Methods for using electrical appliances in operating vehicles

Abstract

A method is disclosed for an electrical appliance (10) in an on-board electrical network (1) for operating a vehicle. The electrical appliance (10) is supplied with electrical energy from an energy source (7) via a power supply line (12) of the on-board electrical network (1) through a distribution module (9) connected between the energy source (7) and the electrical appliance (10). The distribution module (9) includes at least one converter (15) that converts the voltage from the energy source into a low voltage for the appliance (10). The converter (15) sets the voltage (18) according to the individual needs of the appliance (10). The converter (15) also changes the voltage (18) for the appliance (10) to transmit information to it, and transmits the information to the appliance (10) via a data line (13) of the vehicle electrical network (1). The information transmitted via the data line (13) is redundantly transmitted to the appliance (10) by changing the voltage (18). Similarly, a corresponding distribution module (9) and a vehicle electrical network (1) having at least one such distribution module (9) are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating electrical appliances in a vehicle, a distribution module for an on-board electrical network for a vehicle, and an on-board electrical network having such a distribution module. Background Technology

[0002] Modern vehicles have numerous electrical components, such as electronic controls, sensors, and the like, distributed throughout the vehicle and used to perform various vehicle functions. These components are supplied with electrical energy, for example, through a central high-voltage drive battery. To distribute this energy, a distribution module can be used in the vehicle, to which multiple components are connected. To supply the components with a constant low voltage, such as 12V, the distribution module is pre-installed with a corresponding DC / DC converter. Additional DC / DC converters can then be provided in each control unit as needed to supply the electronics of that control unit with a separately matched voltage, such as 5V or 3.3V.

[0003] Known distribution modules typically use relays or semiconductor switches (MOSFETs) to supply power to appliances. This allows appliances to be switched on and off. Protection of the input lines to the appliances is generally achieved through fuses. Traditional fuses are increasingly being replaced by electronic fuses, also known as e-fuses, in newer systems. These electronic fuses involve semiconductor switches with configurable triggering characteristics. However, even with e-fuses, the distribution module can only switch appliances on and off.

[0004] To transmit information to electrical appliances, pulse width modulation (PWM) is also known. PWM is a technique frequently used in electrical and electronic technology to control the energy supply to electrical appliances. The principle involves converting electrical signals into a sequence of pulses. The basic idea is to regulate the energy supply to a device by switching current on and off at high frequencies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The objective of this invention is to provide an improved method for operating electrical appliances in a vehicle.

[0006] The solution to the task is achieved according to the teachings of the independent claims. Various embodiments and further extensions of the invention are the technical solutions of the dependent claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method, particularly a computer-implemented method, for electrical appliances in an onboard electrical network for operating a vehicle. The electrical appliances are supplied with electrical energy from an energy source via a power supply line of the onboard electrical network through a distribution module connected between the energy source and the electrical appliances. The distribution module includes at least one converter that converts the voltage from the energy source (either directly the high voltage of the energy source or a voltage that has been reduced by a (central) pre-converter (DC / DC converter)) into a low voltage for the electrical appliances, wherein the voltage is set according to the individual needs of the electrical appliances by means of the converter.

[0008] The method described above according to the first aspect is therefore particularly based on the fact that at least one converter, particularly at least one DC-DC converter, is provided in the distribution module. Specifically, compared to conventional distribution modules that, for example, only contain switches or fuses (including e-Fuses), the input circuitry of the appliances connected to the distribution module can be significantly simplified. In particular, the appliances can be stably set to a matched voltage, particularly a low voltage (particularly 12 V, 5 V, or 3.3 V), through the distribution module with the integrated converter, thereby eliminating the need for the appliances to independently cope with voltage fluctuations in the vehicle's electrical grid. In other words, the input circuitry of the appliances is migrated to the distribution module, thus allowing for simpler implementation of the input circuitry of each appliance, particularly those appliances.

[0009] According to the invention, the distribution module is specifically designed such that the voltage can be set according to the individual needs of the electrical appliances. The converter therefore does not immutably provide a specific voltage, but can be set according to needs and demands, and dynamically if necessary, as will be explained more precisely below.

[0010] The term “vehicle” as used herein specifically refers to passenger cars, including all types of motor vehicles, hybrid and battery-powered electric vehicles, as well as vans, buses, trucks, delivery vehicles and similar vehicles.

[0011] The term "electrical appliance" as used herein specifically refers to vehicle control devices, but also includes hydraulic, pneumatic, or other components such as sensors and the like that consume electrical energy and are electrically operable. In particular, components in safety-related areas of the vehicle, such as engine controllers, drivetrains, or braking systems (especially X-by-Wire technology), can also be referred to as electrical appliances. Redundant control is typically provided for safety-related electrical appliances to ensure a second line of communication for transmitting information and / or control data is available in the event of a data line failure.

[0012] The term "operation" as used here specifically refers to the provision and setting of the resources necessary for operating electrical appliances. This includes, in particular, the supply of energy and the transmission of information for control. Both generally occur via the vehicle's onboard electrical network, particularly via a power supply onboard electrical network with corresponding power lines for transmitting electrical energy and a communication onboard electrical network with corresponding data lines for transmitting information (such as control data and the like). Communication here can be particularly via a bus system (e.g., Controller Area Network, CAN).

[0013] The term "high voltage" as used herein refers specifically to the electrical system of an electric vehicle, operating at a voltage higher than that of the low-voltage onboard electrical network. The low-voltage onboard electrical network in a vehicle typically operates at around 12 V (or more generally, no more than 60 V), while high-voltage systems utilize voltages up to several hundred volts (e.g., 60 V to 1.5 kV). High-voltage systems in electric vehicles generally include, in particular, high-voltage energy storage devices (HV batteries or HV accumulators), an electric motor, and other components necessary for driving the vehicle.

[0014] The term "converter" as used herein specifically refers to a voltage converter that adjusts voltage from one voltage level to another, for example, from a higher voltage level to a lower voltage level. Since DC voltage is typically involved in onboard electrical networks, converters may also be called "DC voltage converters" or "DC / DC converters."

[0015] The terms “comprising,” “containing,” “including,” “having,” “having,” “with,” or any other variations thereof, when used herein, shall cover non-closed inclusion relationships. Thus, a method or apparatus that includes or has a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a method or apparatus.

[0016] Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, "or" refers to an open-ended "or" rather than a closed "or". For example, condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0017] The term “a” or “an” as used herein is defined as meaning “one or more”. The terms “another” and “another”, and every other variation thereof, shall be understood as meaning “at least another”.

[0018] The term “multiple” used here should be understood as “two or more”.

[0019] The terms "configuration" or "setting" refer to the implementation of a specific function (and corresponding variations thereof). In the context of this invention, it should be understood that a corresponding device already exists in a design or setting in which the device can perform the function, or the device is at least set—that is, configurable—so that the device can perform the function according to the corresponding settings. Here, configuration can, for example, be achieved by correspondingly setting parameters of the process flow, switches, or the like to activate or deactivate functionality or settings. In particular, the device may have multiple predetermined configurations or operating modes, so configuration can be performed by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the method are described below, which can be combined with each other and with other aspects additionally described in this invention, provided that they are not explicitly excluded or technically impossible.

[0021] In some implementations, a converter is used to change the voltage supplied to the appliance, thereby transmitting information, such as control data, to the appliance. Since the converter is located in the distribution module, it can be used not only for the voltage supply to the connected appliance but also for information transmission. This is done by changing the voltage during operation. Needless to say, this is done within permissible voltage limits. Particularly when the appliance's microcontroller is directly connected to the distribution module, it is advantageous to transmit information, such as control data, to the appliance via the supply voltage.

[0022] In some of the respective embodiments, the voltage at the input of the appliance is analyzed by means of the appliance's controller in order to receive information. The information is thus received not only by the appliance, for example, by means of an integrated transceiver, but also by means of the voltage supply. Voltage changes are made by means of a converter in the distribution module, as just described. The controller, such as the appliance's microcontroller, receives the variable voltage and can analyze it so that information or data is obtained in addition to the pure energy supply, which can be used for the operation of the appliance, particularly for control.

[0023] In some implementations, information is transmitted to electrical appliances via data lines of the vehicle's electrical network, wherein the information transmitted via these data lines is redundantly transmitted to the appliances by changing the voltage. Redundant communication is particularly advantageous for safety-related appliances, such as critical control devices. Additional data lines are not necessary. As just described, only the voltage at the input of the appliance needs to be analyzed. This allows for improved fail-safety in a simple manner. Since additional wiring is not required, expenses and costs are reduced. In the case of redundant communication, the same information or control data as via the original data lines can be transmitted via the supply voltage. However, at least the information or control data necessary for the safe operation of the appliance can be transmitted via the supply voltage, especially when communication via the data lines is at least partially unavailable.

[0024] In some implementations, appliances switch from a normal operating mode to a restricted mode or vice versa by changing the voltage. The restricted mode may also be referred to as an emergency mode or a degraded mode. In particular, non-safety-related components (appliances) can thus be easily switched to restricted mode during operation, especially during fault conditions, by changing the supply voltage, for example, via a short pulse. This allows for the improvement or maintenance of the functionality of other components, particularly safety-related components, if necessary. Furthermore, this mode switching via a change in supply voltage does not occupy or require data lines, which is also advantageous for the continued operation of other components.

[0025] In some implementations, the voltage is varied in a stepwise manner or by a pulse sequence through the superposition of data signals, thereby transmitting information to the appliance. This superposition can be particularly achieved using pulse width modulation (PWM), which allows information or control signals to be transmitted via the supply voltage. Simpler commands can also be modulated onto the supply voltage using simple pulses, pulse sequences, or stepwise changes.

[0026] In some implementations, the voltage is set by means of a converter according to the operating conditions of the vehicle and / or electrical appliances. In particular, the voltage can be changed according to conditions during vehicle operation (e.g., while driving). Information can also be transmitted to electrical appliances in this manner.

[0027] In some implementations, the converter functions as an electronic fuse. In other words, the converter can be configured to provide a fuse, particularly an electronic fuse (“e-Fuse”), in addition to the conventional power supply to the appliance.

[0028] A second aspect of the invention relates to a distribution module for an onboard electrical network in a vehicle. The distribution module has at least one converter configured to convert voltage from an energy source into a low-voltage voltage for electrical appliances connected to the distribution module, and to set the voltage according to the respective needs of the electrical appliances. The distribution module is particularly configured to operate the electrical appliances connected to the distribution module according to the method described in the first aspect.

[0029] A third aspect of the invention relates to an onboard electrical network for a vehicle, the onboard electrical network having at least one energy source, a power supply line, at least one electrical appliance, and at least one distribution module according to the second aspect, the at least one electrical appliance being connected to the distribution module. The electrical appliance and the energy source are connected via the power supply line through the distribution module, which connects the energy source and the electrical appliance, for supplying electrical energy.

[0030] In some embodiments of the vehicle-mounted electrical network, the network includes a converter, particularly a DC / DC converter, positioned before the at least one distribution module and configured to reduce the high-voltage voltage of the energy source. Specifically, the converter may be centrally positioned before multiple possible distribution modules. This allows the high-voltage voltage of the energy source to be reduced, for example, to a low voltage of less than 60 V, simplifying the structure of the distribution module, particularly compared to circuits that directly power the distribution module with the high-voltage voltage of the energy source.

[0031] In some implementations of the vehicle-mounted electrical network, the network is divided into multiple zones, each zone having at least one distribution module and at least one electrical appliance connected to each distribution module. These zones may, for example, include areas for the front left, front right, rear left, and rear right, in addition to the central zone. Spatially adjacent electrical appliances, i.e., appliances within a single zone, can be operated through a single distribution module. The distribution module can therefore also be called a zone module. This enables distributed operation of the electrical appliances within the vehicle.

[0032] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a system for data processing, the system having at least one processor configured to perform the method according to a first aspect of the invention. The system can, in particular, be integrated into an on-board electrical network according to a third aspect to operate at least one electrical appliance in the on-board electrical network.

[0033] The fifth aspect of the invention relates to a computer program having instructions that, when executed on a system according to the fourth aspect, cause the system to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0034] The computer program can be stored, in particular, on a non-volatile data carrier. Preferably, this is a data carrier in the form of an optical data carrier or a flash memory module. Advantageously, such a computer program can be processed independently of the processor platform on which the one or more programs will be executed. In another implementation, the computer program can exist as a file in a data processing unit, particularly on a server, and can be downloaded via a data connection, such as the Internet, or a dedicated data connection, such as a private network or local area network. Furthermore, the computer program can have multiple cooperating individual program modules.

[0035] The system according to the fourth aspect may accordingly have a program memory in which the computer program is stored. Alternatively, the system may also be configured to access an external computer program, for example, available on one or more servers or other data processing units, via a communication connection, particularly to exchange data with the computer program that is applied to or represents the output of the computer program during the operation of the method or the computer program.

[0036] The features and advantages set forth with respect to the first aspect of the invention also apply accordingly to the other aspects of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Other advantages, features and applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0038] It shows that:

[0039] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates an onboard electrical network of a vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 2 A partial view of the vehicle's electrical grid is shown schematically.

[0041] Figure 3 An allocation module according to one embodiment is schematically shown;

[0042] Figure 4 An electrical appliance in the form of a control device is schematically shown; and

[0043] Figure 5 A voltage curve with signal transmission is schematically shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are always used for the same or corresponding elements of the invention.

[0045] exist Figure 1The vehicle's onboard electrical network 1 is schematically and in a highly simplified manner. The onboard electrical network 1 is divided into multiple zones 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. In the example shown, five zones are provided: zone 2 (front right), zone 3 (front left), zone 4 (center of the vehicle), zone 5 (rear right), and zone 6 (rear left). By dividing the vehicle into zones, the onboard electrical network 1 can be managed in a distributed manner. This specifically relates to the supply of electrical energy, but also to control technology. Electrical energy is provided by a high-voltage energy storage device 7, such as the drive battery of an electric vehicle, and distributed via power supply lines 12. The onboard electrical network 1 also includes data lines 13 for communication, i.e., for transmitting information, such as control data from a central control unit 8, and the like.

[0046] In each of zones 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, a distribution module 9 is provided, to which electrical appliances 10 (e.g., control devices) and sensors 11, for example, are connected. In the example shown, the distribution module 9 is powered at 12 V (or more generally, at a low voltage of less than 60 V), which is provided by a DC / DC converter 14 (e.g., centrally connected in the vehicle's electrical grid), which reduces the high voltage of the energy storage 7 (see Figure 2).

[0047] Traditional distribution modules typically use relays or semiconductor switches (MOSFETs) to turn appliances on and off to supply power. Protection of the input lines to these appliances can be achieved through fuses or electronic fuses. In contrast, distribution module 9 is equipped with distributed DC / DC converters 15 for supplying power to appliances 10 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 According to the needs of the appliance 10 or its respective appliances, a matching voltage (12V / 5V / 3.3V) can therefore be stably set. This is particularly advantageous because the appliance 10 is thus exempt from the need to independently cope with voltage fluctuations in the vehicle electrical network 1. Therefore, the input circuit of the appliance can be eliminated (or at least significantly simplified). The appliance 10 (and particularly the respective control units 17 of the appliance, i.e., the microcontrollers of the control devices) is directly connected to the corresponding distribution module 9, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0048] This connection method via DC / DC converter 15 also allows the supply voltage 18 to be used for information transmission (see...). Figure 5Additional data lines are not necessary. The control unit 17 only analyzes the voltage 18 at the input terminal and obtains information from it, such as control data and the like, so as to enable redundant communication. This is particularly advantageous for safety-related appliances 10. Needless to say, the main communication between the central control unit 8 and the appliances 10 is via data line 13, wherein each appliance 10 can be equipped with a corresponding transceiver 16. The DC / DC converter 15 can also serve as an electronic fuse.

[0049] Since the voltage can be independently set via the DC / DC converter 15, it becomes possible to transmit information to the appliance 10 through the superposition of signals (within the permissible voltage range). For this purpose, the voltage value can be varied, for example, in a stepwise manner to transmit corresponding pulses 19. The supply voltage 18 can also be changed through the superposition of signals (voltage pulses, pulse sequences) to transmit information. This type of signal transmission is, for example, pulse width modulation, logic pulse sequences, or voltage levels. Therefore, this constitutes a redundant information channel, as already mentioned. Information can also be transmitted to the appliance 10 in this manner by varying the DC voltage according to conditions during operation (e.g., during travel).

[0050] An example of information transmission is sending a specific, simple command to appliance 10, for example, to switch operating modes. It is known that a safe energy supply is based on the ability of non-safety-critical functions (components) to be degraded in order to maintain power supply to safety-critical appliances. Non-safety-critical components can be degraded via signal transmission that changes the supply voltage 18.

[0051] While at least one exemplary implementation has been described above, it should be noted that numerous variations exist. It should also be understood that the described exemplary implementations are merely non-limiting examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the apparatus and methods described herein. Rather, the foregoing description is intended to guide those skilled in the art in implementing at least one exemplary implementation, wherein it should be understood that various changes can be made in the functional manner and arrangement of the elements described in one exemplary implementation without departing from the technical solutions and their legal equivalents as defined in the appended claims.

[0052] Figure Labels

[0053] 1. Vehicle-mounted electrical grid

[0054] Area 2 (Front Right)

[0055] Area 3 (Front Left)

[0056] 4. Region (Central)

[0057] Area 5 (Rear Right)

[0058] Area 6 (Rear Left)

[0059] 7. High-voltage accumulator (battery)

[0060] 8. Central Control Unit

[0061] 9. Allocation Module (Region Module)

[0062] 10 Electrical appliances (control devices)

[0063] 11 Sensors

[0064] 12 Power supply lines

[0065] 13 Data lines

[0066] 14 DC / DC converters

[0067] 15 DC / DC converters

[0068] 16 Transceivers

[0069] 17. Controllers (microcontrollers, control devices)

[0070] 18. Supply voltage

[0071] 19 Voltage Pulse

Claims

1. A method for using electrical appliances (10) in an onboard electrical network (1) of a vehicle, wherein, The electrical appliance (10) is supplied with electrical energy from the energy source (7) via the power supply line (12) of the vehicle-mounted power grid (1) through a distribution module (9) connected between the energy source (7) and the electrical appliance (10). The distribution module (9) is provided with at least one converter (15) that converts the voltage from the energy source into a low voltage for the electrical appliance (10). The converter (15) sets the voltage (18) according to the respective needs of the electrical appliance (10). The converter (15) changes the voltage (18) for the electrical appliance (10) so as to transmit information to the electrical appliance (10) and transmits information to the electrical appliance (10) via the data line (13) of the vehicle-mounted power grid (1). The information transmitted by changing the voltage (18) is redundantly transmitted to the electrical appliance (10) for the information transmitted via the data line (13).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The voltage (19) at the input terminal of the appliance (10) is analyzed by means of the controller (17) of the appliance (10) in order to receive information.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The appliance (10) switches from normal operating mode to restricted mode or vice versa by changing the voltage (18).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The voltage (19) is changed in a stepwise manner or by a pulse sequence through the superposition of data signals, so as to transmit information to the appliance (10).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The voltage (18) is set by means of the converter (15) according to the operating conditions of the vehicle and / or the electrical appliances (10).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one converter (15) is used as an electronic fuse.

7. A distribution module (9) for an onboard electrical network (1) of a vehicle, wherein, The distribution module (9) is configured to operate appliances (10) connected to the distribution module (9), wherein the distribution module (9) has at least one converter (15) configured to convert voltage from energy source (7) into a low voltage for appliances (10) connected to the distribution module (9), and to set voltage (18) according to the respective needs of the appliances (10), and to change the voltage (18) for the appliances (10) so as to transmit information to the appliances (10).

8. An onboard electrical network (1) for a vehicle, the onboard electrical network having at least one energy source (7), a power supply line (12), at least one electrical appliance (10), and at least one distribution module (9) according to claim 7, the at least one electrical appliance (10) being connected to the distribution module, wherein, The electrical appliance (10) and the energy source (7) are connected via the power supply line (12) through a distribution module (9) that connects the energy source (7) and the electrical appliance (10) to supply electrical energy.

9. The vehicle-mounted power grid according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle-mounted power grid has a converter (14) which is positioned in front of the at least one distribution module (9) and is configured to reduce the high voltage of the energy source (7).

10. The vehicle-mounted electrical grid according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The vehicle-mounted power grid (1) is divided into multiple regions (2, 3, 4, 5, 6), wherein each region (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) has at least one distribution module (9) and at least one electrical appliance (10), the electrical appliance being connected to each distribution module (9).

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