Bidirectional high-voltage / high-current switching system with electronic switching function and electronic pre-charging function and in particular electronic safety function

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching system (S), in particular a high-voltage and / or high-current switching system, for connecting or disconnecting an electrical connection between a battery (100), preferably a high-voltage / high-power battery, and a load (200), preferably a load of an electrical network of a vehicle, in both directions, having a switching module (10) for providing an electronic switching function, a pre-charging module (20) for providing an electronic pre-charging function, and a control module (30) for actuating the switching module (10) and the pre-charging module (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a switching system, particularly a high-voltage and / or high-current switching system, for bidirectionally connecting or disconnecting an electrical connection between a battery and a load, preferably a high-voltage / high-power battery, and preferably a load from a vehicle's electrical grid. Furthermore, this invention relates to a corresponding electronic device having a corresponding switching system. Background Technology

[0002] Switches used to connect or disconnect electrical connections are typically implemented in the form of contactors. When a high potential difference exists at the contact points of a contactor, the contactor may be easily damaged due to charge imbalance. In this way, the service life of the contactor and the device using it is limited. Furthermore, this creates safety issues during the operation of the contactor and the device using it. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to overcome, at least in part, the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, the objective is to provide an improved switching system, especially a high-voltage and / or high-current switching system, for bidirectionally connecting or disconnecting an electrical connection between a battery and a load, preferably a high-voltage / high-power battery, and preferably a load from the vehicle's electrical grid, wherein the switching system is safe, robust, and reliable in operation, has an extended service life, and provides expanded functionality and diagnostics.

[0004] The task is solved by a switching system having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the task is solved by a corresponding electronic device having the features of the parallel claims. Here, the features and details described in connection with different embodiments and / or aspects of the invention are of course also applicable in connection with other embodiments and / or aspects, and vice versa, so that the disclosures regarding various embodiments and / or aspects are always mutually referential or can be mutually referenced.

[0005] According to the first aspect, the present invention specifies:

[0006] A switching system, particularly a high-voltage and / or high-current switching system, for bidirectionally connecting or disconnecting an electrical connection between a (high-voltage) battery and a load, wherein the battery is preferably a high-voltage / high-power battery and the load is preferably a load of a vehicle's electrical grid, such as a load of an electric vehicle's electrical grid.

[0007] The switching system has the following components:

[0008] Switching modules, especially electronic switching modules, are used to provide electronic switching functions.

[0009] Pre-charge modules, particularly electronic pre-charge modules, are used to provide electronic, optionally unidirectional or bidirectional pre-charge functionality.

[0010] And a control module for operating the switch module and the pre-charging module.

[0011] The present invention recognizes that electronic switches do not have mechanically movable contact parts, which may be damaged due to potential differences during connection.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention proposes a bidirectional high-voltage / high-current switching system with electronic switching function, electronic pre-charging function, and especially electronic safety function, wherein the electronic safety function can preferably be provided solely based on hardware.

[0013] Advantageously, this can replace electromechanical switching elements, such as contactors. The switching system preferably includes electronic (and therefore reversible) safety features, and can be implemented solely on hardware, preferably independently of software. The switching system can thus be implemented with reduced cost and smaller space requirements. In this way, a robust, safe, and reliable switching system with an extended service life can be provided.

[0014] The proposed switching system is preferably applicable to automotive applications, such as electric vehicles.

[0015] The switching system can be used for a voltage range between 300 and 1000 volts and / or a current range between 200 and 400 amperes.

[0016] The topology of the switching module can be based on semiconductors, such as transistors, particularly power transistors, such as MOSFET power transistors, preferably n-channel MOSFET power transistors, which can be implemented, for example, without current isolation. The topology of the switching module can be implemented, particularly cost-effectively, solely in hardware.

[0017] The topology of the precharge module can be based on semiconductors, such as transistors, particularly power transistors, such as MOSFET power transistors, preferably n-channel MOSFET power transistors, which can be implemented, for example, without current isolation. The topology of the precharge module can be implemented, particularly cost-effectively, solely in hardware. The topology of the precharge module can, for example, be designed for a current of up to 10 amps.

[0018] The topology of the control module can be designed, for example, with a voltage of 12 volts and / or a current of 0.4 amperes or less, and a power of 5 watts or less.

[0019] The control module can provide diagnostic functions.

[0020] The control module can, on the other hand, provide a reversible safety function, particularly based on status feedback regarding the supply current and / or control current (e.g., no current => switch open; current > 0.5 or 1 amp, or power > 6 or 12 watts => error state, etc.).

[0021] The control module can provide electronic fuse (e-Fuse) functionality similar to the ISO form for circuit breakers.

[0022] Optionally, the control module may provide a communication interface (LIN / CAN) and / or a diagnostic interface (e.g., EMRE) for an external control unit.

[0023] As mentioned above, the switch module can be configured as an electronic component. This avoids the need for mechanical moving parts.

[0024] As mentioned above, the pre-charging module can also be configured as an electronic component. This approach also avoids the need for movable mechanical contact points.

[0025] Advantageously, the switching module and the pre-charge module can be connected in parallel. In this way, the charging capacitor can be reliably pre-charged to the desired pre-charge voltage before the switching module can be continuously connected and the load can be safely connected to the battery.

[0026] Advantageously, the switching module can be configured as a scalable module having at least one, two, or more switching stages (or circuit breakers) connected in parallel. A single switching stage can be configured, for example, for industrial applications. At least two switching stages can be configured, for example, for automotive applications. This provides a flexible voltage range and / or a flexible current range.

[0027] Here, the switching module may have at least one, two, or more circuit breakers (or switching stages) connected in parallel, each having a closed state and an open state. A single circuit breaker may be configured for industrial applications, for example. At least two circuit breakers may be configured for automotive applications, for example. Each circuit breaker may also have two transistors, particularly power transistors, such as MOSFET power transistors, preferably n-channel MOSFET power transistors, connected in reverse series, each transistor having a control electrode.

[0028] The switching module may advantageously have a detection unit, particularly an integrated, preferably hardware-based detection unit (e.g., including an ohmic resistor), which is implemented to detect at least one electrical diagnostic signal (e.g. for current and / or voltage) of the electronic components of the switching module, such as an electrical diagnostic signal at the connection point between two anti-series transistors.

[0029] Optionally, the pre-charging module may be configured to provide unidirectional or bidirectional pre-charging functionality over electrical connection.

[0030] In addition, the pre-charge module may have at least one transistor (e.g. for unidirectional pre-charge function) or two transistors connected in reverse series (e.g. for bidirectional pre-charge function).

[0031] For a unidirectional pre-charge function, the control module can be implemented to rhythmically manipulate the at least one transistor.

[0032] For the bidirectional pre-charge function, the control module can be implemented to rhythmically manipulate, particularly in a direction-dependent manner, the two reverse-connected transistors in order to realize, preferably in the desired direction, and preferably automatically, the pre-charge function.

[0033] The precharge module may advantageously have a detection unit, particularly an integrated, preferably hardware-based detection unit (e.g., including an ohmic resistor), which is implemented for detecting electrical diagnostic signals (e.g., for current and / or voltage) of the electronic components of the precharge module.

[0034] The control module advantageously may have drivers for the electronic components of the switching module and / or the electronic components of the pre-charging module, respectively, for operating, preferably independently. In this way, in addition to control functions, diagnostic and / or fuse functions can also be provided by means of the corresponding supply or control current.

[0035] The control module can advantageously be implemented to provide diagnostic functions to check the operating mode of the electronic components of the switching module and / or the electronic components of the precharge module.

[0036] With a particular advantage, the control module can be implemented to provide electronic fuse functionality, for example, through state feedback of the electronic components of the switching module and / or the pre-charge module with respect to the corresponding control current. The fuse function can be represented as the integral of the square of the current with respect to time. The electronic fuse (e-Fuse) can be set to sensitive or active from the outset. When a set I²t characteristic curve is exceeded, the electronic fuse function will respond / trigger, which can be notified, for example, via a higher control current or communication.

[0037] Therefore, the control module can provide a cost-effective, integrated, and preferably reversible electronic fuse (so-called e-Fuse) at the switching module and / or the pre-charge module. Advantageously, this allows for the analysis, preferably continuous analysis, of the voltage drop at the switching module and / or the pre-charge module.

[0038] The control module, which includes the electronic safety function, can be configured as a hardware module, preferably a software-independent hardware module. Therefore, it can provide low-cost control.

[0039] For example, the control module can be implemented to provide a supply current or control current of less than or equal to 0.6 amps, and particularly less than or equal to 0.4 amps, to the switching module and / or the pre-charge module. This ensures low energy consumption during control.

[0040] In principle, the control module may optionally provide a communication interface and / or diagnostic interface to an external control unit.

[0041] According to the second aspect, the present invention specifies:

[0042] An electronic device having a corresponding switching system, which can be implemented as described above.

[0043] The electronic device may be:

[0044] - Battery Management System

[0045] - Battery,

[0046] - Controller, or

[0047] - Converter. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Here, the following are schematic illustrations:

[0049] Figure 1 An exemplary switching system with bidirectional precharge function is shown, and

[0050] Figure 2 An exemplary switching system with unidirectional pre-charging function is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, a switching system S, particularly a high-voltage and / or high-current switching system, is proposed for bidirectionally connecting or disconnecting an electrical connection between a (high-voltage) battery 100 and a load 200, wherein the battery is preferably a high-voltage / high-power battery and the load is preferably a load of a vehicle's, such as an electric vehicle's, electrical grid.

[0052] The switching system S has the following components:

[0053] In particular, the electronic switch module 10 is used to provide electronic switching functions.

[0054] In particular, the electronic pre-charge module 20 is used to provide electronic, optionally unidirectional or bidirectional pre-charge functionality.

[0055] And a control module 30 for operating the switch module 10 and the precharge module 20 (function 1) and, when necessary, for providing electronic diagnostic functions (function 2) and / or electronic safety functions (function 3).

[0056] Electronic switches do not require mechanical moving contacts and therefore have a longer lifespan than electromechanical switches (so-called contactors).

[0057] The switching system S can replace electromechanical switching elements, such as contactors.

[0058] The switching system S, preferably including electronic (and therefore reversible) fuse functionality, can preferably be implemented solely on hardware, preferably independently of software. In this way, a robust, safe, and reliable switching system S with an extended lifespan can be provided. Furthermore, the switching system S can be implemented in a low-cost and compact manner.

[0059] The proposed switching system S can be used, for example, in automotive applications such as electric vehicles. The switching system S can be used for voltage ranges between 300 and 1000 volts and / or current ranges between 200 and 400 amperes.

[0060] The topology of the switching module 10 can be based on semiconductors, such as transistors, particularly power transistors, such as MOSFET power transistors, preferably n-channel MOSFET power transistors. These transistors can be implemented, for example, without current isolation, which is particularly cost-effective. Therefore, the topology of the switching module 10 can be implemented solely in hardware.

[0061] The topology of the pre-charge module 20 can also be based on semiconductors, such as transistors, particularly power transistors, such as MOSFET power transistors, preferably n-channel MOSFET power transistors, which can be implemented, for example, without current isolation. Therefore, the topology of the pre-charge module 20 can be implemented solely in hardware. The topology of the pre-charge module 20 can, for example, be designed for a current of 10 amps.

[0062] The topology of the control module 30 can be designed, for example, with a voltage of 12 volts and / or a current of 0.4 amperes or less, and a power of 5 watts or less.

[0063] The control module 30 can provide diagnostic functions (function 2).

[0064] The control module 30 can, on the other hand, provide a reversible safety function (function 3), particularly based on state feedback regarding the supply current or control current (e.g., no current => switch open; current > 0.5 or 1 amp, or power > 6 or 12 watts => error state, etc.).

[0065] The control module 30 can provide electronic insurance functionality in function 3, similar to the ISO form for circuit breaker insurance.

[0066] Optionally, the control module 30 may provide a communication interface (function 4, such as LIN / CAN) and / or a diagnostic interface (function 5, such as EMRE) for an external control unit.

[0067] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the switch module 10 and the pre-charge module 20 can be connected in parallel.

[0068] like Figure 1 and 2 Furthermore, it is shown that the switch module 10 can be configured as an expandable module having at least one, two or more switch stages (or circuit breakers 11, 12) connected in parallel.

[0069] like Figure 1 and 2Further shown, the (at least one, two or more) circuit breakers 11, 12 may each have two transistors connected in reverse series, particularly power transistors, such as MOSFET power transistors, preferably n-channel MOSFET power transistors, each transistor having a control electrode.

[0070] Advantageously, the current through the switching module 10 can therefore be carried by multiple switching stages (or circuit breakers 11, 12). Thus, the electronic components of, for example, the circuit breakers 11, 12 can be constructed in a particularly simple and / or low-cost manner.

[0071] When at least one of the two reverse-connected transistors is in the off state, the circuit breakers 11 and 12 can interrupt the current passing through each switch stage in the open state.

[0072] When two transistors connected in reverse series are in the ON state, the circuit breakers 11 and 12 can allow current to flow through the corresponding switching stages when they are in the OFF state.

[0073] The two transistors in the corresponding switching stage can be identically configured. Therefore, the circuit breaker device can be particularly simple and / or low-cost.

[0074] The transistor can be switched between an on state and an off state via a control electrode (gate) schematically shown.

[0075] The transistor may have three terminals: gate (or control electrode), drain, and source.

[0076] like Figure 1 and 2 As further shown, the switching module 10 (on the side of the respective source terminal between two reverse-connected transistors) may have a detection unit, particularly an integrated, preferably hardware-based detection unit (e.g., including an ohmic resistor), to detect electrical diagnostic signals (e.g., for current and / or voltage) for a single transistor or for each transistor.

[0077] Optionally, the pre-charging module 20 may be configured to provide a unidirectional pre-charging function (see reference). Figure 2 ) or bidirectional pre-charge function (see Figure 1 ).

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, the pre-charge module 20 may have a transistor for unidirectional pre-charge function.

[0079] like Figure 1As shown, the pre-charge module 20 may have two reverse-connected transistors for bidirectional pre-charge function.

[0080] For unidirectional pre-charging function (see reference) Figure 2 The control module 30 can be implemented to rhythmically manipulate the at least one transistor.

[0081] For bidirectional pre-charge function (see reference) Figure 1 The control module 30 can be implemented to rhythmically manipulate, particularly in a direction-dependent manner, the two reverse-connected transistors in order to achieve, preferably in the desired direction, and preferably automatically, a pre-charging function.

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown, the precharge module 20 (on the side of the corresponding source terminal between two reverse-connected transistors) may have a detection unit, particularly an integrated, preferably hardware-based detection unit (e.g., including an ohmic resistor), to detect electrical diagnostic signals (e.g., for current and / or voltage) for a single transistor or for each transistor.

[0083] As not shown in the accompanying drawings but conceivable, the control module 30 may have drivers for operating, preferably independently operating, the electronic components of the switch module 10 and / or the electronic components of the pre-charge module 20. In this way, in addition to the control function (function 1), diagnostic functions (function 2) and / or fuse functions (function 3) may also be provided by means of the corresponding supply current or control current.

[0084] To provide diagnostic functionality (Function 2), the control module 30 may use diagnostic signals from the switch module 10 and / or the precharge module 20.

[0085] To provide electronic safety function (function 3), the control module 30 may use the status feedback of the electronic components of the switch module 10 and / or the electronic components of the precharge module 20 with respect to the corresponding supply current or control current.

[0086] Therefore, the control module 30 can provide a cost-effective, integrated, and preferably reversible electronic fuse (so-called e-Fuse) at the switching module 10 and / or the pre-charge module 20. Advantageously, analysis, preferably continuous analysis, of the voltage drop at the switching module 10 and / or the pre-charge module 20 can be performed here.

[0087] Different electronic devices can use the described switching system S:

[0088] - Battery Management System

[0089] - Battery 100,

[0090] - Controller, or

[0091] - Converter.

[0092] Figure Labels

Claims

1. A switching system (S), particularly a high-voltage and / or high-current switching system, said switching system for bidirectionally connecting or disconnecting an electrical connection between a battery (100) and a load (200), said battery preferably being a high-voltage / high-power battery, and said load preferably being a load of the vehicle's electrical grid. The switching system has: Switch module (10) for providing electronic switching function; A pre-charge module (20) for providing electronic, e.g., unidirectional or bidirectional pre-charge functionality; and Control module (30) for operating the switch module (10) and the pre-charge module (20).

2. The switching system (S) according to claim 1, wherein, The switching module (10) is configured as an electronic component, such as an electronic component without current isolation, and / or the pre-charging module (20) is configured as an electronic component, such as an electronic component without current isolation.

3. The switching system (S) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The switch module (10) is connected in parallel with the pre-charge module (20).

4. Switching system (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The switch module (10) is configured as an expandable module having at least one, two or more switch stages connected in parallel.

5. Switching system (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The switch module (10) has at least one, two or more circuit breakers (11, 12) connected in parallel, each including a closed state and an open state. In particular, the circuit breakers (11, 12) each have two transistors connected in reverse series, especially power transistors, such as MOSFET power transistors, preferably n-channel MOSFET power transistors, each of which has a control electrode.

6. Switching system (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The switching module (10) has a detection unit, particularly an integrated, preferably hardware-based detection unit, which is implemented to detect at least one electrical diagnostic signal of the electronic components of the switching module (10), such as an electrical diagnostic signal at the connection point between two reverse-connected transistors.

7. Switching system (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The pre-charge module (20) is configured to provide unidirectional or bidirectional pre-charge functionality on the electrical connection.

8. Switching system (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The pre-charge module (20) has at least one transistor or two transistors connected in reverse series. In particular, the control module (30) is configured to rhythmically manipulate the at least one transistor to achieve, preferably automatically, a pre-charging function. Alternatively, the control module (30) may be configured to rhythmically manipulate, particularly in a direction-dependent manner, the two reverse-connected transistors in order to achieve, preferably in the desired direction, preferably automatically, a pre-charging function.

9. Switching system (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The precharge module (20) has a detection unit, particularly an integrated, preferably hardware-based detection unit, which is implemented to detect electrical diagnostic signals of the electronic components of the precharge module (20).

10. Switching system (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The control module (30) has drivers for operating, preferably independently operating, the electronic components of the switch module (10) and / or the electronic components of the pre-charge module (20). And / or wherein the control module (30) is configured to provide diagnostic functions to check the operation of the electronic components of the switch module (10) and / or the electronic components of the precharge module (20).

11. Switching system (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The control module (30) is implemented to provide electronic insurance functionality. In particular, electronic safety features are provided by means of state feedback of the electronic components of the switching module (10) and / or the electronic components of the pre-charge module (20) regarding the corresponding supply current and / or control current. And / or wherein the control module (30) is configured to provide an integrated, preferably reversible electronic fuse at the switch module (10) and / or at the precharge module (20). In particular, the electronic fuse is provided by analyzing, preferably continuously analyzing, the voltage drop at the switching module (10) and / or the pre-charge module (20). And / or wherein the control module (30) is configured as a hardware module, preferably a software-independent hardware module.

12. Switching system (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The control module (30) is configured to provide, for example, an average supply current and / or control current of less than or equal to 0.6 amps, however particularly less than or equal to 0.4 amps, to the switching module (10) and / or the precharge module (20) at 12 volts.

13. Switching system (S) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The control module (30) may optionally have a communication interface and / or diagnostic interface for an external control unit.

14. An electronic device having a switching system (S) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. The electronic device according to the previous claim, wherein, The electronic device is configured to be at least one of the following: - Battery Management System - Battery (100). - Controller, or - Converter.

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