Power supply device, electric control system and automatic driving vehicle

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model relates to a power supply device, an electric control system and an automatic driving vehicle. The power supply device comprises a metal shell used for being installed on a vehicle, a circuit board fixed in the metal shell, and a main power supply module, an auxiliary power supply module and a microcontroller which are installed on the circuit board and attached to the inner surface of the metal shell through heat-conducting glue. According to the power supply device, the power supply robustness is improved, a good heat dissipation effect is achieved, and the space utilization rate is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle power supply technology, and in particular to a power supply device, an electronic control system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Today, vehicles are equipped with numerous sensors, such as vision sensors, lidar, or millimeter-wave radar, as well as many other types of electronic devices for communication, control, or data processing. These characteristics are particularly prominent in autonomous vehicles.

[0003] Most vehicles have a single power supply interface, and all sensors are powered through the same interface. When the power supply interface or related circuits fail, the sensors may become unusable, leading to the inability to continue driving or forcing an emergency stop. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a power supply device, an electronic control system, and an autonomous vehicle that can improve power supply robustness in response to at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a power supply device, including a metal housing for mounting on a vehicle, a circuit board fixed inside the metal housing, and a main power supply module, a secondary power supply module, and a microcontroller mounted on the circuit board and attached to the inner surface of the metal housing by thermally conductive adhesive.

[0006] The circuit board includes a first half-section for mounting the main power supply module and a second half-section for mounting the auxiliary power supply module. The microcontroller is mounted on the boundary between the first and second half-sections.

[0007] The main power supply module includes: a first input terminal for connecting to a first type of power supply; a first power protection device connected to the first input terminal; a first driving device and a first high-side switch respectively connected to the first power protection device; a first power connector with a first end connected to the first power protection device and a second end for connecting to a first electromechanical component of the vehicle; and a second power connector with a first end connected to the first high-side switch and a second end for connecting to a first sensor component of the vehicle.

[0008] The auxiliary power supply module includes: a second input terminal for connecting to a second type of power supply; a second power protection device connected to the second input terminal; a second driving device and a second high-side switch respectively connected to the second power protection device; a third power connector with a first end connected to the second power protection device and a second end for connecting to the second electromechanical components of the vehicle; and a fourth power connector with a first end connected to the second high-side switch and a second end for connecting to the second sensor assembly and sensor cleaning assembly of the vehicle.

[0009] The microcontroller is used to control the first drive device, the second drive device, the first high-side switch, and the second high-side switch to control the auxiliary power supply module to continue supplying power to the vehicle when the main power supply module fails.

[0010] In some embodiments, the circuit board further includes a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge that are sequentially adjacent to each other; the first edge, which is the long side of the first half-region, is opposite to the third edge, which is the long side of the second half-region.

[0011] The power supply unit also includes a signal connector for connecting to the microcontroller. The signal connector and the microcontroller are located near the fourth edge.

[0012] On the first edge, the first power connector, the second power connector, and the signal connector are arranged sequentially in a direction away from the second edge, with the first power connector close to the second edge.

[0013] The first high-side switch is located between the second power connector and the dividing line.

[0014] The first input terminal is located near the second edge.

[0015] The first power protection device is located between the first input terminal and the first high-side switch.

[0016] The first driving device is located between the first power protection device and the first power connector.

[0017] On the third edge, the third power connector and the fourth power connector are arranged sequentially in a direction away from the second edge, with the third power connector being closer to the second edge.

[0018] The second high-side switch is located between the fourth power connector and the dividing line.

[0019] The second input terminal is located near the second edge.

[0020] The second power protection device is located between the second input terminal and the second high-side switch.

[0021] The second driving device is located between the second power protection device and the third power connector.

[0022] In some embodiments, the metal housing includes a metal substrate and a plurality of metal protrusions dispersed on the inner surface of the metal substrate.

[0023] Multiple metal protrusions include metal protrusions that are respectively attached to a microcontroller, a signal connector, a first power protection device, a first driver device, a first high-side switch, a first power connector, a second power connector, a second power protection device, a second driver device, a second high-side switch, a third power connector, and a fourth power connector.

[0024] In some embodiments, the metal housing does not have a cooling fan, and the metal housing does not have an exhaust duct.

[0025] In some embodiments, the signal connector is used to interface with the vehicle's CAN bus.

[0026] In some embodiments, the secondary power supply module further includes a fifth power connector disposed between the third power connector and the fourth power connector, and a third high-side switch disposed between the second power protection device and the fourth power connector.

[0027] The first end of the third high-side switch is connected to the second power protection device, and the second end is connected to the fifth power connector; the fifth power connector is used to provide an extended power supply interface for the vehicle's load.

[0028] In some embodiments, the length of any one of the first edge, second edge, third edge and fourth edge is between 180 mm and 300 mm.

[0029] Both the first and second input terminals are made of brass or copper, with a rated operating current of 80A and a rated operating power supply of 9 to 16V.

[0030] The second power connector has 46 power channels in staggered positions, with a maximum total output current greater than 100A; the fourth power connector has 36 power channels in staggered positions, with a maximum total output current greater than 90A.

[0031] The maximum total output current of both the first and third power connectors is greater than 40A.

[0032] The maximum total output current of the fifth power connector is greater than 26A.

[0033] In some embodiments, the power supply device further includes a mounting bracket for securing it in the vehicle's trunk. The metal housing is detachably mounted on the mounting bracket.

[0034] In a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide an electronic control system for a vehicle. The electronic control system includes a power supply device, a first type of power supply, a second type of power supply, a first electromechanical component, a second electromechanical component, a first sensor component, a second sensor component, and a sensor cleaning component, as provided in any embodiment of this application in the first aspect.

[0035] The first electromechanical component and / or the second electromechanical component includes the vehicle's ventilation equipment.

[0036] The first sensor assembly and / or the second sensor assembly include at least one sensor selected from vision sensors, lidar, and millimeter-wave radar.

[0037] The sensor cleaning assembly includes a cleaning fluid control valve for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid for cleaning the first sensor assembly and / or the second sensor assembly.

[0038] The second end of the first power connector is connected to the first electromechanical component.

[0039] The second power supply is connected to the second end of the machine, which is then connected to the first sensor assembly.

[0040] The second end of the third power connector is connected to the second electromechanical component.

[0041] The second end of the fourth power connector is connected to the second sensor assembly and the sensor cleaning assembly.

[0042] The first input terminal is connected to a first type of power supply; the second input terminal is connected to a second type of power supply; the first type of power supply and the second type of power supply are different batteries in the vehicle.

[0043] In a third aspect, embodiments of this application provide an autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle includes the electronic control system provided in any embodiment of the second aspect of this application.

[0044] The power supply device, electronic control system, and autonomous vehicle provided in this application offer a main power supply module and an auxiliary power supply module, which improves the robustness of the power supply. In the event of a power supply failure in the main power supply module, the auxiliary power supply module can be used to power the vehicle's electronic equipment, which is beneficial for at least some of the vehicle's sensor components to continue operating. In particular, by powering the sensor cleaner components through the auxiliary power supply module, the normal operation of the sensors on the vehicle can be further ensured.

[0045] The multiple power connectors of the main power supply module and the auxiliary power supply module provide multiple optional, mating power interfaces for the vehicle's loads (especially sensors), which helps to meet different configuration requirements.

[0046] By separating the main power supply module and the auxiliary power supply module into different halves of the circuit board, and placing the microcontroller on the line between the first and second halves, the layout of heat-generating components on the circuit board is made more uniform. Combined with the use of thermally conductive adhesive to attach the heat-generating components to the inner surface of the metal casing, the heat from the circuit board and its components can be more evenly dissipated and transferred to the metal casing, improving the overall heat dissipation performance of the power supply device. Furthermore, this layout also helps improve mechanical balance, contributing to the long-term stability of the connection between the metal casing and the electronic components on the circuit board. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the modules included in the power supply device in some embodiments;

[0048] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship of some components involved in the main power supply module in some embodiments;

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship of some components involved in the secondary power supply module in some embodiments;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the microcontroller and some devices in some embodiments;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the layout of the circuit board and some components in some embodiments;

[0052] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the inner surface of the metal housing in some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application and related technical content will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and text description. It should be understood that the embodiments described below are merely used to explain the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0054] It should be noted that relational terms such as "first" and "second" appearing in this document are used only to distinguish things, states, or actions, and do not necessarily indicate or imply relative importance or order. The terms "including," "comprising," or any other variations thereof are used to indicate non-exclusive inclusion, and the included objects may not be limited to those listed in this document. The term "multiple" or other variations are used to indicate that the number of objects is two or more.

[0055] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a power supply device. Figures 1 to 6 Taking the example as an illustration, it includes a metal housing 160 for installation on a vehicle, a circuit board 150 fixed inside the metal housing 160, and a main power supply module 110, a secondary power supply module 120, and a microcontroller 130 mounted on the circuit board 150 and attached to the inner surface of the metal housing 160 by thermally conductive adhesive.

[0056] It is important to note that Figures 1 to 4 The power supply device 100 or some related modules are shown in the form of a block diagram, mainly to facilitate the explanation of the inclusion or connection relationship between modules or devices, and are not intended to illustrate the actual shape. Figure 5 This diagram illustrates a possible positional relationship between the circuit board 150 of the power supply unit 100, some components included in the main power supply module 110, some components included in the auxiliary power supply module 120, the microcontroller 130, and the signal connector 140. Figure 6The figures show the possible positional relationship of a portion of the metal protrusions on the metal housing 160 of the power supply device 100. Some features of the power supply device 100 may be shown in these figures, while others may not be illustrated.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, the circuit board 150 includes a first edge 151, a second edge 152, a third edge 153, and a fourth edge 154 that are sequentially adjacent to each other (the edge portions that are obscured by the device are also shown in the illustration to fully show these edges). Figure 5 The boundary line 155 between the first and second halves of the circuit board 150 is also shown. The first half is used to install the main power supply module 110, and the second half is used to install the auxiliary power supply module 120.

[0058] The first half-region is defined by a first edge 151, a dividing line 155, a portion of a second edge 152, and a portion of a fourth edge 154. The second half-region is defined by a third edge 153, a dividing line 155, a portion of a second edge 152, and a portion of a fourth edge 154.

[0059] Figure 5 This illustration shows the case where the first edge 151 and the third edge 153 are the long sides of the circuit board 150, and the second edge 152 and the fourth edge 154 are the short sides of the circuit board 150. Of course, the first edge 151 is also the long side of the first half-region, and the third edge 153 is also the long side of the second half-region. The first edge 151, as the long side of the first half-region, is opposite to the third edge 153, which is the long side of the second half-region (i.e., they face each other but are not adjacent). Naturally, the second edge 152 is also opposite to the fourth edge 154. The long sides have a greater side length than the short sides. In some other embodiments, the lengths of the sides of the circuit board 150 can be specified according to actual needs and are not particularly limited.

[0060] Figure 5 In the layout shown, the length of any one of the first, second, third, and fourth edges is between 180mm and 300mm, which makes the size of the circuit board 150 small and able to meet the necessary power supply requirements of the vehicle.

[0061] The first and second halves are not strictly divided by area; that is, the area of ​​the first half need not be equal to the area of ​​the second half. The dividing line 155 may, but is not necessarily, located at a position that bisects the size or area of ​​the circuit board 150 in two. In principle, the dividing line 155 is perpendicular to the second edge 152 or the fourth edge 154, and should ensure that the difference between the areas of the first and second halves is within 20% of the larger of the two, to ensure that the main power supply module 110 and the auxiliary power supply module 120 have sufficient installation space, as well as good heat dissipation uniformity and mechanical balance.

[0062] The microcontroller 130 is installed on the boundary line 155 between the first and second halves of the circuit board, which means that the boundary line 155 intersects at least a part of the orthographic projection area of ​​the microcontroller 130 on the circuit board 150. This is beneficial for designing the wiring between the microcontroller 130 and controlled objects such as the main power supply module 110 and the auxiliary power supply module 120.

[0063] In some embodiments, the microcontroller 130 may be an MCU (Microcontroller Unit). For example, an automotive-grade microcontroller, such as the SAK-TC397XP, may be used, which features high performance, strong scalability, and high security.

[0064] like Figure 2 As shown, the main power supply module 110 includes: a first input terminal 111 for connecting to a first type of power supply 211; a first power protection device 112 connected to the first input terminal 111; a first driving device 113 and a first high-side switch 115 respectively connected to the first power protection device 112; a first power connector 114 with a first end connected to the first power protection device 112 and a second end for connecting to the first electromechanical component 212 of the vehicle; and a second power connector 116 with a first end connected to the first high-side switch 115 and a second end for connecting to the first sensor component 213 of the vehicle.

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, the auxiliary power supply module 120 includes: a second input terminal 121 for connecting to a second type of power supply 221; a second power protection device 122 connected to the second input terminal 121; a second driving device 123 and a second high-side switch 125 respectively connected to the second power protection device 122; a third power connector 124 whose first end is connected to the second power protection device 122 and whose second end is used to connect to the second electromechanical component 222 of the vehicle; and a fourth power connector 126 whose first end is connected to the second high-side switch 125 and whose second end is used to connect to the second sensor assembly 223 and the sensor cleaning assembly 224 of the vehicle.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown, the microcontroller 130 is used to control the first driving device 113, the second driving device 123, the first high-side switch 115 and the second high-side switch 125, so as to control the auxiliary power supply module 120 to continue to supply power to the vehicle when the main power supply module 110 fails.

[0067] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 5The auxiliary power supply module 120 also includes a fifth power connector 128 disposed between the third power connector 124 and the fourth power connector 126, and a third high-side switch 127 disposed between the second power protection device 122 and the fourth power connector 126. The first end of the third high-side switch 127 is connected to the second power protection device 122, and the second end is connected to the fifth power connector 128. The fifth power connector 128 is used to provide an extended power supply interface for the vehicle's load, such as for connecting other electrical equipment 225.

[0068] In the aforementioned electronic devices, the first input terminal 111 and the second input terminal 121 serve as power input terminals. Their function is to connect to different power sources on the vehicle, allowing the main power supply module 110 and the auxiliary power supply module 120 to have different power sources, thus better handling abnormal situations. Typically, the first type of power supply 211 and the second type of power supply 221 are different batteries on the vehicle. For example, one of them is the original battery installed when the vehicle leaves the factory, and the other is a battery added later. Alternatively, both are batteries installed before the vehicle leaves the factory.

[0069] Figure 5 In the layout shown, both the first input terminal 111 and the second input terminal 121 are made of brass or copper, with a rated operating current of 80A and a rated operating power of 9 to 16V, which can meet the power supply requirements of various electromechanical components and sensor components of the vehicle in most cases.

[0070] The first power protection device 112 and the second power protection device 122 are used for power protection and control of the circuit. They can typically employ multiple MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors). Specifically, existing circuit designs, especially power protection circuit designs, can be used, and no particular limitations are imposed here. The first power protection device 112 is used to supply the current output from the first input terminal 111 to the first driver device 113 and the first high-side switch 115. The second power protection device 122 is used to supply the current output from the second input terminal 121 to the second driver device 123 and the second high-side switch 125, and can also supply current to a third high-side switch 127 added in some cases.

[0071] In some embodiments, the first power protection device 112 and the second power protection device 122 may also have reverse connection protection function to prevent short circuit and burnout of the circuit board 150. Specific implementation methods can also be found in many existing technologies, which will not be elaborated here.

[0072] The first drive unit 113 and the second drive unit 123 are used to supply power to and drive the vehicle's electromechanical components, wherein the first electromechanical component 212 and the second electromechanical component 222 are two sets of not completely identical electromechanical components. In some possible cases, the same electromechanical component (e.g., radiator fan, windshield wipers, or window regulators) can be classified as both the first electromechanical component 212 and the second electromechanical component 222, so that the auxiliary power supply module 120 can continue to supply power to the electromechanical component when the main power supply module 110 fails. The vehicle's electromechanical components refer to various components that achieve mechanical movement by electric power, and are not specifically limited here.

[0073] The first driving device 113 and the second driving device 123 can be implemented using an H-bridge circuit (a DC motor control circuit whose circuit shape resembles the letter H). Of course, other existing technologies can also be used, and no particular limitation is made here.

[0074] The first high-side switch 115, the second high-side switch 125, and the third high-side switch 127 are all used to turn the circuit on or off, and their on or off states are controlled by the microcontroller 130. In some embodiments, the first high-side switch 115, the second high-side switch 125, and the third high-side switch 127 can all be HSD (High-Side Driver) power switches; of course, other existing types of power switches can also be used.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first high-side switch 115 and the second high-side switch 125 are both used to control the single-channel, dual-channel, and quad-channel power connectors in the corresponding power connectors, which improves the flexibility of the power supply device 100 application and can meet the power supply requirements of various sensor components of the vehicle in most cases.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first power connector 114, the third power connector 124, and the fifth power connector 128 can be high-current power connectors, enabling a single-pin output current of up to 20A to meet the conventional power supply requirements of electromechanical components in the vehicle. For example, high-current power connectors manufactured by companies such as Sumitomo (Japan) and Molex (USA) can be used.

[0077] exist Figure 5 In the layout shown, the maximum total output current of both the first power connector 114 and the third power connector 124 is greater than 40A. The maximum total output current of the fifth power connector 128 is greater than 26A. This configuration can meet the power supply requirements of various electromechanical components in the vehicle under most circumstances.

[0078] In some embodiments, the second power connector 116 and the fourth power connector 126 may be high-density power connectors to meet the requirement of providing a high-density power interface. This is particularly suitable for autonomous vehicles with numerous sensors. For example, the second power connector 116 and / or the fourth power connector 126 may be a TE Connectivity model 1-1318751-2 high-density power connector, which features an 80-pin, 5-row staggered design and supports a maximum output current of 5.3A.

[0079] Figure 5 In the layout shown, the second power connector has 46 power channels in staggered positions, with a maximum total output current greater than 100A; the fourth power connector has 36 power channels in staggered positions, with a maximum total output current greater than 90A. This configuration can meet the power supply requirements of various sensor components in the vehicle under most circumstances.

[0080] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The power supply device 100 also includes a signal connector 140 for connecting to the microcontroller 130. The signal connector 140 and the microcontroller 130 are located near the fourth edge 154. On the first edge 151, a first power connector 114, a second power connector 116, and a signal connector 140 are arranged sequentially away from the second edge 152, with the first power connector 114 located near the second edge 152. A first high-side switch 115 is located between the second power connector 116 and the dividing line 155. A first input terminal 111 is located near the second edge 152. A first power protection device 112 is located between the first input terminal 111 and the first high-side switch 115. A first driving device 113 is located between the first power protection device 112 and the first power connector 114. On the third edge 153, a third power connector 124 and a fourth power connector 126 are arranged sequentially away from the second edge 152, with the third power connector 124 located near the second edge 152. The second high-side switch 125 is located between the fourth power connector 126 and the dividing line 155. The second input terminal 121 is located near the second edge 152. The second power protection device 122 is located between the second input terminal 121 and the second high-side switch 125. The second driving device 123 is located between the second power protection device 122 and the third power connector 124. The specific arrangement of the electronic components in the main power supply module 110 and the auxiliary power supply module 120 in the first and second halves facilitates the connection of the vehicle's load (e.g., electromechanical components, sensor components) to the corresponding power connector interfaces from different directions and positions. It also ensures a certain degree of mechanical balance and uniform heat dissipation. Because the signal connector 140 and the microcontroller 130 are far from most heat-generating components or electronic devices, the heat impact on the microcontroller 130 is reduced, and the interference on signal transmission is significantly reduced. This also benefits the wiring design and uniform heat dissipation of the circuit board 150. To achieve these effects, in some cases, a third high-side switch 127 may be added between the second drive device 123 and the second high-side switch 125, and a fifth power connector 128 may be added between the third power connector 124 and the fourth power connector 126.

[0081] In some embodiments, the signal connector 140 is used to interface with the vehicle's CAN bus (a serial communication protocol bus for real-time applications, primarily used for communication between different components in the automotive industry).

[0082] In some embodiments, the metal housing includes a metal substrate and a plurality of metal protrusions dispersed on the inner surface of the metal substrate. The plurality of metal protrusions include metal protrusions respectively attached to a microcontroller, a signal connector, a first power protection device, a first driver device, a first high-side switch, a first power connector, a second power connector, a second power protection device, a second driver device, a second high-side switch, a third power connector, and a fourth power connector. Those skilled in the art can determine the material used for the metal housing according to actual needs, and no particular limitations are made herein.

[0083] In some embodiments, the metal protrusion may be attached to only some of the components in the main power supply module or the auxiliary power supply module, rather than necessarily to all of them.

[0084] Figure 6 A configuration of a portion of the inner surface of the metal housing 160 is shown. Of the plurality of metal protrusions, a first protrusion 161 extends to the top of a first high-side switch 115 and is bonded to a portion of the top surface of the first high-side switch 115 with thermally conductive adhesive; a second protrusion 162 extends to the top of a second high-side switch 125 and is bonded to a portion of the top surface of the second high-side switch 125 with thermally conductive adhesive; and a third protrusion 163 extends to the top of a microcontroller 130 and is bonded to the top surface of the microcontroller 130 with thermally conductive adhesive.

[0085] In some embodiments, the metal housing does not contain a cooling fan or an exhaust duct. This saves space in the power supply unit while still maintaining good heat dissipation. In related conventional technologies, the power supply board of an autonomous vehicle connects to numerous electronic devices via its external power interface, and the power supply board contains many heat-generating components. Therefore, conventional power supply systems install cooling fans on the power supply board or the inner wall of its protective housing, and create multiple vents on the protective housing to facilitate air convection. However, this type of power supply system requires a larger power supply board to accommodate the cooling fan or adjust the wiring accordingly, and also requires a larger protective housing, resulting in a power supply system that occupies a significant amount of vehicle space and has a complex structure.

[0086] In some embodiments, the power supply unit also includes a mounting bracket for securing it within the vehicle's trunk. The metal housing is detachably mounted on the mounting bracket (not shown). This significantly improves the vehicle's space utilization and facilitates maintenance. Furthermore, no additional fan or water-cooling system is required within the trunk to support the metal housing, as the metal housing can naturally dissipate heat into the trunk space.

[0087] In a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide an electronic control system for a vehicle. The electronic control system includes a power supply device, a first type of power supply, a second type of power supply, a first electromechanical component, a second electromechanical component, a first sensor component, a second sensor component, and a sensor cleaning component, as provided in any embodiment of the first aspect of this application. A second end of a first power connector is connected to the first electromechanical component. A second end of a second power connector is connected to the first sensor component. A second end of a third power connector is connected to the second electromechanical component. A second end of a fourth power connector is connected to the second sensor component and the sensor cleaning component. A first input terminal is connected to the first type of power supply. A second input terminal is connected to the second type of power supply. The first type of power supply and the second type of power supply are different batteries used in the vehicle. The first electromechanical component and / or the second electromechanical component include the vehicle's ventilation equipment, such as a cooling fan. The first sensor component and / or the second sensor component include at least one sensor selected from vision sensors, lidar, and millimeter-wave radar. The sensor cleaning component includes a cleaning fluid control valve for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid for cleaning the first sensor component and / or the second sensor component.

[0088] In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid may be a gas, a liquid, or a gas-liquid mixture, such as a cleaning liquid for cleaning dirt or air for removing dust from the sensor surface.

[0089] In a third aspect, embodiments of this application provide an autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle includes the electronic control system provided in any embodiment of the second aspect of this application.

[0090] The power supply device provided in the first aspect, the electronic control system provided in the second aspect, and the autonomous vehicle provided in the third aspect of this application, along with the main power supply module and the auxiliary power supply module, improve the robustness of the power supply. When the main power supply module fails, the auxiliary power supply module can still be used to power the vehicle's electronic devices, which is beneficial for at least some of the vehicle's sensor components to continue operating. In particular, by powering the sensor cleaner components through the auxiliary power supply module, the normal operation of the sensors on the vehicle can be further ensured.

[0091] The multiple power connectors of the main power supply module and the auxiliary power supply module provide multiple optional, mating power interfaces for the vehicle's loads (especially sensors), which helps to meet different configuration requirements.

[0092] By separating the main power supply module and the auxiliary power supply module into different halves of the circuit board, and placing the microcontroller on the line between the first and second halves, the main and auxiliary power supply modules are less likely to interfere with each other in terms of wiring, maintenance, and fault conditions. Furthermore, the layout of heat-generating components on the circuit board is more uniform. Combined with the use of thermally conductive adhesive to attach the inner surface of the metal casing, heat from the circuit board and its heat-generating components can be more evenly dissipated and transferred to the metal casing. This allows for natural heat dissipation through the metal casing, improving the overall heat dissipation performance of the power supply device without the need for additional cooling fans or water cooling systems. In addition, this layout also improves mechanical balance, contributing to the long-term stability of the connection between the metal casing and the electronic components on the circuit board.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figures 1 to 6 The structures shown are merely schematic diagrams of some structures related to the solution of this application, and do not necessarily constitute a limitation on the form of the power supply device product to which the technical solution of this application is applied. Specific power supply device products may include more or fewer components than the structures shown in some figures, or may have a structure that is not exactly the same.

[0094] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0095] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A power supply device, characterized in that, It includes a metal housing for mounting on a vehicle, a circuit board fixed inside the metal housing, and a main power supply module, a secondary power supply module, and a microcontroller mounted on the circuit board and attached to the inner surface of the metal housing by thermally conductive adhesive. The circuit board includes a first half-section for mounting the main power supply module and a second half-section for mounting the auxiliary power supply module; The microcontroller is installed on the boundary line between the first half-region and the second half-region; The main power supply module includes: a first input terminal for connecting to a first type of power supply; a first power protection device connected to the first input terminal; a first driving device and a first high-side switch respectively connected to the first power protection device; a first power connector with a first end connected to the first power protection device and a second end for connecting to a first electromechanical component of the vehicle; and a second power connector with a first end connected to the first high-side switch and a second end for connecting to a first sensor component of the vehicle. The auxiliary power supply module includes: a second input terminal for connecting to a second type of power supply; a second power protection device connected to the second input terminal; a second driving device and a second high-side switch respectively connected to the second power protection device; a third power connector with a first end connected to the second power protection device and a second end for connecting to the second electromechanical component of the vehicle; and a fourth power connector with a first end connected to the second high-side switch and a second end for connecting to the second sensor component and the sensor cleaning component of the vehicle. The microcontroller is used to control the first driving device, the second driving device, the first high-side switch, and the second high-side switch to control the auxiliary power supply module to continue supplying power to the vehicle when the main power supply module fails.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board further includes a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge that are sequentially adjacent to each other; the first edge, which is the long side of the first half-region, is opposite to the third edge, which is the long side of the second half-region. The power supply device further includes a signal connector for connecting the microcontroller; the signal connector and the microcontroller are located near the fourth edge; On the first edge, the first power connector, the second power connector, and the signal connector are arranged sequentially in a direction away from the second edge, with the first power connector close to the second edge; The first high-side switch is located between the second power connector and the dividing line; The first input terminal is located near the second edge; The first power protection device is located between the first input terminal and the first high-side switch; The first driving device is disposed between the first power protection device and the first power connector; On the third edge, the third power connector and the fourth power connector are arranged sequentially in a direction away from the second edge, with the third power connector close to the second edge; The second high-side switch is located between the fourth power connector and the dividing line; The second input terminal is located near the second edge; The second power protection device is located between the second input terminal and the second high-side switch; The second driving device is located between the second power protection device and the third power connector.

3. The power supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The metal housing includes a metal substrate and a plurality of metal protrusions dispersed on the inner surface of the metal substrate. The plurality of metal protrusions include metal protrusions that are respectively attached to the microcontroller, the signal connector, the first power protection device, the first driver device, the first high-side switch, the first power connector, the second power connector, the second power protection device, the second driver device, the second high-side switch, the third power connector, and the fourth power connector.

4. The power supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal casing does not have a cooling fan, and the metal casing does not have an exhaust duct.

5. The power supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The signal connector is used to interface with the vehicle's CAN bus.

6. The power supply device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The auxiliary power supply module also includes a fifth power connector disposed between the third power connector and the fourth power connector, and a third high-side switch disposed between the second power protection device and the fourth power connector. The first end of the third high-side switch is connected to the second power protection device, and the second end is connected to the fifth power connector. The fifth power connector is used to provide an extended power supply interface for the vehicle's load.

7. The power supply device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The length of any one of the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge is between 180 mm and 300 mm; Both the first input terminal and the second input terminal are made of brass or copper, with a rated operating current of 80A and a rated operating power supply of 9 to 16V. The second power connector has 46 power channels in staggered positions, with a maximum total output current greater than 100A; the fourth power connector has 36 power channels in staggered positions, with a maximum total output current greater than 90A. The maximum total output current of both the first power connector and the third power connector is greater than 40A; The maximum total output current of the fifth power connector is greater than 26A.

8. The power supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes mounting brackets for securing the vehicle's trunk. The metal housing is detachably mounted on the mounting bracket.

9. An electronic control system, characterized in that, Includes a power supply device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, a first type of power supply, a second type of power supply, a first electromechanical component, a second electromechanical component, a first sensor component, a second sensor component, and a sensor cleaning component; The first electromechanical component and / or the second electromechanical component include the vehicle's ventilation equipment; The first sensor assembly and / or the second sensor assembly includes at least one of a vision sensor, a lidar, and a millimeter-wave radar; The sensor cleaning assembly includes a cleaning fluid control valve for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid for cleaning the first sensor assembly and / or the second sensor assembly. The second end of the first power connector is connected to the first electromechanical component; The second end of the second power connector is connected to the first sensor assembly; The second end of the third power connector is connected to the second electromechanical component; The second end of the fourth power connector is connected to the second sensor assembly and the sensor cleaning assembly; The first input terminal is connected to the first type of power supply; the second input terminal is connected to the second type of power supply; the first type of power supply and the second type of power supply are different batteries in the vehicle.

10. An autonomous vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the electronic control system as described in claim 9.

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