Device for a fuse box of a motor vehicle, fuse system, motor vehicle, and method for operating a device for a fuse box of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention proposes a device (100) for a fuse box (10) of a motor vehicle (300). The device (100) has at least one fuse element (12) which can be coupled to the fuse box (10) of the motor vehicle (300) and can be allocated to an electric component of the motor vehicle (300), and also has a control unit (13) and a display unit (14). The at least one fuse element (12) is configured to adopt a tripped state or a closed state. The control unit (13) is configured to detect the state of the at least one fuse element (12) and to transfer same to the display unit (14). The display unit (14) is configured to display a change in state of the at least one fuse element (12). In the closed state, a current flow between the at least one fuse element (12) and the electric component is uninterrupted and in the tripped state, the current flow between the at least one fuse element (12) and the electric component is interrupted.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Device for a fuse box of a motor vehicle, security system, motor vehicle and method for operating a device for a fuse box of a motor vehicle

[0003] The invention generally relates to the field of safety devices for motor vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to a device for a fuse box of a motor vehicle, a security system, a motor vehicle, and a method for operating such a device for a fuse box of a motor vehicle.

[0004] Motor vehicles have a fuse box designed to protect electrical components from short circuits or overloads. To interrupt the flow of current to the electrical component, the fuse box may contain fuse elements—that is, fuse elements that melt when the current is too high. If such a fuse element blows, it must be replaced to restore the flow of current.

[0005] DE 10 2012 021 558 A1 proposes fuse elements that make it possible to restore the flow of current without replacing the fuse.

[0006] Fusible links also have the disadvantage that an interruption in the current flow can only be detected by removing the fuse. DE 202015 001 518 U1 proposes indicating the fuse status with a visually perceptible indicator. DE 102012 021 506 A1 proposes a monitoring device located in the vehicle's fuse box, which is used to record the fuse status and transmit it to a unit external to the vehicle.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method that enable a state, in particular a state change, of a fuse element to be read particularly quickly and reliably, while simultaneously quickly and easily restoring the current flow interrupted by the triggering of the fuse element. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for a fuse box of a motor vehicle.

[0008] The above object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1, by a security system having the features of claim 7, by a motor vehicle having the features of claim 8, and by a method having the features of claim 9. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the security system according to the invention, the motor vehicle, and / or the method, and vice versa, so that reciprocal reference is or can always be made to the individual aspects of the invention with regard to the disclosure.

[0009] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for a fuse box of a motor vehicle. The device comprises at least one fuse element, which can be coupled to the fuse box of the motor vehicle, in particular at least indirectly, and can be assigned to an electrical component of the motor vehicle, a control unit, and a display unit. The at least one fuse element is configured to assume a triggered state or a closed state. The control unit is configured to detect the state of the at least one fuse element and transmit it to the display unit. The display unit is configured to display a change in state, and in particular the current state, of the at least one fuse element.In the closed state, a current flow between the at least one fuse element and the electrical component is uninterrupted and in the triggered state, the current flow between the at least one fuse element and the electrical component is interrupted.

[0010] In other words, a device can be provided which makes it possible to determine by visual perception whether a fuse element has been triggered or not. The display unit can indicate, for example by means of a light in a predefined color, the state of the at least one fuse element. The fuse element can basically assume two states: a closed state and a triggered state. The closed state can be referred to as the basic state. The triggered state generally refers to a state in which the flow of current between the fuse element and the electrical component of the motor vehicle is interrupted due to a fault or because a limit value has been exceeded. The triggered state can therefore be referred to as the fault state. The change from the basic state to the fault state generally takes place automatically, for example by means of the control unit.The change from the error state back to the basic state can also occur independently or by means of the control unit. In the context of the present disclosure, a state change can refer to a change both into the basic state and out of the basic state. In principle, the display unit can be set such that it is possible at any time to determine by visual perception whether a state change has occurred and / or how often a state change has occurred and / or from which state a state change has occurred. For this purpose, it is conceivable that a color code can be defined for each possibility. A state change starting from the basic state can be displayed by the display unit, for example, using a first color. A state change starting from the triggered state can be displayed by the display unit, for example, using a second color that differs from the first color.

[0011] The at least one fuse element can be coupled to the fuse box in such a way that an electrical contact can be established between the electrical component, which is generally in electrical contact with the fuse box, and the fuse element. Accordingly, the fuse element can be electrically coupled to the fuse box, in particular indirectly coupled. A connecting element can be provided for each fuse element to couple the at least one fuse element to the fuse box.

[0012] The device may further comprise a housing. The device, or the housing if applicable, may be configured to be integrated into a fuse box or coupled to a fuse box.

[0013] The device can generally comprise a plurality of security elements. If a plurality of security elements are provided, a display unit can be provided for each security element. Each of the plurality of security elements can be assigned to an electrical component of the motor vehicle.

[0014] The electrical component of the motor vehicle can be, for example, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a radio, an airbag, seat heating, and / or a distance sensor.

[0015] Such a device allows the status of a fuse element to be displayed in a simple and reliable manner, allowing the user to determine it. This eliminates the need for diagnostic devices.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the at least one fuse element is a semiconductor element. According to one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the at least one fuse element from the triggered state to the closed state. In other words, the control unit can reset the fuse element to its original basic state, wherein the basic state corresponds to the closed state. The control unit can, in particular, be configured to automatically control the resetting of the fuse element to the closed state, for example, automatically when a maximum current is undershot.

[0017] Depending on the electrical component, it may be advantageous to automatically control the fuse element to the closed state using the control unit. For some electrical components, a user command may be required to instruct the control unit to return the fuse element to the closed state. Such a command can be transmitted via a user interface. Whether the control unit can automatically or manually return the fuse element to its initial state may depend on the associated electrical component.

[0018] This allows the fuse element to be easily controlled back into the closed state, so that the current flow can also be easily restored.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the display unit is further configured to display a state assumed at least briefly by the at least one fuse element, in particular a briefly triggered state assumed by the at least one fuse element. In other words, the display unit can be designed or configured such that if the fuse element has assumed the triggered state at any time, the display unit continues to display this, even after the fuse element has resumed its closed state. It is thus conceivable for the display unit to illuminate, for example, in a third color, such as orange, if the current flow is uninterrupted again, but the fuse element has been triggered at least briefly in the past.The display unit can therefore be configured to only indicate a change of state from the closed state to the triggered state.

[0020] Alternatively, the display unit can display different colors depending on the state of the security element from which the state change occurred. According to one embodiment, the display unit is an LED. The LED can display different colors. This allows a state change, and in particular the state, of the security element to be detected quickly and easily. In other words, the display unit is preferably a small, low-power LED. The LED can be attached to the housing of the device. The LED is preferably attached in such a way that it is clearly visible to a user.

[0021] This makes it possible to provide a simple yet highly reliable device for a motor vehicle fuse box.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a user interface is further provided, which is configured to detect a user input for controlling the display unit, in particular for unlocking the display unit. The user interface is preferably a button or a reset button. By actuating the user interface, the display unit can return to its default setting, for example, when it indicates a state change to the triggered state of the security element. The default setting can be a setting in which the display unit is capable of indicating a state change at any time.

[0023] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a security system for a motor vehicle. The security system comprises a device as described above and below and a fuse box. The fuse box has at least one voltage input associated with an electrical component of the motor vehicle.

[0024] The fuse box can be an EM box, an LVI, or an HSB. All advantages explained in connection with the device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure apply equally to the security system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0025] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a motor vehicle comprising a security system as described above and below or a device as described above and below.

[0026] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for operating a device for a fuse box of a motor vehicle as described above and below. The method comprises the following steps: - assuming a triggered state or a closed state by the at least one fuse element of the device depending on a current flow between the at least one fuse element and the electrical component, and

[0027] - Displaying by means of the display unit of the device the assumed state of the at least one security element of the device and / or a change in state of the at least one security element.

[0028] All advantages which have been explained in connection with the device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and / or with the security system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure and / or with the motor vehicle according to the third aspect of the present disclosure apply equally to the method according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the method, after the at least one fuse element changes from the triggered state back to the closed state, the display unit is locked such that it continues to display the triggered state. This can prove particularly advantageous if the fuse element is a semiconductor element, because, unlike fuses, semiconductor elements can automatically reconnect when the problem disappears, particularly via a control unit. A temporary triggering due to, for example, undervoltage can then still be detected by locking the display unit or by retaining the display unit.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the method, the display unit is unlocked by means of a user interface so that the display unit displays the current state of the at least one security element.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the method, when the user interface is actuated, the securing element assumes the closed state.

[0032] All disclosures described above and below with respect to one aspect of the present disclosure apply equally to all other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0033] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures.

[0034] Figure 1 shows schematically a security system according to an embodiment, Figure 2 shows schematically a security system according to an embodiment,

[0035] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment, and

[0036] Figure 4 shows a motor vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0037] Similar, similarly acting, identical, or identically functioning elements are provided with similar or identical reference numerals in the figures. The figures are merely schematic and not to scale.

[0038] Fig. 1 schematically shows a fuse system 200 according to an embodiment. The fuse system 200 has a device 100 for a fuse box 10 of a motor vehicle 300 and the fuse box 10. The device 100 can be configured to be plugged into the fuse box 10 or to be coupled to the fuse box 10. The device 100 of Fig. 1 has two fuse elements 12, each of which is assigned to an electrical component of the motor vehicle 300. Each of the two fuse elements 12 can be coupled, in particular electrically coupled, to the fuse box 10, for example via a respective connecting element 20. The fuse elements 12 are preferably semiconductor fuses. Each of the two fuse elements 12 can assume a triggered state, or a fault state, or a closed state, i.e. a basic state.When closed, the current flow between the corresponding electrical component and the corresponding fuse element 12 can be uninterrupted. If a fault occurs, if the current exceeds a maximum permissible current, if the voltage falls below a minimum, and / or if predefined boundary conditions are exceeded, the corresponding fuse element 12 can be triggered, interrupting the current flow between the fuse element 12 and the corresponding electrical component.

[0039] A display unit 14 is provided for each of the two fuse elements 12. Each of the two display units 14 can therefore be assigned to a fuse element 12 and thus to an electrical component. The display units 14 are preferably LEDs. Each display unit 14 is configured to indicate a change in state, and in particular a current state, of the respective associated fuse element 12, in particular by visual perception.

[0040] The device 100 further comprises a control unit 13 which is configured to detect the state of the respective security elements 12 and to transmit it to the corresponding display unit 14 so that the display unit 14 can, for example, illuminate in accordance with the state of the security element 12.

[0041] Such a device 100 therefore enables the optical display of the tripped state of semiconductor fuses. This eliminates the need for diagnostics, even in safety-relevant applications. Furthermore, the display unit 14, or the tripping indicator, can continue to indicate, after automatic reactivation or after returning to the initial state, that a tripped state was previously assumed, at least briefly.

[0042] The device 100 can further comprise a user interface 16. The user interface 16 can be designed as a manual reset. The user interface 16 can be a button in the housing of the device 100, or in a small recess or opening in the housing of the device 100. By actuating the user interface 16, the control unit 13 can be prompted to preferably return all of the security elements 12 to their initial state, i.e., to close themselves (again if necessary). By actuating the user interface 16, the control unit 13 can alternatively or additionally be prompted to unlock the display units 14 or to control them such that the display units 14 now display the current states of the security elements 12. The security elements 12 can be manually reactivated by means of the user interface 16. Alternatively or additionally, the

[0043] The user interface 16 returns the display units 14 to their default settings. The user interface 16 can be designed such that operation is only possible using a pointed object.

[0044] The fuse system 200 also includes the fuse box 10. The fuse box 10 preferably has a voltage input 18 for each electrical component of the motor vehicle 300. The fuse box 10 and the device 100 are preferably separable from one another.

[0045] Fig. 2 schematically shows a security system 200 according to an embodiment. Unless otherwise described, the security system 200 of Fig. 2 has the same elements and / or components as the security system 200 of Fig. 1.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 2, the display units 14 can be small LEDs, which can illuminate differently depending on the state of the corresponding fuse element 12. Advantageously, each display unit 14 can illuminate in at least three different colors. Fig. 3 shows a flowchart of a method for operating a device 100 for a fuse box 10 of a motor vehicle 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. In a first method step S1, the at least one fuse element 12 of the device 100 assumes a triggered state or a closed state. The fuse element 12 can assume the triggered state if a predefined boundary condition is exceeded or undershot. The assumption of the triggered state can depend on a current value, a voltage value and / or a line value, which can be detected, for example, by the control unit 13.The fuse element 12 can therefore assume the triggered state depending on the current flow between the fuse element 12 and the electrical component.

[0047] In other words, in a first method step, for example by means of the control unit 13, it can be detected whether an error has occurred. If an error occurs, the fuse element 12 assumes the triggered state in order to interrupt the current flow for safety reasons. Then, in a second method step S2, the display unit 14 will indicate the change in state and / or the state assumed by the fuse element 12, in particular by lighting up in a predefined color. In an optional method step, the control unit 13 can detect parameters of the current flow. In a further optional method step, the control unit 13 can transmit the state of the fuse element 12 to the display unit 14.

[0048] After the fault has been rectified, or if the predefined boundary conditions have only been exceeded or undershot for a short time, the safety element 12 can return to its initial state independently, or the control unit 13 can initiate this. In order to still be able to inform the user about the briefly occurring fault, it may prove particularly advantageous to lock the display unit 14 after a state change from the closed state to the triggered state in such a way that it continues to indicate the fault even after the safety element 12 has returned to its initial state.

[0049] Alternatively, the display unit 14 can be locked such that it illuminates in a third color when the security element 12 has returned to its basic state but has temporarily assumed the triggered state. This allows the user to be informed particularly reliably about the state or state history of the security element 12. To unlock the display unit 14, the user interface 16 can be actuated by a user in a further method step. Fig. 4 shows a motor vehicle 300 according to one embodiment. The motor vehicle 300 has a security system 200. The motor vehicle 300 can have, for example, an anti-lock braking system, a radio, an airbag and / or seat heating as electrical components. The motor vehicle 300 can have multiple security systems 200.

[0050] Additionally, it should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having" do not exclude other elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features and steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features and steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered limitations.

[0051] List of reference symbols Device Fuse system Motor vehicle Fuse box Fuse element Control unit Display unit User interface Voltage input Connecting element

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (100) for a fuse box (10) of a motor vehicle (300), comprising at least one fuse element (12) which can be coupled to the fuse box (10) of the motor vehicle (300) and can be assigned to an electrical component of the motor vehicle (300), a control unit (13) and a display unit (14), wherein the at least one fuse element (12) is configured to assume a triggered state or a closed state, wherein the control unit (13) is configured to detect the state of the at least one fuse element (12) and to transmit it to the display unit (14), wherein the display unit (14) is configured to display a change in state of the at least one fuse element (12),wherein in the closed state, a current flow between the at least one fuse element (12) and the electrical component is uninterrupted and in the triggered state, the current flow between the at least one fuse element (12) and the electrical component is interrupted.

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one fuse element (12) is a semiconductor element.

3. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit (13) is configured to control the at least one safety element (12) from the triggered state to the closed state.

4. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display unit (14) is further configured to display an at least briefly assumed state of the at least one safety element (12), in particular a briefly assumed triggered state of the at least one safety element (12).

5. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display unit (14) is an LED.

6. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a user interface (16) is further provided, which is configured to detect an input from a user for controlling the display unit (14), in particular for unlocking the display unit (14).

7. A security system (200) for a motor vehicle (300), comprising a device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and a fuse box (10), wherein the fuse box (10) has at least one voltage input (18) which is assigned to an electrical component of the motor vehicle (300).

8. Motor vehicle (300) comprising a security system (200) according to claim 7 or a device (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A method for operating a device (100) for a fuse box (10) of a motor vehicle (300) according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the following steps: (51) assuming a triggered state or a closed state by the at least one fuse element (12) of the device (100) depending on a current flow between the at least one fuse element (12) and the electrical component, and (52) Displaying by means of the display unit (14) of the device (100) the assumed state of the at least one securing element (12) of the device (100) and / or a change in state of the at least one securing element (12).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein after the at least one safety element (12) changes from the triggered state back to the closed state, the display unit (14) is locked such that it continues to display the triggered state.

11. Method according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the display unit (14) is unlocked by means of a user interface (16) so that the display unit (14) displays the current state of the at least one security element (12).

12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein upon actuation of the user interface (16) the securing element (12) assumes the closed state.

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