Current distributor unit for commercial vehicles and commercial vehicle having the current distributor unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a current distributor unit (1) for a commercial vehicle, the commercial vehicle having at least one auxiliary drive with an electric motor (3), the current distributor unit having: a first input terminal (E1) for connection to an energy storage (2) of the commercial vehicle and providing a DC voltage; a second input terminal (E2) for connection to an external current source; a first output terminal (A1) for connection to the auxiliary drive; a second output terminal (A2) for connection to an external current collector; and a third output terminal (A3) for connection to a low-voltage vehicle electrical network; a high-voltage distributor (6) which is connected to the first input terminal (E1) and forms the connection between the energy storage (2) and the other components of the current distributor unit (1); a control unit (5) which at least monitors the high-voltage distributor (6) and can control the components of the current distributor unit (1); at least one inverter (I1; I1.1; I2) which is arranged in a current path between the high-voltage distributor (6) and at least one of the terminals for the first output terminal (A1), the second output terminal (A2) or the second input terminal (E2), a first converter (K1) which is arranged between the high-voltage distributor (6) and the third output terminal (A3) and converts the DC voltage provided by the high-voltage distributor (6) into a lower DC voltage. A further aspect of the invention is a vehicle having such a current distributor unit.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a current distributor unit for a commercial vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle having an electric drive, wherein the commercial vehicle has an auxiliary drive for a body or a work module. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, commercial vehicles are equipped with an internal combustion engine, which directly outputs mechanical energy to the body via another mechanically driven shaft arranged in parallel and converts it into hydraulic or pneumatic energy via a pump. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative for powering the auxiliary drive of a commercial vehicle. Other objects are to improve safety and usability.

[0004] This object is achieved by a current distributor unit for a commercial vehicle having at least one auxiliary drive with an electric motor, the current distributor unit having:

[0005] · A first input terminal for connection to an energy storage of the commercial vehicle, the energy storage providing a DC voltage;

[0006] · A second input terminal for connection to an external current source;

[0007] · A first output terminal for connection to the auxiliary drive;

[0008] · A second output terminal for connection to an external current collector;

[0009] · And a third output terminal for connection to a low-voltage vehicle electrical network;

[0010] · A high-voltage distributor, which is connected to the first input terminal and forms a connection between the energy storage and the other components of the current distributor unit;

[0011] · A control device, which at least monitors the high-voltage distributor and is able to control the components of the current distributor unit;

[0012] · At least one inverter, which is arranged in a current path between the high-voltage distributor and at least one of the terminals for the first output terminal, the second output terminal or the second input terminal,

[0013] · A first converter, which is arranged between the high-voltage distributor and the third output terminal and converts the DC voltage provided by the high-voltage distributor into a lower DC voltage.

[0014] Commercial vehicles usually have auxiliary drives for working functions, which can be, for example, a tilting loading surface, mixing or transporting the load, compressing the load, driving working equipment, etc. In the case of an electrically driven commercial vehicle, the mechanical energy required for the auxiliary drive for movement or for conversion into hydraulic, pneumatic or thermal energy is preferably generated by an electric motor. A current distributor unit consisting of multiple components is provided for power supply.

[0015] Here, the current distributor unit has a first input terminal, which is connected to the energy storage of the commercial vehicle. The energy storage provides electrical energy, usually in the form of high-voltage direct current voltage.

[0016] The energy storage is connected to a high-voltage distributor through the first input terminal. The high-voltage direct current voltage is forwarded to other components of the current distributor via the high-voltage distributor, and at the same time, a sensing device is provided, which detects voltage, current intensity, temperature and / or other variables.

[0017] A control device is provided and at least monitors the high-voltage distributor, for example, via an optionally provided sensing device. Other components can also be monitored by the control device and switched if necessary. The control device is advantageously used to avoid overload, implement battery management and / or control the current path to the components as needed, whereby dangers can be avoided or identified accordingly, the energy storage can be used in an optimized manner and / or losses can be reduced.

[0018] The current distributor unit also has a second input terminal, which forms a terminal to an external current source. The second input terminal is advantageously provided as a plug-in terminal so that an externally supplied current cable can be connected to the current distributor unit. Current can be fed in through the second input terminal and used to charge the energy storage and / or directly for operating the auxiliary drive when the commercial vehicle is stationary.

[0019] The current distributor unit also has a first output terminal, to which the auxiliary drive is connected. Current for operating the electric motor is supplied to the auxiliary drive via the first output terminal.

[0020] Similarly, a second output terminal is provided, which is a terminal for an external load. A local direct current or alternating current voltage can be output through the preferred plug-in terminal and used for the corresponding grid voltage according to the local socket. Therefore, the energy storage, optionally in combination with a generator provided in the commercial vehicle, can be used as a decentralized generator or current source for electrical equipment via a corresponding inverter. Alternatively or additionally, the second output terminal can also be used as a charging station for the battery of the corresponding device.

[0021] At the current distributor unit, a third output is also provided, through which a low DC voltage is output. The low DC voltage can be used to supply power to the vehicle electrical system or to operate the auxiliary drive unit.

[0022] In addition, the low DC voltage can be used for components of the current distributor unit, such as control devices, inverters, converters, switching elements, etc.

[0023] To provide a low DC voltage to the third output, a first converter is provided between the high-voltage distributor and the third output. With the first converter, in addition to the conversion from a high DC voltage to a low DC voltage, current isolation between the low-voltage vehicle electrical system and the energy storage can also be achieved.

[0024] This low DC voltage can also be used to supply power to the components of the current distributor unit. Preferably, a low-voltage battery is additionally provided to supply power to the components before or during startup.

[0025] The current distributor unit also has an inverter, with which the high-voltage DC voltage is converted into an AC voltage.

[0026] The embodiment of the current distributor unit is characterized in that the high-voltage distributor is directly connected to the first output. In these cases, the high-voltage DC voltage is accordingly output at the first output, and the high-voltage DC voltage is then used or converted in the auxiliary drive accordingly. The more suitable structure of the current distributor unit in this regard is advantageous for the flexible structure of the commercial vehicle and the motor of the auxiliary drive.

[0027] The current distributor unit according to an alternative embodiment is characterized in that a second converter is provided between the high-voltage distributor and the first output. Through the second converter, a favorable electrical isolation can be achieved between the energy storage (for its protection) and the auxiliary drive, and if necessary, a defined DC voltage can be output to the first output and / or other components independently of the voltage of the energy storage. Regardless of the characteristics of the energy storage, a standardized interface can be provided through the defined DC voltage.

[0028] The embodiment of the current distributor unit is characterized in that an inverter is provided before the first output, and the inverter provides the AC voltage required for the auxiliary drive. The usual AC voltage can be provided via the inverter, thereby simplifying the standardized interface to the auxiliary drive and at the same time simplifying the structure of the auxiliary drive.

[0029] The current distributor unit according to the embodiment is characterized in that separate inverters are provided for the second output and the second input. Generally, an alternating voltage is tapped or applied at the second output and the second input. In order to achieve simultaneous operation, its design and / or different voltages here, separate inverters are provided for the second output and the second input.

[0030] The separate inverters can be directly connected to the high-voltage distributor or one or more second converters can be interposed therebetween.

[0031] Other embodiments of the current distributor unit are characterized in that a common inverter is provided for the second output and the second input. Since the local supply voltage is applied at both the second output and the second input, these two terminals can also be connected to the high-voltage distributor via a common inverter. Thereby, the number of required components is reduced.

[0032] Its preferred embodiment is characterized in that the inverter is constructed bidirectionally. In order to be able to map the second output and the second input, the common inverter can advantageously be implemented bidirectionally.

[0033] The current distributor unit according to the embodiment is characterized in that a common inverter is provided for the first output and the second output. Advantageously, the same alternating voltage or at least one sub-phase in the case of a polyphase alternating voltage is applied at the second output. Thus, the number of components can be kept low by means of a common inverter for the first and second outputs.

[0034] Therefore, corresponding to the embodiment already mentioned in which the second output and the second input have a common inverter, a common inverter can also be provided for the first output, the second output and the second input.

[0035] Embodiments of the current distributor unit are characterized in that at least two of the terminals for the first output, the second output and the second input are connected to other components of the current distributor unit via a switching switch. In particular, when common components are used in the current distributor unit, the terminals are alternatively connected to the common components. In order to achieve switching between the respective terminals, a switching circuit is provided between the terminals and the common components. The switching circuit can be operated manually or via a control device, in particular via a control device. Correspondingly, a switching circuit that can switch between the first output, the second output and the second input can also be provided.

[0036] The current distributor unit according to the embodiment is characterized in that a plurality of second outputs are provided. In order to be used flexibly as an energy source, a plurality of identical terminals can be provided so that, for example, a plurality of devices can be connected.

[0037] Advantageously, alternatively or cumulatively, a plurality of different terminals are provided. In a preferred embodiment here, there are plug-in terminals for a polyphase alternating voltage and at least one plug-in terminal for a sub-phase of the polyphase alternating voltage.

[0038] It is likewise possible to provide plug-in terminals for a direct current from a first or possibly second converter or an additional third converter provided in the current distributor. The plug-in terminals for the direct current can likewise be configured as charging contacts for an electronic device operated with a storage battery.

[0039] An embodiment of the current distributor unit is characterized in that the second output and the second input are formed by terminals. In order to enable charging of the energy storage from the local mains voltage, the second input or, in the case of a plurality, one of the second inputs can be configured with a local plug-in terminal. Since the corresponding plug-in terminals are also used for electrical devices, a common terminal can be provided for the second output and the second input. The current direction can be controlled or selected via the corresponding wiring and / or an optional switching switch.

[0040] Another aspect of the invention is a commercial vehicle having a current distributor unit according to the described embodiment and an auxiliary drive with an electric motor. By providing a current distributor according to the invention in the commercial vehicle, the advantages explained can be achieved.

[0041] The features of the embodiments can be combined with one another arbitrarily. Description of the Drawings

[0042] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Identical or similar elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The drawings show in detail:

[0043] Figures 1 to 8 Schematically illustrated embodiments of the current distributor unit are shown respectively.

[0044] Figure 9 A schematically illustrated embodiment of a commercial vehicle having a current distributor unit is shown. Detailed Description

[0045] Figures 1 to 8 What they have in common is that a current distributor unit (1) is schematically shown. A plurality of terminals are provided on the current distributor unit (1), and the first and second inputs (E1; E2) and the first, second and third outputs (A1; A2; A3) are shown respectively.

[0046] An energy storage (2) is shown at the first input (E1), which is connected to the first input (E1), and the respective lines for the two poles are schematically shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy storage (2) is shown as a high-voltage battery or high-voltage accumulator.

[0047] The second input terminal (E2) is shown as a schematic terminal, which is configured, for example, as a multi-pole plug contact for a local or device-specific electrical plug connection. The current distributor unit (1) can be connected to an external current source via the second input terminal (E2) in order to, for example, charge the energy storage (2) and / or provide the current supply for a commercial vehicle in a static application.

[0048] At a first output terminal (A1) of the current distributor unit (1), at least one electric machine (3) of an auxiliary drive is provided.

[0049] A second output terminal (A2) for an external current collector is shown as a schematic terminal similar to the second input terminal (E2).

[0050] At a third output terminal (A3), a vehicle electrical system distributor (4) is shown, by means of which the current supply for the vehicle electrical system of a commercial vehicle is provided.

[0051] Furthermore, according to Figures 1 to 8 The commonality of the embodiments is that the current distributor unit (1) includes a control device (5), by means of which at least the individual components can be monitored and / or controlled or regulated. For example, parameters such as temperature, current intensity, voltage, terminal usage, etc. can be detected, and components can be switched on or off or their power can be controlled.

[0052] The current distributor unit (1) also has a high-voltage distributor (6) connected to the first input terminal (E1), which is connected to the other components of the current distributor unit (1). The DC voltage applied by the energy storage (2) is selectively and / or simultaneously applied to the other components of the current distributor unit (1) via the high-voltage distributor (6).

[0053] A first converter (K1) is provided between the high-voltage distributor (6) and the third output terminal (A3), by means of which the voltage applied by the energy storage (2) via the high-voltage distributor (6) is converted into the DC voltage required for the vehicle electrical system. The energy storage (2) in the form of a high-voltage battery has a voltage between 60 V and 800 V according to the embodiment, while the vehicle electrical system of the vehicle usually operates at 12 V or 24 V.

[0054] Figure 1 The shown embodiment includes an inverter (I1) provided between the high-voltage distributor (6) and the second output terminal (A2). The DC voltage provided by the high-voltage distributor (6) or the energy storage (2) is converted into the AC voltage required for an external load by the inverter (I1).

[0055] Likewise, another inverter (I1.1) is provided, which is arranged between the high-voltage distributor (6) and the second input terminal (E2). Accordingly, the AC voltage that can optionally be fed via the second input terminal (E2) is converted into a DC voltage by the other inverter (I1.1) and fed to the high-voltage distributor (6). The current fed can be used to charge the energy storage (2) and / or directly forwarded to other components of the current distributor unit (1).

[0056] In Figure 1 the illustrated embodiment, a separate inverter (I3) is provided, which is arranged between the first output terminal (A1) and the motor (3) of the auxiliary drive. With the aid of the separate inverter (I3), the voltage provided by the current distributor unit (1) is converted into an AC voltage suitable for the motor (3). By providing a separate inverter (I3) associated with the motor, a uniform current distributor unit (1) can be used for auxiliary drives with different motors, which is particularly advantageous for commercial vehicles based on platforms with different vehicle bodies.

[0057] Figure 2 the illustrated embodiment is basically the same as Figure 1 the example shown, and thus reference is made to the above description. Only the inverter (I1) associated with the second output terminal (A2) and the other inverter (I1.1) associated with the second input terminal (E2) are replaced by a common bidirectional inverter (I2). Thereby, the number of components can be reduced. Depending on the construction of the bidirectional inverter (I2), the second input terminal (E2) and the second output terminal (A2) can be used simultaneously or only alternately. In particular, if simultaneous operation of the second input terminal (E2) and the output terminal (A2) is not provided, two terminals can be formed by a single plug contact or an automatic or user-specific switching can be carried out between the input and output terminals if necessary.

[0058] Figure 3 In principle, it has the same structure as Figure 2 the same, wherein additionally a changeover switch (7) is arranged between the bidirectional inverter (I2) and the second input terminal (E2) and the second output terminal (A2). An electrical connection between the bidirectional inverter (I2) and the second input terminal (E2) or the second output terminal (A2) can be established by means of the changeover switch (7). Via the changeover switch (7), the operating direction of the bidirectional inverter (I2) can be determined directly or can be determined via the control device (5). Alternatively, the changeover switch (7) can also be switched via the control device according to measured values, such as the voltage applied at the terminals, etc.

[0059] In Figure 4In this case, a second converter (K2) is provided between the first output terminal (A1) and the high-voltage distributor (6), and the second converter converts the DC voltage into the DC voltage required for the auxiliary drive via the high-voltage distributor (6) or the energy storage (2). Advantageously, a unified auxiliary drive can be used for different vehicles with different energy storages (2) if necessary.

[0060] In addition, in Figure 4 the inverter (I1) for the second output terminal (A2) is likewise not directly connected to the high-voltage distributor (6), but is connected thereto via the second converter (K2). Alternatively, the inverter (I1) can also be directly connected to the high-voltage distributor (6).

[0061] Conversely, Figure 4 the additional inverter (I1.1) in

[0062] Figure 5 is directly connected to the high-voltage distributor (6). If necessary, the additional inverter (I1.1) can also be connected to the high-voltage distributor (6) via the second converter (K2) alternatively. Figure 4 Similar to the Figure 2 configuration, in which the inverter (I1) and the additional inverter (I1.1), as in the embodiment shown in

[0063] for example, are replaced by a common bidirectional inverter (I2), thereby reducing the number of components. Accordingly, the second converter (K2) must be bidirectionally available.

[0064] Alternatively, in the embodiment described above, the bidirectional inverter (I2) can also be directly connected to the high-voltage distributor (6) alternatively according to the output terminal voltage of the second converter (K2) and the inverter (I1; I1.1; I2) used. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 or Figure 4 different from the embodiments described so far, no separate inverter (I3) is provided. An inverter (I1) with an output side connected to the switching switch (7) is provided. Accordingly, the inverter (I1) can be connected to the first output terminal (A1) via the switching switch (7) and thus to the auxiliary drive or its motor (3) or to the second output terminal (A2). Other structures are similar to, for example,

[0065] Therefore, the auxiliary drive can be directly powered by the current distributor unit (1) with the AC voltage required for the motor (3), which correspondingly reduces the components and structural space in the auxiliary drive.

[0066] Compared with Figure 6 Figure 7 ​A bidirectional inverter (I2) is provided, which replaces the inverter (I1) and the further inverter (I1.1). A connection to the first output (A1), the second output (A3) or the second input (E2) can be established via a switch (7).

[0067] Figure 8 The embodiment corresponds to Figure 7 , wherein the changeover switch (7) has been replaced by a selection unit (8). By means of the selection unit (8), any connection of the bidirectional inverter (I2) to various terminals (A1; A2; E2) can be established, wherein simultaneous connection is also possible.

[0068] The selection unit (8) can be designed as a demand-controlled switching circuit or as a circuit breaker or a fuse for isolating the connection of unnecessary or faulty terminals.

[0069] Of course, in other embodiments, a selection unit (8) may be provided to replace the switch (7), such as Figure 8 shown.

[0070] exist Figure 9 , a commercial vehicle is shown by way of example, in this example a tractor tractor, to which a semitrailer with an auxiliary drive is suspended, in this example a semitrailer for a dump truck.

[0071] A power distributor unit (1) and an energy storage device (2) are schematically provided on a commercial vehicle and are electrically connected to one another via a power line.

[0072] An auxiliary drive with an electric motor (3), for example an auxiliary drive for a hydraulic pump, is provided on the semitrailer. The auxiliary drive is also electrically conductively connected to the current distributor unit (1) by means of an energy line. Preferably, the energy line is designed as a cable with a plug connected to the auxiliary drive, which is connected to a first output (A1) designed as a corresponding counterpart.

[0073] In addition, a data line is likewise provided, by way of example, between the auxiliary driver and the current distributor unit in order to enable an information flow. For example, sensor data and / or control commands can be transmitted via the data line.

[0074] In addition to the example shown of the dump trailer, other body structures are certainly also feasible. Likewise, the present invention is not limited to saddle tractors, but is any vehicle, such as a truck, mobile crane, construction machinery and other commercial vehicles.

[0075] In addition, a plurality of terminals may be provided for, for example, the second output terminal, and these are also different terminals, such as plug-in sockets having different numbers of phases or voltages, which preferably correspond to the locally common power supply voltage. For example, in Europe, there is a three-phase plug or three-phase plug-in socket with three phases and 400 V, as well as one or more mains plug-in sockets with a single phase of 230 V. It is correspondingly different for other regions, such as in the United States with single-phase 120 V and two-phase 240 V, or in China with 127 V / 220 V or 220 V / 380 V. This frequency also corresponds to the frequency of the local power supply voltage, usually 50 Hz or 60 Hz.

[0076] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. As mentioned above, it is also possible to have only a single advantageous feature and combine them with each other.

[0077] List of reference signs

[0078] 1 Current distributor unit

[0079] 2 Energy storage

[0080] 3 Electric motor (auxiliary drive)

[0081] 4 On-board electrical network distributor

[0082] 5 Control device

[0083] 6 High-voltage distributor

[0084] 7 Changeover switch

[0085] 8 Selection unit

[0086] E1 First input terminal

[0087] E2 Second input terminal

[0088] A1 First output terminal

[0089] A2 Second output terminal

[0090] A3 Third output terminal

[0091] I1 Inverter

[0092] I1.1 Further inverter

[0093] I2 Inverter (bidirectional)

[0094] I3 Inverter (separate)

[0095] K1 First converter

[0096] K2 Second converter

Claims

1. A commercial vehicle having a current distributor unit (1) and at least one auxiliary drive with an electric motor (3), the current distributor unit (1) having: · A first input (E1) for connection to a high-voltage energy storage (2) of the commercial vehicle that provides a DC voltage; · A second input (E2) for connection to an external current source; · A first output (A1) for connection to the auxiliary drive; · A second output (A2) for connection to an external current collector; and · A third output (A3) for connection to a low-voltage vehicle electrical network; · A high-voltage distributor (6) that is connected to the first input (E1) and forms the connection between the high-voltage energy storage (2) and the other components of the current distributor unit (1); · A control unit (5) configured to at least monitor the high-voltage distributor (6) and control the components of the current distributor unit (1); · At least one inverter (I1; I1.1; I2) arranged in the current path between the high-voltage distributor (6) and at least one of the terminals for the first output (A1), the second output (A2), or the second input (E2); · A first converter (K1) arranged between the high-voltage distributor (6) and the third output (A3) and converting the DC voltage provided by the high-voltage distributor (6) into a lower DC voltage; and a data line is provided between the auxiliary driver and the current distributor unit (1), wherein, Sensor data and / or control commands can be transmitted via the data line.

2. The commercial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-voltage distributor (6) is directly connected to the first output (A1).

3. The commercial vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second converter (K2) is arranged between the high-voltage distributor (6) and the first output (A1).

4. The commercial vehicle according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, An inverter (I1; I2) is arranged before the first output (A1) and provides the AC voltage required for the auxiliary drive.

5. The commercial vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Separate inverters (I1; I1.1) are provided for the second output (A2) and the second input (E2).

6. The commercial vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A common inverter (I1; I1.1; I2) is provided for the second output (A2) and the second input (E2).

7. The commercial vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, The inverter (I2) is configured to be bidirectional.

8. The commercial vehicle according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, A common inverter (I1; I2) is provided for the first output (A1) and the second output (A2).

9. The commercial vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least two of the terminals for the first output (A1), the second output (A2), and the second input (E2) are connected to the other components of the current distributor unit (1) via a switching switch (7).

10. The commercial vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A plurality of second outputs (A2) are provided.

11. The commercial vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The second output (A2) and the second input (E2) are formed by terminals.

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