Electronically controlled current switching device

Abstract

Electronically controlled current switching device for at least one electrical load path between at least one energy source (10) and at least one electrical consumer (12), wherein the current switching device comprises an electrical control (40) and a current control element (11) controllable by the electrical control (40), which can be switched from a current-interrupting state to at least one current-carrying state, wherein The current switching device further comprises input and output current and / or voltage measuring devices (21, 22, 23, 24) for measuring the current and / or voltage to the current control element (11), and the control (40) is configured to determine a Δ-temperature in the load path from the obtained current and voltage measurements using a thermodynamic transmission line model (51), and, depending on a comparison of the Δ-temperature with at least one reference temperature value (52), to effect the current-interrupting or current-conducting state by controlling the current control element (11), wherein the control (40) has an emergency switching logic by which the control (40) is designed to damage the consumer(s) (12) in a controlled manner by activating the respective current control element (11).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electronically controlled current switching device for at least one electrical load path between at least one energy source and at least one electrical consumer or at least one energy sink.

[0002] In future vehicle generations, energy distribution within the vehicle, as well as energy supply to the various consumers, loads, or energy sinks, will become increasingly important. Mechanical components will be replaced more and more by electromechanical systems. These electromechanical systems are loads that, due to dynamic load distribution, require a dynamic energy distribution system that follows the load and is capable of supplying, in some cases, highly dynamic amounts of energy. Alongside the replacement of mechanical components by electromechanical systems, new functions, such as autonomous driving, are being integrated into the vehicle through new energy consumers. These, however, require a highly available and reliable vehicle electrical system. The vehicle's electrical system is therefore increasingly becoming the backbone of future developments and a fundamental prerequisite for them.With currently used technologies in the field of power distribution and on-board network design or architecture, these requirements, especially with regard to diagnostics, installation space and heat dissipation, cannot be met.

[0003] Various embodiments of on-board electrical systems are already known in the art, but their architecture necessitates that they be at least partially accessible to a user. For example, known on-board electrical system architectures include a fuse device that protects one or more load paths using fuses. The fuse is irreversibly destroyed when it trips, making it necessary to replace it afterward. To replace a tripped fuse, the fuse device must be accessible to a user. This creates additional space and layout requirements for the on-board electrical system, as at least the fuse device must be quickly and easily accessible for fuse replacement.Furthermore, the vehicle electrical system has a large number of components, most of which perform an isolated task. To coordinate the functionalities of the various components, they must communicate with each other or with a control unit, which leads to additional data volumes and increased workload in a communication section of the vehicle electrical system.

[0004] Current switching devices are known in the prior art, for example, from documents US 6 052 268 A, US 8 299 767 B1, DE 198 13 471 A1 and US 2013 / 0 163 138 A1.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages and providing an electronically controlled current switching device by which various functionalities within a system for the distribution and provision of energy, in particular a vehicle electrical system, can be implemented, by which requirements for the installation space and the arrangement within the overall system, in particular within a vehicle, by which efficient and fast energy distribution is enabled, and which is inexpensive and easy to manufacture, as well as by which hardware-implemented functions of the vehicle can be activated.

[0006] This problem is solved by the combination of features according to claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, an electronically controlled current switching device, particularly for vehicles or vehicle electrical systems, is proposed. The electronically controlled current switching device is configured by controlling at least one current control element for controlling or managing at least one electrical load path. The electrical load path extends between at least one energy source and at least one electrical load, such that the load is supplied with energy from the energy source via the load path. The direction of energy flow from the energy source to the load or energy sink can be temporarily reversed, for example, for energy recovery (recuperation). The current switching device comprises an electrical control unit and a current control element that can be controlled by the electrical control unit.The current control element can be switched from a current-interrupting state to at least one current-carrying state. The current switching device also includes input and output current and / or voltage measuring devices in a load path controlled by the current control element. The current and / or voltage measuring devices serve to measure the current and / or voltage in a respective load path controlled by and running through the current control device. The control system is also connected to the current and / or voltage measuring devices and is configured to enable data or information transfer. It is designed to calculate a Δ-temperature (temperature change or change in voltage) from the obtained current and voltage measurements using a thermodynamic transmission line model.to determine the temperature increase) in the load path, in connecting lines between components of the vehicle or in the overall system and, depending on a comparison of the Δ-temperature with at least one reference temperature value, to bring about the current-interrupting state or one of the current-carrying states by controlling the current control element.

[0008] The control system creates a current-carrying or current-breaking state by electrically controlling the current control element with an electrical signal, which can be a pulse or continuous signal.

[0009] The current control element has a state that completely interrupts the current flow in the controlled load path(s) and a state that fully enables or conducts the current flow. Additionally, the current control device can have various other states that throttle the current flow through pulse width modulation, thus allowing for multiple current-conducting states.

[0010] During the comparison, the Δ temperature is compared with the reference temperature value, and the current control element is activated to establish the current-interrupting state if the Δ temperature is above the reference temperature value or remains above the reference temperature value for a predetermined time.

[0011] The current control element, which switches to the current-interrupting state when the Δ temperature exceeds the reference temperature value, allows the load to be disconnected from the power source, preventing damage to either the load or the power source from excessive or prolonged temperature stress. This functionality enables the current switching device to function as an electronic or virtual fuse. Unlike conventional fuses, which are mostly based on cartridge fuses, this electronic or virtual fuse does not require user access to restore the connection between the power source and the load or to re-establish any of the live states. Furthermore, it can perform several additional tasks and functionalities beyond its safety function.

[0012] The current switching device according to the invention comprises a defined number of current control devices, each arranged in one or more load paths for controlling them. The current control elements allow the vehicle electrical system voltages applied to the load paths and the vehicle electrical system currents flowing through the load paths to be switched and controlled. The current control elements are preferably designed to switch loads up to the highest typical load currents in motor vehicles, i.e., up to approximately 1500 A, so that the entire vehicle electrical system, or all components (consumers, loads, energy sinks), or zones of the vehicle electrical system consisting of several components, can be controlled by the current switching device.

[0013] Because no damage occurs after or during the activation of the electrical or virtual fuse (i.e., when the current control element is placed in a current-interrupting state, for example, after a comparison by the controller), the current control element can be electrically switched back to one of its current-carrying states, thus re-establishing the interruption of the load path and re-enabling the virtual fuse. For example, the virtual fuse can be re-enabling the current control element after a predetermined time by a command from the controller. Consequently, the fuse is not destroyed upon activation, and the current switching device that performs the functionality of the virtual fuse does not need to be accessible to a user.

[0014] The thermodynamic transmission model is preferably stored in the controller and takes into account both the linear current dependence a of the conductor heating in the steady state in Kelvin per Ampere (K / A) and the quadratic current dependence b of the conductor heating in the steady state in Kelvin per Ampere squared (K / A). 2 The thermodynamic conduction model is considered ΔT=a⋅I+b⋅I2 This can be represented by configuring or preconfiguring the variables a and b for the respective load path(s) in which the current or current intensity I was measured, and storing them in the controller or another data storage device. For example, the current-interrupting state is established when ΔT > 50 K, where the reference temperature value in this case is 50 K. However, other models are also possible for the thermodynamic line model, so the calculation of the Δ-temperature can be adapted to the specific line.

[0015] A load path includes at least one electrical conductor that establishes the electrical connection between the energy source and the load. This electrical conductor is interrupted by the current control element, which is configured to establish the electrical connection between the energy source and the load via this conductor. The load is also connected to the vehicle's ground. The current control element can therefore alternatively be located at the connection between the load and ground, and can either interrupt or establish this connection. The vehicle's ground is connected to the energy source, thus enabling an electrical circuit.

[0016] The controller is, for example, a microcontroller or implemented as software within one. Alternatively, other components can also be used to implement the controller, such as FPGA, GAL, or PAL.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, a reference temperature value is a maximum temperature threshold corresponding to the maximum permissible current heating of the load path, wherein the current heating is the temperature increase in the load path caused by the current flow through the load path, or more precisely, wherein the current heating is the temperature increase in the load path caused by the energy introduced into the load path during the current flow. This ensures that the load path is de-energized by establishing a current-interrupting state as soon as the load flowing through it generates the maximum permissible current heating, thus preventing the load path from being de-energized by exceeding this limit and preventing the potential overload and damage associated with exceeding it.

[0018] Another advantageous embodiment provides that the current switching device further comprises a rapid switching device configured to switch the current control element from a current-carrying to a current-breaking state within a response time that is shorter than the response time of the control system. Additionally or alternatively, the rapid switching device provides for switching the current control element to the current-breaking state based on a further condition or switching-off condition not monitored by the control system.The quick-disconnect device can, for example, be connected to the controller and switch the current control element by sending a signal to the controller; be connected directly to the current control element or the connection between the controller and the current control element to interrupt the controller's signal; or be connected to a pre-current control element located upstream of the current control element, which is configured to interrupt the load path in which the current control element is located. The quick-disconnect device can have its own measuring devices for acquiring measured values, be connected to the existing current and / or voltage measuring devices, or read the measured values ​​via a connection to the controller.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment, the current switching device comprises a temperature measuring device for the respective current control element. This device is configured to determine the conductor temperature of the load path or the ambient temperature of the current switching device within the load path in which the current control element is located or which can be controlled by the current control element. The conductor temperature and / or the ambient temperature are used by the control system for comparison, either instead of or in addition to the Δ-temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the installation space temperature can also be determined, in which case the ambient temperature corresponds to the temperature in the vicinity of the current switching device or the vehicle, and the installation space temperature corresponds to the temperature at the current switching device.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment, the control system is configured to control the current control element, in response to an analog or digital signal from a signal source (which can also be transmitted to the control system via a bus system or data bus), by appropriately activating the current control element. This activation also allows the current switching device to function as a relay for switching one or more load paths.

[0021] In addition to triggering the safety function of the current switching device due to an excessively high Δ-temperature caused by the current flowing through the load path, an ambient temperature, or an installation chamber temperature, switching based on an external signal source allows the load paths to be controlled or switched using external signals. This enables the loads to be selectively switched on or off, in addition to the safety function. This allows the current switching device to be used as an energy management system or as an intelligent energy distributor in the vehicle or its electrical system. Furthermore, there is no need to install the current switching device in areas accessible to the user.

[0022] The electronics of the current switching device are powered by the vehicle's electrical system and feature, for example, digital inputs or a data bus interface for controlling the switching on and off of the load paths. For diagnostic and control purposes, the current switching device can also have a communication interface, which can be integrated with the data bus, allowing access to at least some of the components of the current switching device, such as the control unit and / or a memory module, via a communication protocol like CAN-FD, CAN, or Ethernet.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the thermodynamic transmission model is stored in a data memory. The data memory is preferably non-volatile. Additionally or alternatively, the data memory is preferably integrated into the controller or formed integrally with it. The current switching device can also comprise several controllers that access a common data memory.

[0024] In an advantageous variant of the current switching device, the control system is designed to bring about the current-carrying or current-breaking state by activating the current control element, depending on a control procedure stored in the data memory. The control procedure is, for example, adapted to an operating strategy of the vehicle or the respective load path(s), so that the control procedure can pursue an operating strategy designed for maximum performance or minimum energy consumption. The control procedure or operating strategy defines the switching-on and switching-off conditions for the respective load paths, i.e., under which condition the current-breaking or one of the current-carrying states of the current control element is to be established.

[0025] The controller is further configured to actuate multiple current control elements and to prioritize the load paths of these elements. This prioritization can also be passed on to any additional controllers that may be present. Depending on the specific control method being used, the controller is configured to limit or interrupt the current flowing through a first load path, which has a lower priority than a second load path, by actuating the current control element located in that first load path. Prioritization allows, for example, a function provided by a higher-priority load or consumer to be maintained by disabling functions provided by a lower-priority load or consumer.

[0026] In an advantageous configuration, the control system is designed to compare a current flowing through the current control element, which can be determined by the control system from the current measurements, with a current-time characteristic preferably stored in the data memory, and, depending on the ratio of the current to the characteristic, to effect the current-carrying or current-interrupting state by controlling the current control element.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, the control unit incorporates a recuperation switching logic. This recuperation switching logic enables the control unit to bring about the current-carrying or current-interrupting state by activating the current control element when the current and / or voltage measuring devices detect a recuperative current flow from the load to the energy source. This allows the current to flow from the load, which acts as the energy source during recuperation, via the current control element to the energy source, which acts as the energy sink during recuperation. The current control element is activated by the current flow from the load to the energy source during recuperation, but can alternatively also be activated by the control unit itself.By controlling a current control element to create the current-interrupting state, overloading the energy source or current flow to energy sources unsuitable for recuperation or other consumers can be prevented in the case of recuperation.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, the control system incorporates a fuse switching logic that enables the control system to bring about the live state by activating the current control element when a fuse-in condition, i.e., an activation condition, of the fuse switching logic is met. The fuse switching logic follows a predefined behavior. For example, the current control element is switched back to a live state, or to the state it was in before the fuse tripped, after a predetermined number of milliseconds following the fuse tripping (i.e., the establishment of the current-interrupting state) or after the reason for the fuse tripping no longer exists (e.g., the Δ-temperature is no longer present). If the fuse or...If the current control element is switched back to the current-interrupting state by the controller within a predetermined time interval, the safety switching logic for resetting (i.e., restoring the live state) can define a maximum number of times after which the current control element is no longer automatically re-safed, but requires a manual command to reset it. The safety switching logic is adapted to the respective current control element and / or the load flowing through it, and is preferably stored in the data memory.

[0029] According to the invention, the controller has an emergency switching logic, which is stored, for example, in the data memory. The emergency switching logic enables the controller to actuate one or more current control elements with a predefined behavior defined in the emergency switching logic. The emergency switching logic allows the loads to be prioritized differently and switched according to their priority.

[0030] The emergency switching logic further enables the control system to induce controlled damage to the consumer(s), energy source(s), or load path(s) connected to one or more energy sources or consumers via the current control element(s) by activating the respective current control element. For example, the emergency switching logic can combine consumer prioritization with controlled damage to protect high-priority consumers by overloading or shutting down lower-priority consumers, or ensure the power supply to high-priority consumers when their functionality is essential. Alternatively, a high-priority consumer can remain active despite imminent or ongoing damage to maintain critical functionality.The same applies to the respective energy source and / or load path, in addition to the consumer. For example, a battery serving as an energy source can remain connected to a consumer via the associated load path and current control element despite an impending deep discharge and the associated damage, in order to maintain an important functionality, such as powering the vehicle via an electric motor to achieve a safe state. The emergency switching logic, or rather its behavior, can be adapted to different operating strategies and the specific vehicle, exhibit its own prioritization of consumers, energy sources, and load paths, and even store information such as the behavior of the current control element in the data memory.

[0031] In addition to the virtual protection provided by the current control element controlled by the controller, an advantageous embodiment of the current switching device further comprises a conventional fuse, arranged in parallel or series with the current control element in the respective load path, to ensure continued protection in the event of a failure. The conventional fuse provides a tripping condition that only occurs after the tripping condition of the controller or the rapid tripping device.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one secondary energy source is arranged in the load path in parallel to the aforementioned (primary) energy source. The primary and secondary energy sources are connected to the load via at least one current control element. For example, the primary energy source is a generator and the secondary energy source is a battery, allowing the load to be connected to the generator or the battery, or alternatively to both, via the current control device to switch or distribute the energy or current load between the energy sources. This enables flexible and dynamic load allocation and ensures a power supply to the loads even in the event of a power source failure.

[0033] A further advantageous development provides that the current switching device in a load path includes a current and / or voltage converter in order to be able to convert between different currents and / or voltages in the vehicle electrical system, so that it is not necessary to provide different separate vehicle electrical systems.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the current switching device comprises several current control elements, each of which, as a control channel, establishes the current-carrying or current-breaking state in the load path from a power source to a consumer, to several consumers, or to a consumer zone or zone of the vehicle electrical system consisting of several consumers. Furthermore, the control unit controls multiple control channels and / or multiple control units, each with its own individual switching logic for each control channel, to establish the current-carrying or current-breaking state. Alternatively or additionally, the current switching device includes a master control unit that controls several slave control units, which in turn control current control elements.

[0035] The invention further proposes a method for the electrical control of a current control element of a current switching device. The input and output currents and / or voltages of the load path are measured by current and / or voltage measuring devices connected to the current control element. Subsequently, a Δ-temperature of the load path is determined in the control system from the thermodynamic transmission line model using at least the input and output currents and / or voltages. The Δ-temperature is then compared with the reference temperature value in the control system, and the current-interrupting or current-conducting state is subsequently established by the control system, depending on the comparison, by activating the current control element.

[0036] The current switching device can be expanded with arc detection modules for one or more load paths and a communication module for wireless communication between the controllers, between the master controller and the controllers, or between the current switching device and external communication partners. Furthermore, the communication and / or data exchange can be encrypted.

[0037] The current switching device is designed by the control system to recognize, based on the current and / or voltage measurements, whether there is a break in the line in the load path or whether no energy source or consumer is connected to the load path.

[0038] The current switching device can also be extended for at least one of the load paths by the following devices: • Input circuitry device with ESD, transient and reverse polarity protection; • Auxiliary power supply device with charge pump and filter unit; • Hardware short-circuit detection device (with rapid shutdown); • Software short-circuit detection (with customizable shutdown conditions); • Temperature measuring devices for measuring the temperature at the current control elements; • Level shifter for external signals.

[0039] The operating strategy(ies) take into account, in particular: • Switching loads or consumers on and off by establishing the current-interrupting state according to external switching-on and switching-off conditions or signals transmitted to the control system; • Prioritization of load paths and energy distribution from the energy source to higher-priority load paths, in particular by temporarily establishing or maintaining the current-interrupting state or a throttled current-carrying state for lower-priority load paths; • Time-delayed activation of load paths; • Alternating switching on / off of load paths for on-board network stabilization and / or even loading of energy sources by establishing the current-interrupting or current-carrying state of different load paths; • Battery charge level, whereby the operating strategy adapts to the charge level.

[0040] One operating strategy of the current switching device provides that the device switches to a standby state as soon as the necessary conditions are met. The current switching device can be returned from the standby state to a normal operating state by an external signal or a measured value, whereby the current consumption of the current switching device in the standby state preferably does not exceed 100 µA.

[0041] Furthermore, it is advantageous that a watchdog timer is implemented on the controller to monitor the controller, detect malfunctions, for example, due to software errors or EMC interference, and correct them if possible. Alternatively, the watchdog timer is implemented on and by its own hardware, which has a clock independent of the controller's clock. Preferably, the watchdog timer is a window watchdog timer.

[0042] Inputs and outputs, i.e., the interfaces between the current switching device and data or information sources, are preferably debounced by hardware and / or software. Inputs are also preferably equipped with a hardware low-pass filter.

[0043] In an advantageous further development, the current switching device has a diagnostic function that can be read out via a communication interface at the control unit.

[0044] The state of the current control element and / or the switching of the current control element into the current-interrupting state can be communicated by the controller to the master controller or to external receivers.

[0045] A load path is switched to the current-interrupting state by the current control element, i.e., the load is disconnected from the energy source, when a shutdown condition is met, where the various shutdown conditions are linked together by an OR gate. Examples of shutdown conditions are: • Exceeding the Δ-temperature above the temperature reference value; • Deviation of an actual current-time characteristic from a stored current-time characteristic, for example by exceeding or falling below it; • Exceeding a current limit in the rapid shutdown device; • Exceeding or falling below a voltage of the battery, the load, the load path or the line, or a correlation of the voltages above or below a predetermined value; • Shutdown signal via external signal source or master control; • Shutdown condition determined by operating strategy.

[0046] The features disclosed above can be combined in any way, provided that this is technically possible and they do not contradict each other.

[0047] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims or are described in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a first electrical switching device; Fig. 2 a second power switching device.

[0048] The figures are schematic examples. Identical reference symbols in the figures indicate identical functional and / or structural features.

[0049] Fig. Figure 1 shows a current switching device according to the invention, for example, in a vehicle. The energy source 10 is connected to the consumer 12 via a load path, represented by an arrow with a solid line. The load path runs through the current control element 11, which is configured as a normally open contact. When activated by the control unit 40, the normally open contact 11 can close, connecting the energy source 10 to the consumer 12, thus establishing a current-carrying state. If the current control element 11 is not activated by the control unit 40, the normally open contact opens automatically, interrupting the connection between the energy source and the consumer via the load path, thus establishing a current-breaking state.In the section of the load path between the power source 10 and the current control element 11, corresponding to the input side of the current control element 11, an ammeter (current measuring device 21) and a voltmeter (voltage measuring device 22) are arranged to measure the current and voltage, respectively, in this section of the load path between the power source 10 and the current control element 11. Alternatively, other conventional measuring instruments can be used. Furthermore, in the section of the load path between the current control element 11 and the load 12, corresponding to the output side of the current control element 11, an ammeter (current measuring device 23) and a voltmeter (voltage measuring device 24) are arranged to measure the current and voltage, respectively, in this section of the load path between the current control element 11 and the load 12.The current and voltage measuring devices 21, 22, 23, and 24 are each connected to the controller 40, enabling them to transmit their respective measured values ​​to the controller 40. The controller 40 is connected to the data storage device 50, allowing data exchange, so that the controller 40 can both retrieve data from and store data on the data storage device 50. In the case of the current switching device shown, a thermodynamic transmission line model 51 is stored on the data storage device 50. From the thermodynamic transmission line model 51, the controller 40 can determine a Δ-temperature in the load path, which corresponds to the heating of the load path due to the ambient temperature around the current switching device and the energy introduced into the load path by the current flowing through it.The Δ temperature is determined at regular time intervals by the controller 40 and then compared with the reference temperature value 52 stored in the data memory 50. If the Δ temperature exceeds the reference temperature value 52, a signal previously applied by the controller 40 to the current control element 11 is interrupted, causing the current control element 11, configured as a normally open contact, to open and thus switching the current-carrying state to the current-breaking state. Alternatively, the signal applied by the controller 40 to the current control element 11 can be interrupted by the quick-stop device 60, also resulting in the current-breaking state. The quick-stop device 60 monitors the load path between the energy source 10 and the load 12 in addition to the controller 40.The quick-disconnect device 60 continuously measures the current through the load path and interrupts the load path by opening the current control element 11, which is designed as a normally closed contact, as soon as the current in the load path exceeds a predetermined current limit value stored in the quick-disconnect device 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the quick-disconnect device 60 triggers the... Fig. 1. The current control element 11, which acts as a fuse, trips in the event of a sudden fault such as a short circuit, whereas the control unit 40 trips the current control element 11, which acts as a fuse, in the event of an overload of the load path at excessively high temperatures, in order to prevent damage from heat. The components of the current switching device are arranged in the switching module 1.

[0050] Fig. Figure 2 shows an electronically controlled current switching device such as Fig. 1, which, however, has additional components and functionalities. In addition to the thermodynamic transmission model 51 and the reference temperature value 52, the data memory 50 contains a current-time characteristic 53, an operating strategy 54, and current and voltage measurements 55 obtained by the current and voltage measuring devices 21, 22, 23, 24 in a past time interval. The controller 40 is switched between different operating strategies 54 via a data bus by a master controller 70; each of these strategies is stored in the data memory 50. Using a designated operating strategy, the controller calculates an actual current-time characteristic from the current and voltage measurements 55 stored in the data memory 50 and compares this with the current-time characteristic 53 stored in the data memory 50.If the actual current-time characteristic deviates from the stored current-time characteristic 53, the controller 40 reports the deviation to the master controller 70, which decides on further action. If the load path is to be interrupted due to the deviation from the current-time characteristic 53, the master controller 70 sends a command via the data bus to the controller 40, which then interrupts the signal applied to the current control element 11, thus establishing the current-interrupting state. The operating strategy 54 defines the conditions under which the current control element is opened or closed by the controller 40, or brought into the current-interrupting or current-carrying state. In addition to the current and voltage measuring devices 21, 22, 23, 24, the current switching device has a temperature measuring device 25, which measures the absolute conductor temperature in the load path between energy source 10 and load 12.When comparing the reference temperature value 52 with the Δ temperature determined by the controller 40, the conductor temperature is taken into account depending on the selected operating strategy 53, or compared with the temperature reference value 52 instead of the Δ temperature.

[0051] At the in Fig. In the current switching device shown in Figure 3, a generator as a primary energy source 10 and a battery as a secondary energy source 10' are connected via various switching modules 1', 1'', 1''' to several loads 12, 12', 12", 12''' and the secondary energy source 10', respectively. The switching modules 1', 1'', 1''' each comprise at least the components of switching module 1' as shown in Figure 3. Fig.2 described. The switching modules 1'', 1''' each have several current control elements 11 that can be controlled by a common controller 40. The master controller 70 controls the switching modules 1', 1'', 1''' via a data bus and switches each of them into a predetermined operating strategy. The switching module 1' can switch the load path between the energy source 10 and the load 12 into the current-conducting or current-interrupting state and thus, in addition to its safety function, serve as a switching relay for switching the load 12 on or off. The switching module 1" can switch the load path between the energy sources 10, 10' and the loads 12', 12" so that one of the energy sources 10, 10' supplies both loads 12', 12" or one of the loads 12', 12" or neither of the loads 12', 12" with energy, so that the switching module 1" has the functionality of a relay circuit in addition to its safety function. The switching module 1''' orThe control unit 40 of the switching module 1''' also has a recuperation switching logic, so that, through a functionality similar to that of the switching module 1'', the load path from the energy source 10 designed as a generator or the secondary energy source 10' designed as a battery can be connected to the consumer 12''', the energy generated by the generator can be directed into the battery and, in addition, energy generated by the consumer 12''', for example an electric motor acting as a generator, can be directed into the secondary energy source designed as a battery or accumulator.

[0052] The invention is not limited in its implementation to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable that utilize the presented solution even in fundamentally different designs. For example, the rapid shutdown device could be provided not as separate hardware but as rapid shutdown logic or software executed by the controller.

Claims

[1] Electronically controlled current switching device for at least one electrical load path between at least one energy source (10) and at least one electrical consumer (12), wherein the current switching device comprises an electrical control (40) and a current control element (11) controllable by the electrical control (40), which can be switched from a current-interrupting state to at least one current-carrying state, wherein The current switching device further comprises input and output current and / or voltage measuring devices (21, 22, 23, 24) for measuring the current and / or voltage to the current control element (11), and the control (40) is configured to determine a Δ-temperature in the load path from the obtained current and voltage measurements using a thermodynamic transmission line model (51), and, depending on a comparison of the Δ-temperature with at least one reference temperature value (52), to effect the current-interrupting or current-conducting state by controlling the current control element (11), wherein the control (40) has an emergency switching logic by which the control (40) is designed to damage the consumer(s) (12) in a controlled manner by activating the respective current control element (11). [2] Current switching device according to the preceding claim, wherein a reference temperature value (52) is a maximum temperature threshold corresponding to a maximum permissible current heating of the load path. [3] Current switching device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the current switching device further comprises a rapid switching device (60) configured to switch the current control element (11) from a current-carrying to a current-breaking state within a reaction time that is shorter than a reaction time of the control (40). [4] Power switching device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the current switching device for the respective current control element (11) comprises a temperature measuring device (25) configured to determine a conductor temperature of the load path or an ambient temperature of the current switching device and wherein the control (40) uses the conductor temperature and / or the ambient temperature instead of the Δ temperature or in addition to the Δ temperature in the comparison. [5] Current switching device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control (40) is configured to cause the current control element (11) to be in a current-carrying or current-interrupting state by controlling the current control element (11) depending on an analog or digital signal from a signal source (70). [6] Current switching device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermodynamic line model (51) is stored in a data storage device (50), wherein the data storage device (50) is preferably a non-volatile storage device and / or the data storage device (50) is preferably integrated in the control device (40). [7] Power switching device according to at least the preceding claim, wherein the control unit (40) is designed to effect the current-carrying or current-interrupting state by controlling the current control element (11) depending on a control procedure stored in the data storage unit (50), wherein the controller (40) is designed to control several current control elements (11) and to prioritize the load paths of the current control elements (11), wherein the control (40) is designed to limit or interrupt a current flowing through a first load path which has a lower priority than a second load path, by controlling the current control element (11) which is located in the first load path. [8] Current switching device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control (40) is configured to compare a current flowing through the current control element (11), which can be determined by the control (40) from the current measurements, with a current-time characteristic (53) and, depending on a ratio of the current to the characteristic (53), to effect the current-carrying or current-interrupting state by controlling the current control element (11). [9] Current switching device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control (40) has a recuperation switching logic by which the control (40) is configured to effect the current-carrying or current-interrupting state by controlling the current control element (11) when a recuperative current flow from the consumer (12) to the energy source (10) is measured by the current and / or voltage measuring devices (21, 22, 23, 24). [10] Current switching device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the control (40) has a safety switching logic by which the control (40) is configured to effect the current-carrying state by controlling the current control element (11) when a safety condition of the safety switching logic is met. [11] Current switching device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the current switching device further comprises a conventional fuse arranged in parallel or in series with the current control element (11) in the load path. [12] Current switching device according to at least one preceding claim, wherein at least one secondary energy source is arranged in the load path parallel to the energy source (10) and the energy source (10) and the secondary energy source are connected to the consumer (12) via at least one current control element (11). [13] Current switching device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the current switching device in a load path includes a current and / or voltage transformer. [14] Current switching device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the current switching device comprises several current control elements (11), each of which establishes the current-carrying or current-interrupting state to a consumer (12), to several consumers (12) or to a consumer zone consisting of several consumers (12), the controller (40) controls several control channels and / or several controllers (40) each control a control channel with individual switching logic for each control channel, establishing the current-carrying or current-interrupting state and / or the current switching device has a master controller which controls controllers (40) designed as slaves. [15] Method for electrically controlling a current control element (11) of a current switching device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The input and output currents and / or voltages of the load path are measured by the current and / or voltage measuring devices (21, 22, 23, 24) to the current control element (11). in the control (40) a Δ-temperature of the load path is determined from the thermodynamic line model (51) at least with the input and output currents and / or voltages, in the control (40) the Δ temperature is compared with the reference temperature value (52) and The current-interrupting or current-carrying state is established depending on the comparison by controlling the current control element (11) by the control unit (40).

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