external device that provides the target signal to the battery pack is disconnected (based on the above, other external devices connected to the battery pack must also be first external devices, and there can only be one), the signal bypass module of the remaining first external device provides the target signal to the battery pack. If the second external device that provides the target signal to the battery pack is disconnected (based on the above, other external devices connected to the battery pack must also be first external devices, and there can only be one), the signal bypass module of the remaining first external device provides the target signal to the battery pack.

[0069] Therefore, if the external device that provides the target signal to the battery pack (for convenience, it is referred to as the third external device) is disconnected, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery pack will no longer be shorted by the target signal of the third external device, and the battery pack will no longer work. At this time, the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the output port of the battery pack and the output port of the first external device will have no power, so that when the third external device is disconnected, the output port of the battery pack will not experience arcing.

[0070] The battery pack may include an optocoupler (optocoupler U4 in Figure 5 or optocoupler U7 in Figure 6). When the first latching pin REG+ and the second latching pin REG- of the battery pack are no longer shorted by the target signal of the aforementioned third external device, pin 2 of the optocoupler in the battery pack is left floating, and the optocoupler does not work. In this way, the output of the target signal pin of the battery pack changes from the first control signal to the second control signal, for example, from low level to high level. When the controller MCU detects the second control signal, it controls the relay of the battery pack (relay RLY4 in Figure 5 or relay RLY7 in Figure 6) to disconnect. The first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the output port of the battery pack have no power, so that when the third external device is unplugged, the output port of the battery pack will not arc.

[0071] Simultaneously with disconnecting the third external device, the second control signal enters the positive input terminal "+" of the comparator unit. Since the voltage value of the second control signal is higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-", the comparator unit outputs a high level, meaning the second switch 811 is off, and the third switch 812 is also off. This switches the second switching unit 820 from being connected to both the first and second terminals to being connected to both the second and third terminals. Thus, the first external device provides the target signal to the battery pack PACK. Continuing the example above, the second switch 811 is the first transistor, the third switch 812 is the second transistor, and the second switching unit 820 is a relay. Therefore, when the comparator unit outputs a high level, the base (b) of the first transistor is high, causing the first transistor to be off, and the second transistor is also off. The relay... The RLY5 coil has no current loop, so relay RLY5 is not working. The connection between pins 4 and 5 is switched to pins 4 and 3, allowing the first external device to provide a target signal to the battery pack. This causes the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the battery pack to be shorted by the target signal from the first external device, and the battery pack starts working. The second control signal then becomes the first control signal again, changing from high to low. When the controller MCU detects the first control signal, it controls relay RLY4 to close. At this time, the battery pack delivers power to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- at the output port, continuing to provide power to the first external device and enabling it to continue working normally. It should be noted that the time from opening to closing of relay RLY4 is extremely short. During this period, the energy stored in the capacitors in the first external device (capacitor CE2 in Figure 5, and capacitors CE3 and CE4 in Figure 6) powers the load to ensure that the first external device does not lose power. Meanwhile, as the positive input terminal "+" of the comparator unit changes from the second control signal to the first control signal (i.e., from high level to low level), at the instant it changes to the first control signal, the first auxiliary power supply is divided to ground through the seventh resistor (resistor R11 in Figure 5, or resistors R23 and R37 in Figure 6), the first diode, and the first resistor. This causes the voltage value of the positive input terminal "+" of the comparator unit, i.e., the voltage value of the first resistor to ground, to continue to be greater than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-". As a result, the comparator unit continues to output a high level, causing the second switch 811 and the third switch 812 to open. This allows the second switch unit 820 to provide the target signal to the battery pack PACK. Continuing with the previous example, the comparator unit continues to output a high level, causing the first transistor and the second transistor to be cut off. This keeps the relay pins 4 and 3 connected to maintain the target signal of the first external device, thus providing the target signal to the battery pack PACK.

[0072] In this way, no arcing will occur when the first external device is connected after the second external device is connected to the battery pack, or when the second external device is disconnected while the first and second external devices are connected to the battery pack. This not only improves the safety of the entire system, but also does not affect the original connection method and operation of the external device and the battery pack, thus better ensuring the safety and reliability of the product and the safety of the user.

[0073] In one optional embodiment, referring to FIG4, the first external device further includes a signal control module, which includes a control switch and a first switch module 600. In conjunction with the above, the control switch in this application can be located in the connection line unit.

[0074] In one optional embodiment, a first auxiliary power supply is input to the first terminal of the control switch; the control terminal of the first switch module 600 is connected to the second terminal of the control switch. When the first external device is connected to the battery pack PACK, the first terminal of the first switch module 600 is connected to the first power supply pin VBAT+ of the battery pack PACK, the second terminal of the first switch module 600 is connected to the first input terminal of the first external device, and the second input terminal of the first external device is connected to the second power supply pin VBAT- of the battery pack PACK. It should be noted that the first auxiliary power supply VCC4 can be provided by the auxiliary power supply module in the first external device. The input terminal of the auxiliary power supply module is connected to the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the battery pack PACK, and the output terminal is used to provide auxiliary power supplies of different voltages.

[0075] The connection unit also includes two control pins. One control pin is connected to the first auxiliary power supply VCC4, and the two control pins are connected through a control switch. Thus, the first terminal of the control switch is input to the first auxiliary power supply VCC4, and the second terminal of the control switch is connected to the control terminal of the first switch module 600. Therefore, the switching state of the first switch module 600 can be controlled through the control switch.

[0076] Since all switches can only be closed after the connecting wire unit is connected, similarly, the switches need to be opened before the connecting wire unit can be unplugged. Therefore, when the first external device is connected to the battery pack, the control switch is in the open state, thus the first switch module 600 is in the open state, and there is no electrical interaction between the battery pack and the first external device. This prevents arcing when the first external device is connected to the output port of the battery pack through the connection circuit.

[0077] To facilitate understanding, a practical example is used. The battery pack delivers power from pins BAT+ and BAT- to the first power supply pins VBAT+ and VBAT- of each output port. At this time, the first external device is connected to the battery pack. Since the control switch in the first external device is off, the first switch module 600 is also off. Even if the first power supply pins VBAT+ and VBAT- are energized at the output ports of the battery pack, there is no signal transmission between the battery pack and the first external device. This prevents arcing when the first external device is connected to the output port of the battery pack.

[0078] In one optional embodiment, when the control switch is closed, the first switch module 600 is in a conducting state, and the battery pack charges the first external device. After the first external device is connected to the battery pack and the control switch is closed, the control switch is in a conducting state, thereby providing a switch control signal to the first switch module 600. The first switch module 600 is in a conducting state, which in turn enables the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the battery pack's output port to charge the first external device, and the circuit begins to operate normally under load.

[0079] In one optional embodiment, the first switch module 600 includes a first switch control unit 610 and a first switch 620. The control terminal of the first switch control unit 610 is connected to the second terminal of the control switch; the control terminal of the first switch 620 is connected to the output terminal of the first switch control unit 610; the first terminal of the first switch 620 is connected to the first power supply pin VBAT+ of the battery pack PACK; the second terminal is connected to the first input terminal of the first external device; and the second input terminal of the first external device is connected to the second power supply pin VBAT- of the battery pack PACK.

[0080] Generally, the first power supply pin VBAT+ is the positive phase power supply pin, and the second power supply pin VBAT- is the negative phase power supply pin. By setting the first switch 620 between the positive phase power supply pin and the first input terminal of the first external device, the occurrence of arcing can be avoided.

[0081] Optionally, the first switch control unit 610 may be a third transistor (such as transistor Q4 in Figure 5, or transistors Q8 and Q12 in Figure 6). In other embodiments, the first switch control unit 610 may also be other devices. The base (b) of the third transistor is directly or indirectly connected to the second terminal of the control switch. For example, the base of the third transistor is connected to the second terminal of the control switch through an eighth resistor (R18 in Figure 5, or R32 and R44 in Figure 6). The emitter (e) of the third transistor is grounded. The base and emitter of the third transistor are connected through a ninth resistor (R20 in Figure 5, or R34 and R46 in Figure 6). The collector (c) of the third transistor is directly or indirectly connected to the control terminal of the first switch 620. For example, the collector (c) of the third transistor is connected to the control terminal of the first switch 620 through a tenth resistor (R19 in Figure 5, or R33 and R45 in Figure 6).

[0082] Optionally, the first switch 620 can be a MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor) (such as MOSFET Q3 in Figure 5, or MOSFETs Q7 and Q11 in Figure 6). In other embodiments, the first switch 620 can also be other devices. The control terminal of the MOSFET is connected to the output terminal of the first switch control unit 610. The control terminal of the MOSFET is the gate (g). When the first switch control unit 610 is a third transistor, the output terminal of the first switch control unit 610 is the collector (c) of the third transistor. The first terminal of the MOSFET is the source (s), and the second terminal is the drain (d). The source of the MOSFET is connected to the first power supply pin VBAT+ of the battery pack, for example, through the first power supply pin of the first external device. The drain of the MOSFET is connected to the first input terminal of the first external device.

[0083] Thus, when the control switch is in the off state, the base of the third transistor is at a low level, the third transistor is cut off, the first switch control unit 610 outputs a disconnect signal to the first switch 620, the gate and source of the first switch 620 are at the same potential, the first switch 620 is in the off state, so that the positive terminal of the capacitor in the first external device is disconnected from the first power supply pin VBAT+ of the battery pack PACK, thereby preventing arcing when the first external device is connected to the output port CN12 of the battery pack PACK.

[0084] When the control switch is closed, the first auxiliary power supply enters the base of the third transistor through the control switch and the eighth resistor, turning on the third transistor. The voltage input to the first power supply pin VBAT+ of the first external device is divided to ground through the twelfth resistor (resistor R17 in Figure 5, or resistors R31 and R43 in Figure 6) and the tenth resistor. At this time, the gate potential of MOSFET Q3 is lower than the source potential, that is, the Vgs voltage of MOSFET Q3 is the voltage across the eighth resistor. The MOSFET turns on, and the charge on the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the battery pack PACK begins to charge the capacitor in the first external device. The circuit begins to work normally and carry the load.

[0085] When the first external device needs to be disconnected, simply turn on the control switch and disconnect the connection unit. After disconnection, the first switch module 600 is in the off state. Continuing with the previous embodiment, the base of the third transistor changes from a high level to a low level, and the third transistor is cut off. The gate and source of the MOSFET are at the same potential, and the MOSFET is cut off. At this time, the first power supply pin and the second power supply pin of the port of the first external device cannot supply power, so that when the first external device is disconnected, the output port of the battery pack PACK will not arc, and at the same time, it will not affect the battery pack PACK from continuing to supply power to other external devices.

[0086] For ease of understanding, referring to Figure 5, in one optional embodiment, an energy storage system is provided. The energy storage system includes a battery pack, a first external device, and a second external device. The first external device is a DC-DC converter, and the second external device is a host. The DC-DC converter of the energy storage system is used to ensure that a second control switch is in a conducting state when connected to the battery pack, and to electrically interact with the battery pack. When the host provides a target signal to the battery pack, the target signal of the DC-DC converter is bypassed, and when the host does not provide a target signal to the battery pack, the target signal is provided to the battery pack.

[0087] The specific structure of the DC-DC converter can be seen in the specific limitations of the first external device in Figures 4 and 5, and will not be repeated here. The specific structure of the host can be seen in Figure 5. The host is the second external device. The host is connected to the battery pack PACK. Optionally, the host is connected to the battery pack PACK through a connecting line unit. A first control switch is provided on the connecting line used to connect the first latch pin of the output port of the battery pack PACK and the first latch pin of the host port, as shown by switch SW8 or SW9 in Figure 5.

[0088] The internal control signals in the battery pack are output to the output ports of the battery pack, as shown in Figure 5. Signal test1 is output to ports CN10 and CN12 to provide a detection signal to the DC-DC converter and to switch relay RLY5. The initial state of relay RLY5 is that pins 4 and 3 are connected.

[0089] The working principle of the energy storage system shown in Figure 5 includes: when the host is first connected to the output port CN10 of the battery pack, there is no electrical interaction between the host and the battery pack when the first control switch SW8 or SW9 is not closed. After the first control switch is closed, the host provides a target signal to the battery pack, and the battery pack starts to work. Specifically, taking Figure 5 as an example, the control signal output terminal of the battery pack outputs the first control signal. The first control signal test1 is low level. The MCU detects the low level and controls the relay RLY4 to close. The battery pack delivers the power from the power supply pins BAT+ and BAT- to the first power supply pins VBAT+ and VBAT- of the output ports CN10 and CN12. When the DC-DC converter is connected to the output port CN12 of the battery pack, the second control switch SW10 is still in the off state. Therefore, the base of the first switch control unit 610 of the first switch module 600, i.e., the transistor Q4 in Figure 5, is at a low level, and the transistor Q4 is cut off. The gate and source of the first switch 620 of the first switch module 600, i.e., the gate and source of the MOSFET Q3 in Figure 5, are at the same potential, and the MOSFET Q3 is cut off. This disconnects the positive terminal of the capacitor CE2 in the DC-DC converter from the first power supply pin VBAT+ of the DC-DC converter port CN13, thus preventing arcing at the output port CN12 when the DC-DC converter is connected. When the second control switch SW10 is closed, the first auxiliary power supply VCC4 enters the base of transistor Q4 through the second control switch SW10 and resistor R19, turning on transistor Q4. The voltage of the first power supply pin VBAT+ is divided to ground through resistors R17 and R19. At this time, the gate potential of MOSFET Q3 is lower than the source potential, that is, the Vgs voltage of MOSFET Q3 is the voltage across resistor R17. MOSFET Q3 is turned on, and the first power supply pin VBAT+ begins to charge capacitor CE2, and the circuit begins to work normally under load.

[0090] Simultaneously, the first control signal (i.e., the low-level test1 signal) enters the first switch control module 700, specifically the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U5B. The negative input terminal "-" of comparator unit U5B represents the voltage across resistor R13, i.e., the voltage of the first auxiliary power supply VCC4 after voltage division by resistors R10 and R13 to ground. Because the voltage value of the first control signal test1 is lower than the voltage across resistor R13, comparator unit U5B outputs the first switch control signal, which is low-level. This pulls down the base of transistor Q1 (the second switch 811 of the first switch unit 810 of the second switch module 800), turning on transistor Q1. The first auxiliary power supply VCC4 then enters the third switch 812 of the first switch unit 810 of the second switch module 800 via resistor R9, transistor Q1, and resistor R14. The base of transistor Q2 is turned on, meaning the first switching unit 810 outputs the third switching control signal. The second auxiliary power supply VCC3 then forms a current loop through the second switching unit 820, i.e., the relay RLY5 coil, resistor R12, and transistor Q2. Relay RLY5 then starts working, switching from a connection between pins 4 and 3 to a connection between pins 4 and 5. This causes the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the DC-DC converter to switch from a short-circuited state to an open state. Therefore, when both the host and the DC-DC converter are connected to the battery pack, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery pack are only shorted by the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the host. This means the host outputs the target signal to the battery pack, thus preventing two target signals from existing simultaneously in the battery pack.

[0091] When both the main unit and the DC-DC converter are connected to the battery pack and under load, if the DC-DC converter needs to be disconnected, simply turn on the second control switch SW10 and disconnect the connection unit. After disconnection, the base of the first switch control unit 610 (i.e., transistor Q4) changes from a high level to a low level, and transistor Q4 is cut off. The gate and source of the first switch 620 (i.e., MOSFET Q3) are at the same potential, and MOSFET Q3 is cut off. At this time, the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the DC-DC converter's port CN13 cannot supply power, so that arcing will not occur at port CN13 when the DC-DC converter is disconnected. At the same time, it does not affect the battery pack's continued power supply to the main unit.

[0092] When both the host and the DC-DC converter are connected to the battery pack and are under load, if the host needs to be disconnected, simply turn on the first control switch SW8 or the first control switch SW9 and disconnect the connecting wire unit. After disconnection, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery pack are no longer shorted by the host's target signal, and the battery pack does not work. Specifically, pin 2 of the optocoupler U4 in the battery pack is left floating, and the optocoupler U4 does not work. The first control signal changes to the second control signal, that is, it changes from low level to high level. When the MCU detects the second control signal, it controls the relay RLY4 to disconnect. At this time, the first power supply pins VBAT+ and VBAT- of the output ports CN10 and CN12 of the battery pack have no power, so that when the connecting wire unit is disconnected, the output ports CN10 and CN12 will not experience arcing. Simultaneously, the second control signal enters the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U5B. Because the voltage value of the second control signal is higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-", comparator unit U5B outputs the second switch control signal, which is high-level. The second switch 811, i.e., the base of transistor Q1, is high-level, and transistor Q1 is cut off. The third switch 812, i.e., transistor Q2, is also cut off. The second switch unit 820, i.e., the coil of relay RLY5, has no current path, and relay RLY5 does not work. The connection between pins 4 and 5 is switched to the connection between pins 4 and 3, causing the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the DC-DC converter to switch from open to short-circuited, thereby causing the battery assembly PA to... In CK, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- are shorted by the target signal of the DC-DC converter, and the battery pack restarts. Specifically, pin 2 of the optocoupler U4 in the battery pack is grounded again, and optocoupler U4 starts working, pulling pin 4 of optocoupler U4 to ground. At this time, the second control signal becomes the first control signal again. When the MCU detects the first control signal, it controls the relay RLY4 to close. At this time, the battery pack delivers the power from the power supply pins BAT+ and BAT- to the first power supply pins VBAT+ and VBAT- of output ports CN10 and CN12, continuing to provide power to the DC-DC converter and enabling it to continue working normally. It should be noted that the time from opening to closing of relay RLY4 is extremely short. During this period, the energy stored in the capacitor supplies power to the load to ensure that the DC-DC converter does not lose power.Meanwhile, as the signal at the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U5B changes from the second control signal to the first control signal, when it becomes low, the first auxiliary power supply VCC4 is divided to ground through resistor R11, the first feedback unit (i.e., the first diode D1), and resistor R15. This causes the voltage value at the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U5B (i.e., the voltage value of resistor R15 to ground) to continue to be greater than the voltage value at the negative input terminal "-". As a result, comparator unit U5B continues to output a high level, causing the second switch 811 (i.e., transistor Q1) and the third switch 812 (i.e., transistor Q2) to be turned off. This, in turn, keeps the relay RLY5 connected between pins 4 and 3 to maintain the short circuit of the target signal of the DC-DC converter. It should be noted that the device parameter design must meet the following requirements: the voltage value of the second control signal must be higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-" of the comparator unit U5B; when the second control signal changes to the first control signal, the voltage value of the first auxiliary power supply VCC4 after being divided to ground by resistor R11, the first feedback unit, i.e., the first diode D1 and resistor R15, must be higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-".

[0093] In summary, under the above operating conditions, the circuit and method of this application will not cause arcing at the connection port, which not only improves the safety of the entire system, but also does not affect the original connection method and operation of the host and battery pack PACK, thus better ensuring the safety and reliability of the product and the safety of the user.

[0094] For ease of understanding, referring to Figure 6, in one optional embodiment, an energy storage system supporting hot-swappable functionality is provided. This hot-swappable energy storage system includes a battery pack and two first external devices, one of which is a DC-DC converter, and the other is a main unit. The specific working principle of this hot-swappable energy storage system includes: when only one main unit is inserted, the main unit's port CN16 is connected to the battery pack's output port CN14 via a connecting line unit. When the first control switches SW11 and SW12 are in the open (open) state, the battery pack does not operate, and the battery pack's control signal output terminal outputs a second control signal. The high-level second control signal enters the second switch control module. Block 200, i.e., the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U6B, outputs a high level because the voltage value of the second control signal is higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-". This means that the second control switch module 200 outputs the fifth switch control signal. The fifth switch 411 of the third switch unit 410 of the fourth switch module, i.e., the base of transistor Q5, is at a high level, and transistor Q5 is cut off. The sixth switch 412 of the third switch unit 410 of the fourth switch module, i.e., transistor Q6, is also cut off. The fourth switch unit 420 of the fourth switch module, i.e., the coil of relay RLY6, has no current path, and relay RLY6 does not work. Pins 4 and 3 are kept connected (pin 3 is a normally closed switch), which makes the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the host short-circuited. When the first control switches SW11 and SW12 are closed, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the battery pack are shorted by the host target signal, and the battery pack operates. The control signal output terminal of the battery pack outputs the second control signal. When the MCU detects the second control signal, it controls the relay RLY7 to close. At this time, the battery pack delivers the power of the power supply pins BAT+ and BAT- to the corresponding first power supply pins BAT+ and BAT- of the output ports CN14 and CN15.Meanwhile, as the positive input terminal "+" of the comparator unit U6B in the second switch control module 200 changes from the second control signal to the first control signal, when it becomes low, the first auxiliary power supply VCC6 is divided to ground through resistor R23, second diode D2, and resistor R30, so that the voltage value of the positive input terminal "+" of the comparator unit U6B, that is, the voltage value of resistor R30 to ground, continues to be greater than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-". In other words, the second control switch module 200 outputs the fifth switch control signal, thereby causing the comparator unit U6B to continue to output a high level, causing transistors Q5 and Q6 to be cut off, and thus keeping the relay RLY6 connected between pins 4 and 3 to maintain the short circuit between the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the host signal.

[0095] When the DC-DC converter is first connected to the battery pack, that is, when the DC-DC converter is first connected to the output port CN15 of the battery pack, the control signal output terminal of the battery pack outputs the first control signal. The MCU detects the low level and controls the relay RLY7 to close. The battery pack delivers the power from the power supply pins BAT+ and BAT- to the corresponding first power supply pin BAT+ and second power supply pin BAT- of the output ports CN14 and CN15.

[0096] When the host is connected to the output port CN14 of the battery pack, the first control switch SW11 and the second control switch SW12 are still in the open state. Therefore, the base of transistor Q8 is at a low level, and transistor Q8 is cut off. The gate and source of MOSFET Q7 are at the same potential, and MOSFET Q7 is cut off. This disconnects the positive terminal of the capacitor in the host from the first power supply pin VBAT+ of port CN16, thus preventing arcing at the connection port when the host is connected. When the first control switch SW11 and the second control switch SW12 are closed, the first auxiliary power supply VCC6 enters the base of transistor Q8 through the first control switch SW11, the second control switch SW12, and resistor R32, turning on transistor Q8. The voltage of the first power supply pin VBAT+ is divided to ground through resistors R31 and R33. At this time, the gate potential of MOSFET Q7 is lower than the source potential, that is, the Vgs voltage of MOSFET Q7 is the voltage across resistor R31, turning on MOSFET Q7. The first power supply pin VBAT+ begins to charge capacitor CE3, and the circuit begins to operate normally under load. Simultaneously, the first control signal enters the second switch control module 200, i.e., the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U6B. The signal at the negative input terminal "-" of comparator unit U6B is the voltage value across resistor R27, i.e., the voltage value of the first auxiliary power supply VCC6 after voltage division to ground through resistors R22 and R27. Since the voltage value of the first control signal is lower than the voltage value across resistor R27, the second control switch module 200 outputs the fourth switch control signal, i.e., comparator unit U6B outputs a low level, which pulls the base of transistor Q5 low, turning on transistor Q5. The first auxiliary power supply VCC6 then enters the base of transistor Q6 through resistor R21, transistor Q5, and resistor R28, causing the transistor... When Q6 is turned on, the third switching unit 410 outputs the sixth switching control signal. Then, the second auxiliary power supply VCC5 forms a current loop through the fourth switching unit 420, namely the relay RLY6 coil, resistor R24, and transistor Q6. The relay RLY6 starts to work, and the connection of the relay RLY6 from pin 4 to pin 3 is switched to pin 4 to pin 5. This causes the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the host to switch from short-circuited to open. Thus, when the host and the DC-DC converter are both connected to the battery pack, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery pack are only short-circuited by the target signal of the DC-DC converter, and there will be no two target signals at the same time.

[0097] When the host is connected first and then the DC converter is connected, the principle is the same as that described in Figure 5. When the DC converter is connected, the connection port will not ignite, and only the host's target signal exists. There will not be two target signals at the same time.

[0098] When the host is connected first, followed by the DC-DC converter, and both are operating under load, if the host needs to be disconnected, simply turn on the first control switch SW11 or SW12 and disconnect the connecting wire unit. After disconnection, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery pack are no longer shorted by the host's target signal, and the battery pack does not work. For example, if pin 2 of the optocoupler U7 in the battery pack is left floating, the optocoupler U7 will not work, and the first control signal will change to the second control signal, for example, from low level to high level. When the MCU detects the second control signal, it controls the relay RLY7 to disconnect. At this time, the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the output ports CN14 and CN15 of the battery pack have no power, so that no arcing will occur at the connection port when the connecting wire unit is disconnected. Simultaneously, the second control signal enters the positive input terminal "+" of comparator U7 in the DC-DC converter. Because the voltage value of the second control signal is higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-", comparator U7 outputs a high level, that is, the base of transistor Q9 is at a high level, transistor Q9 is cut off, transistor Q10 is also cut off, the second switching unit 820, that is, the coil of relay RLY8 has no current path, relay RLY8 does not work, the connection between pins 4 and 5 is switched to the connection between pins 4 and 3, which switches the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the DC-DC converter from open to short-circuited, and thus the first latch pin REG in the battery pack PACK is short-circuited. When the + and second latching pins REG- are shorted by the target signal of the DC-DC converter, the battery pack restarts. For example, if pin 2 of optocoupler U7 is connected to ground again, optocoupler U7 starts working and pulls pin 4 of optocoupler U7 to ground. At this time, the second control signal becomes the first control signal. When the MCU detects the first control signal, it controls relay RLY7 to close. At this time, the battery pack delivers the power from the first power supply pins BAT+ and BAT- to the first power supply pins VBAT+ and VBAT- of output ports CN14 and CN15, continuing to provide power to the DC-DC converter and enabling it to continue operating normally. It should be noted that the time from opening to closing of relay RLY7 is extremely short. During this period, the energy stored in the capacitor supplies power to the load to ensure that the DC-DC converter does not lose power. Meanwhile, as the signal entering the positive input terminal "+" of comparator U7 changes from the second control signal to the first control signal, the moment it goes low, the first auxiliary power supply VCC4 is divided to ground through resistor R37, diode D3, and resistor R42. This causes the voltage value entering the positive input terminal "+" of comparator U7, i.e., the voltage value of resistor R42 to ground, to continue to be greater than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-". As a result, comparator U7 continues to output a high level, causing transistors Q9 and Q10 to be cut off. This, in turn, keeps the relay RLY8 connected between pins 4 and 3 to maintain the target signal of the DC-DC converter.

[0099] When the main unit is connected first, followed by the DC-DC converter, and both are operating under load, if the DC-DC converter needs to be disconnected, simply turn on the second control switch SW13 and disconnect the connection unit. After disconnection, the base of transistor Q12 changes from high to low, turning Q12 off. The gate and source of MOSFET Q11 are at the same potential, turning Q11 off. At this time, the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of port CN17 cannot supply power, preventing arcing at the connection port when the connection unit is disconnected. Simultaneously, it does not affect the battery pack's continued power supply to the main unit. When the DC-DC converter is connected first, followed by the main unit, and both are operating under load, if the main unit needs to be disconnected, simply turn on either the first control switch SW11 or SW12 and disconnect the connecting cable unit. After disconnection, the base of the fourth switch 920 (i.e., transistor Q8) changes from high to low, turning Q8 off. The gate and source of the MOSFET Q7 become equal in potential, also turning Q7 off. At this time, the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of port CN16 cannot supply power, preventing arcing at the connection port when the connecting cable unit is disconnected. Simultaneously, this does not affect the battery pack's continued power supply to the DC-DC converter.

[0100] When the DC-DC converter is connected first, followed by the host, and both are operating under load, if the DC-DC converter needs to be disconnected, simply turn on the second control switch SW13 and disconnect the connection unit. After disconnection, the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- of the battery pack are no longer shorted by the target signal of the DC-DC converter, and the battery pack does not work. Specifically, pin 2 of the optocoupler U7 in the battery pack is left floating, and the optocoupler U7 does not work. The first control signal becomes the second control signal. When the MCU detects the second control signal, it controls the relay RLY7 to disconnect. At this time, the first power supply pin VBAT+ and the second power supply pin VBAT- of the output ports CN14 and CN15 of the battery pack have no power, so that arcing will not occur at the connection port when the connection unit is disconnected. Simultaneously, the second control signal enters the positive input terminal "+" of the comparator unit U6B in the host. Because the voltage value of the second control signal is higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-", the comparator unit U6B outputs a high level, that is, the base of transistor Q5 is at a high level, transistor Q5 is cut off, transistor Q6 is also cut off, there is no current loop for the coil of relay RLY6, relay RLY6 does not work, the connection between pins 4 and 5 is switched to the connection between pins 4 and 3, which causes the first latch pin REG+ and the second latch pin REG- in the host to switch from being disconnected to being shorted, thereby causing the first latch pin REG in the battery pack PACK to be shorted. When the + and second latch pins REG- are shorted by the host's target signal, the battery pack starts working. This means pin 2 of optocoupler U7 is grounded again, and optocoupler U7 starts working, pulling pin 4 of optocoupler U7 to ground. At this time, the second control signal becomes the first control signal. When the MCU detects the first control signal, it controls relay RLY7 to close. The battery pack then supplies power from power supply pins BAT+ and BAT- to the first power supply pins VBAT+ and VBAT- of output ports CN14 and CN15, continuing to power the host and enabling it to continue operating normally. It should be noted that the time from opening to closing relay RLY7 is extremely short. During this period, the energy stored in the capacitor powers the load to ensure the host does not lose power. Meanwhile, as the signal test1, which enters the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U6B, changes from the second control signal to the first control signal, when it becomes low, the power supply VCC6 is divided to ground through resistor R23, diode D2, and resistor R30. This causes the voltage value entering the positive input terminal "+" of comparator unit U6B, i.e., the voltage value of resistor R30 to ground, to continue to be greater than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-". As a result, comparator unit U6B continues to output a high level, causing transistors Q5 and Q6 to be cut off. This, in turn, keeps relay RLY6 connected between pins 4 and 3 to maintain the target signal of the host.It should be noted that the device parameter design must meet the following requirements: the voltage value of the second control signal must be higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-" of the comparator; the voltage value of the first control signal entering the positive input terminal "+" of the comparator must be higher than the voltage value of the negative input terminal "-".

[0101] In summary, when using the circuit and method of this application, regardless of whether the host or the DC-DC converter is connected first, or whether the host or the DC-DC converter is disconnected first, arcing will not occur at the connection port, and there will only be a short-circuit control signal.

[0102] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A signal bypass device, wherein, include: A battery assembly for electrically interacting with at least one first external device; At least one first external device, the first external device including a signal bypass module, the signal bypass module being configured to bypass a local target signal when the battery assembly has received a target signal from another external device, and the signal bypass module being configured to provide the target signal to the battery assembly when the battery assembly has not received a target signal from another external device.

2. The signal bypass device according to claim 1, wherein, The signal bypass module includes: The first switch control module has a first input terminal connected to the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly, and a second input terminal of the first switch control module receives a fixed voltage. The second switch module has its control terminal connected to the output terminal of the first switch control module. The first switch control module is used to output a first switch control signal based on the first control signal and the fixed voltage when the control signal output terminal of the battery assembly outputs a first control signal. The second switch module is used to switch the short-circuit state of the first latch pin and the second latch pin of the first external device to the open state under the action of the first switch control signal.

3. The signal bypass device according to claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A second external device is connected to the battery assembly and is used to provide the target signal to the battery assembly when the battery assembly does not receive the target signal from the first external device.

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

5. The signal bypass device according to claim 4, wherein, The second switch module includes: The first switching unit has its control terminal connected to the output terminal of the first switching control module. The second switching unit has its control terminal connected to the output terminal of the first switching unit. The first switching unit is used to output a third switching control signal under the action of the first switching control signal. The second switching unit is used to switch from being connected to the first terminal and the second terminal to being connected to the second terminal and the third terminal under the action of the third switching control signal.

6. The signal bypass device according to claim 5, wherein, The first switching unit includes: The second switch has its control terminal connected to the output terminal of the first switch control module, and its first terminal connected to the second auxiliary power supply. The third switch has its control terminal connected to the second terminal of the second switch, its first terminal grounded, and its second terminal connected to the control terminal of the second switch unit.

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

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

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

10. The signal bypass device according to claim 9, wherein, The first switch control module further includes: A feedback unit is provided, wherein the first end of the feedback unit is connected to a first auxiliary power supply via a voltage divider resistor, and the second end of the feedback unit is connected to the first input terminal of the comparator unit. The feedback unit processes the first auxiliary power supply to obtain a feedback signal at the instant the first input terminal of the comparator unit switches from the second control signal to the first control signal, and inputs the feedback signal to the first input terminal of the comparator unit. The voltage of the feedback signal is greater than the fixed voltage. The first switch control module is used to output a second switch control signal when the feedback signal is input to the first input terminal and the fixed voltage is input to the second input terminal. The second switch module is used to output the target signal to the battery assembly under the action of the second switch control signal.

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

12. The signal bypass device according to claim 11, wherein, The first external device is a DC-DC converter and the second external device is a host; the DC-DC converter includes a second control switch; the DC-DC converter is configured to, when connected to the battery assembly, have the second control switch in a conducting state to electrically interact with the battery assembly, and to, when the host provides a target signal to the battery assembly, bypass the target signal of the DC-DC converter, and when the host does not provide a target signal to the battery assembly, provide a target signal to the battery assembly, the target signal being used to control the battery assembly to start working so as to electrically interact with the DC-DC converter and the host connected to the battery assembly.

13. The signal bypass device according to claim 12, wherein, The first terminal of the second control switch receives a first auxiliary power supply; the DC converter further includes: a first switch module, the control terminal of the first switch module being connected to the second terminal of the second control switch; When the DC-DC converter is connected to the battery assembly, a first terminal of the first switch module is connected to a first power supply pin of the battery assembly, a second terminal of the first switch module is connected to a first input terminal of the DC-DC converter, and a second input terminal of the DC-DC converter is connected to a second power supply pin of the battery assembly; the first switch module is used to disconnect the electrical interaction between the battery assembly and the DC-DC converter when the second control switch is in the off state.

14. The signal bypass device according to claim 13, wherein, The first switch module includes: A first switch control unit, wherein the control terminal of the first switch control unit is connected to the second terminal of the second control switch; A first switch, the control terminal of the first switch is connected to the output terminal of the first switch control unit, the first terminal of the first switch is connected to the first power supply pin of the battery assembly, the second terminal is connected to the first input terminal of the DC converter, and the second input terminal of the DC converter is connected to the second power supply pin of the battery assembly; The first switch control unit is configured to output a disconnect signal to the first switch when the second control switch is in the open state, and the first switch is configured to disconnect the electrical interaction between the battery assembly and the DC-DC converter based on the disconnect signal.

15. The signal bypass device according to claim 14, wherein, The first switch module is also used to enable electrical interaction between the battery assembly and the DC-DC converter when the second control switch is in the closed state.

16. The signal bypass device according to claim 11, wherein, The first external device is a DC-DC converter and the second external device is a host computer; The host includes a first control switch; the host is used to electrically interact with the battery assembly when the first control switch is in the on state, and to bypass the target signal of the host when the DC-DC converter provides a target signal to the battery assembly.

17. The signal bypass device according to claim 16, wherein, The first terminal of the first control switch is connected to a third auxiliary power supply; the main unit also includes: The third switch module, wherein the control terminal of the third switch module is connected to the second terminal of the first control switch; When the host is connected to the battery assembly, the first end of the third switch module is connected to the first power supply pin of the battery assembly, the second end of the third switch module is connected to the first input end of the host, and the second input end of the host is connected to the second power supply pin of the battery assembly. When the first control switch is in the off state, the third switch module disconnects the electrical interaction between the battery assembly and the host.

18. The signal bypass device according to claim 17, wherein, The third switch module includes: The second switch control unit is connected to the second terminal of the first control switch. The fourth switch has its control terminal connected to the output terminal of the second switch control unit, its first terminal connected to the first power supply pin of the battery assembly, its second terminal connected to the first input terminal of the host, and its second input terminal connected to the second power supply pin of the battery assembly. The second switch control unit is used to output a disconnect signal to the fourth switch when the first control switch is in the off state. The fourth switch is used to disconnect the electrical interaction between the battery assembly and the host based on the disconnect signal.

19. The signal bypass device according to claim 18, wherein, The third switch module is also used to enable electrical interaction between the battery assembly and the host when the first control switch is in the closed state.

20. An energy storage system, wherein, Includes the signal bypass device as described in any one of claims 1-19.

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