Electronic fuse device with failure protection, power distribution system, vehicle, and method for operating an electronic fuse device

Abstract

The present application relates to an electronic fuse device with failure protection, a power distribution system, a vehicle and a method for operating an electronic fuse device. The electronic fuse device is arranged for insertion in a power supply line and comprises an electronic fuse consisting of a semiconductor device, a drive circuit assigned to the electronic fuse for controlling the electronic fuse to be switched on or off by applying a switching signal to a control electrode of the semiconductor device, a current detection module, a short-circuit determination module for determining a short-circuit condition on the basis of a detected load current, a circuit breaking element and a logic control circuit assigned thereto, the short-circuit determination module being arranged for outputting a short-circuit condition signal to the drive circuit and to the logic control circuit upon determination of the short-circuit condition, the logic control circuit being arranged for receiving the switching signal of the drive circuit and for outputting a trigger signal for triggering the circuit breaking element in the event that the switching signal for switching off the electronic fuse is present and the short-circuit condition signal has not changed accordingly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an electric fuse device with failure protection, a power distribution system, a vehicle and a method for operating an electric fuse device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, low-voltage electric fuses are used in low-voltage power distribution systems for vehicles or industrial applications to replace the combination of conventional relays and fuse-type fuses. Electric fuses are electronic components that implement short-circuit, overcurrent and the like protection functions using semiconductor devices and corresponding control circuits. However, with the development of semiconductor technology, electric fuses suitable for high-voltage scenarios, in particular electric fuses based on power semiconductor devices, are also being developed. Compared with the combination of conventional contactors and fuse-type fuses, electric fuses have faster response speed, are reusable, do not require a pre-charge circuit, and have significant advantages in terms of both size and cost. In addition, electric fuses are easier to control, maintain and configure parameters, and can be attached with over-temperature protection and the like. Based on the above advantages, the future trend will be to apply electric fuses in high-voltage power distribution systems.

[0003] However, in order to safely use electric fuses, especially in the high-voltage range, the failure of semiconductor devices in electric fuses, such as MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor), IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) and SiC device (Silicon Carbide device), due to breakdown, thermal runaway, material degradation, mechanical damage, process defects and the like must be considered. Once the semiconductor device in the electric fuse fails, the electric fuse will be short-circuited across the terminals, so that the power supply line cannot be timely cut off when needed, and the circuit safety cannot be guaranteed. This reason hinders the promotion of electric fuses in power distribution systems, especially in high-voltage power distribution systems.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a safeguard for electric fuses that can reliably ensure the cut-off of the power supply line when the electric fuse fails. SUMMARY

[0005] The task of the present application is to provide an electric fuse device with failure protection, a power distribution system, a vehicle and a corresponding method for operating an electric fuse device, which can reliably ensure the cut-off of the power supply line when the electric fuse fails.

[0006] A first aspect of the present application relates to an electric fuse device with failure protection, wherein the electric fuse device is configured to be connected in a power supply line and comprises:

[0007] an electric fuse (E-Fuse) composed of a semiconductor device;

[0008] a driving circuit provided for the electronic fuse for controlling the electronic fuse to be on or off by applying a switching signal to the control electrode of the semiconductor device;

[0009] a current detection module for detecting the load current;

[0010] a short-circuit judging module for judging the short-circuit state based on the detected load current;

[0011] a triggerable breaking element connected in series with the electronic fuse; and

[0012] a logic control circuit provided for the breaking element,

[0013] wherein the short-circuit judging module is configured to output a short-circuit state signal to the driving circuit and the logic control circuit when the short-circuit state is judged, and the logic control circuit is configured to receive the switching signal of the driving circuit and output a trigger signal for triggering the breaking element in the case that the switching signal for turning off the electronic fuse exists while the short-circuit state signal does not change accordingly.

[0014] In the context of the present application, the electronic fuse device can be understood as a whole functional assembly consisting of an electronic fuse composed of a semiconductor device and the matching control detection circuit components. The electronic fuse device can at least play the role of short-circuit protection or overcurrent protection instead of the combination of a conventional contactor and a fuse-type fuse. The electronic fuse device is connected in the power supply circuit and cuts off the power supply circuit by turning off the electronic fuse when a short circuit or overcurrent is detected to protect the safety of the power supply and the load. For this purpose, in the electronic fuse device according to the present application, a driving circuit is provided for the electronic fuse for controlling the electronic fuse to be on or off by applying a switching signal to the control electrode of the semiconductor device. At the same time, the electronic fuse device further comprises a current detection module for detecting the load current and a short-circuit judging module for judging the short-circuit state based on the detected load current. The short-circuit judging module is configured to output a short-circuit state signal to the driving circuit when the short-circuit state is judged, for prompting the driving circuit to apply a switching signal for controlling the electronic fuse to be turned off to the control electrode of the semiconductor device. In the case that the electronic fuse is in normal operation or not failed, the electronic fuse is turned off based on the switching signal, thereby cutting off the power supply circuit and ensuring the safety of the circuit.

[0015] However, the semiconductor device in the electronic fuse can have a certain probability of failure due to breakdown, thermal runaway, material degradation, mechanical damage, process defects, etc., so that the electronic fuse is short-circuited and cannot be controlled to be turned off. In view of such failure of the electronic fuse, a failure protection is provided in the electronic fuse device, so that the circuit can still be reliably cut off when the electronic fuse fails.

[0016] In order to provide a fail-safe, the electronic fuse device according to the present application further comprises a triggerable breaking element connected in series with the electronic fuse and a logic control circuit provided for the breaking element. The short-circuit determining module is also configured to output a short-circuit status signal to the logic control circuit when a short-circuit condition is determined, and the logic control circuit is configured to receive a switching signal from the driving circuit. Thus, the logic control circuit is able to output a trigger signal for triggering the breaking element according to the short-circuit status signal and the switching signal. Here, the logic control circuit can determine the theoretical state of the electronic fuse by the switching signal from the driving circuit and can verify whether the electronic fuse is turned off according to the theoretical state and thus the power supply line is successfully cut off by the short-circuit status signal. Once the short-circuit status signal does not change accordingly, it means that the electronic fuse fails or it is not turned off according to the theoretical state and thus the power supply line fails to be successfully cut off. The breaking element connected in series with the electronic fuse needs to be triggered by the logic control circuit to completely cut off the power supply line identified with the short-circuit by the breaking element.

[0017] In summary, the electronic fuse device according to the present application has the advantage that the failure of the electronic fuse can be protected by the breaking element and the corresponding circuit design and logic control, so that the power supply line can still be reliably cut off when the electronic fuse fails. At the same time, the electronic fuse device according to the present application is simple in structure and cost-advantageous, and its application voltage range is not limited to the low-voltage range, and can be advantageously combined with high-voltage electronic fuses for high-voltage power distribution systems, such as high-voltage power distribution systems below 1200V, especially high-voltage power distribution systems of vehicles. The electronic fuse device according to the present application can advantageously replace the combination of conventional contactors and fuse-type fuses, realizing the advantages of electronic fuses: small size, low cost, no pre-charge circuit, accurate control, easy maintenance, configurable parameters and no need to worry about the risk of electronic fuse failure.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic fuse device may include a voltage detection module configured to detect a first voltage upstream of the electronic fuse and a second voltage downstream of the electronic fuse, and the logic control circuit configured to output a trigger signal for triggering the circuit-breaking element based on the first voltage, the second voltage, and a switching signal. In this preferred embodiment, the voltage detection module can be used to detect the first and second voltages located across the electronic fuse, and the equality of these two voltages can be used to determine whether the electronic fuse is turned off according to the theoretical state determined by the switching signal. Particularly advantageously, the logic control circuit can be configured to trigger the circuit-breaking element when the first and second voltages are equal and the drive circuit controls the electronic fuse to turn off via the switching signal. This advantageously allows for monitoring of electronic fuse failure during operation. This means that, with this embodiment, routine monitoring of electronic fuse failure can also be performed even when no short circuit occurs in the power supply line. This allows for early identification of electronic fuse failure before a short circuit hazard occurs, prompting the user to proactively replace the faulty electronic fuse device. It should be noted that the equality of the first voltage and the second voltage should exclude the case where the power supply line is open due to a circuit such as a switch, contactor, relay, etc., other than the electronic fuse device, and both voltages are zero.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic fuse device may include a microcontroller unit configured to input signals from at least one of a communication module for external communication, a current detection module, a short-circuit detection module, and a voltage detection module, and to output signals to a drive circuit and a logic control circuit. Here, the microcontroller unit can analyze and process signals from one or more modules and thereby control the drive circuit and provide signals to the logic control circuit. In particular, the microcontroller unit can receive emergency stop signals, vehicle collision signals, fire signals, etc., from external sources via the communication module for external communication, to cut off the power supply line in emergency situations to ensure safety. Alternatively or additionally, the microcontroller unit is configured to control the drive circuit to pulse-charge the electronic fuse for pre-charging, i.e., to pulse-charge the parasitic capacitance in the load circuit to the supply voltage before formal operation.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the microcontroller unit can be configured to compare a first voltage and a second voltage detected by a voltage detection module, and to signal the logic control circuit when the first voltage and the second voltage are equal. Particularly advantageously, the microcontroller unit can handle the comparison of the first voltage and the second voltage, especially considering a certain on-state voltage drop that may still occur when the electronic fuse fails (e.g., internal partial breakdown). This simplifies the logic elements in the logic control circuit and improves its robustness.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic fuse device may include a temperature detection module for detecting the temperature of the electronic fuse, the temperature detection module being signal-connected to the microcontroller unit. Here, the microcontroller unit can control the switching on and off of the electronic fuse with reference to the temperature of the electronic fuse to avoid thermal failure of the electronic fuse. For this purpose, a preset temperature threshold, such as 85°C, 90°C, 105°C, 125°C, etc., can be set in the microcontroller unit so that the electronic fuse can be switched off promptly when the preset temperature threshold is exceeded.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit breaking element may be a switch, a contactor, a circuit breaker, or a relay, and the switch, the contactor, the circuit breaker, or the relay may be configured to reversibly or irreversibly disconnect the power supply line.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit breaking element may be a gunpowder fuse, an explosion-proof circuit breaker, a reed switch, a magnetic latching relay, a solid-state relay, or a solid-state contactor.

[0024] Within the scope of this invention, a pyrofuse can be referred to as a pyrotechnic component or a pyrotechnic circuit breaker, which mainly includes a fuse, explosive charge, piston, and copper busbar. When the pyrofuse is triggered, the fuse ignites the explosive charge, thereby driving the piston to move and irreversibly mechanically disconnect the conductive copper busbar. Similarly, a pyrobreaker mainly includes an electrically triggered charge, a mechanical switch, and a spring mechanism. These components are sealed in a pressure-resistant housing, wherein the electrically triggered charge can be ignited by an external electrical signal (such as a 12V pulse) to generate gas that drives the mechanical components to irreversibly force the circuit to disconnect. A reed switch can be considered as two magnetic reeds encapsulated in a glass tube filled with inert gas or evacuated. The magnetic reeds attract / disconnect under the action of an external magnetic field (permanent magnet or electromagnet), and elastically reset when the magnetic field disappears. Thus, the reed switch can achieve non-contact reversible on / off control. A magnetic latching relay typically consists of an iron core, coil, armature, permanent magnet, and contact springs. It utilizes the interaction between the magnetic field of the permanent magnet and the magnetic field generated by the energized coil to switch the contacts and thus control the on / off state of the circuit. Solid-state relays (SSRs) and solid-state contactors (SSCs) are electrical components that achieve contactless switching functions based on semiconductor devices (especially thyristors and triacs). They often also use optocouplers to achieve electrical isolation between the input and output circuits.

[0025] The circuit-breaking components mentioned above all have good controllability and circuit-breaking reliability, and can be used as backup measures and last resorts to reliably disconnect the power supply line in the event of electronic fuse failure.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit breaker element may be equipped with a trigger circuit, which triggers the circuit breaker element based on a trigger signal from a logic control circuit. Depending on the specific model of the circuit breaker element, the trigger signal from the logic control circuit may be insufficient in terms of voltage, current, and / or power to trigger the circuit breaker device; for example, the logic control circuit may not be able to provide enough current to ignite the fuse of the circuit breaker element. Therefore, a trigger circuit that is triggered by a trigger signal can be provided to the circuit breaker element to achieve the triggering of the circuit breaker element with a specified voltage, current, and / or power.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the semiconductor device of the electronic fuse can be a MOSFET, an IGBT, or a SiC device.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the semiconductor device of the electronic fuse can be two power semiconductor devices connected in series back-to-back. Exemplarily, it is possible to connect the switching paths of power semiconductor devices of the same or different types in series on the power supply line. In particular, a common-source or common-drain structure of a P-channel MOSFET and an N-channel MOSFET can be considered for this purpose. Semiconductor devices implemented in this way can reliably achieve reverse current blocking.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic fuse may be connected in parallel with an absorption circuit to absorb the reverse electromotive force and pulse current at the moment the electronic fuse is turned on and off. Exemplarily, the absorption circuit may be implemented as an RC circuit with a resistor and capacitor in series, or an RCD circuit with a diode added (the diode is connected in parallel with the resistor and then in series with the capacitor).

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the current detection module can be configured to sample the current by means of sampling resistors respectively assigned to each load branch. Here, current sampling is performed on each load branch, thereby enabling the identification of short circuits or overcurrents in a single load branch. Accordingly, the short circuit detection module can reliably disconnect the power supply line based on this condition.

[0031] A second aspect of the invention relates to a power distribution system, wherein the power distribution system includes an electronic fuse device according to the invention.

[0032] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the power distribution system can be a high-voltage power distribution system. Accordingly, the electronic fuse in the electronic fuse device can be a high-voltage electronic fuse, and the semiconductor device in the high-voltage electronic fuse can be a power semiconductor device.

[0033] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the operating voltage range of the high-voltage power distribution system can be between 400V and 1200V, for example, 600V, 800V, or 1000V.

[0034] A third aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes an electronic fuse device according to the invention and / or a power distribution system according to the invention.

[0035] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the vehicle can be a commercial vehicle or a passenger vehicle. Here, the vehicle can be understood in particular as an electric vehicle or an electrically driven vehicle, such as a battery-powered pure electric vehicle (BEV), a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, and a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and a range-extended hybrid electric vehicle (EREV).

[0036] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating an electronic fuse device according to the present invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0037] The load current is detected by the current detection module;

[0038] The short-circuit detection module determines the short-circuit state based on the detected load current and outputs a short-circuit state signal.

[0039] When a short-circuit status signal indicates the presence of a short circuit, the drive circuit applies a switching signal to the control electrode of the semiconductor device of the electronic fuse to turn off the electronic fuse.

[0040] When a switching signal for turning off the electronic fuse is present but the short-circuit status signal does not change accordingly, the logic control circuit outputs a trigger signal to activate the circuit-breaking element; and

[0041] The circuit breaker element is triggered in response to the trigger signal.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the detected load current exceeds a preset short-circuit current threshold, the short-circuit judgment module can output a short-circuit status signal.

[0043] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method can be implemented to promptly disconnect the power supply line even if the electronic fuse fails in the event of a short circuit.

[0044] A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating an electronic fuse device according to the invention, wherein the electronic fuse device additionally includes a voltage detection module configured to detect a first voltage upstream of the electronic fuse and a second voltage downstream of the electronic fuse, and the logic control circuit is configured to output a trigger signal for triggering a circuit-breaking element based on the first voltage, the second voltage, and a switching signal, the method comprising the following steps:

[0045] The voltage detection module detects a first voltage upstream of the electronic fuse and a second voltage downstream of the electronic fuse;

[0046] When the first voltage and the second voltage are equal and the drive circuit controls the electronic fuse to turn off via a switching signal, the logic control circuit outputs a trigger signal to activate the circuit-breaking element; and

[0047] The circuit breaker element is triggered in response to the trigger signal.

[0048] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the method is implemented for monitoring the failure of an electronic fuse during operation of the electronic fuse device.

[0049] In this invention, the functions, effects, or advantages described for one aspect are applied in a corresponding manner to other aspects of the invention, and vice versa.

[0050] Other features of the invention are derived from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. All the features and combinations of features mentioned above, as well as those mentioned below in the detailed description and / or shown separately in the drawings, can be used not only in the corresponding combinations, but also in other combinations, or in their individual states. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an electronic fuse device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0052] Figure 2 A flowchart is shown for a method of operating an electronic fuse device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram of an electronic fuse device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0054] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram of an electronic fuse device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0055] Figure 5 A flowchart is shown for a method of operating an electronic fuse device according to a second or third embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a conventional power distribution system for electric vehicles is shown.

[0057] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a power distribution system for the use of an electronic fuse device according to the present invention in an electric vehicle is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an electronic fuse device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The electronic fuse device 1 according to the exemplary first embodiment is configured for connection in a power supply line SP and includes:

[0059] An electronic fuse EF consisting of semiconductor device Q;

[0060] The drive circuit DC provided for the electronic fuse EF is used to control the electronic fuse EF to be turned on or off by applying a switching signal Sg to the control electrode of the semiconductor device Q.

[0061] The current detection module ID is used to detect the load current Is;

[0062] The short-circuit detection module SD determines the short-circuit state based on the detected load current Is;

[0063] The circuit-breaking element PF is connected in series with the electronic fuse EF; and

[0064] The logic control circuit LC is provided for the circuit breaker element PF.

[0065] The short-circuit detection module SD is configured to output a short-circuit state signal Sc to the drive circuit DC and the logic control circuit LC when a short-circuit state is detected. The logic control circuit LC is configured to receive the switch signal Sg of the drive circuit DC and output a trigger signal Si to trigger the circuit breaking element PF based on the short-circuit state signal Sc and the switch signal Sg, especially when there is a switch signal Sg for turning off the electronic fuse EF and the short-circuit state signal Sc does not change accordingly.

[0066] exist Figure 1 An electronic fuse device 1 is exemplarily shown connected to a power supply line SP between a power supply V and a first load L1, a second load L2, ..., an Nth load Ln connected in parallel with each other. In the electronic fuse device 1, an electronic fuse EF and a circuit-breaking element PF are connected in series on the power supply line SP. Here, the semiconductor device Q of the electronic fuse EF is exemplarily configured as an enhancement-mode N-channel MOSFET. However, it is not limited to this; the semiconductor device of the electronic fuse can also be other types of MOSFETs, IGBTs, or SiC devices, particularly SiC MOSFETs.

[0067] Here, the circuit breaker element PF can be configured as a switch, contactor, circuit breaker, or relay for reversibly or irreversibly disconnecting the power supply line. Exemplarily, the circuit breaker element PF can be a pyrotechnic fuse, an explosion-proof circuit breaker, a reed switch, a magnetic latching relay, a solid-state relay, or a solid-state contactor. When using electronic fuse devices in high-voltage ranges and / or in the vehicle's power distribution system, it is preferable to consider using a pyrotechnic fuse for the circuit breaker element PF to ensure reliable circuit breaking and good environmental robustness.

[0068] To detect the load current Is using the current sensing module ID, a sampling resistor Rs is connected in series on the power supply line SP. The current sensing module ID calculates the load current Is based on the voltage difference across the sampling resistor Rs. The detected load current Is is then provided by the current sensing module ID to the short-circuit detection module SD. The short-circuit detection module SD can, for example, determine the short-circuit state based on a preset short-circuit current threshold and provide a short-circuit state signal Sc indicating the short-circuit state to the drive circuit DC and the logic control circuit LC. Here, the short-circuit state signal Sc can be, for example, an analog signal where a high level indicates the presence of a short circuit and a low level indicates the absence of a short circuit, or a digital signal where "1" indicates the presence of a short circuit and "0" indicates the absence of a short circuit. When the drive circuit DC, which is configured to power the electronic fuse EF, determines a short-circuit state, that is, when it receives the short-circuit state signal Sc indicating the presence of a short circuit, it controls the electronic fuse EF via a switching signal Sg, that is, controls its semiconductor device Q to turn off. Here, a switching signal Sg, implemented as a gate voltage (e.g., 0V), is applied to the control electrode of the semiconductor device Q, i.e., the gate of the enhancement-mode N-channel MOSFET, to turn off or cut off the semiconductor device Q, thereby disconnecting the power supply line SP and ensuring the safety of the entire circuit. The drive circuit DC can be configured as a push-pull circuit, for example. When using other semiconductor devices, the drive circuit DC is also designed accordingly to provide a switching signal Sg that meets the driving requirements of the semiconductor device, such as a positive or negative voltage or current of a corresponding value.

[0069] To reliably disconnect the power supply line SP even when the electronic fuse EF fails (i.e., its two ends are short-circuited and cannot be turned off), a logic control circuit LC, connected in series with the circuit breaker PF, is used to control the circuit breaker PF. This ensures reliable disconnection of the power supply line SP even if the electronic fuse EF fails in the event of a short circuit, thus providing fail-safe protection. The logic control circuit LC receives a short-circuit status signal Sc from the short-circuit detection module SD and a switching signal Sg from the drive circuit DC. The logic control circuit LC can trigger the circuit breaker PF based on the short-circuit status signal Sc and the switching signal Sg, especially when the switching signal Sg for turning off the electronic fuse EF is present but the short-circuit status signal Sc has not changed accordingly. The logic control circuit LC can also trigger the circuit breaker PF via a trigger signal Si when the switching signal Sg for turning off the electronic fuse EF is present but the short-circuit status signal Sc has not changed accordingly. For example, a switching signal Sg providing a 0V gate voltage is input to the logic control circuit LC. Therefore, the theoretical state of the electronic fuse EF should be off, and the power supply line SP should be cut off after a response time of a few microseconds. Consequently, the current detection module ID should no longer be able to detect the load current Is, and the short-circuit detection module SD will no longer be able to determine the existence of a short circuit. The short-circuit status signal output by the short-circuit detection module SD should therefore change accordingly (e.g., from high to low or from "1" to "0"). However, if the electronic fuse EF fails and its semiconductor device Q fails to turn off according to the switching signal Sg, a short circuit will remain in the power supply line SP, and the short-circuit status signal Sc will not change accordingly. In this case, the logic control circuit LC can determine that the electronic fuse EF has failed and needs to trigger the circuit breaker element PF through the trigger signal Si, thereby cutting off the power supply line SP. For example, the logic control circuit LC can be configured as a logic gate circuit in its simplest case. In the first embodiment described above, the logic control circuit LC can be implemented as a composite logic gate composed of NOT gates and AND gates. Additionally, a delay circuit can be set in the logic control circuit LC to wait for the electronic fuse EF to respond.

[0070] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electronic fuse device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 The method 100 for operating the electronic fuse device 1 shown includes the following steps:

[0071] Step 101: Detect the load current Is using the current detection module ID;

[0072] Step 102: The short circuit judgment module SD judges the short circuit state based on the detected load current Is and outputs the short circuit state signal Sc. When the short circuit judgment module SD judges that a short circuit exists, that is, when the judgment result is "yes", it proceeds to step 103; if the judgment result is "no", then method 100 ends.

[0073] Step 103: When the short-circuit status signal Sc indicates that a short circuit exists, that is, when the judgment result in step 102 is "yes", the drive circuit DC applies a switching signal Sg to the control electrode of the semiconductor device Q of the electronic fuse EF to turn off the electronic fuse EF.

[0074] Step 104: If a switching signal Sg for turning off the electronic fuse EF exists but the short-circuit state signal Sc does not change accordingly (i.e., the judgment here is "yes"), the logic control circuit LC outputs a trigger signal Si to trigger the circuit-breaking element PF; however, if the short-circuit state signal Sc changes (no longer exists, for example, changing from high level to low level or from "1" to "0") (i.e., the judgment here is "no"), then method 100 ends; and

[0075] Step 105: The circuit breaker element PF is triggered in response to the trigger signal Si to cut off the power supply line SP and ensure power safety.

[0076] It is important to note that in step 104, two conditions must be met simultaneously: 1) the switching signal Sg is used to turn off the electronic fuse EF, and 2) the short-circuit status signal Sc continuously indicates the presence of a short circuit. Therefore, the logic control circuit LC can determine the theoretical state of the electronic fuse EF through the switching signal Sg from the drive circuit DC, and can verify whether the electronic fuse EF is turned off according to the theoretical state and thus disconnects the power supply line SP through the short-circuit status signal Sc. Once both conditions are met, it can be determined that the electronic fuse EF has failed, or that it has not turned off according to the theoretical state, and therefore the power supply line SP has not been successfully disconnected. In this case, the short-circuit power supply line SP needs to be completely disconnected by triggering the circuit breaker element PF.

[0077] Of particular advantage, method 100 enables the power supply line SP to be cut off in a timely manner even if the electronic fuse EF fails in the event of a short circuit.

[0078] In addition, in step 102, when the detected load current Is exceeds the preset short-circuit current threshold, the short-circuit judgment module SD outputs a short-circuit status signal Sc.

[0079] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram of an electronic fuse device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3In the second embodiment shown, the electronic fuse EF of the electronic fuse device 1 consists of a first power semiconductor device Q1 and a second power semiconductor device Q2 connected back-to-back in series. The first power semiconductor device Q1 and the second power semiconductor device Q2 are configured as a common-source structure of an enhancement-mode N-channel MOSFET. This semiconductor device reliably achieves reverse current blocking.

[0080] exist Figure 3 In the second embodiment shown, the electronic fuse device 1 additionally includes voltage detection modules UD. Here, the two voltage detection modules UD are respectively configured to detect voltages upstream of the electronic fuse EF, i.e. Figure 3 The first voltage U1 at point A and the second voltage U2 downstream of the electronic fuse EF, i.e., at point B. In this second embodiment, the first voltage U1 and the second voltage U2 are also input to the logic control circuit LC. The logic control circuit LC is configured to output a trigger signal Si for triggering the circuit-breaking element PF based on the first voltage U1, the second voltage U2, and the switching signal Sg. In this second embodiment, whether the electronic fuse EF is turned off according to the theoretical state determined by the switching signal Sg is determined by whether the first voltage U1 and the second voltage U2 are equal. Particularly advantageously, the logic control circuit LC can be configured to output a trigger signal Si for triggering the circuit-breaking element when the first voltage U1 and the second voltage U2 are equal and the drive circuit DC controls the electronic fuse EF to turn off via the switching signal Sg. This allows for advantageous monitoring of the failure of the electronic fuse EF during the operation of the electronic fuse device 1. This means that, through this embodiment, routine monitoring of the failure of the electronic fuse EF can also be performed even when there is no short circuit in the power supply line SP. This allows for the early identification of electronic fuse failures before a short circuit hazard occurs, prompting users to proactively replace the faulty electronic fuse device 1. It should be clarified that the equality of the first voltage U1 and the second voltage U2 excludes situations where the power supply line SP is open due to other switches, contactors, relays, etc., connected outside of the electronic fuse device 1, resulting in both voltages being zero; that is, excluding cases where U1=U2=0.

[0081] exist Figure 3 In the second embodiment shown, an absorption circuit RC is connected in parallel with the electronic fuse EF to absorb the reverse electromotive force and pulse current at the moment the electronic fuse is turned on and off. The absorption circuit can be implemented as a series circuit of a resistor and a capacitor, or a series circuit with a diode added (the diode is connected in parallel with the resistor and then in series with the capacitor).

[0082] In addition, Figure 3In the second embodiment shown, a trigger circuit IC is also provided for the circuit breaker element PF. The trigger circuit IC triggers the circuit breaker element PF based on the trigger signal of the logic control circuit LC, thereby being suitable for the specific model of the circuit breaker element PF used, and triggering the circuit breaker element PF with a specified voltage, current and / or power.

[0083] Unlike Figure 1 The first embodiment shown is in Figure 3 In the electronic fuse device 1, each load branch is equipped with a sampling resistor. Specifically, the first sampling resistor Rs1 is used to detect the first load current Is1 in the first load branch with the first load L1; the second sampling resistor Rs2 is used to detect the second load current Is2 in the second load branch with the second load L2; and so on; the Nth sampling resistor Rsn is used to detect the Nth load current Isn in the Nth load branch with the Nth load Ln. The voltage difference across these sampling resistors (between points B and C in the diagram for the first sampling resistor Rs1) is input to the current detection module ID to detect each load current. When at least one of these load currents is short-circuited or exceeds a preset short-circuit current threshold, the short-circuit judgment module SD determines that a short-circuit state exists and outputs a short-circuit state signal Sc to the drive circuit DC and the logic control circuit LC.

[0084] Figure 4 A schematic block diagram of an electronic fuse device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the power supply V is configured as a high-voltage power supply, particularly a high-voltage battery pack or power battery pack. The high-voltage power supply can be, for example, between 400V and 1200V, such as 600V, 800V, 1000V, etc. Therefore, the electronic fuse device 1 can be divided into a high-voltage area along the power supply line SP and a low-voltage area including a low-voltage power supply LS and a communication module CM, the high-voltage area and the low-voltage area being isolated by an isolation area. For clarity, the power supply connection of the low-voltage power supply LS to the various circuit components is not shown.

[0085] Different from Figure 3 The second embodiment shown, Figure 4 The electronic fuse device 1 in the middle additionally includes a microcontroller unit MCU, which can be configured to input signals for a communication module CM for communicating with the outside, a temperature detection module TD for detecting the temperature T of the electronic fuse EF, a short circuit judgment module SD, and a voltage detection module UD, and to output signals to a drive circuit DC and a logic control circuit LC.

[0086] The microcontroller unit (MCU) can receive emergency stop signals, vehicle collision signals, fire signals, etc., from the communication module (CM) to cut off the power supply line (SP) in emergency situations to ensure safety. To this end, the MCU can output a shutdown command to the drive circuit (DC).

[0087] Advantageously, the microcontroller unit (MCU) can be configured to compare a first voltage U1 and a second voltage U2 detected by the voltage detection module UD, and to signal the logic control circuit LC when the first voltage U1 and the second voltage U2 are equal (and in particular, not equal to zero). This comparison is performed by the MCU taking into account the potential on-state voltage drop that may occur even if the electronic fuse EF fails (e.g., due to internal partial breakdown). This simplifies the logic elements in the logic control circuit LC and improves its robustness.

[0088] The microcontroller unit (MCU) can also control the switching on and off of the electronic fuse EF by referencing its temperature, in order to prevent thermal failure of the electronic fuse EF. For this purpose, temperature thresholds such as 85℃, 90℃, 105℃, and 125℃ can be preset in the MCU.

[0089] Additionally, the microcontroller unit (MCU) can be configured to control the drive circuit to DC pulse-type conduct the electronic fuse EF for pre-charging, as shown below using... Figure 7 As described above.

[0090] Figure 5 A flowchart is shown for a method of operating an electronic fuse device according to a second or third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, the method 200 for operating the electronic fuse device 1 of the second or third embodiment includes:

[0091] Step 201: The voltage detection module UD detects the first voltage U1 upstream of the electronic fuse EF and the second voltage U2 downstream of the electronic fuse EF;

[0092] Step 202: When the first voltage U1 and the second voltage U2 are equal (especially not equal to 0) and the drive circuit DC controls the electronic fuse EF to turn off through the switching signal Sg, the logic control circuit LC outputs a trigger signal Si to trigger the circuit breaker element PF; and

[0093] Step 203: The circuit breaker element PF is triggered in response to the trigger signal Si.

[0094] It is also possible that step 202 can be divided into two separate sub-steps. Sub-step 202a: the logic control circuit LC or the microcontroller unit MCU determines whether the first voltage U1 and the second voltage U2 are equal; and sub-step 202b: whether the drive circuit DC controls the electronic fuse EF to turn off through the switching signal Sg. The order of sub-steps 202a and 202b can be interchanged, but step 203 is only entered when both sub-steps are determined to be "yes". If either sub-step 202a or 202b is determined to be "no", method 200 ends.

[0095] Method 200 allows for monitoring the failure of the electronic fuse EF during the operation of the electronic fuse device 1. This means that routine monitoring of the electronic fuse EF's failure can be performed even when no short circuit occurs in the power supply line SP. This allows for early identification of electronic fuse failures before a short circuit hazard arises, prompting users to proactively replace faulty electronic fuse devices.

[0096] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a conventional power distribution system for electric vehicles is shown. Here, the electric vehicle is, for example, a pure electric commercial vehicle, which... Figure 6 This illustrates the traditional electrical architecture of a pure electric vehicle. According to existing technology, in a traditional power distribution system, the power source V, particularly the high-voltage battery pack or power battery pack, is connected via the main contactor K0 to a conventional fuse device 2 (illustrated for one branch), which is a combination of a conventional relay and a fusible fuse. The conventional fuse device 2 is initially a contactor parallel circuit between points A and B, where the branch contactor K1 is connected in parallel with a series-connected pre-charge contactor K1P and a pre-charge resistor R1P. After the main contactor K0 is engaged, to suppress the current surge at the moment the branch contactor K1 is engaged, the pre-charge contactor K1P is engaged first, while the branch contactor K1 remains open. At this time, current flows through the engaged pre-charge contactor K1P and the pre-charge resistor R1P, slowly charging the load parasitic capacitance C1 between points B and C until the voltage at point B approaches the voltage at point A, completing the pre-charge. Then, the branch contactor K1 is engaged, and the pre-charge contactor K1P is disengaged, allowing the illustrated branch to enter the operational phase. In the conventional fuse device 2, each load is equipped with a fusible fuse F1, F2, and F3. If a load experiences a short circuit or overcurrent, the corresponding fusible fuse will blow to cut off the power supply to that load.

[0097] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a power distribution system for use in electric vehicles with an electronic fuse device according to the present invention is shown. Relative to Figure 6The power distribution system shown uses an electronic fuse device 1 according to the present invention instead of a conventional fuse device 2. Here, the electronic fuse device 1 shown is simplified and can be the electronic fuse device 1 shown in the foregoing embodiments, particularly the electronic fuse device 1 according to the third embodiment. Here, a semiconductor device Q, particularly a power semiconductor device, can replace the contactor parallel circuit including branch contactor K1, pre-charge contactor K1P, and pre-charge resistor R1P. To achieve pre-charging, after the main contactor K0 is engaged, point A is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply V, particularly the high-voltage battery pack or power battery pack. Then, a PWM wave is provided as a switching signal Sg to the control electrode (here, the gate) of the semiconductor device Q, thereby pulsatingly turning on the semiconductor device Q, thus pulsatingly charging the parasitic capacitance C1 between points B and C until the voltage at point B approaches the voltage at point A, completing the pre-charging. At this time, the switching signal Sg switches to a normally on state, keeping the semiconductor device Q on, so that the power supply V can supply power to the various loads. In addition, instead of fuses F1, F2, and F3, the first load current Is1, the second load current Is2, and the third load current Is3, detected by each sampling resistor, are used to detect whether each load has a short circuit or overcurrent. (See reference...) Figure 1 and 2 As described above, the power supply line SP is disconnected by the electronic fuse EF (in this case, semiconductor device Q) in the electronic fuse device 1 or, if necessary, the circuit breaking element PF to ensure circuit safety. Particularly advantageously, a microcontroller unit (MCU) can be used to control the drive circuit to conduct the electronic fuse EF and its semiconductor device Q in a DC pulse manner for pre-charging.

[0098] By comparison Figure 6 and Figure 7 It can be seen that, compared with the traditional fuse device 2, the electronic fuse device 1 has a faster response speed, is reusable, and does not require a pre-charge circuit. It has significant advantages in both size and cost. Moreover, the electronic fuse device 1 is easier to control and maintain, and its parameters can be configured. It can also be equipped with over-temperature protection, etc.

[0099] This invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but may include or extend to all technical equivalents. The positional descriptions chosen in the specification, such as, for example, up, down, left, right, etc., refer directly to the description and the accompanying drawings, and can be adapted to new positions according to their meaning when the positions change.

[0100] The features disclosed in this application are important for the implementation of embodiments in different design aspects, not only individually but also in any combination.

[0101] Although some aspects are described in connection with an apparatus, it should be understood that these aspects are also descriptions of the corresponding method, and thus a device or apparatus of a module or circuit can also be understood as a corresponding method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, a description associated with a method step or as a method step is also a description of the details or features of the corresponding module or circuit in the corresponding apparatus.

[0102] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make possible changes and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention by utilizing the methods and techniques disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solutions of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electronic fuse device with fail-safe protection, characterized in that, The electronic fuse device (1) is configured for connection in a power supply line (SP) and includes: An electronic fuse (EF) consisting of semiconductor devices (Q); A drive circuit (DC) is provided for the electronic fuse (EF) to control the electronic fuse (EF) to turn on or off by applying a switching signal (Sg) to the control electrode of the semiconductor device (Q); Current sensing module (ID) for detecting load current (Is); A short-circuit detection module (SD) that determines the short-circuit state based on the detected load current (Is). A triggerable circuit breaker (PF) connected in series with an electronic fuse (EF); and The logic control circuit (LC) provided for the circuit breaker element (PF). The short-circuit detection module (SD) is configured to output a short-circuit status signal (Sc) to the drive circuit (DC) and the logic control circuit (LC) when a short-circuit state is detected. The logic control circuit (LC) is configured to receive a switching signal (Sg) from the drive circuit (DC) and output a trigger signal (Si) to trigger the circuit breaker element (PF) when a switching signal (Sg) for turning off the electronic fuse (EF) is present and the short-circuit status signal (Sc) does not change accordingly.

2. The electronic fuse device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic fuse device (1) includes a voltage detection module (UD), which is configured to detect a first voltage (U1) upstream of the electronic fuse (EF) and a second voltage (U2) downstream of the electronic fuse (EF), and the logic control circuit (LC) is configured to output a trigger signal (Si) for triggering the circuit breaker element (PF) based on the first voltage (U1), the second voltage (U2) and the switching signal (Sg).

3. The electronic fuse device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electronic fuse device (1) includes a microcontroller unit (MCU), which is configured to input signals from at least one of a communication module (CM) for external communication, the current detection module (ID), the short-circuit detection module (SD), and the voltage detection module (UD), and to output signals to a drive circuit (DC) and a logic control circuit (LC); and / or the microcontroller unit (MCU) is configured to control the drive circuit (DC) to pulse-conduct the electronic fuse (EF) for pre-charging.

4. The electronic fuse device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The microcontroller unit (MCU) is configured to compare a first voltage (U1) and a second voltage (U2) detected by the voltage detection module (UD), and to notify the logic control circuit (LC) with a signal when the first voltage (U1) and the second voltage (U2) are equal.

5. The electronic fuse device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The electronic fuse device (1) includes a temperature detection module (TD) for detecting the temperature (T) of the electronic fuse (EF), and the temperature detection module (TD) is signal-connected to the microcontroller unit (MCU).

6. The electronic fuse device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The circuit breaker element (PF) is a switch, contactor, circuit breaker, or relay, which is configured to reversibly or irreversibly disconnect the power supply line.

7. The electronic fuse device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The circuit breaker element (PF) is a gunpowder fuse, an explosion-proof circuit breaker, a reed switch, a magnetic latching relay, a solid-state relay, or a solid-state contactor.

8. The electronic fuse device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The circuit breaker element (PF) is equipped with a trigger circuit (IC) that triggers the circuit breaker element (PF) based on a trigger signal (Si) from a logic control circuit (LC).

9. The electronic fuse device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The semiconductor device (Q) of the electronic fuse (EF) is a MOSFET, IGBT, or SiC device.

10. The electronic fuse device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The electronic fuse (EF) consists of two power semiconductor devices connected in series back to back.

11. The electronic fuse device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The electronic fuse (EF) is connected in parallel with an absorption circuit (RC) to absorb the reverse electromotive force and pulse current at the moment the electronic fuse (EF) is turned on and off.

12. The electronic fuse device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The current detection module (ID) is configured to sample the current by means of sampling resistors assigned to each load branch.

13. A power distribution system, characterized in that, The power distribution system includes an electronic fuse device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The power distribution system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The power distribution system is a high-voltage power distribution system.

15. The power distribution system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The operating voltage range of the high-voltage power distribution system is between 400V and 1200V.

16. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes an electronic fuse device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and / or a power distribution system according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. The vehicle according to claim 16, characterized in that, The vehicle in question is either a commercial vehicle or a passenger vehicle.

18. A method for operating an electronic fuse device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: The load current (Is) is detected by the current detection module (ID); The short-circuit detection module (SD) determines the short-circuit state based on the detected load current (Is) and outputs a short-circuit state signal (Sc). When the short-circuit status signal (Sc) indicates the presence of a short circuit, the drive circuit (DC) applies a switching signal (Sg) to the control electrode of the semiconductor device (Q) of the electronic fuse (EF) to turn off the electronic fuse (EF). When a switching signal (Sg) is present to turn off the electronic fuse (EF) but the short-circuit state signal (Sc) does not change accordingly, the logic control circuit (LC) outputs a trigger signal (Si) to trigger the circuit-breaking element (PF); and The circuit breaker element (PF) is triggered in response to the trigger signal (Si).

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, When the detected load current (Is) exceeds the preset short-circuit current threshold, the short-circuit judgment module (SD) outputs a short-circuit status signal (Sc).

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, The method is implemented to promptly disconnect the power supply line (SP) even if the electronic fuse (EF) fails in the event of a short circuit.

21. A method for operating an electronic fuse device according to any one of claims 2 to 12, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: The voltage detection module (UD) detects the first voltage (U1) upstream of the electronic fuse (EF) and the second voltage (U2) downstream of the electronic fuse (EF). When the first voltage (U1) and the second voltage (U2) are equal and the drive circuit (DC) controls the electronic fuse (EF) to turn off via the switching signal (Sg), the logic control circuit (LC) outputs a trigger signal (Si) to trigger the circuit breaker element (PF); and The circuit breaker element (PF) is triggered in response to the trigger signal (Si).

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method is implemented to monitor the failure of the electronic fuse (EF) during the operation of the electronic fuse device (1).

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