Supplying electrical loads in a vehicle with electrical energy, and protecting the loads and / or their supply-line network from overload

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for providing electrical energy via a supply-line network (10) of a vehicle. The device has a plurality of electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c). All of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) or parts thereof are interconnected for rapid communication via one or more event-signaling lines (38, 42, 44) in order to be able to respond, in a specified way, faster than a superordinate energy-management unit (32) of the supply-line network (10) in the event of faults in the supply-line network (10) or in the loads (14, 16, 18, 20).

Description

[0001] Supplying electrical energy to electrical consumers in a vehicle and protecting the consumers and / or their supply network from overload

[0002] The invention relates to the supply of electrical energy to electrical consumers in a vehicle and the protection of the consumers and / or their supply line network from functional impairments and / or disturbances, in particular from overload. Specifically, the invention relates to a device for a vehicle for providing electrical energy via a supply line network from at least one energy source to at least one consumer and for protecting the at least one consumer and / or the supply line network from functional impairments and / or disturbances, in particular from overload. Furthermore, the invention relates to a supply line network for vehicles with at least one of the aforementioned devices.

[0003] The electrical supply networks in vehicles, which provide power to the electrical devices, must be protected from damage due to malfunctions. This also applies to the electrical devices themselves. Fuses are installed in the supply networks for this purpose.

[0004] While fuses were used in the past, electronic fuses have become increasingly common in recent years. These offer the additional advantage that the semiconductor switches of such electronic fuses can also be used to change the configuration of individual lines in the power supply network.

[0005] The electronic fuses in such vehicle power supply networks are connected via a communication bus to an energy management control unit. This control unit can also manage the multiple power sources typically found in the power supply network.

[0006] Examples of such supply line networks with electronic safeguards that can be reconfigured in certain potential danger situations are described in DE 10 2022 130 505 Al, DE 10 2022 130 506 Al and WO 2023 / 089066 A2.

[0007] In the automotive industry, particularly with regard to safety-relevant electrical consumers such as electric steering or electric braking systems, there is a requirement that in the event of an interruption of the power supply, it must be restored within the shortest possible time (e.g. 100 psec).

[0008] The object of the invention is to create a device for a vehicle for providing electrical energy via a supply line network from at least one energy source for at least one consumer and for protecting the at least one consumer and / or the supply line network from overload, in which communication between electronic fuses takes place as quickly as possible in the event of events that could potentially impair the supply of the at least one consumer and the protection of the supply line network from overload.

[0009] To solve this problem, the invention relates to a device for a vehicle for providing electrical energy via a supply line network from at least one energy source to at least one consumer and for protecting the at least one consumer and / or the supply line network from functional impairments and / or disturbances, in particular from overload and / or voltage drop, with

[0010] - several electronic fuses, each with at least one semiconductor switch, for the purpose of protecting at least one consumer and / or the supply line network or parts of the supply line network from functional impairments and / or disturbances, in particular from overload, arranged in electrical supply lines to which one or more consumers can be connected, wherein each electronic fuse operates according to at least one adjustable and variable operating parameter,

[0011] - wherein each electronic fuse has at least one diagnostic unit for detecting at least one event that potentially impairs the supply of at least one consumer with predetermined electrical energy and / or with predetermined electrical power from the at least one energy source and / or the protection of the at least one consumer and / or the supply line network or a part of the supply network due to malfunctions and / or disturbances, in particular due to overload and / or voltage drop, and / or that is representative of an indication of an impending or imminent undersupply of the at least one consumer and / or of an impairment of the protection of the at least one consumer and / or the supply line network due to malfunctions and / or disturbances, in particular due to overload and / or voltage drop,

[0012] - wherein each electronic fuse is further equipped with a bus communication interface for connection to a communication bus for connection to an energy management control unit for controlling the electronic fuses for the purpose of supplying the at least one electrical load or at least one of the electrical loads with electrical energy and / or with electrical power in one or in each of a predefinable value range from the at least one energy source or from at least one of the energy sources and, if applicable, furthermore for setting the at least one operating parameter of at least one of the electronic fuses and / or, if applicable, furthermore for specifying a change in the switching state of the at least one semiconductor switch of at least one of the electronic fuses and / or for specifying the change in the at least one adjustable operating parameter of at least one of the electronic fuses and

[0013] - at least one event signaling line to which at least one group of at least two or at least three or at least four or, generally speaking, at least N, with N being a natural number other than zero, electronic fuses are connected,

[0014] - wherein at least one electronic fuse of the at least one group, upon the occurrence of at least one of the said events, signals the occurrence of at least one of the said events to at least one of the other or all other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line by sending an event signal, and the reception of this event signal by at least one of the other or by all other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line leads to a predefined change and / or to maintaining the current switching state of the at least one semiconductor switch of at least one other or all other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line, and / or to a predefined change and / or to maintaining the at least one adjustable operating parameter of at least one of theother or all other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line and

[0015] - wherein the at least one electronic fuse also detects an event other than one detected by the at least one diagnostic unit, which potentially impairs the supply of the at least one consumer with predeterminable electrical energy and / or with predeterminable electrical power from the at least one energy source and / or the protection of the at least one consumer and / or the supply network or a part of the supply network from functional impairments and / or disturbances, in particular from overload, and / or which is representative of an indication of an impending or imminent undersupply of the at least one consumer and / or of an impairment of the protection of the at least one consumer and / or the supply network or a part of the supply network from functional impairments and / or disturbances, in particular from overload,by sending an event signal to at least one of the other or all other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line, and the reception of this event signal by at least one other or all other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line leads to a predefined change and / or to maintaining the current switching state of the at least one semiconductor switch, at least one other or all other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line, and / or to a predefined change and / or to maintaining the at least one adjustable operating parameter of at least one other or all other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line.

[0016] The invention provides for interconnecting individual groups of electronic fuses via an additional line, namely an event signaling line. Through this event signaling line, which in the simplest case is designed as a single line, one of the connected electronic fuses can signal to the other electronic fuses the occurrence or an indication of the impending occurrence of an event that could potentially impair the protection of the supply network and / or the consumer(s) from overload or the supply of the consumer(s).

[0017] Every electronic fuse, which typically has one controllable semiconductor switch, but can also have several such semiconductor switches (in which case it is typically referred to as an electronic multi-channel fuse), typically has a diagnostic unit that detects malfunctions of the electronic fuse during operation. This unit advantageously also detects the onset of an impending undersupply or the occurrence of a potential overload of the supply network or parts thereof and / or the consumer. Such events or impending events can also be reported to the relevant electronic fuses by the energy management control unit. Typically, when such an event occurs, an electronic fuse would, for example, open its at least one previously closed semiconductor switch.In the event that the electronic fuse is used to supply a safety-relevant device with electrical energy and power, another fuse would have to "step in" by activating its at least one semiconductor switch, which is located in a line also leading to the safety-relevant device. To enable this to happen as quickly as possible, such electronic fuses are connected via the event signaling line according to the invention. Unlike conventional communication bus systems, communication via this event signaling line does not involve sending data packets with a header and payload, but rather uses binary signals, specifically one-bit signals, or a wired-OR connection.The event signaling line, for example, carries a nominal level in the low volt range when no event signal is being transmitted. When an electronic fuse detects and signals one of these events, it is pulled to ground, for example. Such concepts are generally known, but not in the context of the rapid reporting of safety-relevant events in vehicle power supply networks equipped with electronic fuses.

[0018] Each electronic fuse connected to an event signaling line behaves according to a predefined scenario. For example, it executes a predefined action when an event signal level deviating from the nominal level is present at its event signaling line connection. This action could consist of, for instance, switching on or off at least one semiconductor switch, or at least one of the semiconductor switches, or it could involve changing operating parameters of the electronic fuse, or executing predefined sequences within the electronic fuse. Other scenarios are also conceivable.

[0019] It is also conceivable that quasi-dynamic processes can be implemented as actions. For example, if supply disruptions are imminent or have already occurred due to the formation of arcs, the event signaling line could first be used to ensure that the electronic fuses in the affected lines are switched off in order to extinguish the arc, and then the semiconductor switches of the fuses would be switched back on, after which the message "no event" would be present on the event signaling line.

[0020] The redundant power supply for safety-relevant components in a vehicle, mentioned above, is currently sometimes achieved by keeping both electronic fuses in, for example, two lines leading to the component permanently switched on. If one of these fuses then fails, the component's power supply is still guaranteed via at least one other fuse. However, a certain problem arises from the fact that with two electronic fuses connected in parallel, whose semiconductor switches are switched on, it is not possible to accurately estimate the total current supplied by both fuses or how this current is distributed between them. It could be too low or too high. For the purposes of diagnosing the fuses, or...To verify the sufficient performance of each individual fuse in such a design, it is advantageous to temporarily supply power to the consumer via only one of the fuses. Potential problems that may arise during such a diagnostic procedure require a very rapid response mechanism, for which the event signaling line provided according to the invention serves, in order to restore the regular operation of the temporarily deactivated fuse(s).It is therefore preferable to proceed according to the invention in such a way that of the two parallel-connected electronic fuses, only one has its semiconductor switch activated. This allows the semiconductor switch of this electronic fuse to be deactivated and the semiconductor switch of the second parallel-connected electronic fuse to be quickly activated when this electronic fuse detects, for example, an impending or actual overload of the supply line and / or an impending or actual undersupply to the consumer. This rapid activation is achieved by signaling a fault or undersupply from one fuse to the other fuse via the event signaling line provided according to the invention.

[0021] However, an electronic fuse that is not currently activated could also report a malfunction to signal another or more other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line that, if one of these other electronic fuses fails, it cannot activate its semiconductor switch, and that this action must therefore be taken over by another of the electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line. For this purpose, one could, for example, install an electronic fuse in each of three parallel lines leading to the same load.

[0022] The inventive approach of rapid communication of malfunctions or shutdown functions of individual electronic fuses via the event signaling line thus offers a multitude of advantages, such as how to react as quickly as possible, i.e. within time spans of less than 100 ps, ​​preferably less than 70 ps, ​​further preferably less than 50 ps and in particular less than 30 ps, ​​in supply line networks for consumers in vehicles to disturbances or other events that impair the functionality of the supply line network.

[0023] The event signaling line provided according to the invention is, for example, configured for the transmission of wired-AND or wired-OR signals (open-collector signals or open-drain signals). Lines configured in this way are known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, interrupt lines (i.e., dedicated hardware interrupts) can also be used. Finally, the event signaling line can also be designed as a real-wire-based direct signaling system for optically coupled and optically coupled signals. Parallel wiring with TTiyCEMOS levels is also suitable as classic point-to-point or multipoint signal lines. All these alternatives describe lines that differ from data buses such as SPI, I, etc. 2 C, CAN, LIN etc. differ in that they do not include protocol overhead and addressing.

[0024] The event signal is preferably a binary signal. Alternatively, the event signal can also be multilevel, meaning it can optionally have more than two levels. In both cases, the crucial point is that the event signal, transmitted via the event signaling line, enables rapid actions and allows for quick responses by the electronic safeguards. For example, by defining multiple levels, at least two different escalation levels can be signaled via a single line.

[0025] An exemplary supply line network according to the invention for a vehicle thus comprises, in addition to the at least one energy source and the at least one electrical consumer, an energy management control unit as mentioned above, and a communication bus for the transmission of control and / or configuration data from the energy management control unit to the electronic fuses and, if applicable, further for the transmission and / or exchange of such data between at least some of the electronic fuses among themselves and / or with the energy management control unit, as well as the device according to the invention.

[0026] In addition to events attributable to the diagnostic unit and its diagnosis and analysis, other events potentially affecting the protection of the supply network, parts thereof, or consumers are also reported via the event signaling line. Alternatively, if electronic fuses are used that lack self-test capabilities or self-fault detection, i.e., they do not have a corresponding diagnostic unit, such events cannot be signaled via the event signaling line. Instead, only the other events mentioned above can be signaled. This primarily refers to tripping events of individual electronic fuses that do not result from a fault diagnosed by the electronic fuse itself.These other events also include, for example, a self-test event of the communication of the electronic fuses within the respective group, as well as the expected reactions of the electronic fuses compared to the actual reactions of the electronic fuses, whereby the result of the self-test can be signaled, in particular by bidirectional transmission of event signals within the group of electronic fuses.

[0027] The effects of detecting events of any kind mentioned above on the electronic fuse itself, which reports the event, as well as on any other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line, can include not only tripping and switching operations but also changes in operating parameter settings. Examples of operating parameters include, but are not limited to: the tripping threshold, the degree of change in the current rise up to the tripping threshold (fast-acting, slow-blow fuses), the manner and degree of evaluation of short-term current and / or voltage fluctuations, particularly increases below the tripping threshold, the I²t short-term overload capacity of the supply network or a part thereof, or of the consumer, and the maximum temperature load.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the error signal can be a binary signal, as briefly mentioned above, with one of the essential advantages of the invention being that this binary signal allows for considerably shorter delays or response times compared to a message-based communication bus with possible arbitration, as would be the case via the communication bus with energy management control unit.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the event signaling line to have a nominal level within a nominal level range when no event signal is being transmitted, and for the event signaling line to have a signal level outside this nominal level range when an event signal is being transmitted. This level is representative to the other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line that at least one of the aforementioned events has occurred. Each electronic fuse connected to the event signaling line "knows" what to do in the event of an event occurring and being signaled. By using multiple (e.g.,two) Each of these event signaling lines can exhibit a nominal level when none of the aforementioned events are present. By selecting the event signaling line that exhibits the event signal level (which differs from the nominal level) in the event of an event, the type of signaled event can be coded.

[0029] It is also advantageous if each of several electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line can signal at least one of the said events to the other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line by sending an event signal.As already described above, one application of the device according to the invention can consist in that at least one of the electronic fuses is provided for arrangement in different supply lines to which a consumer assigned to these supply lines can be connected, and that the sending of the event signal leads to the switching off of the at least one semiconductor switch of said electronic fuse which was switched on until that time and to the switching on of the at least one semiconductor switch of an electronic fuse which was switched off until that time provided for arrangement in one of the other supply lines leading to the consumer.

[0030] Finally, it is also conceivable that the energy management control unit is notified of the occurrence of at least one of the aforementioned events, or of the occurrence of one of the aforementioned events, by the electronic fuse sending an event signal via the event signaling line, or by at least one of the electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line. In this case, the energy management control unit is still not involved in forwarding the signal indicating the occurrence of an event, but receives information about the fact that an event has occurred.

[0031] This information transmission can occur, for example, via the communication bus or by connecting the energy management control unit itself to the event signaling line. In the latter case, the energy management control unit could, in turn, transmit at least one signal via electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line when it is necessary to react very quickly to events that impair the functionality of the supply network. Such a signal from the energy management control unit could, for example,The system can be used to assume a state by a predefined change and / or by maintaining the current switching state of at least one semiconductor switch of another or at least one of these other electronic fuses and / or by a predefined change and / or by maintaining at least one adjustable operating parameter of another or at least one of these other electronic fuses. By connecting the energy management control unit to the event signaling line (optionally in addition to the communication bus), the energy management control unit can also act as a transmitter, synchronously switching any number of electronic fuses or fuse channels of electronic fuses into predefined states in a very short time. This can be used for fault handling, but also for verifying the correct fuse responses.

[0032] It can also be advantageous if the event is a fault event or a shutdown event that potentially impairs the supply of at least one consumer with predefinable electrical energy and / or with predefinable electrical power from the at least one energy source or the functionality of one of the electronic fuses, in which the at least one semiconductor switch of at least one of the electronic fuses switches from its on state to its off state to protect the at least one consumer and / or the supply line network or a part thereof from overload, whereby the event signal is either a fault event signal or a shutdown event signal.

[0033] It may also be advantageous if the event is a fault event or a shutdown event in which the at least one semiconductor switch of at least one of the electronic fuses changes from its on state to its off state, and the event signal is either a fault event signal or a shutdown event signal, potentially impairing the supply of at least one consumer with predeterminable electrical energy and / or with predeterminable electrical power from the at least one energy source or the functionality of one of the electronic fuses, and in which the at least one semiconductor switch of at least one of the electronic fuses changes from its on state to its off state, wherein the event signal is either a fault event signal or a shutdown event signal.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one of the electronic fuses signals the other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line via the event signaling line the presence of this shutdown event by sending a shutdown event signal, and the reception of the shutdown event signal by the other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line leads to a predefined change and / or to the maintenance of the current switching state of the at least one semiconductor switch and / or to a predefined change and / or to the maintenance of the at least one adjustable operating parameter of at least one of the other electronic fuses.

[0035] In the aforementioned case, differences could be made via the event signaling line by imprinting a fault event signal level that differs from the nominal level range, and by imprinting a shutdown event signal level that differs from both the nominal level range and the fault event signal level, indicating which type of event is reported via the event signaling line.

[0036] It is advantageous in this respect that the event signaling line, when neither a fault event signal nor a shutdown event signal is transmitted, has a nominal level that lies within a nominal level range and is stored in the electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line; that, when a fault event signal is transmitted, the event signaling line has a fault event signal level that lies outside the nominal level range and is representative for the other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line for the presence of a fault event; and that, when a shutdown event signal is transmitted, the event signaling line has a shutdown event signal level.which is also outside the nominal level range and differs from the fault event signal level, and which is representative for the other electronic fuses connected to the event signaling line for the presence of a shutdown event.

[0037] In the aforementioned case, it may be provided, for example, that the fault event signal level is below the nominal level range and the shutdown event signal level is above the nominal level range, or vice versa.

[0038] As briefly mentioned above, in the case of a multi-channel event signaling line, or in other words, multiple event signaling lines, each can have a nominal level within a nominal level range when no event signal is transmitted, and when an event signal is transmitted to encode the type of event, each can have at least one predefined level outside the nominal level range.

[0039] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings. Specifically, the drawings show:

[0040] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary arrangement of groups of electronic fuses in a vehicle power supply network for electrical consumers.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows the structure of an electronic fuse as a block diagram, for example, the top group in Fig. 1 consisting of two electronic fuses, each integrated in its own IC.

[0042] Fig. 3 shows the embodiment in which two electronic fuses are integrated into one IC, illustrating multi-channel integration of electronic fuses in a common IC.

[0043] Figure 1 shows an example of a vehicle's power supply network 10 (see the thicker lines). The power supply network 10 connects one or more power sources 12 (only one power source is shown in Figure 1) to individual consumers 14, 16, 18, and 20. Several electronic fuses 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, and 26c are arranged in the power supply network 10 and, in this embodiment, are grouped into three separate units. Each electronic fuse has a bus communication interface 28, through which it is connected via a communication bus 30 to a (central) power management control unit 32. This control unit is also connected via a further communication bus 34 to the at least one power source 12.The individual electronic fuses can be configured via the energy management control unit 32 and, in particular, activated depending on the switched-on consumer in order to assume their safety function in the operating state of the individual consumers.

[0044] As mentioned above, the electronic fuses in this embodiment are divided into three groups 22, 24, 26. This is merely an example. According to group 22, the two electronic fuses 22a, 22b supply one and the same load 14 via two parallel-connected supply lines 36a and 36b.

[0045] In its operating state, this consumer 14 is supplied with electrical energy via one of the two electronic fuses 22a, 22b. If a fault occurs or an impending fault is detected, the supply of electrical energy to the consumer 14 must be ensured. For this purpose, the activated electronic fuse switches off when it detects a malfunction, whereupon the other electronic fuse is activated as quickly as possible. To enable this rapid response, the two fuses are connected to each other in this embodiment via an event signaling line 38. The event signal sent from the tripping fuse to the switching-on fuse is realized, for example, by injecting an event signal level into the event signaling line 38.While this line, for example, exhibits a nominal voltage level when no event is present, the nominal voltage is reduced to, for example, ground when an event signal is transmitted. The two electronic fuses are thus connected to each other in a wired-or configuration and can advantageously provide mutual status signaling without direct communication with the energy management control unit 32. The terminals 40 of the two fuses, via which they are connected to the event signaling line 38, are therefore equipped with fast-switching pull-up and pull-down circuits.

[0046] In Fig. 1, a dashed line indicates that the event signaling line 38 can also be connected to the energy management control unit 32. This connection then serves, for example, to quickly report an event to the energy management control unit 32, which can then initiate further actions and changes in the supply line network 10, for example via the communication bus 30.

[0047] Another example of the interconnection of two electronic fuses concerns group 24 with electronic fuses 24a and 24b. These two fuses also have the terminals 40 previously described in connection with the fuses of group 22, which in this case are connected to each other via an event signaling line 42. The series arrangement of the two fuses 24a and 24b serves, for example, to ensure disconnectability and thus to protect the load 16 in the event that one of the two fuses can no longer function properly during operation of the load 16 because it can no longer be switched from its on state to the off state (because, for example, its semiconductor switch is shorted out).In this case, the second electronic fuse is still available to redundantly interrupt the electrical supply to consumer 16 in emergencies, if this is necessary due to an impending overload in the supply network 10 or due to an overload of consumer 16.

[0048] A third example of the interconnection of electronic fuses, linked via an event signaling line 44 for rapid alternating action, is shown in Fig. 1 for group 26. This arrangement is relevant, for example, in a scenario where the two loads 18 and 20 are to be supplied with electrical energy, i.e., the two fuses 26a and 26b are switched on. If a fault occurs in, for example, fuse 26b, requiring it to be switched off, this fuse 26b signals the other two fuses via the event signaling line 44 to initiate certain actions. With regard to electronic fuse 26c, this means that it must switch on as quickly as possible.Consequently, electronic fuse 26a takes over the electrical supply to both loads 18 and 20, and therefore its operating parameters must be adjusted, as it now has to transmit a higher electrical power. Thanks to the rapid communication between these fuses, changes in the energy transmission capacity of electronic fuses can be addressed very quickly.

[0049] Figure 1 indicates that the two event signaling lines 42 and 44 can each be connected to the energy management control unit 32. However, the connection of different event signaling lines to the energy management control unit 32 does not necessarily have to be via separate lines, but can also be made via a common connection, through which several event signaling lines are then interconnected up to the energy management control unit 32. Figure 2 shows the structure of two electronic fuses, for example, electronic fuses 22a and 22b, each as a block diagram. In this embodiment, the two electronic fuses are integrated into separate ICs 46A and 46B.

[0050] Each electronic fuse has a control unit 48, comprising, for example, a microprocessor and corresponding additional electronics and surrounding components. The control unit 48 is connected to the communication bus 30 via a data communication interface 50 and the bus communication interface 28. Each electronic fuse is connected to the power source-side part of the supply line network 10 via a BAT (Battery Access Terminal), and a connection to, for example, electrical loads is established via an output terminal 52, either directly via a connecting line or indirectly via other parts of the supply line network 10 to the load. GND is the reference potential terminal. Each electronic fuse 22a has a semiconductor switch 54, which performs the actual switching function by selectively turning it on and off. A driver 56 controls the semiconductor switch 54.The driver 56 can be controlled, among other things, by the control unit 48 and a measuring device 58 advantageously connected to it, and also directly by a measuring instrument for, for example, current and, if applicable, temperature measurement (see the measuring instrument indicated at 59). The measuring device 58, in turn, communicates with the driver 56 and the control unit 48, and optionally also with the diagnostic unit 60 mentioned below.

[0051] Each electronic fuse 22a has at least one diagnostic unit 60 that detects faults, malfunctions, or impending events of the electronic fuse. This diagnostic unit 60 communicates with the control unit 48 and can itself control the driver 56, selectively switching the semiconductor switch 54 on or off, depending on the desired action in a previously occurring event. The diagnostic unit 60 is connected to the terminal 40, via which, in this embodiment according to Fig. 2, the two electronic fuses 22a and 22b are connected to their event signaling line 38. As can be seen, the bus communication interface 28 is connected to the communication bus 30.Further connections for the purpose of diagnosing all functionalities of electronic fuses are generally required for these devices, which is obvious to a person skilled in the art and is therefore not shown in detail in Figures 1 and 2. The direct communication connection between the diagnostic unit 60 and the measuring device 58 has the advantage that the diagnostic unit 60 receives rudimentary features for ad hoc evaluation of currents in the line to be protected directly from the measuring device 58 and can report them directly to the driver 56, which can then react quickly and, if necessary, switch off the semiconductor switch 54.

[0052] In Fig. 3, the group 22 of electronic fuses 22a and 22b is integrated into a common IC 46. The individual components of the two fuses 22a and 22b, previously described with reference to Fig. 2, are designated in Fig. 3 with the same reference numerals as in Fig. 2.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the two control units 48 for the two fuses are designated as a single block. This block is then, so to speak, divided into a first part for controlling the components of electronic fuse 22a and a second part for controlling the components of electronic fuse 22b. Both parts can be interconnected for communication and / or control purposes. Fig. 3 shows that the event signaling line 38 is now designed as an integrated line of IC 46. The bus communication interface 28 is thus brought outwards, as are, of course, the connections VBAT and 54 (and GND) for supplying the electronic fuses with electrical energy and for passing electrical energy via the fuses to the load 14. [List of reference symbols]

[0054] Supply network

[0055] Energy sources

[0056] consumer

[0057] consumer

[0058] consumer

[0059] consumer

[0060] group

[0061] group

[0062] Group a electronic fuse b electronic fuse a electronic fuse b electronic fuse a electronic fuse b electronic fuse c electronic fuse

[0063] Bus communication interface

[0064] Communication bus

[0065] Energy management control unit, further communication bus a supply line b supply line

[0066] Event signaling line

[0067] Connection for the event signaling line

[0068] Event signaling line

[0069] Event signaling line

[0070] ICA ICB IC

[0071] Control unit

[0072] Data communication interface 52 output port

[0073] 54 semiconductor switches

[0074] 56 drivers

[0075] 58 Measuring device

[0076] 59 measuring instruments

[0077] 60 diagnostic units

[0078] VBAT supply potential connection

[0079] GND reference potential connection

Claims

REQUIREMENTS 1. Device for a vehicle for supplying electrical energy via a supply line network (10) from at least one energy source (12) to at least one consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) via at least one supply line and for protecting the at least one consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) and / or the supply line network (10) from malfunctions and / or disturbances, and in particular from overload and / or voltage drop, with several electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) each with at least one semiconductor switch (54) for protecting the at least one consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) and / or the supply line network (10) or parts of the supply line network (10) from malfunctions and / or disturbances, in particular from overload, provided in an arrangement in electrical supply lines, on which can be connected to one or more consumers (14, 16, 18, 20),wherein each electronic fuse (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) operates according to at least one adjustable and variable operating parameter, wherein each electronic fuse (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) has at least one diagnostic unit (60) for detecting at least one event that potentially impairs the supply of at least one load (14, 16, 18, 20) with predeterminable electrical energy and / or with predeterminable electrical power from the at least one energy source (12) and / or the protection of the at least one load (14, 16, 18, 20) and / or the supply line network (10) or a part of the supply network (10) due to malfunctions and / or faults, in particular due to overload and / or voltage drop, and / or is representative of an indication of an impending or imminent undersupply of at least one consumer (14, 16, 18,20) and / or on a, Impairment of the protection of the at least one consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) and / or the supply line network (10) due to functional impairments and / or malfunctions, in particular due to overload and / or voltage drop, wherein each electronic fuse (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) is further equipped with a bus communication interface (28) for connection to a communication bus (30) for connection to an energy management control unit (32) for controlling the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) for supplying the at least one electrical consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) or at least one of the electrical consumers (14, 16, 18, 20)20) with electrical energy and / or with electrical power in one or each of a predefinable value range from the at least one energy source (12) or from at least one of the energy sources (12) and, if applicable, further for setting the at least one operating parameter of at least one of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) and / or, if applicable, further for specifying a change in the switching state of the at least one semiconductor switch 54 of at least one of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) and / or for specifying the change in the at least one adjustable operating parameter of at least one of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) and at least one event signaling line (38, 42, 44), to which at least one group of at least two or at least three or at least four or, more generally, at least N, with N being a natural number other than zero,electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) are connected, wherein at least one electronic fuse (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) of the at least one group, when at least one of the said events occurs, at least one of the other or all other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) 26a, 26b, 26c) via the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) signals the occurrence of at least one of the said events by sending an event signal and the reception of this event signal by at least one of the other or by all other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) leads to a predefined change and / or to maintaining the current switching state of at least one semiconductor switch (54) of at least one other or all other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) and / or to a predefined change and / or to maintaining the current switching state of at least one semiconductor switch (54) of at least one other or all other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) one of the other or all other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 38, 42, 44) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44)24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) and wherein the at least one electronic fuse (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) also detects an event other than one detected by the at least one diagnostic unit (60) that potentially impairs the supply of the at least one consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) with predeterminable electrical energy and / or with predeterminable electrical power from the at least one energy source (12) and / or the protection of the at least one consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) and / or the supply line network (10) or a part of the supply line network (10) due to malfunctions and / or faults, in particular due to overload and / or voltage drop, and / or is representative of an indication of an impending or imminent undersupply of the at least one consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) and / or an impairment of the protection of at least one consumer (14, 16, 18, 20),and / or the supply line network (10) or a part of the supply line network (10) due to functional impairments and / or malfunctions, in particular due to overload and / or voltage drop, by sending an event signal from at least one of the other or from all other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) and the reception of this event signal by at least one other or by all other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) to a predefined change and / or to maintain the current switching state of the at least one semiconductor switch (54) of at least one other or all other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) Event signaling line (38, 42, 44) connected electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b,26a, 26b, 26c) and / or to a predefined change and / or to the maintenance of at least one adjustable operating parameter of at least one of the other or all other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the event signal is a binary signal or a multilevel signal.

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) has a nominal level, which lies within a nominal level range and which is stored in the other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) when no event signal is transmitted, and that the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) is transmitted, has an event signal level that is outside the nominal level range and is representative for the other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) that at least one of the said events is present.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) can signal at least one of the said events to the other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) by sending an event signal.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) is provided for arrangement in different supply lines to which a consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) associated with these supply lines can be connected, and that the sending of the event signal to switch off the at least one semiconductor switch (54) of said electronic fuse (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) which was switched on until that time, and to switch on the at least one semiconductor switch (54) of a supply line provided for arrangement in one of the other supply lines leading to the consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) which was switched on until that time, is Event signaling line (38, 42, 44) connected electronic fuse (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that an event signal is transmitted from the device via the event signaling line. (38, 42, 44) sending electronic fuse (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) or from at least one of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) the at least one said event or the presence of one of the said events can be transmitted to the energy management control unit (32).

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one said event or the presence of one of the said events can be transmitted to the energy management control unit (32) via the communication bus (30) from the electronic fuse (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) which sends an event signal via the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) or from at least one of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44).

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the energy management control unit (32) is connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) of the at least one group of electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) or to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) of each group of electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one said event or the occurrence of one of the said events can be transmitted to the energy management control unit (32) from the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) which send an event signal via the event signaling lines (38, 42, 44) or from at least one of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling lines (38, 42, 44), or that at least one signal to assume a state by means of a predefined change and / or by maintaining the current switching state of the at least one semiconductor switch (54) of at least one or all of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the respective event signaling line (38, 42, 44) is sent from the energy management control unit (32) via the respective event signaling line (38, 42, 44). 42, 44) connected electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c).

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the event is a fault event or a shutdown event potentially impairing the supply of at least one consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) with predeterminable electrical energy and / or with predeterminable electrical power from the at least one energy source (12) or the functionality of one of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c), in which the at least one semiconductor switch (54) of at least one of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) to protect the at least one consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) and / or the supply line network (10) or a part of the supply line network (10) from functional impairments and / or malfunctions, in particular from Overload and / or voltage drop, changes from its on state to its off state,and / or that the event signal is either an error event signal or a shutdown event signal.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) signals the occurrence of this shutdown event to the other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) via the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) by sending a shutdown event signal, and the reception of the shutdown event signal by at least one of the other or all other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) leads to a predefined change and / or to Maintaining the current switching state of the at least one semiconductor switch (54) and / or to a predefined change and / or to maintain the at least one adjustable operating parameter or any other electronic safeguards (22a,22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) leads., 12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) has a nominal level within a nominal level range when neither a fault event signal nor a shutdown event signal is transmitted, and that the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) has a fault event signal level outside the nominal level range when a fault event signal is transmitted, and that the other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) are stored in the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) are stored in the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) are stored in the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) The presence of a fault event is representative, and the event signaling line (38, 42, 44) has a shutdown event signal level when a shutdown event signal is transmitted.which is also outside the nominal level range and differs from the fault event signal level, and which is responsible for the event signaling, The other electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) connected to the fungs line (38, 42, 44) are representative for the presence of a shutdown event.

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the fault event signal level is below the nominal level range and the shutdown event signal level is above the nominal level range or vice versa.

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by several event signaling lines (38, 42, 44) which, when no event signal is transmitted, each have a nominal level within a nominal level range and, when an event signal is transmitted, have at least one predefined level outside the nominal level range to encode the type of event.

15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a self-test event of the communication of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) within the respective group as well as the expected reactions of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) compared to the actual reactions of the electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c) is also considered a recognized event and such an event can be signaled, in particular by bidirectional transmission of event signals within the group of electronic fuses (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, 26a, 26b, 26c).

16. Supply line network (10) for a vehicle for providing electrical energy from at least one energy source (12) to at least one consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) via at least one supply line and for the protection of the at least one consumer (14, 16, 18, 20) and / or the supply line network (10) from functional impairments and / or malfunctions, in particular from overload, with at least one device according to one of the preceding claims.

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