Digital power distribution system of automatic driving logistics vehicle and control method of digital power distribution system

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of automatic driving logistics vehicles, in particular to a digital power distribution system of an automatic driving logistics vehicle and a control method thereof, and the method comprises the steps: powering on the vehicle, awakening the digital power distribution system of the automatic driving logistics vehicle through a hard wire, and closing a specific channel, power is supplied to required equipment on the vehicle according to the vehicle use scene; the digital power distribution system can be awakened through a CAN network, and the vehicle control unit sends a closing instruction of each power supply channel through a CAD network. The method can improve the reliability and safety, is suitable for a complex environment, and improves the after-sales efficiency.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of automatic driving logistics vehicles, in particular to a digital power distribution system of an automatic driving logistics vehicle and a control method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the rapid development of automatic driving technology, L4 level automatic driving logistics vehicles have gradually become a new trend in the logistics industry. In L4 automatic driving logistics vehicles, the low-voltage power distribution system is a core component of the vehicle electrical system, and its performance directly affects the safety and reliability of the vehicle.

[0003] For unmanned logistics vehicles traveling at low speed, the current technical solution mostly uses traditional mechanical components such as fuses and relays. This architecture completes power distribution through plug-in or PCB controller boxes, usually including primary power distribution and secondary power distribution. The primary power distribution is close to the power supply and is usually placed in the battery compartment; the secondary power distribution can be multiple power distribution boxes, usually placed in the vehicle or side cabin.

[0004] The traditional power distribution box is composed of mechanical fuses and relays, although it has low cost, but has some obvious limitations, such as the fuse cannot be reset after melting, the melting time is long, it is greatly affected by environmental temperature and mechanical aging, and it cannot realize precise control and real-time monitoring; it cannot meet the high requirements of high-level automatic driving systems on power supply systems. In addition, there are problems such as slow response speed, low reliability, lack of intelligent monitoring and fault diagnosis capability, etc. In the complex operating environment of automatic driving logistics vehicles, these traditional power distribution systems are difficult to meet the high requirements of the vehicle on power distribution, monitoring and fault handling. For example, when the vehicle encounters an electrical fault during driving, the traditional power distribution system may not be able to diagnose the fault in time and take appropriate measures, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle and causing serious traffic accidents.

[0005] In addition, some key systems in automatic driving logistics vehicles, such as braking systems, steering systems and intelligent driving systems, have very high requirements for the stability and reliability of the power supply. The traditional power distribution system lacks redundancy design, and once a fault occurs, it may cause these key systems to fail, seriously affecting the safe driving of the vehicle.

[0006] Moreover, with the development of domain controller concept and digital power distribution technology, digital power distribution systems integrated with regional control functions have gradually been applied in the automotive industry, especially in vehicles with automatic driving function. The traditional power distribution and distributed control method cannot meet the functional requirements of the vehicle.

[0007] Therefore, it is of great practical significance to develop a digital power distribution system suitable for L4 automatic driving logistics vehicles. SUMMARY

[0008] In order to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a digital power distribution system and control method for an autonomous driving logistics vehicle.

[0009] Terminology Explanation: Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Unless otherwise stated, all patents, patent inventions, and disclosures cited throughout this document are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If multiple definitions exist for terms herein, the definitions provided in this chapter shall prevail.

[0010] It should be understood that the above brief description and the following detailed description are exemplary and for illustrative purposes only, and do not limit the subject matter of the invention in any way. In this invention, the singular is used in conjunction with the plural unless otherwise specifically stated. It should also be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the use of “or” or “or” means “and / or”. Furthermore, the use of the term “comprising” and other forms such as “including,” “containing,” and “contains” are not limiting.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: Firstly, a control method for a digital power distribution system of an autonomous logistics vehicle includes: When the vehicle is powered on, the digital power distribution system of the aforementioned autonomous logistics vehicle is activated via hard wiring, and a specific channel is closed to supply power to the necessary equipment on the vehicle according to the vehicle's usage scenario. The digital power distribution system can be woken up via the CAN network, and the vehicle controller sends closing commands for each power supply channel via the CAD network.

[0012] Furthermore, the equipment on the vehicle adopts a dual-channel control method using both hardware and messages, thereby controlling the power supply channels of the equipment.

[0013] Secondly, the present invention also provides a digital power distribution system for an autonomous driving logistics vehicle, wherein the above-mentioned control method is used to control the digital power distribution system, specifically including: The power distribution module is used for power distribution and allocation tasks of the vehicle's low-voltage system. The power distribution module divides the vehicle's power into uncontrolled B+ constant power, controlled KL30 constant power, KL15 power controlled by the start switch, and power controlled by the CAN network. Each electrical device is connected in parallel, and the output channel of each electrical device is independently disconnected by HSD or MOS devices. The low-voltage power distribution data monitoring module is used to monitor the low-voltage power distribution data of the entire vehicle in real time. The fault rapid disconnection module, based on the monitoring results of the low-voltage power distribution data monitoring module, disconnects the output channel at the abnormal location.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes: The automatic fault diagnosis and uploading module is used to enable the digital power distribution system to attempt to restart the equipment when the equipment's operating current is abnormal and power is cut off, thus eliminating false alarms and false triggering of protection. The maximum number of restarts is 3. If the device still cannot start after 3 restarts, the system will upload fault information and troubleshooting methods via the CAN network.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes: The fault pre-diagnosis module is used to analyze the current operating data of the equipment and perform fault pre-diagnosis.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes: The intelligent power replenishment module and digital power distribution system monitor the battery status in real time. When the battery voltage is lower than 12.1V, the digital power distribution system wakes up the internal DC-DC power supply system of the three-in-one unit through a hard-wired high-level signal to supply power to the battery.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes: The watchdog module is used to ensure that the digital power distribution system can maintain its current output state until the vehicle is powered on or off again when the vehicle network fails or communication is suddenly lost while the vehicle is in motion.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes: The energy management module is used to intelligently cut off the power supply to each channel according to the vehicle's operating status.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: Improve reliability and security: By adopting automotive-grade smart chips and advanced control strategies, the reliability of the digital power distribution system is improved by more than three times. It can also monitor and diagnose electrical faults in real time and take corresponding measures to deal with them, such as rapid fault disconnection and dual redundancy design. This effectively improves the reliability and safety of the vehicle's electrical system and reduces the risk of traffic accidents caused by electrical faults.

[0020] Intelligent management: Based on AI-powered intelligent algorithms for fault prediction and CAN message control strategies, intelligent management of the vehicle's electrical system is achieved. This allows for early detection of equipment failures, enabling the rational scheduling of maintenance and repair plans. Furthermore, it flexibly adjusts power distribution according to the vehicle's operating status and user needs, thereby improving vehicle operating efficiency and energy utilization.

[0021] Adapting to complex environments: The combination of hard-wired control and CAN message control enables the digital power distribution system to adapt to different vehicle usage scenarios and communication environments. In the event of a fault in the vehicle network or loss of communication, the watchdog function can maintain power output to critical equipment, ensuring safe vehicle operation.

[0022] Improve after-sales efficiency: The system visualizes vehicle power distribution and fault information, providing detailed troubleshooting directions and improving fault diagnosis efficiency by over 60%, significantly reducing vehicle downtime. Furthermore, combined with AI-based intelligent algorithm-based fault pre-diagnosis functions, it further enhances vehicle reliability, improves after-sales service experience, and reduces after-sales costs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is one of the circuit schematics of the present invention; Figure 2 This is the second circuit schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 This is the third circuit schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 4 This is the fourth circuit schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 5 This is the fifth circuit schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 6 This is the sixth circuit schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 7 This is the seventh circuit schematic diagram of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are not all embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0025] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement and numerical expressions of the components and steps described in these embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0026] The following description of exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention or its application or use in any way. Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail herein, but where applicable, such techniques, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of this specification.

[0027] Example 1 This embodiment provides a digital power distribution system for an autonomous logistics vehicle, including: A. Power Distribution Module The power distribution module is responsible for the power distribution and allocation of the vehicle's low-voltage system. Its circuit diagram is shown below. Figures 1 to 7 As shown.

[0028] Specifically, the vehicle power supply is divided into uncontrolled B+ constant power, controlled KL30 constant power, KL15 power controlled by the start switch, and power controlled by the CAN network.

[0029] Uncontrolled B+ constant power: mainly used to provide a continuous power supply for some critical equipment, such as the backup power for the vehicle's ECU (electronic control unit), to ensure that the vehicle can maintain a basic operating state under various conditions.

[0030] Controlled KL30 constant power: Controlled according to the vehicle's operating status, for example, cutting off power to some non-critical equipment after the vehicle is turned off to save energy.

[0031] KL15 power supply, controlled by the start switch: mainly used to power the vehicle's starting system and some starting-related equipment. When the start switch is turned on, KL15 power supply is activated to provide the necessary power support for the starting process.

[0032] Power supply controlled by CAN network: Based on the vehicle's control strategy and operational requirements, commands can be sent through the CAN network to control the power supply on and off, thereby achieving intelligent management of vehicle equipment.

[0033] B. Low-voltage power distribution data monitoring module The low-voltage power distribution data monitoring module is used to monitor the vehicle's low-voltage power distribution data in real time, including voltage, current, terminal temperature, abnormal power distribution status, fault information, etc.

[0034] By integrating high-precision voltage and current sensors into the power distribution system, the voltage and current values ​​of each power channel can be accurately measured. Simultaneously, advanced detection technology allows for real-time monitoring of the connection status of terminals, enabling timely detection of problems such as loose terminals and poor contact.

[0035] When abnormal power distribution conditions are detected, such as excessively high or low voltage, or excessive current, the system will record relevant information in a timely manner. The backend can set alarm thresholds to provide early warnings and provide a basis for subsequent fault diagnosis and handling.

[0036] C. Automatic Fault Diagnosis and Upload Module When the equipment experiences an abnormal operating current and power is cut off, the digital power distribution system will attempt to restart the equipment to eliminate false alarms and false triggering of protection.

[0037] The system will attempt to restart the device multiple times according to the preset restart strategy. If the device still cannot start after three restarts, the system will upload fault information and troubleshooting methods via the CAN network.

[0038] Meanwhile, if the equipment stops working due to its own reasons (power supply is normal), the digital power distribution system will determine that the equipment itself has a fault and stop operating based on the current channel status and operating current; for example, in a common lighting system, if the power supply circuit is normal but there is no current output, the digital power distribution system will determine that the current lighting system is abnormal and needs to be investigated.

[0039] The fault information includes detailed information such as the faulty device number, fault type, and fault occurrence time. The troubleshooting methods provide corresponding solutions based on the fault type, making it easier for maintenance personnel to quickly locate and resolve the fault.

[0040] D. Fault Pre-diagnosis Module The fault pre-diagnosis module analyzes the current operating data of the equipment to perform fault pre-diagnosis. Operating data includes the current actual current, rated current, etc. Using AI intelligent algorithms, a model of the equipment's operating data is built. By comparing and analyzing the actual operating data with the model data, the system determines whether the equipment is operating normally. For example, when the actual current of the equipment exceeds a certain percentage of the rated current, the system will consider that the equipment may be at risk of overload and issue an early warning.

[0041] The fault pre-diagnosis module can predict equipment failure status in advance, establish an equipment health model, provide sufficient time for maintenance and repair, avoid sudden failures during operation, and improve vehicle reliability and safety. At the same time, it can establish a precise after-sales inventory system, reduce after-sales inventory costs, shorten spare parts delivery time, and improve after-sales efficiency.

[0042] E. Fault Rapid Disconnection Module If the current operating parameters of the equipment are abnormal, such as overvoltage, overcurrent, or overtemperature, the digital power distribution system will quickly cut off the current output channel to prevent more serious faults.

[0043] Digital power distribution systems have strict parameter thresholds. When the operating parameters of a device are detected to exceed the threshold, a cut-off mechanism is immediately triggered. By controlling switching elements such as MOS or HSD, the power supply to the faulty device is quickly cut off, protecting the safety of other devices and the entire electrical system.

[0044] For equipment on autonomous logistics vehicles, such as various sensors and high beams, the current and voltage values ​​of each device are detected. If the current or voltage value exceeds the corresponding set threshold, a protection mechanism is triggered. For example, the rated operating current of the high beam is 5A, and the set threshold is 6A. When the current of the high beam exceeds 6A, the protection mechanism is triggered.

[0045] The protection mechanism is as follows: a start switch composed of a MOSFET switching element or an HSD chip is combined with an electronic fuse, such as... Figure 6 As shown, rapid disconnection is achieved. Utilizing MOSFET switching elements and HSD chips, rapid disconnection is realized, replacing traditional relays and fuses, thus enabling precise power distribution to the vehicle's low-voltage system.

[0046] EFUSE (Electronic Fuse): Features overcurrent and short-circuit protection, quickly cutting off the circuit in case of abnormal current to protect downstream equipment from damage. Compared to traditional fuses, EFUSE offers advantages such as reusability and fast response.

[0047] MOSFETs, as switching elements, feature low on-resistance and high switching speed, enabling rapid control of power supply channels. Precise control of the MOSFET's on / off state allows for precise power distribution to the vehicle's low-voltage system.

[0048] HSD: Provides high-side drive functionality, enabling convenient control of the load's power supply switching, while also featuring overcurrent and overtemperature protection functions, improving system safety and reliability.

[0049] F. Intelligent Power Supply Module When the vehicle is parked and in a dormant state for an extended period, the digital power distribution system will monitor the battery status in real time. When the battery voltage drops below 12.1V (state of charge below 30%), the digital power distribution system will wake up the DC-DC power supply system (vehicle controller, battery system, DC-DC module) to supply power to the battery. At this time, other systems of the vehicle are still in a dormant state.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, when the battery voltage is detected to be low, a hard-wired high-level signal will be used to wake up the internal DC-DC converter of the three-in-one system, and at the same time, the vehicle will be reported as being in a charging state via the CAN network.

[0051] Digital power distribution systems have precise battery voltage, current, and status detection functions, which can ensure that batteries are not undercharged or over-discharged, thereby extending battery life by more than 30%.

[0052] G. Watchdog Module If the vehicle network fails or communication is suddenly lost while the vehicle is in motion, the digital power distribution system will maintain the current output state through the watchdog module until the vehicle is powered on and off again.

[0053] The watchdog module works by monitoring the communication status of the vehicle's network in real time. When a communication anomaly is detected, the digital power distribution module enters protection mode, maintaining the current power output to ensure that critical components such as the braking and steering systems do not fail due to power interruption, thus preventing major traffic accidents caused by abnormal conditions.

[0054] The watchdog function of the watchdog module is implemented through the CAN network. Since all power distribution commands in the vehicle are sent via the CAN network, the digital power distribution system acts as the actuator. When the vehicle is in motion, if the power-on command is suddenly lost, the digital power distribution system will maintain its current state to prevent the vehicle from suddenly losing power due to an anomaly.

[0055] H. Energy Management Module The energy management module can intelligently cut off power to each channel based on the vehicle's operating status. Since all devices on the vehicle are connected in parallel and powered independently, it can cut off any power circuit as needed without affecting the power supply to other devices. For example, when the vehicle is in the loading or unloading state, the digital power distribution system will cut off power to unnecessary systems based on the system status, such as the autonomous driving system, various radar systems, and unnecessary high-power devices like cameras; thereby reducing overall vehicle power consumption and improving range.

[0056] Furthermore, when the vehicle is powered off and parked, the digital power distribution system will shut down all power supply channels except for the TBOX, keeping the vehicle's static power consumption to a minimum (below 13mA). Combined with the intelligent charging function, this ensures that the vehicle's battery will never run out of power when the vehicle is started, guaranteeing reliable vehicle operation.

[0057] Example 2 This embodiment provides a control method for a digital power distribution system of an autonomous logistics vehicle, including: When the vehicle is powered on, the digital power distribution system of the aforementioned autonomous logistics vehicle is activated via hard wiring, and a specific channel is closed to supply power to the necessary equipment on the vehicle according to the vehicle's usage scenario (autonomous driving state, remote driving state, charging state, remote control state, etc.). Hardwired control features fast response and high reliability, making it suitable for scenarios with high real-time requirements. For example, during vehicle startup, a hardwired signal can quickly wake up the SPDU and supply power to critical equipment such as the starting system, ensuring a smooth vehicle start-up.

[0058] The digital power distribution system can be woken up via the CAN network, and the vehicle controller sends closing commands for each power supply channel via the CAD network.

[0059] The digital power distribution system supports specific frame wake-up. The VCU (vehicle control unit) wakes up the SPDU through the CAN network and sends closing commands for each channel to control the power on and off of the vehicle.

[0060] CAN message control offers advantages such as high flexibility and scalability, enabling intelligent management of vehicle electrical systems. Through the CAN network, the VCU can adjust the on / off status of each power channel in real time according to the vehicle's operating status and user needs, achieving precise control of vehicle equipment.

[0061] The equipment on the vehicle employs a dual-channel control method using both hardware and messaging, with dual power supply channels for the control devices. For systems such as braking, steering, and intelligent driving systems, both inputs and outputs utilize redundant design.

[0062] The input is controlled using a hard-wired + message control method; a system is considered valid if either the hard-wired or message signal is online. This redundancy design improves the reliability of the input signal, ensuring the system continues to operate normally even if one control method fails.

[0063] The output employs a dual-channel design, providing two completely independent power supply paths. If one output channel fails, the other can continue to power critical systems, ensuring safe vehicle operation. This dual-redundant power distribution system design significantly improves the reliability and safety of the vehicle's electrical system, meeting the high power system requirements of L4 autonomous logistics vehicles.

[0064] The above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a digital power distribution system of an autonomous logistics vehicle, characterized in that, include: When the vehicle is powered on, the digital power distribution system of the aforementioned autonomous logistics vehicle is activated via hard wiring, and a specific channel is closed to supply power to the necessary equipment on the vehicle according to the vehicle's usage scenario. The digital power distribution system can be woken up via the CAN network, and the vehicle controller sends closing commands for each power supply channel via the CAD network.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The equipment on the vehicle adopts a dual-channel control method of hardware and messages, with dual power supply channels for controlling the equipment.

3. A digital power distribution system for an autonomous logistics vehicle, wherein the control method described in claim 1 or 2 is used to control the digital power distribution system, characterized in that, Specifically, it includes: The power distribution module is used for power distribution and allocation tasks in the vehicle's low-voltage system. The power distribution module divides the vehicle's power supply into uncontrolled B+ constant power, controlled KL30 constant power, KL15 power controlled by the start switch, and power controlled by the CAN network; and each electrical device is connected in parallel, and the output channel of each electrical device is independently disconnected by HSD or MOS devices. The low-voltage power distribution data monitoring module is used to monitor the low-voltage power distribution data of the entire vehicle in real time. The fault rapid disconnection module, based on the monitoring results of the low-voltage power distribution data monitoring module, disconnects the output channel at the abnormal location.

4. The digital power distribution system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The automatic fault diagnosis and uploading module is used to enable the digital power distribution system to attempt to restart the equipment when the equipment's operating current is abnormal and power is cut off, thus eliminating false alarms and false triggering of protection. The maximum number of restarts is 3. If the device still cannot start after 3 restarts, the system will upload fault information and troubleshooting methods via the CAN network.

5. The digital power distribution system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The fault pre-diagnosis module is used to analyze the current operating data of the equipment and perform fault pre-diagnosis.

6. The digital power distribution system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The intelligent power replenishment module and digital power distribution system monitor the battery status in real time. When the battery voltage is lower than 12.1V, the digital power distribution system wakes up the internal DC-DC power supply system of the three-in-one unit through a hard-wired high-level signal to supply power to the battery.

7. The digital power distribution system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The watchdog module is used to ensure that the digital power distribution system can maintain its current output state until the vehicle is powered on or off again when the vehicle network fails or communication is suddenly lost while the vehicle is in motion.

8. The digital power distribution system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The energy management module is used to intelligently cut off the power supply to each channel according to the vehicle's operating status.

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