Replacement overcurrent protection for securing a circuit, fuse box and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an exchangeable overcurrent protection device (100) for protecting a current circuit for a fuse box (200), in particular in a vehicle (10). The exchangeable overcurrent protection device (100) has a separating circuit with at least one transistor, wherein in a close state, a current can flow in the current circuit via the transistor, and in a triggered state, the current circuit can be separated by the transistor. The exchangeable overcurrent protection device also has at least two electric contacts (110) which are arranged at a defined spatial distance (120) to each other, wherein the current circuit can be closed by electrically connecting the at least two electric contacts (110), and the defined spatial distance (120) corresponds to a grid spaicng (25) of a fuse (20) or a relay. The invention additionally relates to a fuse box (200) and a vehicle (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a replacement overcurrent protection device, a fuse box, and a vehicle.

[0002] In the majority of currently produced and operational vehicles, fuses and / or relays are typically used to protect the electrical components and / or the vehicle's electrical system. With increasing technological advancements, safety technology in particular is evolving to the point where essential components rely on a constant and reliable power supply.

[0003] For example, the steering can be implemented electronically via a so-called "steer-by-wire" system. In this system, a steering command is transmitted electrically from a sensor, via one or more control units, to the electromechanical actuator that executes the steering command. With such a system, there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steered wheels. However, this means that if the voltage to the sensor, the actuator, or the entire vehicle electrical system fails, steering may no longer be possible. Similar systems can be used for the brakes, for example.

[0004] Although such modern electrical systems are generally designed according to the concept of functional safety to ensure maximum safety, even against the failure of individual components, the secure power supply of the systems remains of utmost importance.

[0005] The widespread use of fuses has the disadvantage that they generally have a relatively slow tripping characteristic. This is because, on the one hand, tripping should not occur during slightly elevated currents over a long period, and on the other hand, during extremely high but very short currents. However, the tripping characteristic can essentially only be influenced by the thickness and material of the melting wire. If short circuits then occur within the vehicle's electrical system, the voltage throughout the entire system can drop noticeably during the time it takes for the fuse or relay to trip.

[0006] In principle, the use of particularly fast-acting fuses or fast-switching relays would be conceivable. However, fast-acting fuses are also particularly sensitive, so that they can trip even with non-critical overcurrents. Fast relays are expensive, and their achievable switching speeds are also limited by physical constraints.

[0007] Document WO 2014 / 046779 A2 discloses a replacement overcurrent protection device for securing a circuit for a fuse box, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a replacement overcurrent protection device, a fuse box, and a vehicle in which a rapid tripping characteristic can be guaranteed and which are cost-effective to manufacture and operate.

[0009] The foregoing problem is solved by a replacement overcurrent protection device with the features of claim 1, a fuse box with the features of claim 9, and a vehicle with the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the replacement overcurrent protection device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the fuse box and / or the vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always makes, or can make, reciprocal references.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention, an exchange overcurrent protection device for securing a circuit for a fuse box, particularly in a vehicle, is provided, comprising: an isolating circuit with at least one transistor, wherein in a closed state current can flow through the transistor in the circuit and in a triggered state the circuit can be separated by the transistor, at least two electrical contacts which are arranged at a defined spatial distance from each other, wherein the circuit can be closed by an electrical connection of the at least two electrical contacts, where the defined spatial distance corresponds to a grid spacing of a fuse or relay.

[0011] A fuse and / or a relay can therefore be replaced by an overcurrent protection device according to the invention. The replacement can occur, for example, in connection with a defective fuse and / or a relay, or also with the installation and / or activation of a vehicle function, in which case a still functioning fuse and / or a functioning relay is replaced.

[0012] The replacement overcurrent protection according to the invention thus represents a special form of a fuse.

[0013] A circuit within the meaning of the invention is a system of electrical conductors and components which forms a separable part of an electrical system, in particular the vehicle electrical system.

[0014] A fuse box is understood to be a container for one or more fuses. This will be described in more detail in connection with the fuse box according to the invention.

[0015] Within the scope of the invention, a vehicle can in principle be any vehicle with at least one electrical circuit. In particular, it can be an aircraft, watercraft, or land vehicle. It can be provided that the vehicle is designed as a motor vehicle, especially as a passenger car or truck.

[0016] A disconnecting circuit within the meaning of the invention is understood to be a fuse designed to interrupt an electrical circuit when the electric current exceeds a specified current level for a predetermined time. The disconnecting circuit may comprise one or more electrical components designed for this purpose.

[0017] The disconnect circuit can be designed to be purely electrical. In other words, the disconnect circuit can be free of any mechanical components suitable for interrupting the circuit. This offers the advantage that the tripping characteristic is determined solely by the electrical components. Alternatively or additionally, the disconnect circuit can include at least one electromechanical component suitable for interrupting the circuit, which is particularly redundant to a purely electrical component. Electromechanical components in this context include, in particular, fuses and relays. An additional electromechanical component offers the advantage that the excellent tripping characteristic of the electrical component is complemented by a redundant fuse, which is also based on a different tripping principle.

[0018] In the context of the invention, a transistor is understood to be an electronic semiconductor component for controlling electrical voltages and currents. The transistor may be designed as a power transistor. This offers the advantage that even large currents or voltages can be switched by the transistor without it being damaged. In particular, the transistor may have at least a maximum collector current or a maximum drain current of more than 1 A, a minimum collector-emitter voltage or drain-source voltage of more than 50 V, a maximum power dissipation of more than 2 W, or a thermal resistance between the junction and the case of less than 15 K / W.

[0019] The closed and triggered states described in connection with the transistor refer to the corresponding states of the transistor in which it essentially prevents or enables current flow. Depending on the transistor type, appropriate control circuits may be provided, which are connected to the transistor to control it for the desired triggering characteristic.

[0020] According to the invention, electrical contacts are understood to be physically formed conductive bodies. In other words, an electrical contact is an electrical component that is suitable for establishing an electrical connection between at least two components.

[0021] A defined spatial distance between the at least two electrical contacts, as defined in the invention, refers to a spatial distance determined by the physical design of the contacts themselves and / or a receiving body in which the at least two electrical contacts can be accommodated. In other words, the defined distance is not a purely theoretical dimension between two components, but rather a distance that is generally unchangeable and structurally determined.

[0022] The grid spacing of a fuse or relay refers to the structurally determined distance between the corresponding electrical components.

[0023] It may be stipulated that the pitch of a standardized, in particular a standardized, fuse or relay corresponds to that of a standardized, in particular a standardized, relay. This offers the advantage that the replacement overcurrent protection is suitable for replacing a large number of fuses and / or relays, achieving a particularly good fit. It may be stipulated, in particular, that the standard is at least DIN 72581, Parts 1 and 2 of 1993 and Part 3 of 2001, SAE J 1284 of 1988, or corresponding, currently valid standards.

[0024] Furthermore, the pitch of the fuse can be specified as corresponding to that of a torpedo fuse, in particular according to DIN 72581-1:1993, or a blade fuse. The pitch can be specified as being at least 9.1 mm, 10.9 mm, 19.1 mm, or 29.2 mm. The listed designs and dimensions are particularly common, which offers the advantage that a large number of fuses or relays can be replaced by a suitably designed replacement overcurrent protection device.

[0025] Overall, the interchangeable overcurrent protection according to the invention offers the advantage of maximum flexibility in the installation of components within an ongoing production run. Furthermore, only the necessary outputs, and not the entire vehicle, need to be equipped. Even within an existing production run, the interchangeable overcurrent protection according to the invention can be installed accordingly, depending, for example, on whether the vehicle's steering system is used with smaller or larger batteries. Moreover, safety-relevant components can be integrated into a vehicle upgrade without requiring a complete redesign of the vehicle's electrical system architecture.

[0026] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one additional electrical contact is provided, wherein this additional electrical contact is arranged at a defined spatial distance from the at least two electrical contacts. In other words, it is conceivable that a multitude of electrical contacts are provided, whereby at least one of these contacts need not be suitable for providing a safety function. Firstly, an additional contact offers the advantage that the replacement overcurrent protection is more securely mounted, and secondly, unused fuse holders can be covered and thus protected.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the further electrical contact can also be provided as a power supply for the disconnect circuit or for transmitting a signal. This offers the advantage that the replacement overcurrent protection can provide additional functions.

[0028] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable that a footprint is formed by at least one distance between at least two electrical contacts and a further distance to at least one further electrical contact, and that the footprint corresponds to a grid dimension, wherein the grid dimension is formed by the distances between at least two, in particular standardized, preferably standardized fuses and / or relays. It can also be provided that the replacement overcurrent protection has electrical contacts which are arranged on a surface such that they can be positioned in receptacles which are arranged one below the other in a pattern designed to accommodate, in particular standardized, preferably standardized fuses and / or relays. This achieves the advantage that a larger, in particular wider, replacement overcurrent protection is also possible.This allows more components to be arranged within it and, for example, its functionality to be expanded.

[0029] It is also conceivable that at least one further isolating circuit is provided, which is designed to allow current flow in another circuit when closed and to interrupt current flow in another circuit when tripped. In other words, the isolating circuit can be designed to open and close at least two circuits. This offers the advantage that several fuses can be replaced with just one replacement overcurrent protection device. This can be particularly advantageous when a functional unit, e.g., a steer-by-wire steering system, is installed or retrofitted in a vehicle, where several fuses or relays are to be replaced by a replacement overcurrent protection device according to the invention.The replacement overcurrent protection can then be installed "en bloc", which simplifies manufacturing and increases safety, as incorrect installation becomes less likely.

[0030] Furthermore, it can be advantageously provided that the at least two electrical contacts are designed to allow electrical connection by plugging them into a corresponding contact receptacle. In other words, the at least two electrical contacts can be pluggable. This simplifies installation, for example, compared to manual soldering or connection in a reflow oven.

[0031] Furthermore, it may advantageously be provided that at least one diagnostic circuit is included, which is designed to detect the state of at least the isolating circuit or to output it as a signal, and / or that at least one channel function circuit is included, which is designed to provide a channel function specific to the operation of at least one load present in the circuit. In other words, the replacement overcurrent protection device may include appropriate electrical components that make it possible to at least monitor, transmit, or process the status of the isolating circuit and / or to provide further functions.

[0032] The channel function circuit can be configured to provide pulse-width modulation (PWM) for the circuit to which the isolating circuit is connected or for another circuit. This can be particularly advantageous for circuits where a light-emitting diode is used as a load, since the PWM allows the luminous intensity to be controlled. Alternatively or additionally, the channel function circuit can be configured to open a circuit to which the isolating circuit is connected or for another circuit when a predetermined condition, defined in particular by switching logic, is met. For example, a circuit pertaining to a subordinate system can be switched off, particularly as a precautionary measure, if the superior system has failed or is faulty.This allows a safety concept, especially with prioritization, to be implemented at the level of overcurrent protection.

[0033] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable that the isolating circuit and the at least two electrical contacts are configured to functionally replace at least two, four, eight, or twelve fuses or relays, in particular fuses with a fuse rating of at least 20 A, 40 A, or 80 A. In other words, the isolating circuit can be configured to open and close a plurality of circuits, even for different fuse ratings. The specified numbers of two, four, eight, or twelve and the fuse ratings of 20 A, 40 A, or 80 A, in particular, represent frequently occurring fuse requirements, so that such a replacement overcurrent protection device offers the advantage of being particularly versatile.

[0034] Furthermore, it can advantageously be provided that a receiving body is provided which is designed to accommodate at least the disconnecting circuit and the at least two electrical contacts, wherein, in particular, the receiving body is dimensioned such that it essentially corresponds to the defined spatial distance, especially the footprint, of the at least two electrical contacts. In other words, a support can be provided which is designed to carry at least the disconnecting circuit and the at least two electrical contacts and to connect them to form a component.

[0035] The mounting body may be encapsulated. This provides particularly good protection for the components contained within the mounting body against environmental influences. Alternatively or additionally, the mounting body may also be designed as a heat sink and / or have a heat sink that is thermally connected, in particular, to the disconnect circuit. This enables even larger amounts of heat to be reliably dissipated, thereby further increasing the performance of the replacement overcurrent protection device.

[0036] The receiving body can be designed to have a size corresponding to the size of a housing of a, in particular, standardized, preferably normed fuse or relay. This offers the advantage that, when installing at least one replacement overcurrent protection device, collisions with other replacement overcurrent protection devices, fuses, relays, or other components that can be installed in a fuse box can be largely avoided.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, a fuse box for securing electrical circuits, in particular in a vehicle, is provided, comprising at least one replacement overcurrent protection according to the invention, wherein in particular the replacement overcurrent protection is arranged on a slot for a fuse or a relay.

[0038] Thus, a fuse box according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with reference to an exchange overcurrent protection device according to the invention.

[0039] It may be designed that the fuse box is constructed according to the grid dimensions resulting from standardization, in particular the standardization of the fuse holders. This offers the advantage that a fuse box designed in this way is particularly versatile.

[0040] Furthermore, it may be provided that at least one relay section, designed to accommodate at least one relay, or a fuse section, designed to accommodate at least one fuse, is provided, wherein, in particular, at least the relay section or the fuse section is arranged in a housing. In other words, separate compartments for fuses and / or relays may be provided in the fuse box. This offers the advantage that these sections can be easily equipped with both conventional relays and fuses, as well as with one (or more) replacement overcurrent protection devices. Housing them in a enclosure offers the advantage that the components are better protected against environmental influences.

[0041] According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided comprising at least one replacement overcurrent protection device according to the invention and / or a fuse box according to the invention.

[0042] Thus, a vehicle according to the invention offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with reference to an inventive replacement overcurrent protection device and / or a fuse box according to the invention.

[0043] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings schematically show: Fig. 1: a representation of a fuse box with an overview of the sockets for fuses and relays, as well as an embodiment of a replacement overcurrent protection device in comparison with a conventional fuse, Fig. 2: a representation of a defined spatial distance or footprint of an embodiment of a replacement overcurrent protection device with corresponding contact sockets, Fig. 3: a representation of a vehicle with a fuse box and a replacement overcurrent protection device.

[0044] In the following description of some embodiments of the invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

[0045] Figur 1 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a replacement overcurrent protection device 100 for protecting a circuit for a fuse box 200, particularly in a vehicle 10. This device comprises an isolating circuit with at least one transistor, wherein current can flow through the transistor in the circuit when closed and the circuit can be disconnected by the transistor when tripped, and at least two electrical contacts 110 arranged at a defined spatial distance 120 from each other, wherein the circuit can be closed by an electrical connection of the at least two electrical contacts 110. The defined spatial distance 120 corresponds to a pitch 25 of a fuse 20 or a relay.

[0046] The replacement overcurrent protection device 100 can therefore be installed in a fuse box 200, in particular connected to a receptacle designed for a fuse 20 or a relay as shown on the right. The contacts of the replacement overcurrent protection device 100 have the same spacing as a fuse 20 or a relay, as shown in the right part of the Fig. 1 is shown.

[0047] Overall, the exchangeable overcurrent protection 100 according to the invention offers the advantage that assembly can be carried out with maximum flexibility in an ongoing production run. Furthermore, only the necessary outputs, and not the entire vehicle 10 (in Fig. 3 (as shown) can be equipped. Even within an ongoing production run, such an installation with the inventive replacement overcurrent protection device 100 is possible, depending, for example, on whether the steering system of a vehicle 10 is installed in the context of smaller or larger batteries. Furthermore, safety-relevant consumers can also be integrated into a product upgrade of the vehicle 10 without having to redesign the entire vehicle electrical system architecture.

[0048] The fuse box 200 may be provided with at least one fuse section 230 or one relay section 220, which may be spatially separated from each other. This spatial separation facilitates assembly, thereby making the manufacture of the fuse box 200 more cost-effective and safer.

[0049] As further in the Fig. 1 As can be seen, at least one further electrical contact 111 can be provided, wherein the at least one further electrical contact 111 is arranged at the defined spatial distance 120 from the at least two electrical contacts 110. Firstly, a further contact 111 offers the advantage that the replacement overcurrent protection 100 is more securely mounted and, secondly, unused fuse holders can be covered and thus protected.

[0050] Also in the Fig. 1 A receiving body 112 is shown, which is designed to accommodate at least the disconnecting circuit and the at least two electrical contacts 110, wherein in particular the receiving body 112 is dimensioned such that it essentially corresponds to the defined spatial distance 120, in particular the footprint 130 (in Fig. 2 (shown), which corresponds to at least two electrical contacts 110. It can be provided that the receiving body 112 has a size corresponding to the size of a housing of a, in particular, standardized, preferably normed fuse 20 or a standardized, preferably normed relay. This achieves the advantage that, when installing at least one replacement overcurrent protection device 100, collisions with another replacement overcurrent protection device 100, fuses 20, relays, or other components that can be installed in a fuse box 200 can be largely avoided.

[0051] In the Fig. 2 On the left, a schematic diagram of a replacement overcurrent protection device 100 is shown from below, so that the at least two electrical contacts 110 at the defined spatial distance 120, as well as the additional electrical contact 111, are visible. The contacts 110, 111 of the replacement overcurrent protection device 100 have a footprint 130, which corresponds to a grid dimension 210 (shown on the right), wherein the grid dimension 210 is formed by the distances between at least two fuses 20 and / or relays. By designing the footprint 130 to the grid dimension 210, which is particularly standardized, preferably normed, the replacement overcurrent protection device 100 can be easily installed and is suitable for a large number of fuse boxes 200.

[0052] The Fig. 3 Finally, a vehicle 10 is shown, which features an example of a fuse box 200 and a replacement overcurrent protection device 100. In the Fig. 3While not shown, it is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that the vehicle has several fuse boxes 200. These can, in particular, divide the circuits according to functional units and / or safety requirements. In other words, it can be provided that at least two fuse boxes 200 are provided, wherein the fuse boxes 200 differ in at least one function or safety requirement of the protected circuits. This offers the advantage that the functional units (which may have a higher fuse rating) can be retrofitted more easily. For example, when replacing a functional group, the entire fuse box 200 can be replaced at the same time. Reference symbol list

[0053] 10 Vehicle 20 Fuse 25 Grid spacing 100 Replacement overcurrent protection 110 At least two electrical contacts 111 Additional electrical contact 112 Mounting body 120 Spacing 130 Footprint 200 Fuse box 210 Grid dimension 211 Contact point 220 Relay section 230 Fuse section

Claims

1. Replacement overcurrent protection device (100) for protecting a circuit for a fuse box (200), in particular in a vehicle (10), comprising: - an isolating circuit having at least one transistor, it being possible for current to flow through the transistor in the circuit in a closed state and for the circuit to be isolated by the transistor in a triggered state, - at least two electrical contacts (110) which are arranged at a defined spatial distance (120) from one another, it being possible for the circuit to be closed by an electrical connection of the at least two electrical contacts (110), the defined spatial distance (120) corresponding to a grid spacing (25) of a fuse (20) or to a relay, at least one further electrical contact (111) being provided, the at least one further electrical contact (111) being arranged at the defined spatial distance (120) from the at least two electrical contacts (110), characterized in that a footprint (130) is formed by at least one distance (120) between the at least two electrical contacts (110) and a further distance from at least one further electrical contact (111), and the footprint (130) corresponds to a grid dimension (210), the grid dimension (210) being formed by the distances between at least two fuses (20) and / or relays.

2. Replacement overcurrent protection device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one further isolating circuit is provided, which is designed to enable current flow in a further circuit in a closed state and to interrupt current flow in a further circuit in a triggered state.

3. Replacement overcurrent protection device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the at least two electrical contacts (110) are designed to enable an electrical connection through insertion into a corresponding contact receptacle (211).

4. Replacement overcurrent protection device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one diagnostic circuit is provided, which is designed at least to detect the state at least the isolating circuit or to issue it as a signal, and / or in that at least one channel function circuit is provided, which is designed to provide a channel function specific to the operation of at least one consumer present in the circuit.

5. Replacement overcurrent protection device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the isolating circuit and the at least two electrical contacts (110) are designed to functionally replace at least two, four, eight or twelve fuses or relays, in particular having a fuse rating of at least 20 A, 40 A or 80 A.

6. Replacement overcurrent protection device (100) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a receiving body (112) is provided, which is designed to receive at least the isolating circuit and the at least two electrical contacts (110), in particular the receiving body (112) being dimensioned such that it substantially corresponds to the defined spatial distance (120), in particular to the footprint (130) of the at least two electrical contacts (110).

7. Fuse box (200) for protecting electrical circuits, in particular in a vehicle (10), comprising at least one replacement overcurrent protection device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein in particular the replacement overcurrent protection device (100) is arranged on a slot for a fuse or a relay.

8. Fuse box (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one relay portion (220) which is designed to receive at least one relay, or one fuse portion (230) which is designed to receive at least one fuse is provided, in particular at least the relay portion (220) or the fuse portion (230) being arranged in a housing.

9. Vehicle (10) comprising at least one replacement overcurrent protection device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6 and / or at least one fuse box (200) according to claim 7.

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