Separation devices and energy supply networks for motor vehicles

Abstract

This invention relates to a separation device (T) for an energy supply network (BN) of a motor vehicle (K), wherein the energy supply network (BN) has a first sub-network and a second sub-network (BN1, BN2), and the separation device includes a switching element (TE) for switchably coupling the first sub-network (BN1) and the second sub-network (BN2). The separation device (T) includes an adjustment unit (DR) configured to adjust at least one state parameter of the energy supply network (BN) by manipulating the switching element (TE).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a separation device for an energy supply network for a motor vehicle, wherein the energy supply network has a first sub-network and a second sub-network, and the separation device has a switching element for switchably coupling the first sub-network to the second sub-network. The invention also relates to an energy supply network for a motor vehicle and a method for operating the energy supply network for a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Safety-related vehicle functions, such as steering, braking, lighting, and windshield wipers, typically require an electrical power supply to ensure sufficient control over the driver. Therefore, adequate safety requirements must be placed on the energy supply. Especially in the event of a failure in the power supply network, safety-related energy consumers should still be supplied with power.

[0003] One possible technical implementation involves redundantly constructing the energy supply through two energy supply subnetworks or on-board electrical networks. Here, safety-related consumers and other consumers, such as comfort consumers, can be located in different subnetworks. Each subnetwork can be separated from the others via a disconnection device, allowing a faulty subnetwork to be reliably isolated from the remaining subnetworks in the sense of line protection.

[0004] For example, a highly available vehicle-mounted electrical network is described in document DE102014221281A1. The vehicle-mounted electrical network has a first subnetwork, a second subnetwork, and decoupling elements. These decoupling elements conductively interconnect the subnetworks during normal operation and, in the event of a fault in one subnetwork, cut off the energy flow between the two subnetworks and accordingly isolate the subnetworks from each other. For this purpose, the decoupling elements have switching elements that are conductive during normal operation and cut off in the event of a fault.

[0005] A disadvantage of this type of vehicle-mounted electrical network is that a short circuit in a consumer in one of the subnetworks causes a voltage drop in that subnetwork. Because the switching element in this case separates the two subnetworks from each other, in the subnetwork containing the faulty consumer, the other, healthy consumer may no longer be able to receive sufficient power. In particular, the voltage drop may cause the fuses used to disconnect or disconnect the faulty consumer, such as a fusible fuse, to fail to trigger quickly because the voltage level in the faulty subnetwork has collapsed and cannot receive power from the other subnetwork. This results in limited availability of the faulty subnetwork and, consequently, limited availability of the entire vehicle-mounted electrical network. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In this context, the objective of this invention is to provide an improved solution for a separation device for an energy supply network used in motor vehicles, thereby further improving the availability of the energy supply network.

[0007] Here, this task is solved according to the corresponding subject matter of the present invention.

[0008] The improved scheme is based on the idea that, in the event of a failure in one of the subnets, instead of permanently separating the two subnets from each other, at least one state parameter of the energy supply network is adjusted.

[0009] According to this improved scheme, a separation device for an energy supply network of a motor vehicle is provided. The energy supply network has a first sub-network and a second sub-network. The separation device has a switching element to switchably couple, in particular, electrically connect, the first sub-network and the second sub-network. The separation device has an adjustment unit configured to adjust at least one state parameter of the energy supply network by manipulating the switching element.

[0010] The subnet here and in the following text can be understood as the energy supply subnet.

[0011] The switching element can switchably couple the first subnet and the second subnet to each other. It can be understood that the electrical connection between the subnets can be selectively established and interrupted by the switching element.

[0012] Here, the switching element may in particular include a semiconductor switching element, such as a power semiconductor switching element, especially a power transistor. For example, the switching element may include a field-effect transistor, a FET (especially a MOS-FET), or a bipolar transistor IGBT with an insulated gate electrode.

[0013] In particular, the switching element may have a first terminal for connecting the switching element to a first subnet and a second terminal for connecting the switching element to a second subnet. Furthermore, the switching element may have a control terminal, such as a gate terminal, for obtaining a control signal, such as a gate voltage. The control terminal may in particular be connected to an adjustment unit.

[0014] The switching element is manipulated by an adjustment unit, which specifically includes generating, providing, and / or changing control signals at the control terminals of the switching element. In particular, the adjustment unit is configured to generate, in particular time-dependently, a control signal for adjusting the at least one state parameter, such that the conductivity of the switching element, particularly between the first and second terminals of the switching element, changes accordingly with the adjustment.

[0015] For example, the switching element can switch to a conducting, i.e., closed state or a non-conducting, i.e., open state depending on the corresponding value of the control signal. In particular, the switching element can therefore operate in a saturation range, such that by changing the control signal, the conductivity of the switching element between the first and second terminals can be switched between two approximately constant values.

[0016] The adjustment unit may, for example, include one or more sensor elements for detecting the at least one state parameter as an adjustment parameter for adjustment. The adjustment unit may also include a regulator configured to determine a value for a control signal based on the detected at least one adjustment parameter and generate a control signal accordingly.

[0017] The control unit can be implemented as a digital control unit, for example.

[0018] The at least one state parameter can also be understood as a state vector having at least one state parameter. If the state vector contains more than one state parameter, the adjustment unit can, for example, be configured to adjust the state parameters through cascaded adjustment.

[0019] Especially under fault-free operation of the energy supply network, particularly the two sub-networks, energy flow between the two sub-networks is possible, especially from the first sub-network to the second sub-network. That is, the corresponding transmission current can flow from one sub-network to the other via a separation device.

[0020] Based on the voltage ratio in the two subnets, especially in the case of a faulty operating state of the energy supply network, i.e. a fault in the first or second subnet, energy flow from the second subnet to the first subnet is possible.

[0021] The first subnet may, for example, have a first consumer and a first energy source for supplying energy to the first consumer. Furthermore, the first subnet may have electrical or electronic safety devices, such as fuses, that couple, particularly electrically, the first consumer to the first energy source.

[0022] The second subnet may, for example, have a second consumer and a second energy source for supplying energy to the second consumer.

[0023] However, by using a separation device to couple the subnets, the first energy source can also supply energy to the second subnet, especially to the second consumer and / or the second energy source, particularly under fault-free operating conditions.

[0024] Similarly, especially in the event of a fault in the first subnet, the second energy source can provide energy to the first subnet, especially to another first consumer and / or the safety device of the first subnet.

[0025] By adjusting the at least one state parameter, especially in the faulty operating state of the energy supply network, particularly the first subnetwork, it is possible that the two subnetworks are not permanently separated from each other even in the event of a fault, and thus limit the energy flow from the faulty subnetwork to the fault-free subnetwork.

[0026] Furthermore, a faulty subnet, such as the first subnet, can be powered through a fault-free subnet, such as the second subnet. This provides sufficient power to the safety devices in the first subnet. If, for example, a first consumer fails, the supplied power (i.e., the first consumer) can be quickly disconnected from the first subnet by triggering the safety device. This also allows for the rapid re-supply of power to another faulty first consumer in the first subnet.

[0027] Thus, on the one hand, line protection is ensured, especially the protection of the fault-free second subnet, and on the other hand, the availability of the other first consumers in the first subnet is improved by adjustment.

[0028] Overall, this further improves the availability of the entire energy supply network.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment of the separation device, the regulating unit is configured to regulate at least one state parameter during faulty operation of the energy supply network, especially the first subnetwork, particularly in the event of a fault in the first consumer or a fault in a circuit branch of the first subnetwork containing the first consumer.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment, the separation device includes an inductor arranged between the switching element and one of the subnets, i.e., between the switching element and the first subnet or between the switching element and the second subnet.

[0031] In other words, the switching element can thus electrically connect the first subnet and the second switching network to each other via an inductor.

[0032] Inductor components can be, for example, part of an electrical circuit with corresponding line inductance, or dedicated inductor structural elements, such as choke coils.

[0033] For example, the first subnet may have a first output terminal for connecting the first subnet to the separation device, and the second subnet may have a second output terminal for connecting the second subnet to the separation device. In particular, the first energy source may have an output terminal connected to the first output terminal, and the second energy source may have an output terminal connected to the second output terminal of the second subnet.

[0034] An inductor is arranged between the switching element and one of the subnets. Therefore, it is understood that a first terminal of the inductor is connected to a first terminal of the switching element, and a second terminal of the inductor is connected to a first output terminal of the first subnet. Alternatively, the first terminal of the inductor may be connected to a second terminal of the switching element, and the second terminal of the inductor may be connected to a second output terminal of the second subnet.

[0035] By employing inductive components and a specific arrangement between the switching elements and the corresponding subnets, the energy flow, particularly the current intensity, between the first and second subnets can be limited under faulty operating conditions. This prevents failure of safety-related consumers in the second subnet, especially should a fault occur in the first subnet. The regulating device allows operation of both subnets even under fault conditions.

[0036] According to at least one embodiment, the separation device includes a freewheeling element arranged in parallel with an inductor or arranged between the inductor and a constant reference potential. The reference potential may, for example, correspond to a ground terminal.

[0037] Accordingly, the freewheeling component may therefore have a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal being connected to the first terminal of the inductor and the second terminal being connected to the second terminal of the inductor.

[0038] Alternatively, the first or second terminal of the freewheeling component can be connected to a reference potential.

[0039] The freewheeling component may include, for example, a diode.

[0040] The freewheeling component may include, for example, a resistor, particularly an ohmic resistor, especially a resistive structural element, which is connected in series with the diode.

[0041] The freewheeling element can limit the voltage drop across the inductor when switching inductors. This helps prevent overvoltage in the subnet.

[0042] According to at least one embodiment, the regulating unit is configured to operate the switching element during a fault-free operating state of the energy supply network, particularly the first sub-network, such that the switching element remains closed during the fault-free operating state.

[0043] In other words, the switching element remains in a conductive state during fault-free operation.

[0044] This enables energy flow between subnets during fault-free operation.

[0045] In particular, one or more regulation rating parameters, regulation rating limits, or regulation rating ranges can be adjusted or selected accordingly, so that the switching element can remain closed continuously during fault-free operation.

[0046] In particular, the adjustment can be made, for example, based on a rated range with one or more half-sides open.

[0047] Therefore, energy can be saved even during fault-free operation, for example, compared to dynamic adjustment of switching elements.

[0048] According to at least one embodiment, the regulating unit is configured to operate the switching element during a faulty operating state of the energy supply network, especially the first sub-network, such that the switching element is not permanently closed.

[0049] In other words, the switching element repeatedly opens and closes during a faulty operating state in order to adjust the at least one state parameter.

[0050] According to at least one embodiment, the adjustment unit is configured to modulate and generate control signals for manipulating switching elements in a faulty operating state of the first subnet, so as to adjust the at least one state parameter.

[0051] Here, the faulty operating state of the first subnet specifically corresponds to a fault in the first consumer or a fault in the circuit branch of the first subnet containing the first consumer. This can cause an increased current flow in the corresponding circuit branch of the first subnet due to fault current or short circuit. Correspondingly, the voltage in the second subnet—especially at the second consumer—can also decrease.

[0052] The control signal is generated in a modulated manner, meaning that its value varies with time. This is achieved, in particular, by the switching state of the switching element varying with time between conduction and non-conduction or between closing and opening.

[0053] This enables more precise, reliable, and rapid adjustment of the at least one state parameter.

[0054] In particular, the regulating unit can be configured to generate control signals via pulse width modulation during faulty operating conditions.

[0055] According to at least one embodiment, the at least one state parameter includes a voltage applied to the second subnet, and in particular to the second consumer of the second subnet.

[0056] Due to faults in the first subnet and corresponding fault currents in the first subnet, energy is transferred from the second subnet to the first subnet via a second energy source in the second subnet, causing the voltage on the second consumer to drop without appropriate adjustment.

[0057] Therefore, this implementation protects the second subnet, especially the second consumer, from undervoltage, i.e., insufficient voltage supply, thereby improving the availability of the second subnet.

[0058] According to at least one embodiment, the regulation rating or regulation limit value for the voltage is greater than or equal to a preset allowable minimum voltage for the second consumer.

[0059] Here and below, unless otherwise explicitly stated otherwise, voltage may be understood as the numerical value of voltage.

[0060] The voltage on the second consumer can also be adjusted indirectly, for example, by adjusting the output voltage of the second energy source.

[0061] When both energy networks are operating without faults, the voltage on the second consumer is greater than a preset minimum voltage or regulation rating or limit value, even without modulation of the conductivity of the switching element, so that the regulation unit can permanently close the switching element in this case.

[0062] In particular, during faulty operation of the first subnet, a correspondingly high fault current may occur in the first subnet, causing the voltage to drop in the second subnet as described above. This regulation then keeps the voltage on the second consumer above the regulation limit or adjusts the voltage to the regulation rating.

[0063] In embodiments where the adjustment rating is greater than or equal to the minimum voltage for the second consumer, adjustments to the adjustment rating are made with appropriate tolerances if necessary.

[0064] In embodiments where the voltage regulation limit for the second consumer is greater than or equal to the minimum voltage, regulation is particularly performed within the rated range, wherein the rated range can be open on one side. Specifically, the regulation limit is then equal to the minimum limit of the rated range.

[0065] In such an implementation, it is therefore possible to ensure that the voltage is not lower than the preset minimum voltage for the second consumer, thereby ensuring the availability of the second consumer.

[0066] According to at least one embodiment, the at least one state parameter, particularly during the faulty operation of the first subnet, includes the current intensity of the transmission current from the second subnet to the first subnet.

[0067] Here, the transmission current flows through the switching element and, if necessary, through the inductor.

[0068] Without adjustments based on the improved scheme, the second subnet cannot supply energy to the first subnet in the form of transmission current because the subnets will remain permanently separated from each other in faulty operating conditions.

[0069] Through this adjustment, sufficient energy can also be transferred from the second subnet to the first subnet, thereby triggering the safety device of the first consumer as quickly as possible.

[0070] This improves the availability of another first consumer in the first subnet.

[0071] According to at least one embodiment, the adjustment rating or adjustment limit value of the current intensity is less than or equal to the preset maximum switchable current intensity of the switching element.

[0072] In trouble-free operation, the current intensity is less than the maximum switchable current, even without any control over the conductivity of the switching element, allowing the switching element to close, especially for an extended period.

[0073] In the event of a malfunction, the regulation ensures, for example, that sufficient energy can be transferred from the second subnet to the first subnet.

[0074] According to this improved scheme, an energy supply network for motor vehicles is also provided. This energy supply network has a first sub-network, which has a first consumer and a first energy source for supplying energy to the first consumer. Furthermore, the first sub-network has a safety device, particularly an electrical or electronic safety device, which couples, particularly electrically, the first consumer to the first energy source. The energy supply network has a second sub-network, which has a second consumer and a second energy source for supplying energy to the second consumer. The energy supply network has a separation device according to the improved scheme, wherein the first sub-network and the second sub-network are switchably coupled, particularly electrically connected, via the separation element.

[0075] The first terminal of the first consumer is connected directly or indirectly to the first output terminal of the first subnet, and the second terminal of the first consumer is connected directly or indirectly to the reference potential.

[0076] The first terminal of the second consumer is connected directly or indirectly to the second output terminal of the second subnet, and the second terminal of the second consumer is connected directly or indirectly to the reference potential.

[0077] The safety device can also be called an overcurrent protection device and can be designed as a fuse in particular.

[0078] In particular, the improved scheme is especially advantageous in such an implementation because, as described above regarding the separation device, a sufficiently high current can be quickly provided from the second subnet to the first subnet even in the event of a failure in the first subnet, enabling the fuse to be triggered quickly and the faulty first consumer to be safely separated.

[0079] According to at least one embodiment of the energy supply network, the first energy source includes a generator and / or a first electric storage device.

[0080] The first energy storage device can be designed as a battery or a storage battery.

[0081] According to at least one embodiment, the first energy source includes a converter, particularly a rectifier.

[0082] The converter can be positioned between the generator and the first energy storage unit and / or between the generator and the first output terminal of the first subgrid to convert the AC voltage generated by the generator into DC voltage.

[0083] According to at least one embodiment, the second energy source includes a second electrical storage device, which is particularly designed as a battery or accumulator.

[0084] According to at least one embodiment, the first subnet includes at least one additional first consumer, which is arranged in parallel with the first consumer.

[0085] The first terminal of the at least one additional first consumer is connected, in particular, directly or indirectly, to the first output terminal of the first subnet, and the second terminal of the at least one additional first consumer is connected, in particular, directly or indirectly, to the reference potential.

[0086] According to at least one embodiment, the second subnet includes at least one additional second consumer, which is arranged in parallel with the second consumer.

[0087] The first terminal of the at least one additional second consumer is connected, in particular, directly or indirectly, to the second output terminal of the second subnet, and the second terminal of the at least one additional second consumer is connected, in particular, directly or indirectly, to the reference potential.

[0088] According to at least one embodiment, the first consumer and, in particular, the at least one additional first consumer, especially all consumers in the first subnet, are designed according to a first ASIL classification level, and the second consumer and, in particular, the at least one additional second consumer, such as all consumers in the second subnet, are designed according to a second ASIL classification level. Here, the second ASIL classification level is higher than the first ASIL classification level.

[0089] The ASIL classification level can be understood specifically as the level in the version of the ISO 26262 industry standard that came into effect on April 1, 2020.

[0090] For example, ASIL classification levels include classification level QM, classification level ASIL-A, classification level ASIL-B, classification level ASIL-C, and / or classification level ASIL-D.

[0091] The classification class ASIL-D corresponds to the highest ASIL classification class, and the classification class QM corresponds to the lowest classification class.

[0092] According to at least one implementation, the first consumer is designed according to classification level QM and the second consumer is designed according to classification level ASIL-B or higher.

[0093] In this implementation, all safety-related or higher-level safety-related consumers are located in the second subnet. Less safety-related or safety-independent consumers, such as comfort consumers, are located in the first subnet.

[0094] Therefore, on the one hand, the availability of safety-related consumers can be ensured in the event of a fault, especially in the case of a faulty operating state of the first subnet, by adjusting at least one state parameter, specifically by limiting energy transfer between subnets. On the other hand, this adjustment also ensures the availability of safety-independent consumers that are not faulty. Thus, the overall availability of the energy supply system is improved, and the comfort of vehicle users is enhanced.

[0095] Based on this improved scheme, a motor vehicle with an energy supply network is also proposed.

[0096] According to this improved scheme, a method for operating an energy supply network for motor vehicles or motor vehicles is also provided. This energy supply network has a first subnetwork and a second subnetwork, the second subnetwork being switchably coupled to the first subnetwork via a separating element. At least one state parameter of the energy supply network is adjusted by manipulating the switching element, particularly by means of an adjustment unit of the energy supply network.

[0097] Further embodiments of the method for operating an energy supply network are derived directly from different designs of the separation device according to the improved scheme and the energy supply network according to the improved scheme, and conversely.

[0098] In particular, the separation device according to the improved scheme can be configured to perform the method according to the improved scheme, or to perform this method. In particular, the energy supply network according to the improved scheme can be configured to perform the method according to the improved scheme and to perform this method.

[0099] Further features of the invention are derived from the claims, drawings, and description of the drawings. The features and combinations thereof mentioned above in the specification, as well as those mentioned below in the description of the drawings and / or shown separately in the drawings, can be used not only in the combinations given separately, but also in other combinations or individually. Attached Figure Description

[0100] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0101] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle having an exemplary embodiment of an energy supply network according to an improved scheme is shown; and

[0102] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary implementation of an energy supply network according to the improved scheme is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0103] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a motor vehicle K, which has an energy supply network BN according to an improved scheme.

[0104] The energy supply network BN has a first subnetwork BN1 and a second subnetwork BN2, as well as a separation device T, which couples each subnetwork BN1 and BN2 to the other.

[0105] The first subnet BN1 has a first energy source Q1 and a first consumer V1. The first energy source is connected to a separation device T, and the first consumer is connected between the output terminal of the first energy source Q1 and a reference potential, particularly a ground terminal. Here, a safety device SNG, such as a fuse, is arranged particularly between the first consumer V1 and the first energy source Q1.

[0106] The second subnet BN2 has a second energy source Q2 and a second consumer V2. The second energy source is connected to the separation device T, and the second consumer is arranged between the reference potential and the output of the second energy source Q2.

[0107] The separation device T has a switching element TE, which is coupled to each subnet BN1, BN2, such that the switching element TE electrically connects each subnet BN1, BN2 to each other in the closed state and separates each subnet BN1, BN2 from each other in the open or disconnected state.

[0108] The switching element TE has a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal being connected to a first subnet BN1 and the second terminal being connected to a second subnet BN2.

[0109] The switching element TE can be designed as a transistor, such as an IGBT or a FET, such as a MOS-FET. The first and second terminals of the switching element TE then correspond, for example, to the collector terminal and emitter terminal of the switching element TE, or vice versa, or to the source terminal and drain terminal of the switching element TE, or vice versa. Furthermore, the switching element TE has a control terminal, such as a gate electrode.

[0110] The separation device T further includes an adjustment unit DR, which is connected to the switching element TE, and in particular, a control terminal. The adjustment unit DR can provide a control signal, in particular a gate voltage, at the control terminal to open or close the switching element TE, i.e., switch it to an open or closed state.

[0111] The regulating unit DR is configured to manipulate the switching element TE by providing a control signal, thereby regulating at least one state parameter of the energy supply network BN.

[0112] exist Figure 2 The diagram illustrates another exemplary implementation of the energy supply network BN according to the improved scheme, wherein, for example, it can be based on... Figure 2 Energy supply network BN is designed Figure 1 The energy supply network BN. In particular, Figure 2 BN energy supply network based Figure 1 The energy supply network BN will be discussed below only for its differences or special characteristics.

[0113] According to Figure 2 In the implementation of the energy supply network BN, the splitting device T has a transistor, such as a FET, as a switching element TE, the gate electrode of which is connected to the regulating unit DR. Furthermore, the splitting device T has an inductor component SBE, which can be configured as a choke coil or a line inductor, for example. The inductor component SBE is connected in series with the switching element TE, particularly between the outputs of the first and second subnetworks BN1 and BN2.

[0114] Furthermore, the separation device T includes a freewheeling path having a freewheeling diode D and a series resistor W connected in series with the freewheeling diode D. The freewheeling path, in particular the series circuit having the freewheeling diode D and the series resistor W, is connected in parallel with the inductor component SBE.

[0115] In an alternative implementation, the freewheeling path can also be arranged between the terminals of the inductor component SBE and the reference potential.

[0116] The regulating unit DR, for example, has a regulator R and a sensor device S. The sensor device S can detect or measure at least one state parameter of the energy supply network BN, and the regulator R can determine a value for a control signal based on the measured at least one state parameter and provide that value to the control electrode of the switching element TE.

[0117] The first energy source Q1 may include, for example, a first battery (not shown) and a generator (not shown). The first energy source Q1 may also have a converter KNV, which is configured and arranged to convert the output voltage of the generator into a DC voltage and, for example, supply it to the first consumer V1 and / or the first battery. The second energy source Q2 particularly includes a second battery.

[0118] For example, the first subnet BN1 may have an additional first consumer V1' and an additional fuse SNG'. The additional first consumer V1' and the additional fuse SNG' are connected in series and arranged between the reference potential and the output of the first subnet BN1.

[0119] For example, the second subnet BN2 may have an additional second consumer V2', which is arranged between the reference potential and the output of the second subnet BN2.

[0120] The second consumers V2 and V2' can be, for example, safety-related consumers, and the second energy source Q2 can be a safe energy source. The second consumers V2 and V2' and / or the second energy source Q2 can be designed according to ASIL-B, for example.

[0121] The first consumers V1 and V1' can be designed, for example, according to ASIL classification level QM and are supplied with energy by the first energy source Q1.

[0122] During normal or fault-free operation of the energy supply network BN, the switching element TE—especially the one controlled by the regulating unit DR—is closed. Therefore, the second energy source Q2 can be supplied with energy through the first energy source Q1.

[0123] Even if the second subnet BN2—for example, due to the diagnostic slowdown of the second energy source Q2—can not function perfectly, energy can still be supplied to the safety-related consumers V2 and V2' through the first energy source Q1.

[0124] In the event of a fault, such as a short circuit, in the first subnet BN1, particularly the first consumer V1, it is desirable to isolate the faulty consumer V1 as quickly as possible by triggering the fuse SNG. For this purpose, it is especially necessary to provide sufficient energy to the fuse SNG, which is designed, for example, as a fusible fuse, for triggering.

[0125] In this case, by adjusting the at least one state parameter by the adjustment unit DR, it is ensured that the separation device T does not completely separate the two subnets BN1 and BN2 from each other, but instead achieves a current limiting function that maintains the connection of the two subnets BN1 and BN2 via the inductor component SBE, which serves as a current limiting element.

[0126] Therefore, in the event of a fault, regulated operation can be achieved by adjusting at least one of the state parameters.

[0127] Here, regulation can be implemented using methods known per se. For example, cascaded regulation can be used, which includes current regulation for the first subgrid BN1 and downstream voltage regulation for the second subgrid BN2.

[0128] Thus, for example, in the event of a fault, the second energy source Q2 of the second subnetwork BN2 can provide the maximum fault current for the first subnetwork BN1, so as to trigger the fuse SNG in the faulty branch as quickly as possible. The maximum fault current can always be set below the switching limit of the switching element TE, i.e., below the maximum switchable current, which is determined by the size of the switching element TE.

[0129] The voltage regulation at the lower level in the second subnet BN2 is used, for example, to protect safety-related consumers V2 and V2' from undervoltage, which could cause the corresponding safety-related consumers V2 and V2' to fail. Accordingly, the voltage regulation rating can be preset to be equal to the minimum permissible voltage at the safety-related consumers V2 and V2'.

[0130] The voltage regulation can also be indirectly adjusted by the output voltage of the second energy source Q2 if necessary.

[0131] In the event of a fault, such as a short circuit, at the non-safety-related first consumer V1, a high fault current or short-circuit current may be generated, causing a sharp drop in voltage at the safety-related consumers V2 and V2' without regulation. Consequently, the safety-related consumers V2 and V2' will no longer be able to reliably perform their defined safety functions. This state is avoided by a separation device T, which is clock-controlled, for example in the microsecond range, to separate and reconnect the subnets BN1 and BN2, for example, by controlling the switching element TE through pulse width modulation.

[0132] In the event of a fault, the voltage in the first subnet BN1 drops sharply without adjusting at least one of the state parameters, causing the first energy source Q1 to no longer be able to trigger the safety device SNG. In this situation, functions that are important or comfort-related to operating the vehicle K via the consumables V1, V2, V1' are no longer available.

[0133] This state can also be avoided through the separation device and the described adjustments.

[0134] Therefore, in the event of a fault, the maximum available and permissible current is regulated by the inductor component SBE. Coupled voltage regulation ensures that the voltage does not fall below the minimum permissible voltage at the safety-related consumer V2 and V2', and does not exceed the switching limit of the switching element TE. Thus, in the event of a fault in the first consumer V1, the fuse SNG can be triggered as quickly as possible, and the energy supply in the first subnet BN1 can be maintained.

[0135] By using the inductive component SBE and corresponding current regulation, the power consumption of the separation device can be reduced, especially during continuous operation, without additional cumbersome measures such as thermal monitoring.

[0136] As described in the attached diagram, this improves the availability of the energy supply network.

[0137] List of reference numerals

[0138] BN Energy Supply Network

[0139] BN1 and BN2 subnets

[0140] D freewheeling diode

[0141] DR adjustment unit

[0142] K Motor Vehicle

[0143] KNV converter

[0144] Q1 and Q2 energy sources

[0145] R regulator

[0146] S sensor device

[0147] SBE inductor components

[0148] SNG, SNG' safety device

[0149] T separation device

[0150] TE switching element

[0151] V1, V1', V2, V2' Consumers

[0152] W is a series resistor.

Claims

1. A separation device for an energy supply network (BN) of a motor vehicle (K), wherein, - The energy supply network (BN) has a first subnetwork (BN1) and a second subnetwork (BN2); and - The separation device (T) has a switching element (TE) so that the first subnet (BN1) and the second subnet (BN2) can be switchedly coupled; Its features are, - The separation device (T) includes a regulating unit (DR) configured to adjust at least one state parameter of the energy supply network (BN) by manipulating the switching element (TE), and - The switching element repeatedly opens and closes during a faulty operating state in order to adjust the at least one state parameter, wherein by adjusting the at least one state parameter in the faulty operating state of the first subnet, it is possible to achieve that the two subnets are not permanently separated from each other even in the faulty condition and, nevertheless, to limit the energy flow from the faulty subnet to the fault-free subnet.

2. The separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation device (T) includes an inductor (SBE) disposed between the switching element (TE) and one of the subnets (BN1, BN2).

3. The separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The separation device (T) includes a freewheeling element (D, W) arranged in parallel with the inductor (SBE) or arranged between the inductor (SBE) and a constant reference potential.

4. The separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The regulating unit (DR) is configured to operate the switching element (TE) during the fault-free operation of the energy supply network (BN) such that the switching element is permanently closed.

5. The separation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The adjustment unit (DR) is configured to modulate and generate or modulate a control signal for operating the switching element (TE) in a faulty operating state of the first subnet (BN1) in order to adjust the at least one state parameter.

6. The separation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The at least one state parameter includes the voltage applied to the second consumer (V2) of the second subnet (BN2).

7. The separation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The voltage regulation rating or the voltage regulation limit is greater than or equal to the preset minimum voltage for the second consumer (V2).

8. The separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The at least one state parameter includes the current intensity of the transmission current from the second subnet (BN2) to the first subnet (BN1).

9. The separation device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The current intensity adjustment rating or the current intensity adjustment limit is less than or equal to the preset maximum switchable current intensity of the switching element (TE).

10. An energy supply network for a motor vehicle (K), said energy supply network having: - A first subnet (BN1), the first subnet having a first consumer (V1), a first energy source (Q1) for supplying energy to the first consumer (V1), and a safety device (SNG) coupling the first consumer (V1) to the first energy source (Q1); and - Second subnet (BN2), the second subnet having a second consumer (V2) and a second energy source (Q2) for supplying energy to the second consumer (V2); Its features are, The energy supply network (BN) has a separation device (T) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first sub-network (BN1) is switchably coupled to the second sub-network (BN2) via the switching element (TE).

11. The energy supply network according to claim 10, characterized in that, The electrical safety device (SNG) is designed as a fusible fuse.

12. The energy supply network according to claim 10 or 11, Its features are, - The first energy source (Q1) includes a generator; and / or - The first energy source (Q1) includes a first electrical energy storage device; and / or - The first energy source (Q1) includes a converter (KNV); and / or - The second energy source (Q2) includes a second electric energy storage device.

13. The energy supply network according to claim 12, characterized in that, The converter is a rectifier.

14. The energy supply network according to claim 10 or 11, Its features are, - The first subnet (BN1) includes at least one additional first consumer (V1'), which is arranged in parallel with the first consumer (V1); and / or - The second subnet (BN2) includes at least one additional second consumer (V2'), which is arranged in parallel with the second consumer (V2).

15. The energy supply network according to claim 10 or 11, Its features are, - The first consumer (V1) is designed according to a first ASIL classification level, and the second consumer (V2) is designed according to a second ASIL classification level, wherein the second ASIL classification level is higher than the first ASIL classification level; and / or - The first consumer (V1) is designed according to ASIL classification level QM, and the second consumer (V2) is designed according to ASIL classification level ASIL-B or higher.

16. A method for operating an energy supply network for motor vehicles, the energy supply network having a first subnetwork (BN1) and a second subnetwork (BN2), the second subnetwork being switchably coupled to the first subnetwork (BN1) via a switching element (TE), characterized in that, At least one state parameter of the energy supply network (BN) is adjusted by manipulating the switching element (TE), and the switching element is repeatedly opened and closed during a faulty operating state in order to adjust the at least one state parameter. By adjusting the at least one state parameter in the faulty operating state of the first subnetwork, it is possible to achieve that the two subnetworks are not permanently separated from each other even in the event of a fault, and thus to limit the energy flow from the faulty subnetwork to the fault-free subnetwork.

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