Fuse module for interrupting electrical circuit, fuse box and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuse module (100) for interrupting an electrical circuit, in particular in a vehicle (300), comprising a reversible switching element (110), which is designed to conduct an electrical current from a first contact (121) to a second contact (122) via an electrical connection in a closed state (I), a diagnostic module (130), and a communication module (140), the reversible switching element (110) has a first contact (121) and a second contact (122), and, in an open state (II), interrupts an electrical connection between the first contact (121) and the second contact (122), a diagnostic module which is designed to detect at least the closed state (I) or the open state (II) of the reversible switching element (110) as a diagnosis, and a communication module which is designed to output the diagnosis. The invention also relates to a fuse box (200) and a vehicle (300).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuse module, a fuse box and a vehicle for interrupting an electrical circuit.

[0002] WO 2023 021 846 A1 discloses an on-board system in a vehicle comprising a first on-board ECU controlling a semiconductor fuse. DE 10 201 6 210 058 A1 discloses a power distributor and safety system for a vehicle. In addition, a wireless communication backup status display system and method is previously known from US 2005 / 0231320 A1.

[0003] In most vehicles currently produced and operated, fuses and / or relays are generally used to protect electrical components or on-board electrical systems. With progress, safety technology is constantly evolving, and the basic components depend on a continuous, reliable power supply.

[0004] For example, steering can be implemented electronically by means of so-called "steer-by-wire", the steering commands being forwarded from sensors exclusively electronically via one or more control devices to electromechanical actuators, which execute the steering commands. In such a system, there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steered wheels. Similar systems can be provided, for example, for brakes.

[0005] Although such modern electrical systems are generally developed according to the concept of functional safety to maximize the prevention of individual component failures, a secure power supply for the system remains crucial.

[0006] A disadvantage of the widespread use of fuses is that they generally have a relatively slow tripping characteristic. This is because, on the one hand, in the case of a slightly increased current over a long period of time, and in the case of a greatly increased but very short current, no tripping should occur, but the tripping characteristic can essentially only be influenced by the thickness and material of the fuse. If a short circuit occurs within the on-board electrical system, the voltage of the entire on-board electrical system can drop significantly during the tripping of the fuse or relay.

[0007] In principle, it is conceivable to use fuses or fast-switching relays that trigger particularly quickly. However, fast-tripping fuses are also particularly sensitive, so that tripping can occur even in the case of non-critical overcurrent. On the one hand, fast relays are expensive, and on the other hand, there are physical limitations to the achievable switching speed.

[0008] In addition, neither ordinary relays nor fuses can check the tripping state or implement the control required for pulse width modulation.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to overcome at least part of the above-mentioned disadvantages. Specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a fuse module, fuse box, and vehicle for interrupting circuits that provides cost-effective and reliable circuit protection even with increased requirements for tripping characteristics and / or control.

[0010] The aforementioned task is accomplished by a safety module having the features of independent claim 1, a safety box having the features of independent claim 9, and a vehicle having the features of independent claim 10. Further features and details of the invention become apparent from the dependent claims, the specification, and the drawings. The features and details described in conjunction with the safety module according to the invention also apply to the safety box according to the invention and / or the vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that disclosures relating to various aspects of the invention are always cross-referenced.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, a fuse module for interrupting a circuit is provided, particularly in a vehicle, having a reversible switching element configured to conduct current from a first contact to a second contact via an electrical connection in a closed state, and to interrupt the electrical connection between the first and second contacts in an open state; a diagnostic module configured to detect at least the closed or open state of the reversible switching element as a diagnostic; and a communication module configured to output diagnostics.

[0012] In other words, according to the present invention, a replacement fuse is provided that can close or open a circuit via a reversible switch through at least two contacts, the replacement fuse having a measuring device for detecting the switching state of the reversible switch and an output interface for outputting the switching state.

[0013] A fuse module can be understood as a device designed to protect electrical equipment, wiring, and other components from damage caused by excessive current. The primary function of a fuse module is to interrupt the circuit when the current exceeds a permissible value, preventing overload or short circuit. Furthermore, fuse modules can also be designed to control devices and / or electrical components during normal operation.

[0014] An interruption in a circuit means that current is no longer flowing through the electrical path of the circuit through which it normally flows.

[0015] A circuit can be understood as any conductive closed connection, which in particular has at least one electrical component. In conjunction with this invention, the circuit can be designed at least as a starter circuit, ignition circuit, lighting circuit, signal and warning light circuit, air conditioning circuit, ABS circuit, steering circuit, airbag circuit, or engine control circuit.

[0016] A reversible switching element can be designed such that it can switch its switching state from its initial state to a different switching state and return to the initial state at least once. An example of a reversible switching element is explained below.

[0017] The electrical connection between the first and second contacts can be understood as the existence of a current path through which current can flow, especially during the normal operation of the fuse module.

[0018] When discussing contacts in conjunction with this invention, the features mentioned herein apply in principle to all contacts, whether or not a first, second, third, or additional contact is described. A contact can be a spatial physical device designed to provide electrical contact with a current path at a specific location in space. In particular, contacts can be designed as plug connections, spring contacts, screw contacts, solder connections, spring terminals, bayonet connections, terminal blocks, or spring pins. The contacts can be implemented as female or male.

[0019] A diagnostic module can be understood as a device that detects at least the switching state of a reversible switching element. Depending on the design of the reversible switching element, the diagnostic module may have corresponding sensors. It is also conceivable that the reversible switching element transmits its switching state to the diagnostic module. The diagnostic module can be designed as a microchip.

[0020] A communication module can be considered a device capable of transmitting diagnostic data. The receiver for this transmission can be a control unit, particularly located in a fuse box or vehicle. The communication module can be designed as a microchip. Further configuration of the communication module is explained below.

[0021] It can be stipulated that the diagnostic module and the communication module are combined in a single component, especially a microchip, or designed separately.

[0022] Diagnostics can be viewed as information about the switching state of a reversible switching element. Diagnostics can be designed at least as digital and / or analog signals.

[0023] Furthermore, it can be specified that the fuse module is designed to replace the fuse module. In other words, the fuse module can be designed to be suitable for replacing fuses, particularly circuit breakers or relays. To this end, it can have at least similar electrical characteristics, similar dimensions, or compatible plug-in grid sizes.

[0024] In summary, the fuse module according to the invention achieves the following advantages: it provides cost-effective and reliable protection for the circuit even with increased requirements for tripping characteristics and / or control. The reversible switching element allows for multiple switching of the electrical contact between the first and second contacts, thus saving costs compared to a switch that can only be triggered once. The diagnostic module, designed to detect at least the closed or open state of the reversible switching element as a diagnostic tool, offers the advantage that the state of the reversible switching element can be used as information that can be evaluated and incorporated into safety diagnostics. The communication module ensures that diagnostics can also be processed externally to the fuse module.

[0025] Advantageously, within the scope of this invention, the communication module is designed to provide at least one wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0026] The advantage of wired connections is their exceptional reliability and stability. They are less susceptible to interference or disruptions that can occur with wireless connections. Wireless connections offer high mobility and flexibility because they eliminate the need for physical cables or installations that cannot be laid due to space constraints. This can be particularly advantageous if, in existing systems (e.g., fuse boxes), the fuse module according to the invention replaces conventional fuses that do not provide cable connections for transmission diagnostics.

[0027] Wiring connections can be specifically designed for CAN connections. A "Controller Area Network" (CAN) is a standardized bus system used for data communication in the automotive industry and many other applications. CAN enables efficient and reliable communication between different electronic control devices in a vehicle.

[0028] Wireless connectivity can be designed as either Bluetooth or WLAN. Bluetooth consumes very little power and can easily pair with other devices. Large amounts of data can be transferred quickly via WLAN.

[0029] Within the scope of this invention, it is conceivable that the diagnostic module is designed to detect at least one additional characteristic of the reversible switching element. By recording at least one additional characteristic, more information can be transmitted and processed, which can further improve the reliability of the fuse module during operation. The at least one additional characteristic may be designed as lifespan, number of switching cycles, response speed, or current conduction loss.

[0030] Within the scope of this invention, a computing unit may be provided, designed to process at least one measurement value from the diagnostic module into further processing data via an algorithm, and particularly to transmit the further processing data to the communication module. Alternatively or additionally, a computing unit may be provided, designed to calculate complex switching commands, particularly pulse width modulation, and / or control reversible switching elements based on these complex switching commands. The advantage provided by the further processing by the computing unit is that at least part of the evaluation is already performed within the fuse module itself. Thus, the fuse module becomes a “smart” fuse module, which can provide other components with pre-prepared information, thereby ensuring the operation of the fuse module with particular reliability. The ability to generate complex switching commands and / or correspondingly control reversible switching elements expands the possible applications of the fuse module, as external control need not be connected to it, and such control can be implemented more easily and economically. This is particularly advantageous for lighting circuits that require pulse width modulation control to control lighting intensity.

[0031] Another possibility is that reversible switching elements are designed as relays and / or semiconductor switches.

[0032] Relays are mechanical switching elements, typically robust and durable. They can switch high currents and voltages and are resistant to external influences such as vibration and shock. They also provide true current isolation between the control circuit and the load circuit. This means that the electrical connection between the two circuits is made through air or an insulating gap, reducing the possibility of leakage current or interference. Compared to other switches, relays consume very little power during operation. This results in lower heat generation and makes them more efficient in certain applications.

[0033] Semiconductor switches can be designed in particular as transistors, MOSFETs, or IGBTs. Compared to relays, semiconductor switches offer very fast switching speeds and are smaller and lighter, making them ideal for space-critical applications. Furthermore, semiconductor switches have no moving parts, thus exhibiting no signs of mechanical wear, extending their lifespan and reducing their susceptibility to mechanical failure. Additionally, semiconductor switches can be precisely controlled by applying a control voltage, enabling finer regulation in many applications.

[0034] It is also conceivable that the communication module is designed to establish a wire connection via at least a first, second, or third contact. In other words, one of the contacts can serve as the connection point for the wire connection. This achieves the advantage of making wire connections particularly easy, especially through plug contacts. This avoids complex cable laying or the provision of special cables.

[0035] Within the scope of this invention, optionally, the first and second contacts may have a distance corresponding to the grid size of the fuse. In other words, the contacts may be spaced apart such that they fit into the slot originally intended for the fuse. The fuse is standardized, particularly according to DIN 72581 and / or ISO 8820-3 and / or JASO D612-4. It can be specified that this distance corresponds at least to the distances specified in DIN 72581 and / or ISO 8820-3 and / or JASO D612-4. This allows for the advantage that the fuse can be replaced by a fuse module according to the invention without geometric adjustments. In particular, the fuse module is mounted on a plug-in plate in a fuse box specifically designed for fuses and conventional relays.

[0036] Furthermore, within the scope of this invention, it can be specified that a third contact is provided, particularly that the third contact forms a pin layout with the first and second contacts, the pin layout corresponding to the grid size of the fuse layout. In other words, at least three contacts can be spaced apart from each other in the plane such that the corresponding distances precisely fit the grid size of the fuse layout. The fuse layout can be standardized, particularly according to DIN 72581 and / or ISO 8820-3 and / or JASO D612-4. This allows for the advantage that the fuse can be replaced by the fuse module according to the invention without geometric adjustments. In particular, the fuse module is mounted on a plug-in board in a fuse box specifically designed for fuses and conventional relays.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the invention, the above objective is also achieved by a fuse box having at least one fuse module and a plug-in plate according to the invention, wherein the plug-in plate has a grid size for inserting a fuse, the grid size corresponding to the fuse layout.

[0038] Therefore, the safety box according to the invention brings the same advantages as the safety module described in detail according to the invention.

[0039] The above objectives are also achieved by a vehicle (vehicle) according to the invention, which has at least one insurance module according to the invention and / or an insurance box according to the invention.

[0040] Therefore, the vehicle according to the invention brings the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to the insurance module and / or the insurance box according to the invention.

[0041] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Features mentioned in the claims and specification may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The invention is illustrated in the following figures:

[0042] Figure 1 According to the insurance module of the present invention,

[0043] Figure 2 The insurance module according to the invention in the insurance box according to the invention,

[0044] Figure 3 A perspective view of the insurance module according to the present invention, and

[0045] Figure 4 The vehicle according to the invention has an insurance module according to the invention and is located in an insurance box according to the invention.

[0046] Figure 1 A fuse module 100 for interrupting circuits is shown, particularly in vehicle 300 (see [reference]). Figure 4 The device includes a reversible switching element 110, a diagnostic module 130, and a communication module 140. The reversible switching element 110 is configured to guide current from a first contact 121 to a second contact 122 via an electrical connection in a closed state I, and to interrupt the electrical connection between the first contact 121 and the second contact 122 in an open state II. The diagnostic module 130 is configured to detect at least the closed state I or the open state II of the reversible switching element 110 as a diagnosis. The communication module 140 is configured to output a diagnosis.

[0047] The insurance module 100 according to the present invention is in Figure 2 The circuit is arranged on the plug-in plate 210 of the fuse box 200 according to the invention. Conventional fuses 160 and relays 170, especially those without communication module 140, are also plugged into the plug-in plate 210.

[0048] In general, the fuse module 100 according to the invention achieves the following advantages: it provides cost-effective and reliable protection for the circuit even with increased requirements for tripping characteristics and / or control. The reversible switching element 110 can switch the electrical contact between the first contact 121 and the second contact 122 multiple times, thus saving costs compared to a switch that can only be triggered once. The diagnostic module 130, designed to detect at least the closed state I or open state II of the reversible switching element 110 as a diagnostic tool, provides the advantage that the state of the reversible switching element 110 can be used as information that can be evaluated and fed into safety diagnostics. The communication module 140 ensures that the diagnostics can also be used for further processing outside the fuse module 100.

[0049] like Figure 1As shown, the communication module 140 can be specified to provide at least one wireless connection or one wired connection. Wired connections offer the advantage of being particularly reliable and stable. They are less susceptible to interference or disturbance. Wireless connections enable a high degree of mobility and flexibility because they do not require physical cables or are impractical due to installation space constraints.

[0050] Furthermore, the diagnostic module 130 may be designed to detect at least one additional characteristic of the reversible switching element 110. By recording at least one additional characteristic, more information can be transmitted and processed, which can further increase the reliability of the operation of the fuse module 100.

[0051] For example Figure 1 As shown, a computing unit 150 may be provided, which is designed to further process at least one measurement value from the diagnostic module 130 into further processing data via an algorithm, and in particular, to transmit the further processing data to the communication module 140. The further processing by the computing unit 150 provides the advantage of at least partially evaluating the data already performed in the insurance module 100 itself.

[0052] The computing unit 150 can also be designed to calculate complex switching commands, particularly pulse width modulation, and / or control the reversible switching element 110 based on complex switching commands. Because an external controller does not need to be connected to the fuse module 100, such a controller can be implemented more easily and cost-effectively.

[0053] Figure 1 Variations of the reversible switching element 110, designed as a relay 111 and / or a semiconductor switch 112, are also shown. For simplicity, both variations are shown in the switching element 110, but it is also possible to specify a switching element 110 with only one relay 111 or one semiconductor switch 112. Relays 111 can switch high currents and voltages and are resistant to external influences such as vibration and shock. They also provide true current isolation between the control circuit and the load circuit. Semiconductor switches 112 can be designed, in particular, as transistors, MOSFETs, or IGBTs. Compared to relays 170, semiconductor switches 112 offer very fast switching speeds and are smaller and lighter, making them ideal for space-critical applications. Furthermore, semiconductor switches 112 can precisely control switching behavior by applying a control voltage, enabling finer regulation in many applications.

[0054] It can also be specified that the communication module 140 is designed to establish a wire connection through at least the first contact 121, the second contact 122, or the third contact 123. Figure 1 In this configuration, a wire connection can be established via the third contact 123. The advantage of this wire connection is that it enables a particularly simple and reliable connection, especially through the plug contacts.

[0055] Furthermore, the first contact 121 and the second contact 122 may have the same characteristics as the fuse 160 (e.g., Figure 2 The distance corresponding to the grid size (as shown). This allows for the advantage that the fuse 160 can be replaced by the fuse module 100 according to the invention without geometric adjustments. For example, if as shown... Figure 3 As shown, by providing a third contact 123 or more contacts, the third contact 123 can specifically form a pin layout with the first contact 121 and the second contact 122, corresponding to the grid size of the fuse assembly. This allows for the advantage that the fuse 160 can be replaced by the fuse module 100 according to the invention without geometric adjustments. Specifically, the fuse module 100 is mounted on the plug-in plate 210 of the fuse box 200, and is designed for both the fuse 160 and the conventional relay 111.

[0056] Figure 2 Also shown is a fuse box 200 according to the invention, which has at least one fuse module 100 according to the invention and a plug-in plate 210, in particular the plug-in plate 210 has a grid size for inserting fuses, which corresponds to the fuse layout.

[0057] at last, Figure 4 A vehicle 300 according to the invention is shown, which has at least one insurance module 100 according to the invention and / or an insurance box 200 according to the invention.

[0058] The above description of the embodiments illustrates the invention by way of example only. Of course, if technically reasonable, the various features of the embodiments can be freely combined with each other without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0059] List of reference numerals

[0060] 100 Insurance Module

[0061] 110 Switching Components

[0062] 111 relay

[0063] 112 Semiconductor Switch

[0064] 121 First Contact Point

[0065] 122 Second Contact

[0066] 123 Third contact point

[0067] 130 Diagnostic Module

[0068] 140 communication module

[0069] 150 computing units

[0070] 160 conventional fuse

[0071] 170 Traditional Relay

[0072] 200 Fuse Boxes

[0073] 210 plug-in board

[0074] 300 vehicles

[0075] I closed state

[0076] II. Disconnected State

Claims

1. A fuse module (100) for interrupting circuits, particularly in a vehicle (300), the fuse module having a reversible switching element (110), a diagnostic module (130), and a communication module (140), the reversible switching element being designed to conduct current from a first contact (121) to a second contact (122) via an electrical connection in a closed state (I), and to interrupt the electrical connection between the first contact (121) and the second contact (122) in an open state (II), the diagnostic module being designed to detect at least the closed state (I) or the open state (II) of the reversible switching element (110) as a diagnosis, and the communication module being designed to output the diagnosis.

2. The insurance module (100) according to claim 1. Its features are, The communication module (140) is designed to provide at least one wireless or wired connection.

3. The insurance module (100) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The diagnostic module (130) is implemented to detect at least one additional characteristic of the reversible switching element (110).

4. The insurance module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, A computing unit (150) is provided, which is configured to algorithmically further process at least one measurement value of the diagnostic module (130) into further processing data, and in particular, transmit the further processing data to the communication module (140), and / or A computing unit (150) is provided, which is implemented to calculate complex switching commands, particularly pulse width modulation, and / or control reversible switching elements (110) according to the complex switching commands.

5. The insurance module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The reversible switching element (110) is designed as a relay (111) and / or a semiconductor switch (112).

6. The insurance module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The communication module (140) is designed to establish a wire connection at least through the first contact (121), the second contact (122), or the third contact (123).

7. The insurance module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, The first contact (121) and the second contact (122) have a distance corresponding to the grid size of the fuse (160).

8. The insurance module (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, A third contact (123) is provided, wherein, in particular, the third contact (123) forms a pin layout with the first contact (121) and the second contact (122), the pin layout corresponding to the grid size of the fuse layout.

9. A fuse box (200) having at least one fuse module (100) and a plug-in plate (210) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, in particular, the plug-in plate (210) has a grid size for inserting fuses, which corresponds to a fuse layout.

10. A vehicle (300) comprising at least one insurance module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or an insurance box (200) according to claim 9.

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