Apparatus and method for discharging a capacitor

Abstract

A method for discharging a capacitor (150, 350). An active discharge circuit (202; 302) is connected in parallel with the capacitor (150, 350). An interface (210; 310) provides a signal connection (211; 311) between a message-based communication system (148, 212) and the active discharge circuit (202; 302). The interface (210; 310) includes at least one input (214, 216, 218, 220, 222) for receiving a message from the message-based communication system (148, 212). The interface (210; 310) includes a wake-up function (224). The at least one input (214, 216, 218, 220, 222) includes an input (218) for the wake-up function (224). The method comprises: receiving (401) a disable discharge command message of the message for disabling discharge of the capacitor (150, 350) at an input (218) for a wake-up function (224), wherein upon cessation of the disable discharge command message, discharging of the capacitor (150, 350) is enabled. A device (200; 300) for discharging a capacitor (150; 350) is provided, wherein the device (200; 300) comprises an interface (210; 310) and an active discharge circuit (202; 302) connectable in parallel with the capacitor (150; 350).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention relate to a method for discharging a capacitor. Aspects of the present invention also relate to an apparatus for discharging a capacitor. Background Art

[0002] Typically, electrical devices, such as electronic components, that are electrically connected to an electrical system may be equipped with one or more capacitors as electrical buffers. This may be the case, for example, with electrical devices that are connected to the electrical system of a vehicle, such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The electrical system of a vehicle, referred to as the vehicle electrical system or vehicle high voltage system (VCB), may be electrically connected or connectable to a battery or batteries of the vehicle, which may be provided as one or more battery packs. For example, the vehicle electrical system may transmit power or current between various electrical devices or units included in a vehicle, such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The vehicle electrical system may transmit power or current from the battery to an electric motor or electric motors that drive or propel the vehicle. In certain circumstances, for example for safety reasons, the above-mentioned capacitors should be discharged occasionally. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The inventors of the present invention have discovered disadvantages of conventional solutions for discharging capacitors. For example, a communication or control system allocated to control capacitor discharge may require additional cable bundles or wire harnesses to achieve control or management of capacitor discharge.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution that alleviates or solves the disadvantages and problems of conventional solutions.

[0005] The above and further objects are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects are achieved by a method for discharging a capacitor,

[0007] wherein an active discharge circuit is connected in parallel with the capacitor,

[0008] wherein the interface provides a signal connection between the message-based communication system and the active discharge circuit,

[0009] wherein said interface comprises at least one input for receiving a message from said message-based communication system,

[0010] Wherein said interface includes a wake-up function,

[0011] wherein said at least one input comprises an input for said wake-up function,

[0012] The method comprises:

[0013] receiving a disable discharge command message of the message for disabling discharge of the capacitor at an input for the wake-up function,

[0014] When the disable discharge command message is stopped, the capacitor discharge is enabled.

[0015] The capacitor may be included in or be part of an electrical circuit included in, or be part of, or be electrically connected to an electrical device electrically connected to an electrical system. In some embodiments, at least one input of the interface may include multiple inputs, i.e., two or more inputs, for receiving messages from the message-based communication system. Thus, the interface may include multiple inputs for receiving messages from the message-based communication system.

[0016] An advantage of the method according to the first aspect is that an interface associated with a message-based communication system and already having an input for a wake-up function does not need to be equipped with any additional inputs specifically for receiving a disable discharge command message and controlling the active discharge circuit and capacitor discharge. Furthermore, without the need to add additional inputs for controlling capacitor discharge, fewer cable bundles are required, thereby saving cables and space for the cable bundles. Consequently, the interface and / or communication system are simplified, and the efficiency of the interface and communication system is improved. Consequently, the efficiency of the discharge function is improved.

[0017] When many or several electrical devices, each with a capacitor, are to be connected to an electrical system, conventional solutions require even more additional cable bundles to control the discharge of all capacitors. Therefore, in these situations, i.e., when there are many capacitors, the innovative method according to the first aspect further improves the simplicity and / or efficiency of the interface and communication system, since even fewer cable bundles are required compared to conventional solutions, thus saving even more cables and even more space for cable bundles compared to conventional solutions. Therefore, in these situations, i.e., when there are many capacitors, the efficiency of capacitor discharge is further improved by the method according to the first aspect.

[0018] An advantage of the method according to the first aspect is that, since no electronic control unit (ECU) needs to be woken up or activated to control the active discharge circuit and discharge the capacitor, the interface and / or communication system consumes less power or energy, whereas activation of the electronic control unit (ECU) would consume more power. Consequently, the efficiency of the interface and communication system is also improved, and the efficiency of the discharge function is improved.

[0019] As defined above, the interface is configured to receive messages from a message-based communication system. However, it should be understood that a message-based communication system can also be configured to receive messages output (e.g., output by the interface) to a message-based communication system. A message-based communication system can be referred to as a message-based protocol communication system. It can be defined that a message-based communication system is based on message passing. With respect to a communication system, message passing can be described as a technique in which, for example, an entity sends a message to a process and the process selects and runs some appropriate code. Message passing can be described as being different from conventional programming, in which processes, subroutines, or functions are called directly by name. The messages can also be referred to as frames. Therefore, a message-based communication system can also be referred to as a frame-based communication system.

[0020] An active discharge circuit is a device that actively discharges a capacitor, for example, by connecting a resistor and a switch in series and then both connected in parallel with the capacitor to be provided with the discharge function, wherein the switch is switched to turn the capacitor discharge on or off. In contrast to active discharge circuits, there are passive discharge circuits, which typically include a resistor (bleeder resistor) with a generally high resistance value, but without any switch, connected in parallel with the capacitor to be provided with the discharge function. Passive discharge circuits continuously discharge the capacitor to a certain extent. In general, active discharge circuits are more attractive than passive discharge circuits because using an active discharge circuit can reduce losses in the system when the capacitor is actively used.

[0021] The wake-up functionality is disclosed in more detail in the detailed description below in this document.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the method comprises:

[0023] Receiving the disable discharge command message at the input for the wake-up function is stopped in order to enable discharge of the capacitor.

[0024] An advantage of this embodiment is that the efficiency of the interface and the communication system is further improved. Consequently, the efficiency of the discharge function is further improved.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the interface comprises an output for a signal to an active discharge circuit,

[0026] The method comprises:

[0027] In response to receiving the disable discharge command message at the input for the wake-up function, a disable discharge signal for disabling discharge of the capacitor is output at the output.

[0028] An advantage of this embodiment is that the efficiency of the interface and the communication system is further improved. Consequently, the efficiency of the discharge function is further improved.

[0029] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the method comprises:

[0030] In response to stopping the disable discharge command message, outputting an enable discharge signal at the output for enabling discharge of the capacitor.

[0031] An advantage of this embodiment is that the efficiency of the interface and the communication system is further improved. Consequently, the efficiency of the discharge function is further improved.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the method comprises:

[0033] When a discharge disable signal is output from the output, a timer circuit is triggered to start timing, whereby a time period of the timer circuit starts running,

[0034] repeating the disable discharge signal to the active discharge circuit via the timer circuit during the time period, and

[0035] Upon expiration of the time period, repeating of the disable discharge signal to the active discharge circuit by the timer circuit is stopped.

[0036] An advantage of this embodiment is that the control of the capacitor discharge is further improved. Thus, the efficiency of the discharge function is further increased.

[0037] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the signal connection between the message-based communication system and the active discharge circuit is via the timer circuit. This embodiment has the advantage that the control of the capacitor discharge is further improved. As a result, the efficiency of the discharge function is further increased.

[0038] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the method comprises:

[0039] By means of the wake-up function, the interface is woken up or activated to process only the disable discharge command message to disable and / or enable the capacitor discharge.

[0040] An advantage of this embodiment is that the power consumption of the interface and / or communication system is further reduced. As a result, the efficiency of the interface and communication system is further improved. As a result, the efficiency of the discharge function is further improved.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the active discharge circuit comprises a resistive component, and

[0042] Discharge switch,

[0043] wherein the resistance component and the discharge switch are connected in series, and

[0044] The interface provides a signal connection between the message-based communication system and the discharge switch.

[0045] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the discharge switch comprises a control terminal for selectively closing and opening the discharge switch, wherein the interface provides a signal connection between the message-based communication system and the control terminal of the discharge switch.

[0046] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the interface provides a signal connection between an output of the interface and a control terminal of the discharge switch.

[0047] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the input for the wake-up function includes an input pin. This embodiment has the advantage that an interface associated with a message-based communication system and already having an input pin for the wake-up function does not need to be equipped with any additional input pins specifically for receiving a disable discharge command message and controlling the active discharge circuit and capacitor discharge. Without the need to add additional input pins for controlling capacitor discharge, fewer cable bundles are required, thereby saving cables and space for the cable bundles. Consequently, the interface and communication system are simplified, and their efficiency is further improved. Consequently, the efficiency of the discharge function is further improved. When many electrical devices, each having capacitors, are to be connected to the electrical system, conventional solutions require even more additional input pins and even more additional cable bundles to control the discharge of all capacitors. Therefore, in these situations, i.e., when many capacitors are present, this embodiment further improves the simplicity and / or efficiency of the interface and communication system because fewer cable bundles are required compared to conventional solutions, thereby saving even more cables and even more space for the cable bundles compared to conventional solutions. Therefore, in these situations, i.e., when many capacitors are present, this embodiment further improves the efficiency of capacitor discharge.

[0048] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the output of the interface comprises an output pin.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the interface comprises a transceiver,

[0050] wherein the transceiver provides a signal connection between the message-based communication system and the active discharge circuit,

[0051] wherein said transceiver comprises at least one input for receiving a message from said message-based communication system, and

[0052] Wherein the transceiver includes the wake-up function.

[0053] An advantage of this embodiment is that it provides an efficient implementation of the interface. Thus, the efficiency of the discharge function is further improved.

[0054] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, said transceiver comprises an output of said interface.

[0055] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the method comprises:

[0056] By means of the wake-up function, the transceiver is woken up or activated to process a disable discharge command message to disable and / or enable capacitor discharge without waking up or activating any central processing unit CPU and / or any electronic control unit ECU.

[0057] An advantage of this embodiment is that the power consumption of the interface, which in this embodiment includes the transceiver and / or the communication system, is further reduced. Consequently, the efficiency of the interface and the communication system is further improved. Consequently, the efficiency of the discharge function is further improved.

[0058] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the transceiver is a Controller Area Network (CAN) transceiver. This embodiment has the advantage that the efficiency of the interface and the communication system is further improved. Thus, the efficiency of the discharge function is further improved.

[0059] However, in alternative embodiments, the transceiver may be associated with or configured for use with any other message-based communication system (e.g., a local interconnect network (LIN) communication system or an Ethernet communication system). However, the transceiver may also be configured for use with other message-based communication systems.

[0060] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the message-based communication system is a vehicle internal communication system.The innovative control of the discharge function is advantageous for the vehicle and the vehicle's message-based communication system, thereby providing an efficient discharge function with respect to the capacitor.

[0061] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the message-based communication system is a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol communication system. This embodiment has the advantage that the efficiency of the interface and communication system is further improved. Consequently, the efficiency of the discharge function is further improved. However, in alternative embodiments, the message-based communication system may be any other message-based communication system, such as a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) communication system or an Ethernet communication system.

[0062] According to another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the interface is a Controller Area Network (CAN) interface, and each of the at least one input is configured to receive Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol messages. The advantage of this embodiment is that the efficiency of the interface and the communication system is further improved. Therefore, the efficiency of the discharge function is further improved. However, in alternative embodiments, the interface can be an interface associated with or configured to be applied to any other message-based communication system (e.g., a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) communication system or an Ethernet communication system). However, the interface can also be configured to be applied to other known message-based communication systems. Accordingly, in alternative embodiments, each of the at least one input can be configured to receive any other message according to any other protocol, such as a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) protocol message or an Ethernet protocol message. The message can be referred to as a frame. Thus, for example, a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol message can be referred to as a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol frame.

[0063] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the capacitor is included in an electrical circuit, wherein the electrical circuit comprises a DC link comprising the capacitor.The innovative control of the discharge function is advantageous for the DC link capacitor, thereby providing an efficient discharge function for the capacitor.

[0064] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the capacitor is included in or is part of an electrical circuit, the circuit being included in, or being part of, or being electrically connected to an electrical device electrically connected to an electrical system, wherein the electrical system is electrically connected to one or more batteries. The innovative control of the discharge function is advantageous for electrical systems equipped with one or more batteries, thereby providing an efficient discharge function for the capacitor. Each of the one or more batteries may be a high-voltage battery.

[0065] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the first aspect, the capacitor is included in or is part of an electrical circuit, the circuit being included in or is part of an electrical device electrically connected to an electrical system, wherein the electrical system comprises a vehicle electrical system of a vehicle. The innovative control of the discharge function is advantageous for the vehicle and the vehicle's electrical system, thereby providing an efficient discharge function for the capacitor.

[0066] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects are achieved by a device for discharging a capacitor, wherein the device comprises

[0067] an active discharge circuit connectable in parallel with the capacitor, and

[0068] an interface for providing a signal connection between a message-based communication system and the active discharge circuit,

[0069] wherein said interface comprises at least one input for receiving a message from said message-based communication system,

[0070] Wherein said interface includes a wake-up function,

[0071] wherein said at least one input comprises an input for said wake-up function,

[0072] wherein the interface is configured to receive a disable discharge command message of the message for disabling discharge of the capacitor at an input for the wake-up function, and

[0073] When the disable discharge command message is stopped, the capacitor discharge is enabled.

[0074] The capacitor may be included in or be part of an electrical circuit, the circuit being included in or being part of an electrical device electrically connectable to an electrical system, or being electrically connectable to the electrical device. As described above, the at least one input of the interface may include multiple inputs, i.e., two or more inputs, for receiving messages from the message-based communication system.

[0075] The advantages of the device according to the second aspect and the advantages of the embodiments of the device according to the second aspect mentioned below correspond to the above or below advantages of the method according to the first aspect and its embodiments and are therefore not repeated.

[0076] According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the interface is configured to stop receiving the disable discharge command message at the input for the wake-up function in order to enable discharge of the capacitor.

[0077] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, said interface comprises an output or two or more outputs for a signal to said active discharge circuit,

[0078] The interface is configured to output a disable discharge signal for disabling discharge of the capacitor at the output, ie at the output of the interface, in response to receiving the disable discharge command message at the input for the wake-up function.

[0079] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the interface is configured to output at the output, ie at the output of the interface, an enable discharge signal for enabling discharge of the capacitor in response to stopping the disable discharge command message.

[0080] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the device comprises a timer circuit configured to be triggered to start timing when a disable discharge signal is output from the output, whereby a time period of the timer circuit starts running,

[0081] wherein the timer circuit is configured to repeat the disable discharge signal to the active discharge circuit during the time period, and

[0082] Wherein the timer circuit is configured to stop repeating the disable discharge signal to the active discharge circuit upon expiration of the time period.

[0083] A timer circuit configured as described above can be designed in a number of different ways.

[0084] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the interface is configured to provide a signal connection between the message-based communication system and the active discharge circuit via the timer circuit.

[0085] According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, said interface is configured to be woken up (or activated) by said wake-up function to process only said disable discharge command message to disable and / or enable capacitor discharge.

[0086] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the active discharge circuit comprises a resistive component, and

[0087] Discharge switch,

[0088] wherein the resistance component and the discharge switch are connected in series, and

[0089] Wherein the interface is configured to provide a signal connection between the message-based communication system and the discharge switch.

[0090] The resistive component may include one or more resistors.

[0091] According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the discharge switch comprises a control terminal for selectively closing and opening the discharge switch, and wherein the interface is configured to provide a signal connection between the message-based communication system and the control terminal of the discharge switch.

[0092] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the interface is configured to provide a signal connection between an output of the interface and a control terminal of the discharge switch.

[0093] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the input for said wake-up functionality comprises an input pin.

[0094] According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the output of the interface comprises an output pin.

[0095] According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the interface comprises a transceiver,

[0096] wherein the transceiver is configured to provide a signal connection between the message-based communication system and the active discharge circuit,

[0097] wherein said transceiver comprises at least one input for receiving a message from said message-based communication system, and

[0098] Wherein the transceiver includes the wake-up function.

[0099] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, said transceiver comprises an output of said interface.

[0100] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the transceiver is configured to wake up or be activated by the wake-up function to process the disable discharge command message to disable and / or enable capacitor discharge without waking up or activating any central processing unit CPU and / or any electronic control unit ECU.

[0101] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the transceiver is a Controller Area Network, CAN, transceiver.

[0102] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, said message-based communication system is a vehicle internal communication system.

[0103] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, said message-based communication system is a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol communication system.

[0104] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the interface is a Controller Area Network, CAN, interface, wherein each of the at least one input is configured to receive Controller Area Network, CAN, protocol messages.

[0105] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the capacitor is comprised in an electrical circuit, wherein the electrical circuit comprises a DC link comprising the capacitor.

[0106] According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the capacitor is included in or is part of an electrical circuit, the electrical circuit being included in or being part of or being electrically connectable to an electrical device that is electrically connectable to an electrical system, wherein the electrical system is electrically connectable to one or more batteries, for example one or more battery packs suitable for a vehicle. As mentioned above, each of the one or more batteries may be a high-voltage battery.

[0107] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the capacitor is included in or is part of an electrical circuit, the circuit being included in or being part of an electrical device electrically connectable to an electrical system, wherein the electrical system comprises a vehicle electrical system of a vehicle. The vehicle electrical system may be configured for direct current. The vehicle electrical system may be a high-voltage system of a vehicle. The vehicle high-voltage system may be configured for voltages greater than 60 V, such as greater than 400 V, such as greater than 650 V. For example, the vehicle high-voltage system may be configured for voltages up to 1500 V.

[0108] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device of the second aspect, the device comprises the capacitor, wherein the active discharge circuit is connected in parallel with the capacitor.

[0109] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, said device comprises said message-based communication system, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol communication system.

[0110] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects are achieved by a vehicle high-voltage system comprising one or more devices according to any one of the above or below described embodiments.

[0111] The vehicle high-voltage system can be configured for direct current. The vehicle high-voltage system can be configured for high voltage, such as voltages greater than 60V, such as greater than 400V, such as greater than 650V. For example, the vehicle high-voltage system can be configured for voltages up to 1500V. As described above, the vehicle high-voltage system can be electrically connected to one or more batteries, such as one or more battery packs suitable for the vehicle.

[0112] The advantages of the vehicle high-voltage system according to the third aspect correspond to the above-mentioned or below-mentioned advantages of the device according to the first aspect and its embodiments.The vehicle high-voltage system may be or may be referred to as a VCB.

[0113] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects are achieved by a vehicle comprising one or more of the following:

[0114] A device according to any of the above or below embodiments; and

[0115] • A vehicle high voltage system according to any one of the above or below embodiments.

[0116] The advantages of the vehicle according to the fourth aspect correspond to the above-mentioned or below-mentioned advantages of the apparatus according to the first aspect and its embodiments.

[0117] The vehicle may be a wheeled vehicle, i.e., a vehicle having wheels. For example, the vehicle may be a bus, a tractor-trailer, a heavy vehicle, a truck, or a car. However, other types of vehicles are possible. The vehicle may be referred to as a motor vehicle. The vehicle may be an electric vehicle (EV), such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

[0118] The above-described features and embodiments of the method, the device, the vehicle high-voltage system and the vehicle, respectively, can be combined in various possible ways to provide further advantageous embodiments.

[0119] Further advantageous embodiments of the method, of the device, of the vehicle high-voltage system and of the vehicle according to the invention as well as further advantages of embodiments of the invention emerge from the detailed description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0120] For illustrative purposes, embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used for like parts and in which:

[0121] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a vehicle according to a fourth aspect of the invention, in which embodiments of the invention may be implemented;

[0122] Figure 2is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration to which an embodiment of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention and an embodiment of the apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention can be applied;

[0123] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention;

[0124] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention;

[0125] Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an interface of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention; and

[0126] Figure 6 is a schematic flow chart illustrating aspects of an embodiment of a method according to the first aspect of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0127] refer to Figure 1 , schematically illustrates a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 may be referred to as a motor vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be, for example, a car, a bus, a tractor-trailer, a truck, such as a heavy truck, such as a heavy truck equipped with a trailer. Other types of vehicles are possible.

[0128] refer to Figure 1 , the vehicle 100 includes a powertrain 102, which in the illustrated embodiment includes an internal combustion engine 104 (e.g., an internal combustion engine or another combustion engine) that is conventionally connected to a transmission 108 via a first output shaft 106, typically via a flywheel, and may be coupled via a clutch 110. Generally speaking, the combustion engine 104 includes cylinders.

[0129] In addition to the powertrain 102 including the combustion engine 104, the vehicle 100 may also include one or more electric motors 111 or motors for driving the drive wheels 114, 116, 118, and 120 of the vehicle 100, and may therefore be, for example, a so-called hybrid vehicle. Electric motors 111 or motors may be supplied with electrical power from an electrical energy unit 121, which may be included in the vehicle 100. Electrical energy unit 121 may include a battery cell 123 or a plurality of battery cells 123, which may also be referred to as a battery pack. Battery cells 123 may include one or more batteries 125. Thus, batteries 125 may be configured to supply power to the electric motors 111, i.e., to provide electrical power to the electric motors. It should be understood that each of batteries 125 may include a plurality of battery cells. Batteries 125, battery packs, and battery cells are well known to those skilled in the art and are therefore not described in further detail.

[0130] However, instead of the powertrain 102 including the combustion engine 104, the vehicle 100 may include only the electric motor 111 for driving the drive wheels 114, 116, 118, 120 of the vehicle 100, or only include a plurality of electric motors 111, that is, without including the combustion engine 104, so that the vehicle 100 may be a pure electric vehicle. Therefore, according to an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be an electric vehicle (EV), such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

[0131] refer to Figure 1 , the combustion engine 104 is controlled by the engine's control system via the control device 112. Likewise, the clutch 110 and the gearbox 108 may be controlled by the engine's control system by means of one or more control devices (not shown). The control device 112 and / or another control device may thus be configured to control the combustion engine 104, the clutch 110, the gearbox 108 and / or any other unit / device / entity of the vehicle 100. However, in Figure 1 , only some of the units / devices / entities of the vehicle 100 are shown.

[0132] Of course, the powertrain 102 of the vehicle 100 can be of different types, such as a type with a conventional automatic transmission, a type with a hybrid powertrain, or a type with a powertrain for a pure electric vehicle, etc. As described above, the powertrain 102 can include one or more electric motors 111 or motors for driving the drive wheels 114, 116, 118, 120 of the vehicle 100, thereby implementing a so-called hybrid drive. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes four wheels 114, 116, 118, 120, but may have more wheels. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the electric motors 111 or motors can be located substantially anywhere as long as torque is provided to one or more of the wheels 114, 116, 118, 120, such as adjacent to one or more of the wheels 114, 116, 118, 120, or along the propeller shaft 122 of the vehicle 100, such as between the gearbox 108 and the clutch 110.

[0133] refer to Figure 1 , the vehicle 100 may include a propeller shaft 122 from the gearbox 108, which drives the two wheels 114, 116 via a sun gear 124 (e.g., a conventional differential) and two drive shafts 126, 128 of the vehicle 100. The two drive shafts 126, 128 are connected to the sun gear 124. The vehicle 100 may include a fuel tank 129 coupled to the combustion engine 104, and the combustion engine 104 may be provided with fuel from the fuel tank 129.

[0134] refer to Figure 1The vehicle 100 may include an exhaust aftertreatment system 130 for treating / purifying exhaust gas / emissions from an exhaust gas flow 132 (indicated by arrows) from the combustion engine 104. The exhaust gas / emissions are the result of combustion in the combustion chambers of the combustion engine 104. The exhaust aftertreatment system 130 may also be referred to as an exhaust gas purification system.

[0135] refer to Figure 1 , the vehicle 100 may include one or more electrical systems 134, such as a vehicle electrical system 136, that may be electrically connected to the one or more batteries 125. The electrical system 134 or vehicle electrical system 136 may be configured to electrically connect the battery 125 to the electric motor 111. The vehicle electrical system 136 may be or may be referred to as a vehicle high voltage system (VCB) 136. The electrical system 134 may be configured for direct current (DC). Accordingly, the vehicle electrical system 136 may be configured for direct current (DC).

[0136] Thus, the vehicle high voltage system 136 can be electrically connected or coupled or connectable to one or more batteries 125 and / or one or more battery packs of the vehicle 100. The power or current (e.g., direct current) of the vehicle high voltage system 136 is transmitted at a high voltage, for example, greater than 60V, such as greater than 400V, or greater than 650V. The power or current of the vehicle high voltage system 136 can be transmitted at a voltage of up to 1500V. Thus, the vehicle high voltage system 136 can be configured for high voltages, such as voltages greater than 60V, such as greater than 400V or greater than 650V. For example, the vehicle high voltage system 136 can be configured for voltages of up to 1500V.

[0137] refer to Figure 1 , the battery 125 may be electrically connected or coupled to the electric motor 111 via an inverter 138 in a manner known to those skilled in the art. The inverter 138, such as a power inverter 138, may be referred to as an electrical device 140. In embodiments, the inverter 138 may be integrated into the electric motor 111 or external thereto. Thus, the electrical device 140 or inverter 138 may be electrically connected or coupled to or coupled to the electrical system 134 or the vehicle electrical system 136. The electrical device 140, such as the inverter 138, may include or be electrically connected or connectable to a circuit 142, which may include a capacitor 150 (see Figure 2 and Figure 4 ), for example, the capacitor is provided to act or function as an electrical buffer. In the illustrated embodiment, the circuit 142 may be referred to as a DC link 142. Alternatively, the circuit 142 may include a DC link 142 that includes a capacitor 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the capacitor 150 may be referred to as a DC link capacitor. In addition, an active discharge circuit 144 may be provided. The active discharge circuit 144 may be coupled to the capacitor 150 (see Figure 2) are connected in parallel or connected so as to discharge the capacitor 150 under certain circumstances or certain circumstances. For example, it may be desirable to discharge the capacitor 150 when the vehicle 100 is turned off and parked to prevent a user or individual from coming into contact with the charged capacitor, thereby preventing a possible fire, and / or avoiding heating.

[0138] refer to Figure 1 , the vehicle 100 may be provided with at least one electronic control unit ECU 146. Generally speaking, the vehicle 100 may be provided with multiple electronic control units ECU. Each electronic control unit ECU 146 may be configured to control a portion or several portions of the vehicle 100 (e.g., one or more electrical devices), for example, a battery unit 123 housing one or more batteries 125. The battery unit 123 may be referred to as a direct current (DC) power supply. The electronic control unit ECU 146 may be connected to an electrical device 140 or several electrical devices 140 (e.g., the battery unit 123), and the electronic control unit ECU 146 may be configured to control the electrical device via a message-based communication system 148. Therefore, the electronic control unit ECU 146 may communicate with the electrical device 140 via the message-based communication system 148.

[0139] refer to Figure 2 , schematically illustrates how one or more batteries 125 are electrically connected to an electric motor 111, such as the electric motor 111 of the vehicle 100. The battery 125 is connected to the electric motor 111 via a power inverter 138. An electrical circuit 142, including a capacitor 150, is electrically connected to or connectable to the power inverter 138, or is included in the power inverter, which may be referred to as an electrical device 140. In other embodiments, the electrical device 140 may be or include some other component or device instead of the power inverter 138.

[0140] refer to Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the circuit 142 may be referred to as a DC link. In the embodiment shown, the capacitor 150 may be referred to as a DC link capacitor. In the embodiment shown, the capacitor 150 is located between the battery cell 123 housing the battery 125 and the power inverter 138. In the embodiment shown, the purpose of the capacitor 150 may be to provide a more stable DC voltage, for example, to minimize voltage draw when the power inverter 138 occasionally requires high current. An active discharge circuit 144 is also provided, which may correspond to the active discharge circuits 202, 302 disclosed in further detail below. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, active discharge circuit 144 is connected in parallel with capacitor 150, or may be connected in parallel with the capacitor. Figure 2The configuration schematically shown in FIG. 1 connecting the battery 125 to the motor 111 may be referred to as the electrical system 134 or the vehicle electrical system 136. In other embodiments, the electrical system 134 may have other configurations. For example, the electrical system 134 or the vehicle electrical system 136 may include more than Figure 2 Fewer or more items or elements than shown.

[0141] refer to Figure 3 , schematically showing a method for making a capacitor (eg Figure 2 1 . The first embodiment of a device 200 for discharging a capacitor 150 is shown in FIG. 1 . The capacitor 150 may be included in a circuit 142 that is included in an electrical device 140 that is electrically connectable to an electrical system 134, 136, or that is electrically connectable to the electrical device. The device 200 includes an active discharge circuit 202 that may be connected in parallel with the capacitor 150. More specifically, it may be defined that the active discharge circuit 202 may be electrically connected in parallel with the capacitor 150. The active discharge circuit 202 may be connected via Figure 3 Position A and position B, indicated in FIG, are connected in parallel with capacitor 150. Thus, when active discharge circuit 202 is connected or coupled to capacitor 150, capacitor 150 is positioned between and connected to positions A and B, where position A may represent a plus or positive (+) position and position B may represent a minus or negative (-) position of device 200.

[0142] refer to Figure 3 Active discharge circuit 202 may include a resistive component 204 and a discharge switch 206. Resistive component 204 and discharge switch 206 are connected in series. More specifically, it can be defined that resistive component 204 and discharge switch 206 are electrically connected in series. Resistive component 204 may include one or more resistors 208. Discharge switch 206 may include either a MOSFET switch or an IGBT switch. However, other types of switches are possible for discharge switch 206.

[0143] refer to Figure 3 The device 200 further includes an interface 210 for providing a signal connection 211 between a message-based communication system 212 and the active discharge circuit 202. For example, the message-based communication system 212 may correspond to Figure 1 The message-based communication system 148 is schematically shown in FIG. However, the message-based communication system 212 can have other configurations. The message-based communication system 212 can be connected to, for example, one or more electronic control units ECU included in the vehicle 100, such as Figure 1As shown. It can be defined that the interface 210 is configured to be directly or indirectly connected to or coupled to the active discharge circuit 202. It can be defined that the interface 210 is configured to communicate directly or indirectly with the active discharge circuit 202. More specifically, the interface 210 can be configured to provide a signal connection 211 between a message-based communication system 212 and the discharge switch 206 of the active discharge circuit 202.

[0144] refer to Figure 5 , which schematically illustrates an embodiment of an interface 210 in a more detailed view. Interface 210 includes at least one input 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 for receiving messages from a message-based communication system 212, such as a plurality of inputs 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, i.e., two or more inputs 214, 216, 218, 220, 222. Thus, in some embodiments, at least one input 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 may include a plurality of inputs 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 for receiving messages from a message-based communication system. Interface 210 includes a wake-up function 224 or wake-up utility, which is disclosed in more detail below. Wake-up function 224 may include or be referred to as a selective wake-up function. At least one input 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, eg, a plurality of inputs 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, of the interface 210 includes an input 218 for a wake-up function 224. In addition to the wake-up function 224, the interface 210 may also include additional functions.

[0145] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the interface 210 is configured to receive the disable discharge command message (i.e., the message from the message-based communication system 212) at the input 218 for the wake-up function 224 for disabling the discharge of the capacitor 150. When the disable discharge command message ceases, the discharge of the capacitor 150 is enabled. Alternatively, the disabling discharge command message ceases to enable the discharge of the capacitor 150. Thus, as long as the disable discharge command message is received at the input 218 for the wake-up function 224, the discharge of the capacitor 150 is blocked, deactivated, or disabled, and when the interface 210 no longer receives the disable discharge command message, the discharge of the capacitor 150 is enabled or activated.

[0146] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5, the interface 210 can be configured to stop receiving a disable discharge command message at the input 218 for the wake-up function 224 in order to enable discharge of the capacitor 150. The interface 210 may include an output 226 for a signal to the active discharge circuit 202, for example, more specifically, for a signal to the discharge switch 206. In addition to the output 226 for a signal to the active discharge circuit 202, the interface 210 may also include additional outputs 220, 222, 228 for outputting a signal or message to, for example, a message-based communication system 212. Thus, the interface 210 may include a plurality of outputs 220, 222, 226, 228, i.e., two or more outputs 220, 222, 226, 228.

[0147] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 In response to receiving the disable discharge command message at the input 218 for the wake-up function 224, the interface 210 can be configured to output a disable discharge signal at the output 226, i.e., the output 226 for the signal to the active discharge circuit 202, for disabling or preventing the discharge of the capacitor 150. Alternatively, the interface 210 can be configured to send a disable discharge signal to the active discharge circuit 202, e.g., more specifically, to the discharge switch 206, for disabling the discharge of the capacitor 150, from the output 226, i.e., the output 226 for the signal to the active discharge circuit 202, for disabling the discharge of the capacitor 150, in response to receiving the disable discharge command message at the input 218 for the wake-up function 224. Furthermore, the interface 210 can be configured to output an enable discharge signal at the output 226, i.e., the output 226 for the signal to the active discharge circuit 202, for enabling the discharge of the capacitor 150, in response to ceasing the disable discharge command message.

[0148] refer to Figure 3 , the discharge switch 206 may include a control terminal 230 for selectively closing and opening the discharge switch 206, or for selectively tuning the discharge switch 206 to be open and closed, wherein the interface 210 may be configured to provide a signal connection 211 between the message-based communication system 212 and the control terminal 230 of the discharge switch 206. The interface 210 may be configured to provide a signal connection 211 between an output 226 of the interface 210, i.e., an output 226 for a signal to the active discharge circuit 202, and the control terminal 230 of the discharge switch 206.

[0149] refer to Figure 3 , it can be defined that the discharge switch 206 is electrically operable. It can be defined that the discharge switch 206 can be switched between an open position and a closed position, or can be operated between an open state and an on state. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the discharge switch 206 is shown in an open position, while the closed position of the discharge switch 206 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 Indicated by dotted lines. Figure 3 More specifically, it can be defined that interface 210 is configured to perform a logic inversion on a disable discharge command message received from message-based communication system 212, for example, as disclosed below: When the disable discharge command message has a high logic level, the disable discharge signal output from interface 210, for example, from output 226, i.e., output 226 for a signal to active discharge circuit 202, to control terminal 230 of discharge switch 206, has a low voltage level, such that discharge switch 206 is in the open position, i.e., discharge of capacitor 150 is disabled, i.e., capacitor 150 is not discharged. It can be defined that output 226 for a signal to active discharge circuit 202 is connected to active discharge circuit 202, more specifically to discharge switch 206, or even more specifically to control terminal 230 of discharge switch 206. It can be defined that when the disable discharge command message has a high logic level, output 226, i.e., output 226 for a signal to active discharge circuit 202, has a low voltage level, such that discharge switch 206 is in the open position. When the disable discharge command message from the message-based communication system 212 stops, i.e., drops to a low logic level, the enable discharge signal output from the interface 210, for example, from the output 226, i.e., the output 226 for the signal to the active discharge circuit 202, to the control terminal 230 of the discharge switch 206, has a high voltage level, i.e., a voltage sufficient to switch the discharge switch 206 to the closed position, i.e., the discharge of the capacitor 150 is enabled, i.e., the capacitor 150 is discharged. It can be defined that when the disable discharge command message has a low logic level, the output 226, i.e., the output 226 for the signal to the active discharge circuit 202, has a high voltage level, i.e., a voltage high enough to switch the discharge switch 206 to the closed position.

[0150] It can be defined that when the discharge switch 206 is in the closed position, the discharge switch 206 is configured to conduct current or allow current to pass through. It can be defined that when the discharge switch 206 is in the open position, the discharge switch 206 is configured to interrupt current or a current path therethrough.

[0151] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the interface 210 can be configured to wake up (or be activated) via the wake-up function 224 to only process the disable discharge command message (received from the message-based communication system 212) to disable and / or enable the discharge of the capacitor 150, for example without waking up (not activating) any central processing unit CPU and / or any electronic control unit ECU.

[0152] refer to Figure 5, input 218 for wake-up function 224 may include input pin 232. Furthermore, each of the plurality of inputs 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 may include input pins 234, 236, 238, 240. Output 226 of interface 210, i.e., output 226 for signals to active discharge circuit 202, may include output pin 242. Output 226 for signals to active discharge circuit 202 (which may include output pin 242) may be referred to as an inhibit output or an inhibit output pin. Furthermore, each of the additional outputs 220, 222, 228 may include output pins 238, 240, 244.

[0153] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the interface 210 may include a transceiver 246. The transceiver 246 may thus be configured to provide a signal connection 211 between the message-based communication system 212 and the active discharge circuit 202, such as, more specifically, between the message-based communication system 212 and the discharge switch 206, or even more specifically, between the message-based communication system 212 and the control terminal 230 of the discharge switch 206.

[0154] When the interface 210 includes a transceiver 246, the transceiver 246 includes at least one input 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, e.g., a plurality of inputs 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, for receiving messages from the message-based communication system 212. When the interface 210 includes the transceiver 246, the transceiver 246 includes a wake-up function 224. When the interface 210 includes the transceiver 246, the transceiver 246 may include an output 226 of the interface 210, i.e., an output 226 for a signal to the active discharge circuit 202. When the interface 210 includes the transceiver 246, the transceiver 246 may be configured to wake up (or be activated) via the wake-up function 224 to process a disable discharge command message received from the message-based communication system 212 to disable and / or enable discharge of the capacitor 150 without waking up any central processing unit (CPU) and / or any electronic control unit (ECU).

[0155] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 , the message-based communication system 212 may be the vehicle internal communication system 148 .

[0156] refer to Figure 4 , schematically showing a method for use with a capacitor (eg, Figure 2 The capacitor 150 shown in or Figure 4 A second embodiment of the device 300 for discharging a capacitor 350 included in a circuit 342 is presented. Figure 4The second embodiment of the apparatus 300 shown in FIG corresponds in several respects to Figure 3 The first embodiment of the device 200 is shown in FIG. 2 , and therefore only some differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be mentioned in detail herein.

[0157] However, reference Figure 4 , regarding the first embodiment of the device 200 according to the second aspect, Figure 4 The second embodiment of the device 300 further comprises an active discharge circuit 302 in a corresponding manner, which may include a resistive component 304 and a discharge switch 306. The active discharge circuit 302 may be connected via Figure 4 Position A and position B indicated in FIG are connected in parallel with capacitor 350. Thus, when active discharge circuit 302 is connected or coupled to capacitor 350, capacitor 350 is positioned between position A and position B and is connected to positions A and B of device 300. Resistive component 304 may include one or more resistors 308. In a corresponding manner, device 300 includes an interface 310 for providing a signal connection 311 between message-based communication system 212 and active discharge circuit 302. Interface 310 may substantially correspond to Figure 5 In a corresponding manner, the discharge switch 306 may include a control terminal 330 for selectively closing and opening the discharge switch 306 .

[0158] refer to Figure 4 , the device 300 may include a timer circuit 352, which is configured to be triggered to start timing when a disable discharge signal is output from the output 226 (i.e., the output 226 for the signal to the active discharge circuit 302), thereby starting a time period of the timer circuit 352. The timer circuit 352 is configured to repeat the disable discharge signal to the active discharge circuit 302 during the time period. The timer circuit 352 is configured to stop repeating the disable discharge signal to the active discharge circuit 302 when the time period expires. The interface 310 may be configured to provide a signal connection 311 between the message-based communication system 212 and the active discharge circuit 302 through or via the timer circuit 352. It can be defined that the signal connection 311 between the message-based communication system 212 and the active discharge circuit 302 includes the timer circuit 352. Thus, it can be defined that the output 226 for the signal to the active discharge circuit 302 is connected to the timer circuit 352, and the timer circuit 352 is connected to the active discharge circuit 302, more specifically to the discharge switch 306, or even more specifically to the control terminal 330 of the discharge switch 306. The timer circuit 352, including the features described above, can itself be designed in several different ways.

[0159] refer to Figure 4The device 300 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 354 that is configured to process messages received from the message-based communication system 212 and by the interface 310 and output control signals to control various electrical units or devices. According to the second aspect, the central processing unit (CPU) 354 is not required for the application of the disclosed innovative embodiments of the devices 200 and 300. Figure 3 The first embodiment of the device 200 shown in FIG may also be provided with such a central processing unit CPU. In an embodiment of the device according to the second aspect, the CPU may not be included. Figure 4 The central processing unit CPU 354 schematically shown in FIG. 35 may simultaneously maintain the timer circuit 352 .

[0160] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to some embodiments, each of the devices 200, 300 may include a capacitor 150, 350, wherein the active discharge circuit 202, 302 may be connected in parallel with the capacitor 150, 350. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, each of the devices 200, 300 may include a message-based communication system 212.

[0161] refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 Message-based communication systems 148 and 212 can be referred to as message-based protocol communication systems. It can be defined that message-based communication systems 148 and 212 are based on message passing. As described above, with respect to communication systems, message passing can be described as a technique in which, for example, an entity sends a message to a process, and the process selects and runs some appropriate code. Message passing can be described as different from conventional programming, in which processes, subroutines, or functions are instead called directly by name. The messages can also be referred to as frames. Therefore, message-based communication systems can be referred to as frame-based communication systems.

[0162] The message-based communication system 148 , 212 may be a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol communication system. However, in alternative embodiments, the message-based communication system 148 , 212 may be another message-based communication system, such as a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) communication system or an Ethernet communication system.

[0163] refer to Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 5In one embodiment, the interface 210, 310 may be a controller area network (CAN) interface, wherein each of the at least one input 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 (e.g., a plurality of inputs 214, 216, 218, 220, 222) is configured to receive a controller area network (CAN) protocol message. However, in alternative embodiments, the interface 210, 310 may be an interface associated with or configured for use with any other message-based communication system (e.g., a local interconnect network (LIN) communication system or an Ethernet communication system). However, the interface 210, 310 may also be configured for use with other message-based communication systems. Accordingly, in alternative embodiments, each input 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 of the at least one input 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 (e.g., a plurality of inputs 214, 216, 218, 220, 222) of the interface 210, 310 may be configured to receive any other message according to any other protocol, such as a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) protocol message or an Ethernet protocol message. For example, a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol message may be referred to as a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol frame.

[0164] refer to Figures 3 to 5 , the transceiver 246, 346 may be a Controller Area Network (CAN) transceiver. However, in alternative embodiments, the transceiver 246, 346 may be a transceiver associated with or configured for use with any other message-based communication system (e.g., a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) communication system or an Ethernet communication system). However, the transceiver 246, 236 may also be configured for use with other message-based communication systems.

[0165] Regarding the controller area network (CAN), a CAN interface may be referred to as a CAN protocol interface. The CAN interface may include or be referred to as a CAN circuit. The CAN circuit may include a transceiver.

[0166] With respect to a Controller Area Network (CAN), a CAN communication system may be described as being based on and / or configured to use or apply the CAN protocol. A CAN protocol communication system may be referred to as a CAN communication system. A CAN protocol communication system may include or be referred to as a CAN bus.

[0167] Regarding the Controller Area Network (CAN), a message from the CAN protocol communication system may be referred to as a CAN protocol message. A CAN protocol message may be referred to as a CAN message or a CAN frame.

[0168] With respect to the Controller Area Network (CAN), a Controller Area Network (CAN) transceiver may be referred to as a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol transceiver.

[0169] When a Controller Area Network (CAN) is present, the wake-up function 224 or utility or capability or mechanism may be referred to as a CAN wake-up function, such as a selective CAN wake-up function. For example, this function may be a feature present in some CAN transceivers, and one original use of this function was to wake up a unit (e.g., an ECU) via a CAN message, thus waking up on the CAN. For a version of the wake-up function 224 or utility, reference is made to ISO 11898-2:2016, which discloses, among other things, further details regarding the wake-up function 224 for CAN.

[0170] refer to Figure 6 , schematically illustrating aspects of an embodiment of a method for discharging a capacitor 150, 350 (e.g., a capacitor 150, 350 as disclosed above), wherein an active discharge circuit 202, 302 is connected in parallel with the capacitor 150, 350, wherein an interface 210, 310 provides a signal connection 211, 311 between a message-based communication system 148, 212 and the active discharge circuit 210, 310, wherein the interface 210, 310 includes at least one input 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 for receiving a message from the message-based communication system 148, 212, wherein the interface 210, 310 includes a wake-up functionality 224, and wherein at least one input 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 includes an input 218 for the wake-up functionality.

[0171] Embodiments of the method may include:

[0172] Receiving 401 at the input 218 of the wake-up function 224 a disable discharge command message of said message for disabling discharge of the capacitor 150 , 350 (wherein upon cessation of the disable discharge command message, discharge of the capacitor 150 , 350 is enabled);

[0173] waking up 402 or activating the interface 201 , 310 via a wake-up function to process only a disable discharge command message to disable and / or enable discharge of the capacitor 150 , 350 ;

[0174] In response to receiving 401 a disable discharge command message at the input 218 for the wake-up function 224 , outputting 403 a disable discharge signal at the output 226 for disabling discharge of the capacitors 150 , 350 ;

[0175] Stop 404 receiving a disable discharge command message at the input 218 for the wake-up function 224 in order to enable the discharge of the capacitors 150 , 350 ;

[0176] In response to stopping 404 the disable discharge command message, outputting 405 an enable discharge signal at output 226 for enabling discharge of the capacitor 150 , 350 .

[0177] When the timer circuit 352 is provided, the method may further include:

[0178] upon disabling the discharge signal from said output 403, triggering 406 the timer circuit 352 to start timing, whereby the time period of the timer circuit 352 begins to run,

[0179] During the time period, repeatedly 407 the disable discharge signal to the active discharge circuit 302 via the timer circuit 352, and

[0180] Upon expiration of the time period, stop 408 repeating the disable discharge signal to the active discharge circuit 302 via the timer circuit 352 .

[0181] Figure 6 The dashed arrows in show an embodiment of the method comprising additional steps 406 , 407 and 408 .

[0182] Furthermore, when the transceiver 246, 346 is provided, the method may include:

[0183] • Waking up or activating the transceiver 246 , 346 to process the disable discharge command message to disable and / or enable discharge of the capacitor 150 , 350 , without waking up any central processing unit CPU and / or any electronic control unit ECU, via the wake-up function 224 .

[0184] Unless otherwise disclosed, please note that Figure 6 The method steps shown and described herein do not necessarily have to be performed in Figure 6 The steps may be performed in any suitable order. In addition, one or more steps may be excluded or added without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0185] refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4, also schematically shows an embodiment of a vehicle high voltage system 136 according to the third aspect of the invention. The vehicle high voltage system 136 may comprise any of the embodiments of the apparatus 200, 300 disclosed above or below. However, with reference to Figure 2 , the circuit 142 and the capacitor 150 can be located elsewhere in the vehicle 100 or outside of any vehicle 100, and can be included in or electrically connected to any other electrical device different from the electrical device 140 disclosed above, such as an AC compressor, a heater for heating one or more zones in the vehicle 100, a power inverter different from the power inverter 138 disclosed above, a DC-DC converter, a pump, any kind of power output device, etc.

[0186] refer to Figure 1 , schematically showing an embodiment of a vehicle 100 according to a fourth aspect of the invention. The vehicle 100 comprises one or more of the following: an apparatus 200, 300 according to any of the above or below embodiments; and a vehicle high voltage system 136 according to any of the above or below embodiments.

[0187] It will be appreciated that, in addition to being applied to the vehicle 100 and any of the other applications mentioned above, embodiments of the apparatus 200, 300 according to the second aspect and embodiments of the method according to the first aspect may have other applications. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the apparatus 200, 300 according to the second aspect and embodiments of the method according to the first aspect may be applied to more than one capacitor.

[0188] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. On the contrary, the present invention relates to and covers all different embodiments included within the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

1. A method for discharging a capacitor (150, 350), wherein an active discharge circuit (202; 302) is connected in parallel with the capacitor (150, 350), wherein the interface (210; 310) provides a signal connection (211; 311) between the message-based communication system (148, 212) and the active discharge circuit (202; 302), wherein the interface (210; 310) comprises at least one input (214, 216, 218, 220, 222) for receiving a message from the message-based communication system (148, 212), wherein the interface (210; 310) comprises a wake-up function (224), wherein the at least one input (214, 216, 218, 220, 222) includes an input (218) for the wake-up function (224), The method comprises: receiving (401) said message at an input (218) for said wake-up function (224) a disable discharge command message for disabling discharge of said capacitor (150, 350), When the disable discharge command message is stopped, the capacitor (150, 350) is enabled to discharge.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: Receiving the disable discharge command message at the input (218) for the wake-up function (224) to enable discharge of the capacitor (150, 350) is stopped (404).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interface comprises an output (226) for a signal to the active discharge circuit (202; 302), The method comprises: In response to receiving (401) the disable discharge command message at the input (218) for the wake-up function (224), a disable discharge signal for disabling discharge of the capacitor (150, 350) is output (403) at the output (226).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the method comprises: In response to stopping (404) the disable discharge command message, an enable discharge signal for enabling discharge of the capacitor (150, 350) is output (405) at the output (226).

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the method comprises: When a disable discharge signal is output (403) from the output (226), the timer circuit (352) is triggered (406) to start timing, whereby the time period of the timer circuit (352) starts running, repeating (407) the disable discharge signal to the active discharge circuit (302) via the timer circuit (352) during the time period, and Upon expiration of the time period, repetition of the disable discharge signal to the active discharge circuit (302) via the timer circuit (352) is stopped (408).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the method comprises: The interface (210; 310) is woken up (402) by the wake-up function (224) to process only the disable discharge command message to disable and / or enable discharge of the capacitor (150, 350).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the active discharge circuit (202; 302) comprises a resistive component (204; 304), and Discharge switch (206; 306), wherein the resistance component (204; 304) and the discharge switch (206; 306) are connected in series, and The interface (210; 310) provides a signal connection (211; 311) between the message-based communication system (212) and the discharge switch (206; 206).

8. A device (200; 300) for discharging a capacitor (150; 350), wherein the device (200; 300) comprises an active discharge circuit (202; 302) connectable in parallel with the capacitor (150; 350), and an interface (210; 310) for providing a signal connection (211; 311) between a message-based communication system (212) and the active discharge circuit (202; 302), wherein the interface (210; 3109) comprises at least one of a plurality of inputs (214, 216, 218, 220, 222) for receiving messages from the message-based communication system (212), wherein the interface (210; 310) comprises a wake-up function (224), wherein the at least one input (214, 216, 218, 220, 222) includes an input (218) for the wake-up function (224), wherein the interface (210; 310) is configured to receive a disable discharge command message of the message for disabling discharge of the capacitor (150, 350) at an input (218) for the wake-up function (224), and When the disable discharge command message is stopped, the capacitor (150, 350) is enabled to discharge.

9. The device (200; 300) of claim 8, wherein the interface (210; 310) is configured to stop receiving the disable discharge command message at the input (218) for the wake-up function (224) in order to enable discharge of the capacitor (150, 350).

10. The device (200; 300) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the interface (210; 310) comprises an output (226) for a signal to the active discharge circuit (202; 302), and The interface (210; 310) is configured to output a disable discharge signal at the output (226) for disabling discharge of the capacitor (150, 350) in response to receiving the disable discharge command message at the input (218) for the wake-up function (224).

11. The device (200; 300) of claim 10, wherein the interface (210; 310) is configured to output an enable discharge signal at the output (226) for enabling discharge of the capacitor (150, 350) in response to stopping the disable discharge command message.

12. The device (300) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the device (300) comprises a timer circuit (352), the timer circuit being configured to be triggered to start timing when a disable discharge signal is output from the output (226), whereby a time period of the timer circuit (352) starts running, wherein the timer circuit (352) is configured to repeat the disable discharge signal to the active discharge circuit (202; 302) during the time period, and wherein the timer circuit (352) is configured to stop repeating the disable discharge signal to the active discharge circuit (202; 302) upon expiration of the time period.

13. The device (300) of claim 12, wherein the interface (310) is configured to provide a signal connection (311) between the message-based communication system (212) and the active discharge circuit (302) through the timer circuit (352).

14. The device (200; 300) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the interface (210; 310) is configured to be woken up by the wake-up function (224) to process only the disable discharge command message to disable and / or enable discharge of the capacitor (150, 350).

15. The device (200; 300) according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the active discharge circuit (202; 302) comprises a resistive component (204; 304), and Discharge switch (206; 306), wherein the resistance component (204; 304) and the discharge switch (206; 306) are connected in series, and The interface (210; 310) is configured to provide a signal connection (211; 311) between the message-based communication system (212) and the discharge switch (206; 306).

16. The device (200; 300) of claim 15, wherein the discharge switch (206; 306) comprises a control terminal (230; 330) for selectively closing and opening the discharge switch (206; 306), and wherein the interface (210; 310) is configured to provide a signal connection (211; 311) between the message-based communication system (212) and the control terminal (230; 330) of the discharge switch (206; 306).

17. The device (200; 300) according to any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein the interface (210; 310) comprises a transceiver (246; 346), wherein the transceiver (246; 346) is configured to provide a signal connection (211; 311) between the message-based communication system (212) and the active discharge circuit (202; 302), wherein the transceiver (246; 346) includes at least one input (214, 216, 218, 220, 222) for receiving a message from the message-based communication system (212), and wherein the transceiver (246; 346) includes the wake-up function (224).

18. The device (200; 300) according to claim 17, wherein the transceiver (246; 346) is configured to wake up by the wake-up function (224) to process the disable discharge command message to disable and / or enable discharge of the capacitor (150, 350) without waking up any central processing unit (CPU) (354) and / or any electronic control unit (ECU) (146).

19. The device (200; 300) according to any one of claims 8 to 18, wherein the message-based communication system (212) is a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol communication system.

20. The device (200; 300) according to any one of claims 8 to 19, wherein the interface (210; 310) is a Controller Area Network (CAN) interface, and wherein each input (214, 216, 218, 220, 222) of the at least one input (214, 216, 218, 220, 222) is configured to receive Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol messages.

21. The device (200; 300) according to any one of claims 8 to 20, wherein the capacitor (150, 350) is included in an electrical circuit (142, 342), and wherein the electrical circuit (142, 342) comprises a DC link including the capacitor (150, 350).

22. The apparatus (200; 300) according to any one of claims 8 to 21, wherein the capacitor (150, 350) is included in an electrical circuit (142, 342), the electrical circuit being included in or electrically connectable to an electrical device (140) electrically connectable to an electrical system (134), and wherein the electrical system (134) comprises a vehicle electrical system (136) of a vehicle (100).

23. A vehicle high voltage system (136) comprising one or more devices (200; 300) according to any one of claims 8 to 22.

24. A vehicle (100) comprising one or more of the following: · an apparatus (200; 300) according to any one of claims 8 to 22; and · A vehicle high voltage system (136) according to claim 23.

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