Sensor arrangement, circuit arrangement and device

Abstract

Sensor arrangement (1) comprising a sensor element (2) and at least one first conductor and a second conductor spaced from the first conductor, wherein the sensor element (2) is configured to detect a current through the first conductor and a current through the second conductor.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor arrangement, a circuit arrangement and a device. State of the art

[0002] US 2019 / 0260293 A1 discloses a power converter.

[0003] US 2022 / 0214382 A1 shows an integrated current sensor in a busbar. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The essence of the invention in the sensor arrangement comprising a sensor element and at least one first conductor and a second conductor spaced apart from the first conductor is that the sensor element is configured to detect a current through the first conductor and a current through the second conductor.

[0005] The background of the invention is that a single sensor element is sufficient to measure currents in multiple conductors. Especially when the currents in the conductors do not flow simultaneously, an accurate measurement is possible with reduced effort. If multiple currents flow simultaneously, the sum of the currents is recorded. This means that a threshold violation can still be detected. By selecting the appropriate current direction and calibration, it is also possible to assign the threshold violation to the respective conductor.

[0006] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0007] According to an advantageous embodiment, the distance between the first conductor and the sensor element is smaller than the distance between the second conductor and the sensor element. This allows the current measuring ranges to be adapted to the input range of the sensor element.

[0008] It is advantageous if the sensor element is arranged on a circuit board, in particular if it is populated, with the first conductor and / or the second conductor being designed as a conductor track on the circuit board, in particular with the conductor tracks being arranged in different conductor levels of the circuit board. This allows the sensor arrangement to be designed compactly.

[0009] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the first conductor and / or the second conductor are designed as a busbar. This allows the sensor arrangement to be designed robustly.

[0010] Advantageously, the sensor element is designed as a magnetic field sensor, in particular a Hall effect sensor. Thus, the current through the conductors can be detected indirectly through the magnetic field generated by the current in the conductor. The magnetic fields of the respective conductors overlap at the sensor element, which detects a superimposed magnetic field signal.

[0011] The essence of the invention in the circuit arrangement is that the circuit arrangement has at least one electrical energy storage device and a sensor arrangement as described above or according to one of the claims relating to the sensor arrangement.

[0012] The background of the invention is that reliable current detection is possible with a reduced number of components in the circuit arrangement. Advantageously, the current detection is implemented at least partially redundantly.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the circuit arrangement has a connection for a consumer or an inverter and a charging connection, wherein a single sensor element is configured to detect a current in a supply line to the connection for a consumer or an inverter and a current in a supply line to the charging connection. Since the current flows either from the charging connection to the electrical energy storage device or from the electrical energy storage device to the consumer or inverter, the respective current can be precisely detected by the single sensor element.

[0014] It is further advantageous if the circuit arrangement comprises a first and a second electrical energy storage device, wherein a single second sensor element is configured to detect a current from the first electrical energy storage device and a current from the second electrical energy storage device. The sum of the current from the first electrical energy storage device and the current from the second electrical energy storage device is detected.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the circuit arrangement has a connection for a first auxiliary load and a connection for a second auxiliary load, wherein a single third sensor element is configured to detect a current in a supply line to the first auxiliary load and a current in a supply line to the second auxiliary load. The sum of the current in the supply line to the first auxiliary load and the current in the supply line to the second auxiliary load is detected.

[0016] The essence of the invention in the device, in particular vehicle, is that the device has a circuit arrangement as described above or according to one of the claims related to the circuit arrangement.

[0017] The background of the invention is that reliable current detection is possible with a reduced number of components in the device. Advantageously, the current detection is designed to be at least partially redundant.

[0018] The above embodiments and developments can be combined with one another as desired, where appropriate. Further possible embodiments, developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described above or below with reference to the exemplary embodiments that were not explicitly mentioned. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. Short description of the drawings

[0019] In the following section, the invention is explained using exemplary embodiments, from which further inventive features may arise, but to which the invention is not limited in its scope. The exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the drawings.

[0020] They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the sensor arrangement 1 according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the sensor arrangement 11 according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the sensor arrangement 21 according to the invention; Fig. 4 shows a first variant of a circuit 100 for a vehicle according to the invention and Fig. 5 shows a second variant of a circuit 200 for a vehicle according to the invention.

[0021] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the sensor arrangement 1. The sensor arrangement 1 comprises a sensor element 2, in particular a magnetic field sensor, preferably a Hall effect sensor, a printed circuit board 4, a first busbar 3, and a second busbar 5.

[0022] The sensor element 2 is arranged on the circuit board 4. For example, the sensor element 2 is designed as a surface-mounted component and is mounted on the circuit board 4.

[0023] The circuit board 4 with the sensor element 2 is arranged between the first busbar 3 and the second busbar 5. The distance between the sensor element 2 and the first busbar 3 is smaller than the distance between the sensor element 2 and the second busbar 5.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment, which is not shown in the figures, the distance between the first busbar 3 and the sensor element 2 is the same as the distance between the second busbar 5 and the sensor element.

[0025] The first busbar 3 is traversed by a first current I1, which generates a first magnetic field around the first busbar 3. This first magnetic field is proportional to the first current I1.

[0026] The second busbar 5 is traversed by a second current I2, which generates a second magnetic field around the second busbar 5. This second magnetic field is proportional to the second current I2.

[0027] At the sensor element 2, the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field are superimposed and are detected by the sensor element 2 as a superimposed magnetic field signal.

[0028] Using the superimposed magnetic field signal, the magnitude of the first current I1 and / or the second current I2 can be determined. If only one current is flowing, this determination is possible precisely. However, even if a first current I1 and a second current I2 are flowing simultaneously, short-circuit detection can be performed using a threshold value. The threshold value is selected, for example, so that it is greater than the sum of the two maximum current values ​​I1 and I2.

[0029] If there is only one (positive or negative) threshold, the current direction in a current rail (3, 5) can be adjusted so that both magnetic fields are oriented in the same direction.

[0030] If there is a positive and a negative threshold value, the current direction in the busbars (3, 5) can be adjusted so that, for example, the positive threshold value is assigned to the first busbar 3 and the negative threshold value is assigned to the second busbar 5.

[0031] By appropriately arranging the sensor element 2 relative to the busbars (3, 5), the level of the threshold value can be adjusted, since only the distance to the sensor element 2 influences the strength of the magnetic field generated by the respective busbar (3, 5) on the sensor element 2.

[0032] In order to fully utilize the measuring range of both currents I1 and I2, the distance can vary, i.e. if the maximum first current I1 is not equal to the maximum second current I2.

[0033] If the maximum first current I1 is greater than the maximum second current I2, the first busbar 3 is arranged further away from the sensor element 2 than the second busbar 5 in order to advantageously be able to use the same overcurrent threshold value in the sensor element 2.

[0034] To calibrate the sensor arrangement, a respective calibration value is determined for each busbar (3, 5), which depends on the mechanical tolerances of the sensor arrangement 1.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the sensor arrangement 11. The sensor arrangement comprises a sensor element 2, in particular a magnetic field sensor, preferably a Hall effect sensor, a printed circuit board 4, a first busbar 3, a second busbar 5, a third busbar 13 and a fourth busbar 15.

[0036] The sensor element 2 is arranged on the circuit board 4. For example, the sensor element 2 is designed as a surface-mounted component and is mounted on the circuit board 4.

[0037] The circuit board 4 with the sensor element 2 is arranged between the first busbar 3, the second busbar 5, the third busbar 13, and the fourth busbar 15. The first busbar 3 and the third busbar 13 are arranged side by side in one plane. The second busbar 5 and the fourth busbar 15 are arranged side by side in a further plane, which in the illustrated embodiment extends parallel to the plane and is spaced from it. The circuit board 4 with the sensor element 2 extends between this plane and the further plane.

[0038] The distance between the sensor element 2 and the third busbar 13 is smaller than the distance between the sensor element 2 and the third busbar 13, this distance is in turn smaller than the distance between the sensor element 2 and the fourth busbar 15 and this distance is in turn smaller than the distance between the sensor element 2 and the second busbar 5.

[0039] The first busbar 3 is traversed by a first current I1, which generates a first magnetic field around the first busbar 3. This first magnetic field is proportional to the first current I1.

[0040] The second busbar 5 is traversed by a second current I2, which generates a second magnetic field around the second busbar 5. This second magnetic field is proportional to the second current I2.

[0041] The third busbar 13 is traversed by a third current I3, which generates a third magnetic field around the third busbar 13. This third magnetic field is proportional to the third current I3.

[0042] The fourth busbar 15 is traversed by a fourth current I4, which generates a fourth magnetic field around the fourth busbar 15. This fourth magnetic field is proportional to the fourth current I4.

[0043] At the sensor element 2, the first magnetic field, the second magnetic field, the third magnetic field and the fourth magnetic field are superimposed and are detected by the sensor element 2 as a superimposed magnetic field signal.

[0044] Analogous to the first embodiment, the respective current (I1, I2, I3, I4) can be determined by the respective busbars (3, 5, 13, 15).

[0045] Fig. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the sensor assembly 21. The sensor assembly 21 has a printed circuit board 24 on which the sensor element 2 is arranged. A first conductor track 23, a second conductor track 25, and a third conductor track 26 extend within the printed circuit board 24.

[0046] The first conductor track 23 is traversed by a first current I1, which generates a first magnetic field around the first conductor track 23. This first magnetic field is proportional to the first current I1.

[0047] The second conductor track 25 is traversed by a second current I2, which generates a second magnetic field around the second conductor track 25. This second magnetic field is proportional to the second current I2.

[0048] The third conductor track 26 is traversed by a third current I3, which generates a third magnetic field around the third conductor track 26. This third magnetic field is proportional to the third current I3.

[0049] The conductor tracks (23, 25, 26) and the sensor element 2 are arranged such that the sensor element 2 is configured to detect the magnetic fields of the conductor tracks (23, 25, 26). For this purpose, the conductor tracks (23, 25, 26) are preferably arranged in different planes of the circuit board 24.

[0050] The distance of the sensor element 2 to the first conductor track 23 is smaller than the distance of the sensor element 2 to the second conductor track 25 and this distance is in turn smaller than the distance of the sensor element 2 to the third conductor track 26.

[0051] At the sensor element 2, the first magnetic field, the second magnetic field and the third magnetic field are superimposed and are detected by the sensor element 2 as a superimposed magnetic field signal.

[0052] Analogous to the first embodiment, the respective current (I1, I2, I3) can be determined through the respective conductor tracks (23, 25, 26).

[0053] Fig. 4 shows a first variant of a circuit 100 for a vehicle according to the invention.

[0054] The circuit 100 has a first electrical energy storage device 101 and a second electrical energy storage device 111, as well as a first switching unit S1, a second switching unit S2, a third switching unit S3, a fourth switching unit S4, a fifth switching unit S5, a sixth switching unit S6 and a seventh switching unit S7.

[0055] The respective switching unit (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7) is designed as a semiconductor switch, in particular as a MOSFET, preferably as a series circuit of two anti-serially connected semiconductor switches, or as a mechanical switch, in particular a contactor.

[0056] By means of the first, second, third and fourth switching units (S1, S2, S3, S4), the electrical energy stores (101, 111) can be connected to a consumer 107, in particular an on-board electrical system of a vehicle.

[0057] By means of the sixth switching unit S6 and the seventh switching unit S7, the electrical energy storage devices (101, 111) can be connected to a charging device 108 or a charging connection.

[0058] By means of the second, third and fifth switching units (S2, S3, S5), the electrical energy stores (101, 111) can be connected in series or in parallel.

[0059] For this purpose, the fifth switching unit S5 is arranged between the electrical energy storage devices (101, 111). By means of the second switching unit S2, a center tap between the first electrical energy storage device 101 and the fifth switching unit S5 can be connected to the load 107 or the charging device 108. By means of the third switching unit S3, a center tap between the second electrical energy storage device 111 and the fifth switching unit S5 can be connected to the load 107 or the charging device 108.

[0060] To monitor circuit 100, two spaced-apart first measuring points (102a, 102b) are provided in the supply line to consumer 107 and in the supply line to charging device 108, respectively. A first sensor element is thus arranged such that it can detect a respective current at both first measuring points (102a, 102b). Since a current flows either from charging device 108 to the electrical energy storage devices (101, 111) or from the electrical energy storage devices (101, 111) to consumer 107, the first sensor element always detects exactly one current.

[0061] Furthermore, two spaced-apart second measuring points (112a, 112b) are provided between the electrical energy storage devices (101, 111) and the fifth switching unit S5. A second sensor element is thus arranged such that it can detect a respective current at both second measuring points (112a, 112b). The second sensor element detects the sum of the currents from the two electrical energy storage devices (101, 111).

[0062] Furthermore, two spaced-apart third measuring points (122a, 122b) are provided between the second switching unit S2 or between the third switching unit S3 and the consumer 107 and / or the charging device 108. A third sensor element is thus arranged such that it can detect a respective current at both third measuring points (122a, 122b). The third sensor element detects the sum of the currents from the two electrical energy storage devices (101, 111).

[0063] Fig. 5 shows a second variant of a circuit 200 for a vehicle according to the invention.

[0064] The circuit 200 has an electrical energy storage device 201, a first switching unit S21, a second switching unit S22, a third switching unit S23, a fourth switching unit S24, a fifth switching unit S25, a sixth switching unit S26, connections for an inverter 209, connections for a charging device 208, as well as connections for a first auxiliary load 210a and connections for a second auxiliary load 210b.

[0065] For example, an electric drive or electric motor of an at least partially electrically powered vehicle can be fed from the inverter 209.

[0066] The respective auxiliary consumer (210a, 210b) is, for example, an auxiliary consumer of an at least partially electrically powered vehicle, such as an air conditioning compressor or another consumer with a typical current requirement of 5 A to 30 A.

[0067] The respective switching unit (S21, S22, S23, S24, S25, S26) is designed as a semiconductor switch, preferably as a MOSFET, in particular as a series circuit of two anti-serially connected semiconductor switches, or as a mechanical switch, in particular a contactor.

[0068] The charging device 208 can be connected to the electrical energy storage device 201 by means of the first switching unit S21, the third switching unit S23, and the fourth switching unit S24. For this purpose, the first switching unit S21 is arranged between a first connection of the electrical energy storage device 201 and a first charging connection of the charging device 208. The fourth switching unit S24 is arranged between a second connection of the electrical energy storage device 201 and a second charging connection of the charging device 208. The third switching unit S23 is arranged between a second connection of the electrical energy storage device 201 and the fourth switching unit S24.

[0069] The inverter 209 can be connected to the electrical energy storage device 201 by means of the second switching unit S22 and the third switching unit S23. For this purpose, the second switching unit S22 is arranged between the first terminal of the electrical energy storage device 201 and a first terminal of the inverter 209. The third switching unit S23 is arranged between the second terminal of the electrical energy storage device 201 and a second terminal of the inverter 209.

[0070] The first auxiliary load 210a can be connected to the electrical energy storage device 201 by means of the second switching unit S22, the third switching unit S23, and the fifth switching unit S25. For this purpose, the second switching unit S21 is arranged between the first connection of the electrical energy storage device 201 and a first connection of the first auxiliary load 210a. The fifth switching unit S25 is arranged between the second connection of the electrical energy storage device 201 and a second connection of the first auxiliary load 210a. The third switching unit S23 is arranged between the second connection of the electrical energy storage device 201 and the fifth switching unit S25.

[0071] The second auxiliary load 210b can be connected to the electrical energy storage device 201 by means of the second switching unit S22, the third switching unit S23, and the sixth switching unit S26. For this purpose, the second switching unit S21 is arranged between the first connection of the electrical energy storage device 201 and a first connection of the second auxiliary load 210b. The sixth switching unit S26 is arranged between the second connection of the electrical energy storage device 201 and a second connection of the second auxiliary load 210b. The third switching unit S23 is arranged between the second connection of the electrical energy storage device 201 and the sixth switching unit S26.

[0072] The third switching unit S23 advantageously has two semiconductor switches arranged anti-serially, with a node arranged between the semiconductor switches, which is connected to the fourth switching unit S24, the fifth switching unit S25, and the sixth switching unit S26. The fourth, fifth, and sixth switching units (S24, S25, S26) each have only a single semiconductor switch, which is each connected anti-serially to the semiconductor switch of the third switching unit S23 arranged between the respective switching unit (S24, S25, S26) and the electrical energy storage device 201.

[0073] To monitor circuit 200, two spaced-apart first measuring points (202a, 202b) are provided in the supply line to inverter 209 and in the supply line to charging device 208, respectively. A first sensor element is thus arranged such that it can detect a respective current at both first measuring points (202a, 202b). Since a current flows either from charging device 208 to electrical energy storage device 201 or from electrical energy storage device 201 to inverter 209, the first sensor element always detects exactly one current.

[0074] Furthermore, two spaced-apart second measuring points (212a, 212b) are provided in the supply line to the first auxiliary load 210a and in the supply line to the second auxiliary load 210b, respectively. A second sensor element is thus arranged such that it can detect a respective current at both second measuring points (112a, 112b). The second sensor element detects the sum of the currents from the two auxiliary loads (210a, 210b). QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2019 / 0260293 A1

[0002] US 2022 / 0214382 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Sensor arrangement (1, 11, 21) comprising a sensor element (2) and at least one first conductor and a second conductor spaced from the first conductor, characterized by that the sensor element (2) is arranged to detect a current through the first conductor and a current through the second conductor. [2] Sensor arrangement (1, 11, 21) according to claim 1, characterized by that the distance between the first conductor and the sensor element (2) is smaller than the distance between the second conductor and the sensor element (2). [3] Sensor arrangement (1, 11, 21) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor element (2) is arranged on a printed circuit board (4, 24), in particular is populated, wherein the first conductor and / or the second conductor is designed as a conductor track (23, 25, 26) on the printed circuit board (24), in particular wherein the conductor tracks are arranged in different conductor levels of the printed circuit board (24), and / or wherein the first conductor and / or the second conductor is designed as a busbar (3, 5, 13, 15). [4] Sensor arrangement (1, 11, 21) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor element (2) is designed as a magnetic field sensor, in particular as a Hall effect sensor. [5] Circuit arrangement (100, 200) comprising at least one electrical energy store (101, 111, 201) and a sensor arrangement (1, 11, 21) according to one of the preceding claims. [6] Circuit arrangement (100, 200) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the circuit arrangement (100, 200) has a connection for a consumer (107) or an inverter (209) and a charging connection, wherein a single sensor element (2) is configured to detect a current in a supply line to the connection for a consumer (107) or an inverter (209) and a current in a supply line to the charging connection. [7] Circuit arrangement (100, 200) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that the circuit arrangement (100, 200) has a first and a second electrical energy store (101, 111), wherein a single second sensor element (2) is configured to detect a current from the first electrical energy store (101) and a current from the second electrical energy store (111). [8] Circuit arrangement (100, 200) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by , that the circuit arrangement (100, 200) has a connection for a first auxiliary load (210a) and a connection for a second auxiliary load (210b), wherein a single third sensor element (2) is configured to detect a current in a supply line to the first auxiliary consumer (210a) and a current in a supply line to the second auxiliary consumer (210b). [9] Device, in particular vehicle, comprising a circuit arrangement according to claim 8.

Images