Current monitoring module and system and electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a current monitoring module (100) for measuring a current in an electric vehicle (400), comprising: at least two shunt modules (101, 111) for measuring the respective current, each shunt module having a defined resistance, each shunt module (101, 111) being arranged in a separate current path; at least two communication interfaces (102, 112) for reading a respective measured current of each shunt module (101, 111); at least one circuit board (103, 113) for arranging the at least two shunt modules (101, 111), the respective resistances of the at least one circuit board (103, 113) and of the at least two shunt modules (101, 111) being arranged in a single housing (104) for electrical insulation. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system (300) and an electric vehicle (400).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a current monitoring module for measuring current in an electric vehicle, a system, and an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Current monitoring modules are suitable, for example, for measuring the applied voltage in a circuit and thereby determining the current. Information about the magnitude of the applied voltage is particularly important for identifying and avoiding current and voltage spikes. Similarly, this information can be used to maximize the efficiency of electronic components within the circuit. In particular, in the electric vehicle sector, current monitoring modules are used to infer the state of charge of high-voltage batteries. To measure the current within an electric vehicle, a shunt with a defined resistance, also known as a shunt module, can be used. The defined resistance within the shunt ensures a voltage drop, from which the current can be determined. Electric vehicles, particularly electric vehicles, are typically based on a 400V voltage network or 400V architecture. However, it has been shown that increasing the voltage from 400V to 800V can significantly reduce charging times and simultaneously achieve significant weight reductions for both the battery and the electric vehicle. For example, to measure a voltage of 800V, two 400V current monitoring modules are required. However, installing two modules increases the vehicle's overall weight and requires additional space. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially overcome at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a particularly compact, weight-reduced, and cost-effective current monitoring module, a system having a current monitoring module, and an electric vehicle, which ensure precise and reliable measurement of the current in the electric vehicle.

[0004] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a current monitoring module having the features of independent claim 1, by a system having the features of independent claim 10, and by an electric vehicle having the features of independent claim 11. Further features and details of the invention are derived from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the current monitoring module according to the invention naturally also relate to the system according to the invention and / or the electric vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual inventive aspects can always be mutually referenced.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a current monitoring module for measuring current in an electric vehicle, the current monitoring module comprising:

[0006] at least two shunt modules for measuring the respective currents, each of which has a specific resistance, wherein each shunt module is arranged in a separate current path;

[0007] - at least two communication interfaces for reading the respective measured current of each shunt module;

[0008] - at least one circuit board for arranging the at least two diverter modules;

[0009] In this case, the at least one printed circuit board and the corresponding resistors of the at least two current diverter modules are arranged in a single housing for electrical insulation.

[0010] Preferably, the current monitoring module is used to determine the current within an electric vehicle, in particular, the current flowing into and / or out of the battery. An electric vehicle can be understood as, for example, an electric passenger car or an electric truck. The shunt module can preferably be understood as an elongated component, in particular, a metal strip. The shunt module can have a mounting point at each end of the elongated component, through which the shunt module can be integrated into the circuit. In particular, the mounting points of the shunt module can include through-holes, through which the shunt module can be connected to the circuit using plugs, terminals, soldering, or welding. A defined resistor is provided between the two mounting points of the shunt module. The resistor preferably comprises one of the following alloys: manganese copper, constantan, nickel-chromium alloy, isotan, and / or isabellin. Furthermore, the defined resistor can comprise pure copper. The resistor is preferably low-ohmic, in particular having a resistance of 50 μΩ to 500 μΩ, which results in a voltage drop. The voltage drop before and / or after the defined resistor can be determined by a measuring device, in particular a measuring pin, which is preferably arranged on a circuit board. The current monitoring module according to the present invention particularly comprises two shunt modules, each arranged in a different current path. This allows, for example, the combination of two shunt modules designed for a 400V architecture and their use in an 800V voltage network. A current path may be understood as a path taken by a current through a circuit or system. For the purposes of the present invention, this means that the at least two shunt modules measure the respective currents in two different current paths.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the present invention, two communication interfaces are provided for reading the respective measured currents of each shunt module. Within the scope of the present invention, the current measured at the respective shunt module can preferably be read via the corresponding associated communication interface. In other words, the communication interface can be adapted to output the measured current of the associated shunt module. The communication interface can be understood as a plug or a wireless connection.

[0012] Furthermore, at least one circuit board is provided for arranging the at least two shunt modules. Within the meaning of the present invention, a circuit board can be understood as a board or a printed circuit board. According to the invention, in the case of only one circuit board, two shunt modules can be mounted on the circuit board, and in the case of two or more circuit boards, one shunt module can be mounted on each circuit board. In particular, more than two circuit boards can also be provided in the current monitoring module and / or more than two shunt modules can be provided for each circuit board. Furthermore, the circuit boards can be designed to have conductive tracks for current, in particular signals.

[0013] The at least one circuit board and the corresponding resistors of the at least two shunt modules are arranged in a single housing for electrical insulation. In other words, the at least two shunt modules are at least partially surrounded by only a single housing, the at least one circuit board and the corresponding resistors. Therefore, it can also be provided within the scope of the present invention that in particular more than one circuit board and in particular more than two shunt modules are at least partially arranged in a single housing. At least partially means that only the connectors of the corresponding shunt modules are arranged outside the housing. The housing can hereby electrically insulate the at least partially enclosed components from each other. In this case, the housing can be designed so that at least the circuit board can be mounted on and / or in the housing. The housing can preferably be designed to be fluid-tight. In particular, the housing can be designed to have sufficient resistance so that at least the circuit board is protected from mechanical shocks and vibrations.

[0014] The current monitoring module according to the present invention provides a particularly compact, lightweight, and cost-effective current monitoring module that ensures precise and reliable current measurement in electric vehicles. In particular, this current monitoring module can either save installation space in the vehicle or create installation space that can be used in other ways, such as by creating larger battery modules. Since, according to the present invention, multiple shunt modules are installed in a single housing, the installation of a single current monitoring module in the vehicle is significantly simplified. Similarly, the connection of the corresponding current paths is simplified, since they are all connected to the corresponding shunt modules at approximately the same location, namely at the single housing of the current monitoring module. This significantly shortens installation time compared to known current-consuming modules.

[0015] Within the scope of the present invention, it is advantageous if the at least two shunt modules are arranged spaced apart from each other within the housing for electrical insulation, wherein the spacing is preferably at least 1 mm to 10 mm, particularly preferably 2 mm and 5 mm. The at least two shunt modules can preferably be arranged on a common circuit board or on respective circuit boards. In particular, it can be provided that each shunt module is arranged on a separate circuit board. The spacing of the at least two shunt modules achieves the advantage that undesired potential transfer between electronic components is avoided, thereby enabling particularly reliable measurement of the current in the electric vehicle by the current monitoring module.

[0016] Within the scope of the current monitoring module of the present invention, it can be provided that an insulating medium is provided for the electrical insulation of the at least two shunt modules from one another, wherein the insulating medium in particular comprises at least one of the following components: epoxy resin, silicone resin or air. If the insulating medium comprises air, for example, at least one insulating groove can be provided on the at least one circuit board and / or an air gap can be provided between the at least two circuit boards to separate the conductive lines. In addition, a silicone seal and / or an epoxy resin seal can be provided on the at least one circuit board or between the at least two circuit boards. The advantage of using an insulating medium within the scope of the present invention is that no potential can be transferred between the shunt modules, thereby ensuring a particularly reliable measurement of the current by the current monitoring module. In addition, short circuits can be prevented and the heat distribution within the current monitoring module can be well controlled.

[0017] Within the scope of the current monitoring module of the present invention, it can be provided that each communication interface is designed as a plug, in particular a plug on a circuit board or on a corresponding circuit board. In this case, preferably a plug can be provided for each shunt module to read the corresponding measured current, wherein the plug is connected to the corresponding shunt module in particular via an electrically conductive line, in particular a cable connection. The connection can be arranged in particular on the circuit board. The plug can be connected to an evaluation unit by wire or wirelessly, which is used to evaluate the current detected by the measuring device. The evaluation unit can be arranged in particular on one of the circuit boards, on one of the multiple circuit boards, or outside the current monitoring module. The advantage of using the plug according to the present invention is that the measured current is particularly reliable. In addition, the plug allows a modular structure of the communication system, so that different components can be easily connected and replaced with each other. It is particularly advantageous in the current monitoring module according to the present invention that, compared to a current monitoring module with only one shunt module, only a single evaluation unit may be required. This can result in significant cost savings.

[0018] It is also conceivable in the current monitoring module that the at least two shunt modules are arranged on a common circuit board, wherein an insulating medium is respectively arranged on the circuit board between the respective shunt modules. The insulating medium can preferably comprise at least one of the following components: epoxy resin, silicone resin or air. For example, insulating grooves and / or silicone seals and / or epoxy resin seals for separating the conductive lines can be arranged on the common circuit board between the respective shunt modules. The advantage of a common circuit board for the at least two shunt modules is a particularly compact and space-saving design of the current monitoring module. In addition, the installation and maintenance of the current monitoring module can be simplified, since the compact components have different components to be maintained and the connections between the components on the circuit board can be clearly marked and defined.

[0019] It can also be provided in the current monitoring module that at least two circuit boards are provided, each of which has a shunt module, with adjacent circuit boards being arranged spaced apart from one another. Advantageously, an insulating medium can be arranged between the two circuit boards, which insulating medium can in particular include at least one of the following components: epoxy resin, silicone resin, or air. For example, an air gap and / or a silicone seal and / or an epoxy resin seal can be arranged between two adjacent circuit boards. The advantage of using two circuit boards within the meaning of the present invention is that electrical insulation is achieved for the shunt modules, each arranged on one of the circuit boards, thereby avoiding undesirable potential transfer between the shunt modules within a single housing. Consequently, reliable and precise current measurement can be achieved using the current monitoring module.

[0020] Furthermore, within the scope of the current monitoring module of the present invention, it can be provided that on each circuit board, the corresponding shunt module and the corresponding communication interface are arranged at the same predetermined position. The corresponding communication interface and the corresponding shunt module can preferably be mounted on the circuit board at predetermined intervals. In this case, specially marked areas of the circuit board can represent the predetermined positions of the corresponding shunt module and the corresponding communication interface. In other words, the corresponding circuit boards can be regarded as identical units, wherein components, such as the corresponding shunt module and / or the corresponding communication interface and / or the evaluation unit are arranged in predetermined areas on the circuit board. It can therefore be provided that all circuit boards are constructed identically. The resulting advantage is that the installation and maintenance of the current monitoring module are simplified by using identical units with the same predetermined positions of the components. In addition, the installation costs or installation work of the current monitoring module can be reduced, so that particularly cost-effective production can be achieved in a system of a vehicle having a battery and such a current monitoring module, and thus in the vehicle.

[0021] In the current monitoring module, the present invention allows for corresponding adjacent circuit boards to be arranged in the same orientation within the housing. Therefore, provision can be made for the at least two identically constructed circuit boards to be oriented identically within the housing. This results in time savings during the manufacturing process, as identical units can be arranged in the same orientation on the circuit boards. Consequently, the robot only needs to perform a single movement process, saving costs and installation time.

[0022] Furthermore, it is conceivable that adjacent circuit boards within the current monitoring module can be arranged in different orientations within the single housing, particularly with the adjacent circuit boards rotated 180 degrees within the horizontal plane. Thus, provision can be made for the at least two circuit boards to be oriented 180 degrees relative to one another within the single housing. Therefore, the corresponding communication interfaces on the adjacent circuit boards can preferably be arranged on the same side within the housing. This has the advantage that data read from the communication interfaces can be retrieved from one side of the housing, requiring less wiring and thus saving space. Furthermore, installing the wired connection to the plug is significantly simplified, as only a single current monitoring module is required.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention, the aforementioned object is also achieved by a system according to the invention, which has a battery of an electric vehicle and a current monitoring module according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0024] With regard to the system according to the invention, the same advantages result as have already been described with regard to the current monitoring module according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the invention, the above-mentioned object is also achieved by an electric vehicle according to the invention, which has a system according to the second aspect.

[0026] With regard to the electric vehicle according to the invention, the same advantages as already described with regard to the current monitoring module according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention result. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Further advantages, features and details of the present invention are apparent from the following description, in which several embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and the description may constitute the essence of the present invention individually or in any combination.

[0028] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Schematically:

[0029] Figure 1 A current monitoring module is shown having two shunt modules on a common circuit board;

[0030] Figure 2 A current monitoring module is shown having two identically oriented circuit boards and a shunt module respectively arranged on the corresponding circuit boards;

[0031] Figure 3 A current monitoring module is shown having two oppositely oriented circuit boards and a shunt module each arranged on the corresponding circuit board;

[0032] Figure 4 A system having a battery and a current monitoring module is shown; and

[0033] Figure 5 An electric vehicle with a current monitoring module is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even if they are from different embodiments.

[0035] Figure 1A current monitoring module 100 is shown, which has two shunt modules 101, 111 arranged on a common circuit board 103, wherein at least the circuit board 103 is at least partially arranged in a single housing 104. The shunt modules 101, 111 are arranged at the edges of the circuit board 103. However, it can also be provided that the shunt modules 101, 111 occupy any other position on the circuit board 103, in particular so that the shunt modules 101, 111 do not touch each other. Two communication interfaces 102, 112, in particular plugs, and two evaluation units 106, 116 are arranged between the two shunt modules 101, 111. Preferably, each shunt module 101, 111 can be assigned a plug 102, 112 and an evaluation unit 106, 116. Each shunt module 101, 111 can have mounting locations 107 at both ends of the elongated part, via which each shunt module 101, 111 can be integrated into the circuit. In particular, the mounting location 107 of each shunt module 101, 111 can include a through-hole, through which the corresponding shunt module 101, 111 can preferably be integrated into the circuit by means of a plug, terminal, soldering or welding. The communication interface 102, 112 can be connected to the corresponding shunt module 101, 111, in particular directly via an electrically conductive line, or to the corresponding evaluation unit 106, 116, which is connected to the corresponding shunt module 101, 111. The communication interface 102, 112 can be designed as a wired or wireless communication interface 102, 112. In this case, each shunt module 101, 111 can have at least one, in particular low-ohmic resistor. The at least one resistor can cause a voltage drop, which can then be read via the corresponding evaluation unit 106, 116 and the communication interface 102, 112, or directly via the communication interface 102, 112. In particular, a shunt module 101, 111 can also have multiple resistors. Here, the evaluation units 106, 116 can evaluate the results of each resistor and determine the current. An insulating medium 105 can also be arranged on the circuit board 103. The insulating medium 105 can preferably include at least one of the following components: epoxy resin, silicone resin or air. In particular, the diverter modules 101, 111, the evaluation units 106, 116, the communication interfaces 102, 112 and the insulating medium 105 can occupy any position on the circuit board 103, in particular occupy any position asymmetrically. The at least one circuit board 103 and the corresponding resistors of the at least two diverter modules 101, 111 can be at least partially arranged in the single housing 104 for electrical insulation. In other words, the above-mentioned components can all be at least partially surrounded by the single housing 104.

[0036] Figure 2A current monitoring module 100 is shown, which has two shunt modules 101, 111 on each circuit board 103, 113. The two shunt modules 101, 111 are separated by an insulating medium 105, in particular air. A shunt module 101, 111, an evaluation unit 106, 116, and a communication interface 102, 112 are each arranged on a circuit board 103, 113, with the components being positioned identically on the circuit boards 103, 113. The two circuit boards 103, 113, each having a shunt module 101, 111, a communication interface 102, 112, and an evaluation unit 106, 116, can be identically constructed circuit boards 103 or identical components. At least two identically constructed circuit boards 103, 113 can be arranged in a single housing 104, with identical components being oriented identically. Therefore, the present invention contemplates that at least two identically constructed circuit boards 103 are oriented identically within a single housing 104. This can achieve the advantage that time can be saved during the production process, since identical units can be arranged in the same orientation on the circuit boards 103 , 113 .

[0037] Figure 3 A current monitoring module 100 is shown, which has two shunt modules 101, 111 on each circuit board 103, 113. However, the identically constructed circuit boards 103, 113 are rotated 180 degrees in the horizontal plane. In other words, two identical sides are adjacent to each other. Therefore, it can be provided that the at least two circuit boards 103, 113 are oriented 180 degrees relative to each other within the housing 104. Therefore, the corresponding communication interfaces 102, 112 can preferably be arranged on the same side of the housing 104 on the corresponding adjacent circuit boards 103, 113.

[0038] Figure 4 A system 300 is shown, which has a current monitoring module 100 according to the present invention and a battery 200. The battery 200 may be, in particular, a high-voltage battery for a vehicle.

[0039] Figure 5 An electric vehicle 400 is shown having a system 300 according to the present invention.

[0040] List of reference numerals:

[0041] 100 Current Monitoring Module

[0042] 101 Shunt Module

[0043] 102 Communication Interface

[0044] 103 Circuit Board

[0045] 104 housing

[0046] 105 Insulation medium

[0047] 106 evaluation units

[0048] 107 Installation location

[0049] 111 splitter module

[0050] 112 Communication Interface

[0051] 113 Circuit Board

[0052] 116 evaluation units

[0053] 200 batteries

[0054] 300 system

[0055] 400 electric vehicles.

Claims

1. A current monitoring module (100) for measuring current in an electric vehicle (400), the current monitoring module comprising: - at least two shunt modules (101, 111) for measuring the respective current, said shunt modules each having a specific resistance, wherein Each shunt module (101, 111) is arranged in a separate current path; - at least two communication interfaces (102, 112) for reading the respective measured current of each shunt module (101, 111); - at least one circuit board (103) for arranging the at least two diverter modules (101, 111), The at least one printed circuit board (103) and the corresponding resistors of the at least two current diverter modules (101, 111) are arranged in a single housing (104) for electrical insulation.

2. The current monitoring module (100) according to claim 1, in, The at least two diverter modules (101, 111) are spaced apart from each other in the housing (104) for electrical insulation, wherein the space is preferably at least 1 mm to 10 mm, particularly preferably 2 mm to 5 mm.

3. The current monitoring module (100) according to claim 2, in, An insulating medium (105) is provided for electrically insulating the at least two diverter modules (101, 111) from one another, wherein the insulating medium (105) particularly comprises at least one of the following components: epoxy resin, silicone resin or air.

4. The current monitoring module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, Each communication interface (102, 112) is designed as a plug, in particular as a plug on a printed circuit board (103) or on a corresponding printed circuit board (103).

5. The current monitoring module (100) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, in, The at least two diverter modules (101, 111) are arranged on a common circuit board (103), wherein an insulating medium (105) is respectively arranged on the circuit board (103) between the corresponding diverter modules (101, 111).

6. The current monitoring module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in, At least two circuit boards (103, 113) are provided, wherein each circuit board (103) has a diverter module (101, 111), wherein adjacent circuit boards (103) are arranged spaced apart from each other.

7. The current monitoring module (100) according to claim 6, in, On each circuit board (103), a corresponding splitter module (101, 111) and a corresponding communication interface (102, 112) are arranged at the same predetermined position on the corresponding circuit board (103, 113).

8. The current monitoring module (100) according to claim 7, in, Respective adjacent circuit boards (103, 113) are arranged in the same orientation within the housing (104).

9. The current monitoring module (100) according to claim 7, in, Respective adjacent circuit boards (103, 113) are arranged in different orientations within the housing (104), wherein the respective adjacent circuit boards (103, 113) are rotated 180 degrees in a horizontal plane.

10. System (300), The electric vehicle comprises a battery (200) of an electric vehicle (400) and a current monitoring module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9.

11. An electric vehicle (400) having a system (300) according to claim 10.

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