Energy supply module and energy supply management system

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) for a vehicle, comprising at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2), at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2) and at least one output energy supply line (28b-1, 28b-2) for connecting the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2) to the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2), wherein at least one energy storage switch unit (25-1, 25-2) is arranged in or connected to the output energy supply line (28b-1, 28b-2) between the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2) and the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2) and is configured to be able to at least interrupt the connection of the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2) to the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an energy supply module for vehicles and a corresponding energy supply management system. Background Technology

[0002] The electrification of the automotive industry has led to the replacement of numerous automotive components, resulting in new structures. For example, many components in commercial vehicles previously relied on compressed air as an energy source for control and propulsion. Redundant compressed air-based energy supply systems were used in several safety-related components. With the advancement of electrification, many pneumatic components will be replaced by electric components. Furthermore, autonomous driving applications are placing new demands on vehicle systems, particularly safety-related energy-consuming units.

[0003] Multiple energy storage units may be used for redundancy or to expand the electrical system. Due to the structure of the electrical system, it may be necessary to control and charge multiple energy storage units individually. This may require a separate charger for each energy storage unit. Therefore, the integration of such an electrical system becomes complex and expensive.

[0004] Furthermore, the switches that protect the energy storage unit from operating outside of safe operating conditions and ensure overcurrent circuit protection are highly responsive solid-state devices. Therefore, long connecting lines (such as busbars or cables) between the energy storage unit and the charging unit (e.g., a battery or DC / DC converter) can lead to significant energy losses throughout the electrical system, a point that needs to be considered. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the object of the present invention is to provide an energy supply module for a vehicle and an energy supply management system for a vehicle, so as to reduce the complexity of using energy storage units. The vehicle energy supply module and the vehicle energy supply management system according to the present invention solve the above-mentioned object. Other aspects of the present invention are described in the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0006] According to the present invention, an energy supply module for a vehicle includes at least one energy output terminal, at least one energy storage unit, and at least one output energy supply line for connecting the at least one energy storage unit and the at least one energy output terminal. Furthermore, at least one energy storage switch unit is arranged in or connected to the output energy supply line between the at least one energy storage unit and the at least one energy output terminal. The at least one energy storage switch unit is configured to be capable of at least disconnecting the connection between the at least one energy storage unit and the at least one energy output terminal.

[0007] Accordingly, the energy supply module is a compartment or assembly comprising at least one energy output terminal, at least one energy storage unit, and at least one output energy supply line for connecting the at least one energy storage unit and the at least one energy output terminal. Since the energy supply module includes at least one energy storage switch unit for disconnecting at least one energy storage unit from the at least one energy output terminal, disconnecting the connection by the at least one energy storage unit protects the at least one energy storage unit from any potential risks (e.g., overcurrent or overvoltage) arising from external connections to the energy output terminal. Conversely, this disconnection also protects any external components connected to the at least one energy output terminal from any potential risks arising from the at least one energy storage unit. Furthermore, this disconnection also prevents energy loss if the at least one energy storage unit is not operating to provide energy supply.

[0008] At least one energy storage power switch unit may be configured to include at least one switch or fuse. The energy supply line may be configured to include busbars and / or cables.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one energy storage switch unit is closer to at least one energy storage unit than at least one energy output terminal. Because the at least one energy storage switch unit is closer to at least one energy storage unit than at least one energy output terminal, the length of the energy supply line between the at least one energy storage switch unit and the at least one energy storage unit can be reduced. Therefore, energy loss between the at least one energy storage switch unit and the at least one energy storage unit can be reduced. Preferably, the at least one energy storage switch unit is located near the at least one energy storage unit.

[0010] In some embodiments, the energy supply module further includes at least one energy output switching unit, which is arranged in or connected to at least one output energy supply line between at least one energy storage switching unit and at least one energy output terminal. The at least one energy output switching unit is configured to disconnect at least one energy output terminal from at least one energy storage unit.

[0011] Accordingly, in addition to at least one energy storage switching unit, the energy supply module also includes at least one energy output switching unit. In the case of only one energy storage unit and one energy output terminal, at least one energy output switching unit and at least one energy storage switching unit can provide the same function, and therefore can be implemented for redundancy and / or for different switching characteristics. However, if the energy supply module includes multiple energy storage units and / or multiple energy output terminals, selective disconnection allows only at least one selected energy storage unit and / or at least one selected energy output terminal to be disconnected without affecting the remaining energy storage units and / or energy output terminals.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one energy output switching unit is closer to at least one energy output terminal than at least one energy storage switching unit. Similar to the case where at least one energy storage switching unit is closer to at least one energy storage unit than at least one energy output terminal, the length of the energy supply line between the at least one energy output switching unit and the at least one energy output terminal can be reduced because the at least one energy output switching unit is closer to the at least one energy output terminal. Therefore, energy loss between the at least one energy output switching unit and the at least one energy output terminal can be reduced. The at least one energy output switching unit is preferably located near the at least one energy output terminal. Regarding the positioning of the at least one energy output switching unit and / or the at least one energy storage switching unit, as mentioned above, the compact design of the energy supply module not only reduces energy loss. Specifically, the positioning of the at least one energy output switching unit and / or the at least one energy storage switching unit can adjust the distribution of energy loss based on this positioning. As a whole, positioning any switching unit within the energy supply module reduces the length of the energy supply line between the energy storage unit and the corresponding switching unit compared to positioning any switching unit (e.g., the switching unit of the consumption unit) outside the energy supply module. Therefore, energy loss in the energy supply management system can be reduced. In addition, it can improve the efficiency of the corresponding positioning switch units.

[0013] Furthermore, for multiple energy storage units and / or multiple energy output terminals, this arrangement provides a clear architecture for selective disconnection. For example, an energy supply unit may include three energy storage units connected to one energy output terminal. Each energy storage unit is associated with an energy storage switch unit, and then individual energy supply lines are combined to the energy supply line connected to the energy output terminal. The energy output terminal is associated with an energy output switch unit. When one of the energy storage units fails, the corresponding energy storage switch unit disconnects the corresponding energy storage unit from the energy supply line, thus disconnecting it from the energy output terminal. Energy from the other energy storage units can still be supplied to the energy output terminal. If the energy output terminal fails, the energy output switch unit immediately disconnects the energy output terminal from any of the energy storage units. In another example, an energy supply unit may include one energy storage unit connected to three energy output terminals. Each energy output terminal is associated with an energy output switch unit located on a single energy supply line branching off from the energy supply line and connected to each energy output terminal. The energy storage unit is associated with the energy storage switch unit. When one of the energy output terminals fails, the corresponding energy output switching unit disconnects the terminal from the energy supply line, thus disconnecting it from the energy storage unit. However, the energy from the energy storage unit can still supply energy to the remaining output terminals. If the energy storage unit fails, the energy storage switching unit immediately disconnects it from any of the output terminals. The principle of this example also applies to combinations of multiple energy storage units and multiple energy output terminals, and vice versa. According to the given example, the number of energy storage units and / or multiple energy output terminals is not limited to three; it can be more or less. Furthermore, the number of energy storage units and energy output terminals does not necessarily have to be equal.

[0014] In some embodiments, the energy supply module further includes at least one energy input terminal and at least one input energy supply line, the input energy supply line being used to connect at least one energy storage unit to at least one energy input terminal.

[0015] Therefore, the energy supply module can not only supply energy from at least one energy storage unit, but also charge at least one energy storage unit via an energy input terminal and an energy input supply line. Therefore, an energy charging unit may not be required within the energy supply module. At least one input terminal is configured to receive a corresponding terminal connection from the charging device.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one input energy supply line is connected to at least one output energy supply line.

[0017] Therefore, the number of energy supply lines can be reduced.

[0018] In some embodiments, the energy supply module further includes at least one charging management unit for at least one energy storage unit. The at least one charging management unit is arranged in or connected to the input energy supply line between at least one energy input terminal and at least one energy storage unit.

[0019] At least one charging management unit is configured to manage, for example, the amount, time, and / or type of energy supplied to at least one energy storage unit via an input energy supply line from an energy input terminal. The at least one charging management unit may also include at least one energy charging unit. In this case, at least one energy input terminal may be omitted. However, additional energy can be provided through at least one energy input terminal. Alternatively or additionally, at least one energy input terminal may also be used for redundancy or standby.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one charging management unit includes or is configured as a converter unit, preferably a DC / DC converter unit.

[0021] At least one charging management unit includes or is configured as a converter unit that can convert input energy received from an energy input terminal into an energy type suitable for charging the energy storage unit. The converter unit is preferably configured as or includes a DC / DC converter unit to convert direct current from one voltage level to another. Alternatively, the converter unit may also be configured as or include an AC / DC converter unit or a DC / AC converter unit.

[0022] In some embodiments, the energy supply module further includes at least one energy input switch unit, which is arranged in or connected to at least one input energy supply line between at least one energy input terminal and at least one energy storage switch unit. The at least one energy input switch unit is configured to disconnect at least one charging management unit, at least one energy storage unit, and / or output energy supply line from the energy input terminal. Therefore, at least one charging management unit, at least one energy storage unit, and / or output energy supply line can be disconnected from the energy input terminal to avoid being affected by a charging device connected to the energy input terminal, and vice versa. The energy input switch unit is preferably arranged between the charging management unit and the energy storage unit, so that the connection between the energy storage unit and the charging management unit can also be disconnected by the energy input switch unit, thereby avoiding any mutual interference and associated risks.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least one energy input switch unit, at least one energy output switch unit and / or at least one energy storage switch unit are respectively configured to also connect at least one charging management unit, at least one energy storage unit and / or one of the output energy supply lines to the energy input terminal, connect at least one energy output terminal to at least one energy storage unit and / or connect at least one energy storage unit to at least one energy output terminal.

[0024] In other words, at least one energy input switching unit may also be configured to connect at least one charging management unit, at least one energy storage unit, and / or an output energy supply line to an energy input terminal. Alternatively or additionally, at least one energy output switching unit may also be configured to connect at least one energy output terminal to at least one energy storage unit. Alternatively or additionally, at least one energy storage switching unit may also be configured to connect at least one energy storage unit to at least one energy output terminal. Therefore, any disconnection can be performed in reverse.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one energy input switching unit and at least one energy storage switching unit includes or is configured as a normally open switch.

[0026] Accordingly, at least one energy input switch unit and / or at least one energy storage switch unit must be activated to close the corresponding switch in order to connect at least one energy storage unit to at least one energy input terminal and / or at least one energy output terminal. Therefore, the risk of accidental connection of at least one energy storage unit to at least one energy input terminal and / or at least one energy output terminal can be reduced. Thus, at least one energy storage unit is protected from failure or transfer of at least one energy input terminal and / or at least one energy output terminal, and vice versa. Furthermore, unnecessary energy loss can be avoided.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least one energy storage switching unit includes or is configured as a normally closed switch.

[0028] Accordingly, at least one energy storage switch unit must be deactivated before at least one energy storage unit can be connected to at least one energy input terminal and / or at least one energy output terminal. Therefore, as long as at least one energy storage switch unit is not activated, the connection between at least one energy storage unit and at least one energy input terminal and / or at least one energy output terminal will not be disconnected by at least one energy storage switch unit. In other words, the risk of accidental disconnection by at least one energy storage switch unit can be reduced. At least one energy storage switch unit includes or is configured as a normally closed switch, which is advantageous for the energy supply module or at least one energy storage unit used to provide power for safety-critical functions.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one energy input switch unit, at least one energy output switch unit, and at least one energy storage switch unit includes or is configured as a smart switch.

[0030] The smart switch is configured to detect faults, such as reverse polarity, overvoltage, undervoltage, excessive current, and / or temperature exceeding or falling below predetermined thresholds. The smart switch can be configured to send a corresponding fault signal to a control unit, which is then configured to switch the smart switch accordingly. Alternatively or additionally, the smart switch can also process the corresponding signal within a smart switch processor unit to switch itself. A smart switch that switches itself can provide a faster response time. Since the smart switch may fail, an additional control unit can serve as a redundancy safety level. Furthermore, a control unit separate from the smart switch can also switch the corresponding switch when other events (such as downstream component failures) occur that the switch itself cannot detect.

[0031] In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one energy input switch unit, at least one energy output switch unit, and at least one energy storage switch unit includes at least one switch and at least one fuse.

[0032] In addition to at least one switch, at least one fuse provides a level of redundancy safety. Therefore, the threshold for blowing at least one fuse can be set higher than the upper breaking threshold of the corresponding switch to allow the switch to break first before unnecessarily blowing the fuse. In other words, the blowing threshold is configured such that, in the event of a fault, the existing switch will break before the fuse. However, if the switch fails and does not break under these circumstances, the fuse can be used to achieve disconnection.

[0033] In some embodiments, the energy supply module provides a carrier unit, which preferably includes or is configured as a housing having at least one energy output terminal or at least one energy output terminal and at least one energy input terminal as an interface to at least one energy storage unit enclosed by the housing.

[0034] The carrier unit can be configured to provide connection and / or insertion means for installing and / or inserting the energy supply module into the energy supply management system. Therefore, due to the configuration of the carrier unit and / or energy input and / or energy output terminals, the energy supply module can be configured as a drawer-type or plug-in module. The carrier unit can also serve as a grounding device. Furthermore, the carrier unit can also act as a heat sink for the energy supply module to reduce the risk of overheating.

[0035] Preferably, the carrier unit includes or is configured as a housing. Therefore, the housing can form the outer contour of the energy supply module. The housing can protect components within the housing, such as at least one energy storage unit, at least one energy storage switch unit, at least one energy output switch unit, at least one energy input switch unit, and / or at least one discharge management unit. In terms of electrical shielding characteristics, the housing provides protection against mechanical and / or electrical shocks.

[0036] On the other hand, the present invention also relates to an energy supply management system for a vehicle. The energy supply management system includes at least one energy supply module as described above. Furthermore, the energy supply management system also includes at least one consumption unit configured to connect to at least one energy output terminal of the at least one energy supply module.

[0037] As previously described, an energy supply management system including at least one energy supply module can flexibly exchange, reduce, and / or add energy supply modules, for example, replacing a defective energy supply module and / or changing the performance characteristics of an energy supply module or the configuration of multiple energy supply modules. Each energy supply module can be assigned to a consumption unit, a consumer of a consumption unit, a group of consumption units, a group of consumers, or all consumption units. Accordingly, the energy supply module provides one or more energy output terminals. The energy supply module may also include more than one energy storage unit. The number of energy storage units may correspond to the number of energy output terminals. Alternatively, for redundancy reasons or to increase the amount of available energy at an energy output terminal, the energy supply unit may also include at least one additional energy storage unit. Multiple energy storage units may be at least partially identical or different in order to supply energy to different consumption units or consumers respectively. For example, consumption units with different rated supply voltages can obtain the required energy supply by connecting to different energy output terminals, each energy output terminal being associated with a different appropriate energy storage unit. Alternatively or additionally, different energy storage units may also be selectively connected to an output energy terminal according to the switching state of their respective energy storage switching units. Therefore, the energy storage and supply system described above, which includes at least one energy supply module, can provide greater flexibility and scalability. Furthermore, because the at least one energy supply module includes at least one energy storage switch unit, at least one energy output switch unit, and / or at least one energy input switch unit, the length of the output energy supply line or the connection line provided by the output energy supply line and the input energy supply line can be short enough to reduce energy loss between these switches and at least one energy storage unit.

[0038] Since the energy supply management system includes an energy supply module with an energy input terminal, the consumption unit connected to the energy output terminal can also receive energy from another external energy storage unit or energy supply unit connected to the energy input terminal. Therefore, such an external energy storage unit or energy supply unit can not only be used to charge at least one energy storage unit of the energy supply unit, but also to supply energy to the energy output terminal in lieu of or additionally.

[0039] In some embodiments, the energy supply management system includes at least two energy supply modules, and the consumption unit includes at least two consumers, each of which is configured to connect to one of the at least two energy supply modules.

[0040] Accordingly, the energy supply management system provides an independent energy supply module for at least one of the at least two consumption units; for example, each of the at least two consumption units can be independently controlled for energy supply. At least one of the at least two consumers can also be simultaneously connected to two of the at least two energy supply modules, for example, to increase the available energy supply and / or for redundancy. Therefore, when one energy supply module or a corresponding energy storage unit fails, one or more existing consumers can still receive energy from the other energy supply module or corresponding energy storage unit. Preferably, the functions of the at least two consumers are at least partially identical. Therefore, if one consumer and / or one energy supply module fails, the other consumer can still provide at least partially identical functions. The at least partially identical functions preferably include at least safety-critical functions or safety-critical functions and safety-related functions. Safety-critical functions are essential for vehicle operation. If any critical function is not in its predetermined functional state, a safety-critical failure will occur; for example, the vehicle must enter a safe state within a predetermined fault tolerance time interval, or it must start and complete an emergency operation within an emergency operation fault tolerance time interval. For example, a possible safe state could be a vehicle stop. A safety-critical function could be braking capability. Safety-related functions at least improve the safety of driving operations, but are not necessarily essential. Safety-related functions can be braking assist functions. The allocation of safety-critical and safety-related functions can change depending on the corresponding driving mode. For example, distance adjustment may be safety-related in driver-only mode, but may be a safety-critical function in autonomous driving mode. Therefore, at least partially identical functions on the consumer side preferably include all functions that are or may be safety-critical functions in all available driving modes applicable to the corresponding vehicle. Other non-safety-critical or non-safety-related functions may also be provided by at least two consumers. However, since at least two consumers contain at least partially identical safety-critical or safety-critical and safety-related functions, safe or at least substantially safe operation can be achieved.

[0041] Other advantages of the energy supply management system correspond to those of the energy supply modules, as they are correspondingly implemented within the energy supply management system. Therefore, when an energy supply management system includes a corresponding energy supply module, any characteristic of the energy supply module can also be considered a characteristic of the energy supply management system, and vice versa.

[0042] Other advantages, aspects and details of the invention are dependent on the claims, the following description of preferred embodiments applying the principles of the invention, and the corresponding example drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an energy supply management system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an energy supply management system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The energy supply management system 1 includes an energy charging system 10 having an energy charging unit 11, two energy supply modules 20-1 and 20-2, and a plurality of consumption units 30, A1, B1, A2, and B2. The consumption unit 30 includes two consumers 30-1 and 30-2, each consumer having the same function.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the two energy supply modules 20-1 and 20-2 have the same configuration. Therefore, regarding energy supply modules 20-1 and 20-2, this document will only describe energy supply module 20-1 in detail. Except that index "-2" refers to energy supply module 20-2 and index "-1" refers to energy supply module 20-1, this description also applies to energy supply module 20-2 with the same reference numerals. Energy supply module 20-1 includes a housing 29-1 having an energy input terminal 23-1 and two energy output terminals 24-1. In other alternative embodiments, the number of energy input terminals 23-1 and energy output terminals 24-1 may vary. Within housing 29-1, energy supply module 20-1 includes an input energy supply line 28a-1 and an output energy supply line 28b-1, an energy storage unit 21-1, a charging management unit 22-1, an energy storage switch unit 25-1, two energy output switch units 26-1, and an energy input switch unit 27-1. In an exemplary embodiment, the input energy supply line 28a-1 and the output energy supply line 28b-1 are constituted by a single supply line for connecting the energy input terminal 23-1 and the energy output terminal 24-1. The energy storage unit 21-1 can be connected to the input energy supply line 28a-1 and the output energy supply line 28b-1 respectively via the energy storage switch unit 25-1. Here, the energy storage switch unit 25-1 is configured as a normally open switch, which, when activated, connects the energy storage unit 21-1 to the input energy supply line 28a-1 and the output energy supply line 28b-1 respectively. Each energy output switch unit 26-1 is assigned to one of the energy output terminals 24-1. The energy output switch unit 26-1 is configured as a normally closed switch, which, when activated, disconnects the connection between the corresponding energy output terminal 24-1 and the output energy supply line 28b-1. Each energy output terminal 24-1 can be independently disconnected from the output energy supply line 28b-1. Energy input terminal 23-1 can be disconnected from and connected to input energy supply line 28a-1 via energy input switch unit 27-1. Energy input switch unit 27-1 includes switch 27a-1 and fuse 27b-1. Switch 27a-1 is configured as a normally open switch, which, when activated, connects energy input terminal 23-1 to input energy supply line 28a-1. Switch 27a-1 can be disconnected as a safety switch due to operating mode and / or fault. If switch 27a-1 fails to disconnect energy input terminal 23-1 from input energy supply line 28a-1 in the event of a fault, fuse 27b-1 may blow as a redundancy safety measure. To allow switch 27a-1 to react first before fuse 27b-1 blows to provide irreversible disconnection, the threshold for blowing fuse 27b-1 is set higher than the upper threshold of switch 27a-1. The corresponding threshold can be a current and / or voltage threshold.The charging management unit 22-1 is arranged between the energy input switch unit 27-1 and the energy storage switch unit 25-1. In an exemplary embodiment, the charging management unit 22-1 is a DC / DC converter.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the energy management supply system 1 operates as a redundant energy management supply system. During normal operation, the switches 27a-1 and 27a-2 of the energy input switch units 27-1 and 27-2, and the energy output switch units 26-1 and 26-2 are closed. Therefore, the consuming units 30-1 and A1 and B1 of the consuming units 30 receive energy from the energy charging unit 11, which is connected to the two energy input terminals 23-1 and 23-2, through the charging management unit 22-1, the input energy supply line 28a-1, the output energy supply line 28b-1, and the corresponding energy output terminal 24-1. Similarly, the consuming units 30-2 and A2 and B2 of the consuming units 30 receive energy from the energy charging unit 11 through the charging management unit 22-2, the input energy supply line 28a-2, the output energy supply line 28b-2, and the corresponding energy output terminal 24-2. The corresponding switches of energy storage switching units 25-1, 25-2 or energy storage switching units 25-1, 25-2 are respectively opened to disconnect the energy storage units 21-1, 21-2 from the corresponding input energy supply lines 28a-1, 28a-2 and output energy supply lines 28b-1, 28b-2. However, in other alternative embodiments, at least one corresponding switch of energy storage switching unit 25-1, 25-2 or energy storage switching units 25-1, 25-2 may be closed accordingly to charge one of the corresponding energy storage units 21-1, 21-2 in parallel using the energy provided by energy charging unit 11, and / or to provide additional energy to the connected consumers 30-1, 30-2 and consumer units A1, B1, A2, B2. In order to charge only at least one of the energy storage units 21-1 and 21-2, the corresponding energy storage units 21-1 and 21-2 are configured not to supply any energy to the connected consumer units 30-1 and 30-2 and consumer units A1, B1, A2, and B2, for example, they are deactivated. The separation between charging at least one energy storage unit 21-1 and 21-2 and supplying energy from at least one energy storage unit 21-1 and 21-2 can also be achieved through corresponding energy supply line routing and / or switching configurations.

[0047] When a fault occurs in the energy charging system 10, switches 27a-1 and 27a-2 of the energy input switching units 27-1 and 27-2 are opened, and the corresponding switches of the energy storage switching units 25-1 and 25-2 are closed accordingly. Therefore, the consuming units 30-1 and A1 and B1 of the consuming unit 30 receive energy from the energy storage unit 21-1 through the output energy supply line 28b-1 and the corresponding energy output terminal 24-1. Similarly, the consuming units 30-2 and A2 and B2 of the consuming unit 30 receive energy from the energy storage unit 21-2 through the output energy supply line 28b-2 and the corresponding energy output terminal 24-2. Since the energy supply to each energy storage unit 21-1, 21-2 may be limited, the energy output switching units 26-1, 26-2 associated with consumption units A1, B1 and / or consumption units A2, B2 can disconnect the connection between the corresponding energy storage units 21-1, 21-2 and the corresponding energy output terminals 24-1, 24-2. Furthermore, since the consumers 30-1, 30-2 provide the same function, they can still perform the same function even if the energy supply to one of the energy supply modules 20-1, 20-2 or the corresponding energy storage units 21-1, 21-2 fails.

[0048] In other alternative embodiments, at least one energy storage unit 21-1, 21-2 has already provided energy to the consumption units 30, A1, B1, A2, B2 during normal driving operation. In this case, the energy supply management system 1 can be configured to use only the energy charging system 10 to charge at least one energy storage unit 21-1, 21-2 in parallel, on demand, or as a redundant energy supply.

[0049] The present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment. In particular, the energy supply management system may include two or more energy supply modules. Furthermore, the configurations of the two energy supply modules may also differ. For example, the energy supply modules may include different numbers of energy output terminals, and thus may be associated with different numbers of consumption units. As another variation, the energy supply module may not include at least one energy output switching unit for each energy output terminal, but may include at least one energy output switching unit for all energy output terminals.

[0050] List of reference numerals 1. Energy Supply Management System 10. Energy charging system 11 Energy charging units 20-1 and 20-2 Energy Supply Modules Energy storage units 21-1 and 21-2 22-1, 22-2 Charging Management Units 23-1, 23-2 Energy Input Terminals 24-1, 24-2 Energy Output Terminals 25-1, 25-2 Energy storage switching units 26-1, 26-2 Energy Output Switching Unit 27-1, 27-2 Energy Input Switching Units 27a-1, 27a-2 switches 27b-1 and 27b-2 fuses 28a-1, 28a-2 Input Energy Supply Lines 28b-1 and 28b-2 output power supply lines 29-1, 29-2 Outer shell 30 Consumable Units 30-1, 30-2 Consumption Side Consumption Units A1, A2, B1, B2

Claims

1. An energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) for a vehicle, comprising: At least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2). At least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2). as well as At least one output energy supply line (28b-1, 28b-2) is provided for connecting the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2) to the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2). At least one energy storage switch unit (25-1, 25-2) is arranged in or connected to the output energy supply line (28b-1, 28b-2) between the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2) and the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2), and the at least one energy storage switch unit is configured to at least disconnect the connection between the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2) and the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2). The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) further includes at least one energy output switch unit (26-1, 26-2). This energy output switch unit is arranged in or connected to the output energy supply line (28b-1, 28b-2) between the at least one energy storage switch unit (25-1, 25-2) and the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2). The energy output switch unit is configured to at least disconnect the connection between the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2) and the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2). The at least one energy output switching unit (26-1, 26-2) is closer to the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2) than the at least one energy storage switching unit (25-1, 25-2).

2. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one energy storage switch unit (25-1, 25-2) is closer to the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2) than the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2).

3. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) further includes at least one energy input terminal (23-1, 23-2) and at least one input energy supply line (28a-1, 28a-2), the input energy supply line being used to connect the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2) to the at least one energy input terminal (23-1, 23-2).

4. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one input power supply line (28a-1, 28a-2) is connected to the at least one output power supply line (28b-1, 28b-2).

5. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to claim 3, wherein, The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) further includes at least one charging management unit (22-1, 22-2) for at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2), the charging management unit (22-1, 22-2) being arranged in or connected to the input energy supply line (28a-1, 28a-2) between the at least one energy input terminal (23-1, 23-2) and the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2).

6. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one charging management unit (22-1, 22-2) includes or is configured as a converter unit.

7. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to claim 3, wherein, The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) further includes at least one energy input switch unit (27-1, 27-2), which is arranged in or connected to the input energy supply line (28a-1, 28a-2) between the at least one energy input terminal (23-1, 23-2) and the at least one energy storage switch unit (25-1, 25-2). The energy input switch unit is configured to disconnect at least one charging management unit (22-1, 22-2), the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2), and / or the output energy supply line (28b-1, 28b-2) from the energy input terminal (23-1, 23-2).

8. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 4-7, wherein, At least one energy input switch unit (27-1, 27-2), at least one energy output switch unit (26-1, 26-2), and / or at least one energy storage switch unit (25-1, 25-2) are respectively configured to further connect at least one charging management unit (22-1, 22-2), at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2), and / or the output energy supply line (28b-1, 28b-2) to the energy input terminal (23-1, 23-2), connect the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2) to the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2), and / or connect the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2) to the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2).

9. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to claim 8, wherein, At least one of the at least one energy input switching unit (27-1, 27-2) and the at least one energy storage switching unit (25-1, 25-2) includes or is configured as a normally open switch.

10. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one energy storage switching unit (25-1, 25-2) includes or is configured as a normally closed switch.

11. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to claim 8, wherein, At least one of the at least one energy input switch unit (27-1, 27-2), the at least one energy output switch unit (26-1, 26-2), and the at least one energy storage switch unit (25-1, 25-2) includes or is configured as a smart switch.

12. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to any one of claims 1-2, 4-7 and 9-11, wherein, At least one of the at least one energy input switch unit (27-1, 27-2), the at least one energy output switch unit (26-1, 26-2), and the at least one energy storage switch unit (25-1, 25-2) includes at least one switch and at least one fuse.

13. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to any one of claims 1-2, 4-7 and 9-11, wherein, The energy supply modules (20-1, 20-2) provide carrier units.

14. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to claim 6, wherein, The converter unit is a DC / DC converter unit.

15. The energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to claim 13, wherein, The carrier unit includes or is configured as a housing (29-1, 29-2) that surrounds the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2) or the at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2) and the at least one energy input terminal (23-1, 23-2) that serve as interfaces for the at least one energy storage unit (21-1, 21-2).

16. An energy supply management system (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least one energy supply module (20-1, 20-2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The energy supply management system (1) includes at least one consumption unit configured to be connected to at least one energy output terminal (24-1, 24-2) of the at least one energy supply module (20-1, 20-2).

17. The energy supply management system (1) according to claim 16, wherein, The energy supply management system (1) includes at least two energy supply modules (20-1, 20-2), and the consumption unit includes at least two consumers (30-1, 30-2), each of which is configured to connect to one of the at least two energy supply modules (20-1, 20-2).

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