Modular electronic fuse device and fuse box

Abstract

The invention relates to an architecture of a kit (100) consisting of a plurality of n electronic safety devices (S1, S2, S3,..., Sn) for the controlled disconnection and connection of one or more electronic circuits ik or channels from one of the safety devices (S1, S2, S3,..., Sn), each safety device (S1, S2, S3,..., Sn) having a safety device housing (10) and a connection base (20) with connection contacts (E, A), wherein the connection contacts have an input contact (E) and, for each circuit ik or channel k to be switched, an output contact (A1, A2, A3,..., AK), which has, in terms of switching technology, at least one carrier structure / circuit board (32) integrated in the respective fuse (S1, S2, S3,..., Sn) and fitted with an electronic switching element (31) having an electrical conductor or conductor path, the electrical conductor or the conductor path is connected to the input contact (E) in each case by means of a switching technique.

Description

[0001] manual:

[0002] The invention relates to a modular solution architecture for flexibly adjustable electronic fuses (eFuse) for protecting electronic circuits, preferably electronic circuits in vehicle electrical systems, and a fuse box in which such electronic fuses can be installed in a modular manner. In addition to vehicle applications and vehicle electrical systems, the invention also relates to other electronic applications in which a different number of circuits should be flexibly protected.

[0003] Various fuses for disconnecting circuits are known in the prior art. Traditionally, fuses are still used, but such fuses have many disadvantages and are accordingly set with specific and fixed disconnection conditions, such as a maximum allowable current. If the allowable current intensity is exceeded, the fuse will melt and the fuse will no longer function.

[0004] In motor vehicles in particular, electrical loads are usually arranged in the vehicle electrical system. Here, electrical loads are divided into safety-related electrical loads and non-safety-related electrical loads, such as QM electrical loads (QM: Quality Management). When operating the vehicle electrical system, the energy supply of safety-related electrical loads in particular must always be safe and reliable. It is well known that in order to ensure the safety of the vehicle electrical system, the vehicle electrical system and the energy supply of the motor vehicle should be monitored. In principle, the requirements of functional safety (ISO26262) need to be met in any case.

[0005] DE102020213357A1 Figure 1 A possible topology of an energy supply system is shown, which consists of a basic vehicle electrical system, including an energy storage device with associated battery sensors, and several loads protected or controlled by an electronic load distributor. The electronic load distributor includes a plurality of switching mechanisms, each of which specifically controls or protects safety-related loads. For example, the semiconductor switch can function as an electronic fuse according to certain standards, such as overvoltage, (over) current, temperature, etc., so as to disconnect the connection between each protected load and the energy supply unit when an unauthorized operating state occurs. For example, another switching mechanism of the electronic load distributor is connected to another load distributor, through which other loads are protected (for example, by a fuse) and energy is provided in a targeted manner. For example, these loads can be lighting components, window wipers or loads used after a vehicle collision. The electronic load distributor also includes a disconnection mechanism for separating the electronic load distributor from part of the electrical system.

[0006] However, load sharers and switch mechanisms have a fixed topology that is customized to the vehicle electrical system and cannot be flexibly transplanted to other electrical systems. This means that a large number of load sharers and fuse boxes need to be provided for many different vehicles, even series products of the same manufacturer, in order to be customized according to the respective vehicle configuration. This is both disadvantageous and expensive.

[0007] DE4329860A1 discloses a circuit for controlling different electrical loads in a motor vehicle. The solution relates to a circuit arrangement for controlling different electrical loads in a motor vehicle. The circuit arrangement is connected to a voltage source and an input switch at the input and to the load to be controlled at the output. Each load is assigned a separate semiconductor element, which disconnects the assigned load from the voltage source when a short circuit occurs at the output of the semiconductor element, and reconnects the assigned load to the voltage source when the short circuit ends. In addition, a semiconductor element is provided for loads that convert relatively high electrical power in a motor vehicle, such as a passenger compartment heater. In particular, a MOSFET transistor is used as the semiconductor element.

[0008] Switching elements and safety devices are also permanently installed in the circuit and are therefore difficult to adapt to different vehicle electrical systems or requirements.

[0009] Documents DE102005013440A, JP2007288356 and EP1870978A show more alternative solutions, but these solutions are also inflexible, and each solution is statically adapted to a specific application situation.

[0010] In addition to the basic need for increased variability and flexibility, there is a need to be able to adapt or modify the fuse box or fuse device architecture, especially after installation in the application or vehicle electrical system. Also expected is the freedom to switch and disable certain loads and devices when specific switching conditions do not occur during use.

[0011] As we all know, if a customer requires certain components in the vehicle as accessories or special equipment, then the vehicle configuration requires a lot of effort. On the one hand, the configuration cannot be changed later, on the other hand, some settings may want to be activated based on the person's usage behavior during operation, for example by paying.

[0012] According to the technical solutions known in the prior art, such a flexible, variable and highly adaptable solution during operation cannot be realized in an ideal manner.

[0013] The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to provide a cost-effective, adaptable and flexible solution which enables a large number of applications, in particular safety concepts, in vehicle electrical systems.

[0014] According to the invention, a set is proposed, which consists of a plurality of n electronic fuses (S1, S2, S3, ..., Sn) for controlled disconnection and connection of one or more electronic circuits or channels with one of the fuses, wherein each fuse has a fuse housing and a connection base with a connection contact. According to the invention, the fuse has exactly one or at least one input contact and, for each circuit or channel to be switched, has k output contacts, which have at least one circuit board (or carrier structure) integrated in the respective fuse and equipped with an electronic switching element, the electronic switching element having a conductor or a conductor path, which is respectively connected to the input contact in a switching manner, wherein the following conditions apply:

[0015] where n ≥ 4, and

[0016] Wherein k = 1, 2, 3 to n.

[0017] The number n of electronic fuses is advantageously in the order of magnitude of between 10 and 50, and in any case greater than / equal to 4, since this allows modularization to be implemented in a particularly effective manner. The concept of modularization is well known in the prior art, but according to the concept of the invention, a combination of modularization at the fuse level (modular electronic fuses with multiple channels) and modularization at the variant level (fuses with different designs) on the one hand, allows significantly more solutions to be implemented according to the modular principle, while the number of variants provided is significantly reduced. In this case, multi-channel variants themselves are particularly versatile, since these solutions can be modularized not only at the first level (higher level) but also at the lower level (fuse level).

[0018] Therefore, the concept of the present invention is to optimize and implement the following components:

[0019] - Modular design of electronic safety devices (1-way / 2-way / 4-way / … / multi-way channels),

[0020] - A modular system consisting of modular fuses and variants,

[0021] - Possibility of combining known types of plug-in fuses, usually 1 to 80 A, or screw-type fuses, usually 80 to 400 A, of different power classes,

[0022] -At the same time, the electronic fuse box (ePDU / eHSB) can adopt a flexible, customizable and modular design, combining individual plug-in modules, variants and other electrical modules on a common circuit board.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the connecting contacts are designed as plug-in contacts, solder contacts or crimp contacts with a common installation direction or extension direction. In this way, a particularly easy-to-install and clear fuse box can be achieved, in which all fuses can be fixed on one installation plane and can be installed, for example, by inserting the plug-in contacts.

[0024] Another optional further development of the invention provides that the connection contact is designed with an opening for screwing in order to make an electrical connection to the circuit by means of a screwable connection. For example, a busbar or busbar connection with a screw-type solution is conceivable.

[0025] It is also advantageous if the connecting contacts for screwing are arranged on the opposite side of the electronics fuse or protrude therefrom.

[0026] Furthermore, it is advantageous if one or all switching elements of the electronic fuse (S1, S2, S3, . . . , Sn) can be individually set with regard to their disconnection and connection conditions, in particular can be programmed or adjusted via an integrated communication interface.

[0027] Another aspect of the invention also relates to the design of the connection. Advantageously, the current carrying capacity of the input contact portion is equivalent to the sum of the current carrying capacities of the plug-in contacts, or at least 60-80% thereof. For example, in this way, a channel can be closed (load shedding) and the current flowing through the input contact portion can be distributed to the remaining channels, or it can be directed only through the safety-related circuit, i.e. the channel (if a larger current is temporarily required there). For example, if a circuit needs to be safely powered for the stability of the electrical system, but no current is needed in another circuit protected by the same fuse, this function may need to be used. Compared with conventional solutions, this dynamic adaptability is a particular advantage.

[0028] One possible implementation is that the geometric cross section of the input contact is equal to or greater than the sum of the individual cross sections of the plug-in contacts defined as outputs.

[0029] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, in the installed state, one or all switching elements of each of the electronic fuses can be activated or deactivated individually in the event of proper operation, regardless of whether a specific disconnection or connection condition occurs in the electrical system.

[0030] An advantageous solution is that the disconnection or connection condition of one, more than one or all electronic switching elements is a current threshold or a voltage threshold, wherein the disconnection condition is specifically specified to ensure that the electrical system voltage remains stable and that the relevant switching element is switched to its disconnected position in the event of an excessively high voltage drop in the circuit or load circuit.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention relates to a fuse box which is designed or has a plurality of interfaces, in particular connection bases, and is designed for connecting an electronic fuse which is or can be selected from a set of electronic fuses as described above.

[0032] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the fuse box is designed to accommodate a hybrid assembly consisting of electronic fuses and other conventional types of fuses, such as fuse 2 and non-electronic fuses.

[0033] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims or are explained in more detail below together with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings.

[0034] in:

[0035] Figure 1 The electronic fuse is shown as a plug-in module with a capacity of 20-40A and 1 circuit (i.e., for one protection channel or circuit);

[0036] Figure 2 The electronic fuse is shown as a 20-40A, 4-way (i.e., for 4 protection channels or circuits) plug-in module;

[0037] Figure 3 The electronic fuse is shown as a 1-20A, 4-way (i.e., for 4 protection channels or circuits) plug-in module;

[0038] Figure 4 The electronic fuse is shown as a 40-400A, 6-way (ie, for 6 protection channels or circuits) screw-in module; and

[0039] Figure 5 A hybrid fuse box is shown, from which a selection can be made from a set Sn of fuses according to the invention.

[0040] The accompanying drawings are schematic examples. Below, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same functional features and / or structural features.

[0041] Figure 1An electronic fuse S1 is shown, which is configured as a 20-40A 1-way plug-in module, that is, for protecting a circuit or channel from an input terminal E via a switch element 31 on a circuit board 30 to an output terminal A1. The exemplary fuse S1 is selected from a set 100 consisting of a plurality of n electronic fuses S1, S2, S3, ..., Sn, for correspondingly controlling disconnection and connection of one or more electronic circuits i k Or channel, it also has a fuse housing 10 and a connection base 20 (plug-in base) with two connection contacts E, A1. In addition, the fuse S1 also has a communication interface 50 with a plurality of signal contacts 51 for data transmission and communication with the fuse S1.

[0042] For this purpose, the fuse S1 has corresponding electronic components 33 which are arranged on a printed circuit board 32. Figure 1 It can also be seen that the contact parts E, A1, 51 each have a contact part end 34 on the insertion side, which can be inserted into the corresponding contact socket 61 on the matching socket 60. At the other end of each contact part E, A1, 51, a contact part end 34 on the circuit board side for contacting the circuit board 32 is provided. An angle side support and fixing mechanism 22 for supporting and laterally fixing the circuit board 32 is also provided on the connection base 20. In addition, a contact bearing seat 22 is also provided on the side facing the circuit board 32, and each contact part end 34 on the circuit board side extends or protrudes through the bearing seat.

[0043] from Figure 1 It can also be clearly seen that the contact geometry on the insertion side of the contacts E, A1, 51 is constructed differently and the flat contacts E, A1 form needle-shaped contact sections, preferably needle-shaped contact sections with a circular or square cross section. In this regard, a safety device with an optimized contact design is also proposed.

[0044] Due to the concept of the angle side bearing seat 22, the circuit board can be installed on both sides. The L-shaped corner section is located at the upper end of the angle side bearing seat 22, serving as a stopper for the circuit board 32.

[0045] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the electronic fuse S2 is constructed as a 1-20A, 4-way plug-in module, i.e., it is used to protect four circuits. One of the contacts is the input contact E. In addition, there are four output contacts A1, A2, A3, A4, one for each circuit to be switched. k (i1, i2, i3, i4) or channel k, and is connected to the input contact E by means of switching technology via at least one circuit board 32 integrated in the fuse S2 and equipped with an electronic switching element 31. In addition, the topology of the fuse S2 is similar to Figure 1 The topology of the fuse S1 is similar.

[0046] Figure 3 Shown is Figure 2 Similar fuses, but configured for different current intensities. Apart from this, the reference numerals refer to features already explained.

[0047] Figure 4 Another solution of an electronic fuse S4 is shown, whose fuse concept (i.e., the structure in the fuse housing 10) is conceptually similar to the fuses S1 to S3. The connection base 20 is divided into two sides on two opposite longitudinal sides and is provided with connection contacts E, A1-A6, wherein the connection contacts E, A1-A6 are configured as a screw solution, thus forming an opening 22 for screw connection. It can also be seen that the connection cross-sections of the output contacts A1 and A2 to A6 are configured differently. For example, the total current distributed to all output contacts A1 to A6 via the input contact E can also be conducted only via the output contact A1, because the output contact is configured large enough for this purpose (similar to the input contact E). In addition, the fuse S4 also has a communication interface 50 with a plurality of signal contacts (not shown) for data transmission and communication between the fuse S1 and an external device, such as a controller.

[0048] Figure 5 A hybrid fuse box 200 is shown, which is configured to accommodate several electronic fuses S2, S5 and S6 (from the set 100). In addition (but not necessarily), a conventional socket for fuses 2 can also be provided. In addition, the electronic module M1 can also be configured as pluggable and inserted into a corresponding socket.

[0049] The fuse box 200 according to the invention can also be configured as a non-hybrid solution. In addition, the invention can also be used by analogy for a distribution box or a load distributor, an EM box (electromagnetic box), a pre-fuse box or a main fuse box, so that a fuse box in the sense of the invention is generally understood as a fuse box that uses a variety of different electronic fuse devices Sn.

[0050] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many variants are conceivable, and the solutions shown can be used even in substantially different types of embodiments. Therefore, according to the concept of the invention, the set 100 is not limited to the variants shown in the figure, but can include a large number of other electronic safety devices Sn, which respectively involve different numbers of channels, connection bases, sizes and / or geometries, etc. The decisive factor is that all electronic safety devices have the basic functions of the described electronic safety devices, have at least one connection base and a housing, and the conceptual structure in the housing is constructed as described above.

Claims

1. A kit (100) comprising a plurality of n electronic safety devices (S1, S2, S3, ..., Sn) for connecting one or more electronic circuits i k or the channel is disconnected and connected in a controlled manner with one of the fuses (S1, S2, S3, ..., Sn), wherein: Each fuse (S1, S2, S3, . . . , Sn) has a fuse housing (10) and a connection base (20) with connection contacts (E, A), wherein the connection contacts have input contacts (E) and for each circuit i to be switched k or channel k has an output contact (A1, A2, A3, ..., AK), which in terms of switching technology has at least one carrier structure (32) which is integrated in each of the fuses (S1, S2, S3, ..., Sn) and carries an electronic switching element (31), the electronic switching element having an electrical conductor or a conductor path which is connected to the input contact (E) in a switching manner, and wherein where n ≥ 4, and Wherein k = 1, 2, 3 to n.

2. The set (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting contacts (E, A) are designed as plug-in contacts, solder contacts or crimp contacts and have a common mounting direction or direction of extension.

3. The set (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting contacts (E, A) are designed as screw contacts with openings (22) for screwing, so as to be connected to the circuit by means of a screwable connection. k Make electrical connections.

4. The set (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connection contacts (E, A) for screwing are arranged on opposite sides of the electronic fuse (S1, S2, S3, . . . , Sn) or protrude therefrom.

5. The set (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The current carrying capacity of the input contact (E) corresponds to the sum of the current carrying capacities of the output contacts (A1, A2, A3, . . . , AK), or is at least 60-80% thereof.

6. The set (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The input contact (E) is geometrically designed to have a cross section that is equal to or greater than the sum of the cross sections of the output contacts (A1, A2, A3, . . . , AK).

7. The set (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A plurality or all of the electronic fuses (S1, S2, S3, . . . , Sn) also have a communication interface (50) which has a plurality of signal contacts (51) in the region of a socket or a connection base.

8. The set (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that One or all of the switching elements (31) of the electronic fuse (S1, S2, S3, . . . , Sn) can be individually set with regard to their disconnection and connection conditions, in particular can be programmed or adjusted via an integrated communication interface (50).

9. The set (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that: Regardless of whether a specific disconnection or connection condition occurs in the vehicle electrical system, one or all of the switch elements (31) of each of the electronic fuses (S1, S2, S3, . . . , Sn) can be individually activated or deactivated or changed in the installed state under specified operation.

10. The set (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The disconnection or connection condition of one, more than one or all electronic switching elements is a current threshold or a voltage threshold, wherein the disconnection condition is specifically specified so that the electrical system voltage remains stable and the relevant switching element (31) is switched to its disconnected position in the event of an excessively high voltage drop in the circuit or load circuit.

11. The set (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The set comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of, the electronic fuses (S1, S2, S3, . . . , Sn) as multi-channel fuses with a corresponding number of output contacts (A1, A2, A3, . . . , AK).

12. A fuse box (200) having a plurality of interfaces, in particular connection bases, configured to connect electronic fuse devices (S1, S2, S3, ..., Sn) selected from the set (100) consisting of the n electronic fuse devices (S1, S2, S3, ..., Sn) according to claims 1 to 11.

13. The fuse box (200) according to claim 12, characterized in that: The fuse box (200) is configured to accommodate a hybrid assembly consisting of electronic fuses (S1, S2, S3, . . . , Sn) according to claims 1 to 11 and other types of fuses, such as a fuse 2 and non-electronic fuses.

14. The fuse box (200) according to claim 13, characterized in that: The fuse box (200) is also configured with a socket having contacts so that a plug-in electronic module (M1) and an electronic component having mating contacts can be inserted therein.

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