Fuse module for interrupting a current circuit, fuse box, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuse module (100) for interrupting a current circuit, in particular in a vehicle (300), having a reversible switching element (110) which is designed, in a closed state (I), to conduct current from a first contact (121) to a second contact (122) by means of an electrical connection and, in an open state (II), to interrupt the electrical connection between the first contact (121) and the second contact (122), a diagnostic module (130) which is designed to record at least the closed state (I) or the open state (II) of the reversible switching element (110) as a diagnosis, and a communication module (140) which is designed to output the diagnosis. The invention furthermore relates to a fuse box (200) and to a vehicle (300).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Fuse module for interrupting an electrical circuit, fuse box and vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a fuse module for interrupting an electrical circuit, a fuse box and a vehicle.

[0004] WO 2023 021 846 A1 discloses an in-vehicle system in a vehicle, comprising a first in-vehicle ECU that controls a semiconductor fuse. DE 102016 210 058 A1 discloses a power distribution and a fuse system for a vehicle. Furthermore, a wireless communication fuse status indication system and method are previously known from US 2005 / 0231320 A1.

[0005] In the majority of vehicles currently produced and in operation, fuses and / or relays are generally used to protect the electrical components or the on-board electrical system. With increasing advancements, safety technology in particular is evolving to the point where essential components rely on a constant, reliable power supply.

[0006] For example, the steering can be implemented electronically using a so-called "steer-by-wire" system. In this system, a steering command is transmitted exclusively electrically from a sensor via one or more control units to the electromechanical actuator, which executes the steering command. In such a system, there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steered wheels. However, this means that steering may no longer be possible if the voltage drops in the sensor, actuator, or the entire vehicle electrical system. Similar systems can be provided for the brakes, for example.

[0007] Although such modern electrical systems are generally developed 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.

[0008] The widespread use of fuses has the disadvantage that they generally have a relatively slow tripping characteristic. This is because, on the one hand, slightly elevated currents over a long period of time and significantly elevated but ultra-short currents should not trigger a fuse, but 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 electrical system, the voltage in the entire vehicle electrical system can drop noticeably during the time it takes for the fuse or relay to trip.

[0009] In principle, the use of particularly fast-acting fuses or fast-switching relays would be conceivable. However, fast-acting fuses are also particularly sensitive, meaning that even non-critical overcurrents can trigger them. Fast relays are expensive, and their achievable switching speeds are subject to physical limitations.

[0010] In addition, neither conventional relays nor fuses offer the possibility of checking the tripping state or implementing a control such as that required for pulse width modulation.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above. In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a fuse module for interrupting an electrical circuit, a fuse box, and a vehicle that provide cost-effective and reliable protection for electrical circuits, even with increased requirements regarding the triggering characteristics and / or control.

[0012] The above object is achieved by a security module having the features of independent patent claim 1, by a fuse box having the features of independent patent claim 9, and by a vehicle having the features of independent patent claim 10. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the security module according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the fuse box according to the invention and / or in connection with the vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is or can always be made reciprocally.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, a safety module for interrupting an electrical circuit is provided, in particular in a vehicle, comprising a reversible switching element which, in a closed state, is designed to conduct current from a first contact to a second contact through an electrical connection and, in an open state, to interrupt the electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact, a diagnostic module which is designed to detect at least the closed state or the open state of the reversible switching element as a diagnosis, and a communication module which is designed to output the diagnosis.

[0014] In other words, according to the invention, a replacement fuse is provided which can close or open an electrical circuit via at least two contacts with the aid of a reversible switch, wherein the replacement fuse has a measuring device for detecting the switching state of the reversible switch and an output interface for outputting the switching state.

[0015] A fuse module can be understood as a device designed at least to protect electrical devices, cables, and other components from damage caused by excessive currents. A primary function of the fuse module can be to interrupt the circuit if the current flow exceeds the permissible value, thus preventing an overload or short circuit. Furthermore, the fuse module can also be designed to control devices and / or electrical components during normal operation.

[0016] Breaking the circuit results in no current flowing along the electrical path of the circuit through which current can normally flow.

[0017] An electrical circuit can be understood as any electrically conductive, closed connection that, in particular, has at least one electrical component. In the context of the invention, the circuit can be embodied at least as a starter circuit, ignition circuit, lighting circuit, signal and warning light circuit, air conditioning circuit, ABS circuit, steering circuit, airbag circuit, or engine control circuit.

[0018] A reversible switching element can be designed to switch its switching state at least once from its initial state to a different switching state and back to the initial state. Configurations of the reversible switching element are explained below.

[0019] An electrical connection between the first and second contact can be understood as the presence of a current path through which current can flow, in particular during normal operation of the fuse module.

[0020] When contacts are mentioned in connection with the invention, the features mentioned in this context are generally applicable to all contacts, regardless of whether a first, second, third, or further contact is described. The contacts can be spatially physical devices designed to provide an electrical contact point to a current path at a specific position in space. In particular, the contact can be designed as a plug connection, spring contact, screw contact, solder connection, spring clamp, bayonet lock, terminal block, or spring pin. The contact can be female or male.

[0021] A diagnostic module can be understood as a device that detects at least the switching state of the reversible switching element. Depending on the design of the reversible switching element, the diagnostic module can have corresponding sensors for this purpose.

[0022] It is also conceivable for the reversible switching element to transmit its switching state to the diagnostic module. The diagnostic module can be implemented as a microchip.

[0023] The communication module can be understood as a device that can at least transmit the diagnosis. The receiver of the transmission can be a control unit, particularly within a fuse box or a vehicle. The communication module can be embodied as a microchip. Further embodiments of the communication module are explained below.

[0024] It can be provided that the diagnostic module and the communication module are combined in a single component, in particular a microchip, or are designed separately.

[0025] The diagnosis can be understood as information about the switching state of the reversible switching element. The diagnosis can be implemented as at least a digital and / or analog signal.

[0026] Furthermore, the fuse module can be designed as a replacement fuse module. In other words, the fuse module can be configured such that it is suitable for replacing a fuse, in particular a fuse or a relay. For this purpose, it can have at least similar electrical characteristics, a similar size, or a compatible plug-in pitch.

[0027] Overall, the fuse module according to the invention achieves the advantage of enabling cost-effective and reliable protection of electrical circuits, even with increased requirements for tripping characteristics and / or control. The reversible switching element allows the electrical contact between the first and second contacts to be switched multiple times, thus saving costs compared to a switch that can only trip once. The diagnostic module, which is designed to detect at least the closed or open state of the reversible switching element as a diagnostic signal, offers the advantage that the status of the reversible switching element is available as information, which can then be evaluated and incorporated into safety diagnostics. The communication module ensures that the diagnostic information is also available outside the fuse module for further processing.

[0028] Within the scope of the invention, it can be advantageous for the communication module to be designed to provide at least one wireless connection or one wired connection. Wired connections offer the advantage of a particularly reliable and stable connection. They are less susceptible to interference or faults that can occur with wireless connections. Wireless connections enable high mobility and flexibility, as no physical cables are required or cannot be laid due to space constraints. This can be particularly advantageous if, in an existing system, such as a fuse box, a fuse module according to the invention replaces a conventional fuse for which no wired connection was provided for transmitting a diagnosis.

[0029] The wired connection can be implemented, in particular, as a CAN connection. A so-called "Controller Area Network" is a standardized bus system used in the automotive industry and many other applications for data communication. CAN enables efficient and reliable communication between various electronic control units in a vehicle.

[0030] The wireless connection can be implemented as either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Bluetooth consumes very little power and allows for easy pairing with other devices. A Wi-Fi connection allows for particularly rapid data transfer.

[0031] Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable for the diagnostic module to be designed to detect at least one further property of the reversible switching element. By detecting at least one further property, more information can be transmitted and processed, thereby further increasing the reliability of the safety module's operation. The at least one further property can be implemented as a service life, number of switching cycles, response speed, or current power loss.

[0032] Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that a computing unit is provided which is designed to algorithmically process at least one measured value from the diagnostic module into further processing data, and in particular to transmit the further processing data to the communication module. Alternatively or additionally, a computing unit can be provided which is designed to calculate a complex switching command, in particular a pulse width modulation, and / or to control the reversible switching element in accordance with the complex switching command. Further processing by a computing unit offers the advantage that at least part of the evaluation already takes place in the security module itself. This turns the security module into a "smart" security module which can provide other components with already processed information. This ensures particularly reliable operation of the security module.The ability to generate complex switching commands and / or control the reversible switching element accordingly expands the application possibilities of the fuse module. Since no external controls need to be wired to the fuse module, such controls can also be implemented more easily and cost-effectively. This is particularly advantageous in connection with lighting circuits that require pulse-width modulation to control the lighting intensity.

[0033] It is also conceivable that the reversible switching element is designed as a relay and / or as a semiconductor switch.

[0034] Relays are mechanical switching elements that are generally robust and durable. They can switch high currents and voltages and are resistant to external influences such as vibrations and shocks. They also offer true galvanic isolation between the control and load circuits. This means that the electrical connection between the two circuits is made through an air or insulating gap, reducing the possibility of leakage currents or interference. Unlike other switches, relays consume very little power during operation. This results in low heat generation and makes them more efficient in some applications.

[0035] The semiconductor switch can be designed as a transistor, MOSFET, or IGBT. Semiconductor switches offer very fast switching speeds and are smaller and lighter than relays, making them ideal for space-critical applications. Furthermore, semiconductor switches have no moving parts, meaning there is no mechanical wear, which increases their service life and makes them less susceptible to mechanical failure. Furthermore, semiconductor switches enable precise control of the switching behavior by applying control voltages, enabling finer control in many applications. It is also conceivable for the communication module to be designed to establish a wired connection via at least the first contact, the second contact, or a third contact. In other words, one of the contacts can serve as the connection point for the wired connection.This provides the advantage of making a wired connection particularly easy, especially through a plug-in contact. This eliminates the need for complex cable routing or the provision of special wires.

[0036] Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible for the first contact and the second contact to have a spacing that corresponds to a grid dimension of a fuse. In other words, the contacts can be spaced such that they fit into a slot that was originally intended for a fuse. Fuses are standardized, in particular according to DIN 72581 and / or ISO 8820-3 and / or JASO D612-4. It can be provided that the spacing corresponds at least to a spacing specified in DIN 72581 and / or ISO 8820-3 and / or JASO D612-4. This can achieve the advantage that fuses can be replaced with a fuse module according to the invention without any geometric adjustments having to be made. In particular, the fuse modules fit on plug-in boards of fuse boxes that were designed for fuses and conventional relays.

[0037] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that a third contact is provided, wherein in particular the third contact forms a footprint with the first contact and the second contact, which corresponds to a grid dimension of a fuse arrangement. In other words, the at least three contacts can be spaced apart from one another within a plane such that the respective distances fit exactly into a grid dimension of a fuse arrangement. The fuse arrangement can be standardized, in particular according to DIN 72581 and / or ISO 8820-3 and / or JASO D612-4. This can achieve the advantage that fuses can be replaced with a fuse module according to the invention without any geometric adjustments having to be made. In particular, the fuse modules thus fit on plug-in boards of fuse boxes designed for fuses and conventional relays.

[0038] The above object is further achieved according to a second aspect of the invention by a fuse box comprising at least one fuse module according to the invention and a plug-in board, wherein the plug-in board in particular has a grid dimension for inserting fuses that corresponds to a fuse arrangement. Thus, a fuse box according to the invention offers the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to a fuse module according to the invention.

[0039] The above object is further achieved by a vehicle according to the invention, comprising at least one security module according to the invention and / or a fuse box according to the invention.

[0040] Thus, a vehicle according to the invention brings with it the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a fuse module according to the invention and / or a fuse box according to the invention.

[0041] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The invention is illustrated in the following figures:

[0042] Fig. 1: a security module according to the invention,

[0043] Fig. 2: Security modules according to the invention in an inventive

[0044] fuse box,

[0045] Fig. 3: a security module according to the invention in a perspective view, and

[0046] Fig. 4: a vehicle according to the invention with an inventive

[0047] Fuse module and in a fuse box according to the invention.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a fuse module 100 for interrupting an electrical circuit, in particular in a vehicle 300 (see Fig. 4), comprising a reversible switching element 110, which is designed to conduct current from a first contact 121 to a second contact 122 through an electrical connection in the closed state I and to interrupt the electrical connection between the first contact 121 and the second contact 122 in an open state II, a diagnostic module 130, which is designed to detect at least the closed state I or the open state II of the reversible switching element 110 as a diagnosis, and a communication module 140, which is designed to output the diagnosis. The fuse modules 100 according to the invention are arranged in Fig. 2 on a plug-in board 210 of a fuse box 200 according to the invention.Conventional fuses 160 and relays 170 are also plugged into the plug-in board 210, especially without the communication module 140.

[0049] Overall, the fuse module 100 according to the invention achieves the advantage of enabling cost-effective and reliable protection of electrical circuits, even with increased requirements for the tripping characteristics and / or control. The reversible switching element 110 allows the electrical contact between the first contact 121 and the second contact 122 to be switched multiple times, thus saving costs compared to a switch that can only trip once. The diagnostic module 130, which is designed to detect at least the closed state I or the open state II of the reversible switching element 110 as a diagnosis, offers the advantage that the status of the reversible switching element 110 is available as information, which can then be evaluated and incorporated into safety diagnostics.The communication module 140 ensures that the diagnosis is also available outside the security module 100 for further processing.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 1, the communication module 140 can be configured to provide at least one wireless connection or one wired connection. Wired connections offer the advantage of a particularly reliable and stable connection. They are less susceptible to interference or faults. Wireless connections enable high mobility and flexibility, since no physical cables are required or cannot be laid due to space constraints.

[0051] Furthermore, it can be provided that the diagnostic module 130 is designed to detect at least one further property of the reversible switching element 110. By detecting at least one further property, more information can be transmitted and processed, thereby further increasing the reliability of the operation of the security module 100.

[0052] As also shown in Fig. 1, a computing unit 150 can be provided, which is designed to algorithmically further process at least one measured value from the diagnostic module 130 into further processing data, and in particular to transmit the further processing data to the communication module 140. Further processing by a computing unit 150 offers the advantage that at least part of the evaluation already takes place in the security module 100 itself. The computing unit 150 can also be designed to calculate a complex switching command, in particular a pulse width modulation, and / or to control the reversible switching element 110 according to the complex switching command. Since no external controls need to be wired to the security module 100, such controls can also be implemented more easily and cost-effectively.

[0053] Fig. 1 also shows the variants according to which the reversible switching element 110 is designed as a relay 111 and / or as a semiconductor switch 112. For the sake of simplicity, both variants are shown in one switching element 110, but switching elements 110 each with only one relay 111 or one semiconductor switch 112 can also be provided. Relays 111 can switch high currents and voltages and are resistant to external influences such as vibrations and shocks. In addition, they offer true galvanic isolation between the control and load circuits. The semiconductor switch 112 can, in particular, be designed as a transistor, MOSFET, or IGBT. Semiconductor switches 112 offer very fast switching speeds and are smaller and lighter than relays 170, making them ideal for space-critical applications.Furthermore, semiconductor switches 112 enable precise control of the switching behavior by applying control voltages, which enables finer control in many applications.

[0054] It can further be provided that the communication module 140 is designed to establish a wired connection at least via the first contact 121, the second contact 122, or a third contact 123. In Fig. 1, a wired connection can be established via the third contact 123. The wired connection provides the advantage of enabling a particularly simple and reliable connection, in particular via a plug-in contact.

[0055] Furthermore, the first contact 121 and the second contact 122 can have a spacing that corresponds to a grid dimension of a fuse 160 (shown in Fig. 2). This makes it possible to achieve the advantage that fuses 160 can be replaced by a fuse module 100 according to the invention without any geometric adjustments having to be made. If, as shown in Fig. 3, for example, a third contact 123 or even more contacts are provided, the third contact 123 in particular can form a footprint with the first contact 121 and the second contact 122 that corresponds to a grid dimension of a fuse arrangement. This makes it possible to achieve the advantage that fuses 160 can be replaced by a fuse module 100 according to the invention without any geometric adjustments having to be made.In particular, the fuse modules 100 fit on plug-in boards 210 of fuse boxes 200, which are designed for fuses 160 and conventional relays 111.

[0056] Also shown in Fig. 2 is a fuse box 200 according to the invention, comprising at least one fuse module 100 according to the invention and a plug-in board 210, wherein in particular the plug-in board 210 has a grid dimension for inserting fuses which corresponds to a fuse arrangement.

[0057] Fig. 4 finally shows a vehicle 300 according to the invention, comprising at least one security module 100 according to the invention and / or one fuse box 200 according to the invention.

[0058] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0059] List of reference symbols

[0060] Security module

[0061] switching element

[0062] relay

[0063] semiconductor switch first contact second contact third contact

[0064] Diagnostic module

[0065] Communication module

[0066] Computing unit conventional fuse conventional relay

[0067] fuse box

[0068] Breadboard

[0069] Vehicle closed state open state

Claims

Patent claims 1. Fuse module (100) for interrupting an electrical circuit, in particular in a vehicle (300), comprising a reversible switching element (110) which is designed to conduct current from a first contact (121) to a second contact (122) through an electrical connection in a closed state (I) and to interrupt the electrical connection between the first contact (121) and the second contact (122) in an open state (II), a diagnostic module (130) which is designed to detect at least the closed state (I) or the open state (II) of the reversible switching element (110) as a diagnosis, and a communication module (140) which is designed to output the diagnosis.

2. Security module (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication module (140) is designed to provide at least one wireless connection or one wired connection.

3. Safety module (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the diagnostic module (130) is designed to detect at least one further property of the reversible switching element (110).

4. Security module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a computing unit (150) is provided which is designed to algorithmically process at least one measured value of the diagnostic module (130) into further processing data, and in particular to transmit the further processing data to the communication module (140), and / or that a computing unit (150) is provided which is designed to calculate a complex switching command, in particular a pulse width modulation, and / or to control the reversible switching element (110) according to the complex switching command.

5. Security module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the reversible switching element (110) is designed as a relay (111) and / or as a semiconductor switch (112).

6. Security module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication module (140) is designed to establish a wire connection at least via the first contact (121), the second contact (122) or a third contact (123).

7. Fuse module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first contact (121) and the second contact (122) have a distance which corresponds to a grid dimension of a fuse (160).

8. Fuse module (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a third contact (123) is provided, wherein in particular the third contact (123) forms a footprint with the first contact (121) and the second contact (122) which corresponds to a grid dimension of a fuse arrangement.

9. Fuse box (200), comprising at least one fuse module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and a plug-in board (210), wherein in particular the plug-in board (210) has a grid dimension for inserting fuses which corresponds to a fuse arrangement.

10. Vehicle (300) comprising at least one security module (100) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a fuse box (200) according to claim 9.

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