ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Abstract

An electrical system is provided. In a non-limiting embodiment, an electrical system may include a load circuit comprising a plurality of series-connected storage/converter cells for supplying the load circuit, and an event sensor. Isolator switches may be provided between series-connected storage/converter cells, said isolator switches being in a closed position during normal operation of the electrical system, and being arranged such that they change to an open position when the event sensor is triggered.

Claims

1. An electrical system, having a load circuit (22) and a plurality of series-connected storage/converter cells (24) for supplying the load circuit (22), and having an event sensor (26), characterized in that closed isolator switches (1) are provided between series-connected storage/converter cells (24) during normal operation of the electrical system, said isolator switches (1) being designed and/or arranged such that they are opened when the event sensor (26) is triggered.

2. The electrical system according to claim 1, characterized in that the isolator switches (1) are located between groups of storage/converter cells (24) which are combined such that each group delivers a voltage which is not harmful to people.

3. The electrical system according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that at least one additional isolator switch (1) is provided between the series-connected storage/converter cells (24) and the load circuit (22), the isolator switch being in a closed position in normal operation of the electrical system.

4. The electrical system according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one additional isolator switch is combined with a main switch (7) which, after triggering the event sensor (26), is in a position in which the load circuit (22) is short-circuited to the ground (16) of an electrically driven transportation means.

5. The electrical system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the isolator switches (1) have a contact stud (2) which is movable in a sleeve (3) with at least two contact rings (4, 28), wherein one contact ring is connected to the negative pole of a storage/converter cell (24) and the other contact ring is connected to the positive pole of another storage/converter cell (24).

6. The electrical system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a gas generator (23) is provided which can be triggered via the event sensor (26), wherein the isolator switch (1) is able to be brought from the closed to the open position by the gas pressure generated by the gas generator (23).

7. The electrical system according to claim 6, characterized in that the sleeves of a plurality of isolator switches (1) are connected to form a switching tube (3), wherein the gas generator (23) is provided at one end of the switching tube (3).

8. The electrical system according to claim 7, characterized in that the switching tube (3) has notches between the isolator switches (1).

9. The electrical system according to one of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the contact studs (2) have continuous gas passage openings (6) that are concentric or parallel to their central longitudinal axis, wherein the cross section of the gas passage openings (6) is smaller for a contact stud having a greater distance from the gas generator (23) than for a contact stud having a smaller distance from the gas generator (23).

10. The electrical system according to any one of claims 7 to 9 in an electrically driven transportation means, characterized by the following features: two switching tubes (3) are connected to a gas generator (23) a large number of contact studs (2) are provided in each switching tube (3) the switching tubes (3) are each provided with a main switch (7) at the end opposite the gas generator (23) each main switch (7) has a contact stud (13) and three contact rings (14; 15; 16) of the switching tube (3), wherein one of the contact rings (14) is connected to the negative pole or to the positive pole of a series-connected storage/converter cell, the second of the contact rings (15) is connected to the negative pole or the positive pole of the load circuit and the third of the contact rings (16) is connected to the ground of the transportation means.

Description

[0026] Further details and advantages of the invention arise from the description of an embodiment, which is explained in detail with reference to the drawing.

[0027] Shown are:

[0028] FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a circuit arrangement according to the invention in an electrically operated motor vehicle while driving,

[0029] FIG. 2 the circuit arrangement from FIG. 1 after an accident,

[0030] FIG. 3 a schematic sectional view of an isolator switch for connecting series-connected storage cells,

[0031] FIG. 4 an isolator switch as in FIG. 3 in its open position after being triggered in an accident,

[0032] FIG. 5 a schematic sectional view of a main switch for connecting a load circuit to a network of series-connected storage cells in the closed position and

[0033] FIG. 6 the main switch of FIG. 5 after triggering in an accident.

[0034] The embodiment of a circuit arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for use in a transportation means according to the invention, for example, in an electric vehicle, has a load circuit 22 which can be connected to a battery pack composed of several groups of storage cells 24 via two main switches 7. The groups of storage cells 24 each consist of a plurality of individual series-connected storage cells, wherein the output voltage of each group should remain below 50 V. Assuming that lithium-ion cells having 3.6 V each are used, a group 24 of 13 cells each gives an output voltage of 46.8 V.

[0035] In the example shown here, seven such groups 24 are series-connected via isolator switches 1. The structure of the isolator switch 1 and the main switch 7 will be discussed in detail later. The voltage applied to the load circuit is approximately 330 V. When higher voltages are required, either storage cells having a higher output voltage can be used or even more groups 24 are series-connected via further isolator switches 1.

[0036] A gas generator 23 is provided which has two outputs, wherein a switching tube 3 is connected to the gas generator 23 at each output. The isolator switches 1 are formed by the switching tube 3 with contact rings 4 (see FIG. 3) and each a gas-powered contact stud 2, the main switch 7 also through the switching tube 3 with contact rings 14, 15, 16 (see FIGS. 5-6) and another designed contact stud 13. In this way, three isolator switches 1 and a main switch 7 are implemented on each side of the gas generator 23 so that all eight switches can be actuated via the gas generator 23.

[0037] Furthermore, an impact sensor 26 and a controller 25 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Usually, the controller 25 and the impact sensor 26 do not necessarily have to be implemented as part of the circuit shown. For example, in every vehicle used for passenger transportation today, there are airbags that are also equipped with gas generators. A controller is used to trigger these airbags, the controller receiving a signal from an impact sensor and converting this into an activation signal for the gas generators of the airbags. This signal can also be tapped for the activation of the gas generator 23 in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this case, no specially installed impact sensor and no specially installed controller need be used to activate the gas generator 23.

[0038] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an isolator switch 1 in detail in section. Annular depressions are provided for receiving the contact rings 4, 28 in the inner surface of the switching tube 3. The contact rings 4, 28 are connected to the positive pole of a storage cell or to the negative pole of another storage cell in a manner not shown here. The two contact rings 4, 28 are connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner via the contact stud 2 in the closed position of the isolator switch 1 (see FIG. 3).

[0039] The contact ring 4 is made somewhat stronger than the contact ring 28. At the same time, the contact stud 2 has a correspondingly enlarged diameter in the region of the contact ring 28. When the contact stud 2 moves to the right in the opening direction, the contact stud 2 only has to overcome the friction to the contact rings 4, 28 for a short distance due to this configuration. After a very short distance, the contact stud 2 can further move practically without frictional resistance.

[0040] The switching tube 3 is provided with a bead 5 in the opening direction next to the contact stud 2. This bead 5 has the task of stopping the contact stud 2 when the contact stud is moved from its position shown in FIG. 3 by the gas pressure of a gas generator. This results in a defined end position for the contact stud 2.

[0041] In the open position of the isolator switch 1, the contact stud 2 assumes this end position shown in FIG. 4. Here, the contact stud 2 no longer touches both contact rings 4, 28, but is possibly only connected to the right contact ring 28, but not over the entire area. This eliminates the series connection of the two storage cells.

[0042] However, the isolator switch shown in FIG. 3 is not the same in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows a contact stud to illustrate the different gas passage openings 6, the position of which is further away from the gas generator than the contact stud from FIG. 3.

[0043] It can be clearly seen that the gas passage opening of the contact stud in FIG. 3 is larger than that of the contact stud in FIG. 4. As a result, the end face of the contact stud in FIG. 3 that opposes the gas pressure is smaller than that of the contact stud in FIG. 4. Only a part of the gas present at the end face thus passes through the gas passage opening in a contact stud.

[0044] This leads to a pressure drop on the opposite side of the contact stud. A lower gas pressure is therefore present at the next contact stud in the row. However, in order to keep the thrust force generated by the gas pressure above a certain amount even with this contact stud, the contact surface on the end face is larger with this contact stud and the cross section of the gas passage opening is therefore smaller.

[0045] FIGS. 5 and 6 show an embodiment of a main switch 7 having a linear drive 8 for its actuation. The linear drive 8 is designed here as a stepper motor, by means of which a push rod 11 can be linearly displaced along the axis of rotation of the stepper motor. The stepper motor has a stator 9 fixedly installed in the drive housing and a rotor 10 rotatably mounted within the stator 9. A threaded nut 17 is provided concentrically to the axis of rotation of the rotor 10, the threaded nut being connected torque-proof to the rotor 10, but being mounted displaceably along the axis of rotation of the rotor 10.

[0046] A push rod 11 is also provided concentric to the axis of rotation of the rotor 10, the push rod being mounted such that it is displaceable along the axis of rotation, but does not take part in the rotation of the rotor 10 and the threaded nut 17 connected torque-proof thereto. The push rod 11 is provided in the region of the threaded nut 17 with an external thread which is in operative contact with the internal thread of the threaded nut 17.

[0047] At its end opposite the main switch 7, the push rod 11 is provided with a push rod flange 20. This protrudes into a spring housing, which is installed in a fixed position to the drive housing. The spring 21 is located between the push rod flange 20 and the internal wall of the spring housing facing the drive housing, the spring pretensioning the push rod flange 20 slightly against the internal wall of the spring housing opposite the drive housing.

[0048] The round nut flange 18, which is located in a corresponding recess in the drive housing, is connected to the threaded nut 17. In addition to the recess for the nut flange 18, a solenoid 19 is fastened to the drive housing. This solenoid 19 is provided with a locking lever which, when the solenoid 19 is energized, locks the nut flange 18 and in this way prevents the threaded nut 17 from displacement in the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotor 10.

[0049] The main switch 7 is constructed such that the contact stud 13 is installed displaceably within the fixedly mounted switching tube 3. The contact stud 13 is designed as a hollow cylinder which is closed on its end face facing away from the push rod 11. On its open side, it is connected to the push rod 11 via a predetermined breaking point 12.

[0050] The predetermined breaking point 12 is not explicitly shown in the drawing, but a possible embodiment will be explained below. The predetermined breaking point 12 is preferably designed as a separate component. It has an inner ring which is connected to the push rod 11. It also has an outer ring which is connected to the open edge of the hollow cylinder of the contact stud 13. The inner and outer edges are connected to one another via three rays arranged in a star shape.

[0051] The rays are designed so that they break off when a predetermined force acts between the inner and the outer ring. The rays therefore form the actual predetermined breaking point.

[0052] The switching tube 3 has three annular depressions in its internal wall, into which depressions the contact rings 14, 15 and 16 are inserted. The left contact ring 14 is in contact with the storage cells 24, the middle 15 with the load circuit 22 and the right 16 with the ground. The contact stud 13 is designed such that it can electrically connect two contact rings to one another.

[0053] The gas outflow openings 27 are provided between the left 14 and the middle contact ring 15, close to the middle contact ring 15, through which gas outflow openings 27 the gas generated by the gas generator 23 can flow out as soon as the contact stud 13 is in the position shown in FIG. 6.

[0054] In the following, the function of the invention will now be explained based on an electric vehicle. In the rest position of the electric vehicle, not shown here, the two main switches 7 assume a position in which the contact studs 13 only contact the middle contact ring 15. There is therefore no voltage at the load circuit 22.

[0055] The solenoid 19 of each main switch 7 is located in the lowered position so that the nut flange 18 is not blocked. In this position, not shown here, however, no force acts on the push rod 11 due to the spring 21, since the push rod flange 20 rests on the right side wall of the spring housing.

[0056] The isolator switches 1 are all in the position shown in FIG. 1. They contact both contact rings 4, 28 at the same time. This means that all groups of storage cells 24 are connected to one another, that is, the full voltage would be available. However, this voltage is not yet present at the load circuit 22.

[0057] If the ignition key is now inserted into the ignition lock, the solenoid 19 is energized via the 12 V on-board battery and moves into its blocked position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Now the linear motor 8 is also connected to the vehicle electrical system.

[0058] If the ignition key is turned, the linear motor 8 is energized so that the rotor 10 rotates a predetermined number of steps. The push rod 11 is displaced into the operating position shown in FIG. 5. In this position, the contact stud 13 now connects the contact ring 14 to the storage cells 24 with a connection and the contact ring 15 to the load circuit 22 with a connection. The load circuit 22 is supplied with voltage in this operating position. The controllers of the load circuit 22 will not be explained further here.

[0059] When the electric vehicle is switched off, the linear motor 8 is energized when the ignition key is turned back such that the rotor 10 rotates in the opening direction. The push rod 11 and the contact stud 13 are pushed back into the rest position, not shown here. The main switch 7 is again in its open position, in which the load circuit 22 is not connected to the storage cells 24 and is therefore not supplied with voltage. When the ignition key is removed, the solenoid 19 falls back into its unblocked position.

[0060] Should the 12 V on-board battery fail for any reason during the operation of the electric vehicle, it would no longer be possible to disconnect the storage cells 24 from the load circuit 22, since the linear drive 8 can no longer be energized. The spring 21 and the solenoid 19 are provided for this situation. Starting from the operating position shown in FIG. 5, if the 12 V on-board voltage fails, the solenoid 19 falls back and the locking lever moves into its release position.

[0061] Starting from the operating position shown in FIG. 5, the force of the spring 21 now acts on the push rod 11 via the push rod flange 20 and displaces this together with the threaded nut 17 and the contact stud 13 to the right until the push rod flange 20 rests on the right internal wall of the spring housing. The main switch 7 is now in the open position, not shown, as has already been described above. The connection between the storage cells 24 and the load circuit 22 is consequently interrupted.

[0062] The electric vehicle can be put back into operation as soon as a repair has been carried out. When the ignition key is inserted into the ignition lock, the locking lever of the solenoid 19 cannot be moved into its blocked position, since the nut flange 18 prevents it from doing so. The controller, not shown here, therefore energizes the linear drive 8 in the opening direction. Since the push rod 11 cannot be displaced further to the right, the threaded nut 17 is pressed back into the rotor 10 to the left. After reaching the normal position of the threaded nut 17, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the locking lever of the solenoid 19 can now move back into its blocked position and the electric vehicle is ready to start again. The main switch 7 can be brought back into its operating position shown in FIG. 5 by energizing the linear motor 8 in the closing direction.

[0063] If the electric vehicle is involved in an accident, the load circuit 22 will be disconnected from the storage cells 24 very quickly. At the same time, however, the groups of storage cells will also be disconnected from one another so that only voltages that are harmless to people can occur.

[0064] Starting again from the operating position of the two main switches 7 shown in FIG. 5, the gas generator 23 is ignited in the middle between the two switching tubes 3 via an impact sensor 26 and a controller 25 (see FIG. 1). The resulting gas presses the contact studs 2 of the isolator switch 1 provided on both sides of the gas generator 23 into the open position shown in FIG. 4. Since only one of the contact rings is now contacted by each contact stud 2, there is no longer any connection between the individual groups of storage cells 24. In the case described here, only voltages of approximately 46.8 V can consequently be transmitted to electrically conductive parts of the electric vehicle. There is thus no longer any danger for people.

[0065] Since the contact studs 2 of the isolator switch 1 have all gas passage openings 6, there is still enough pressure in front of the contact studs 13 of the two main switches 7 to take effect here. As a result, the predetermined breaking point 12 breaks and the contact stud 13 is pressed to the right until it rests on the side wall of the switch housing facing the linear drive 8. This position of the main switch 7 is shown in FIG. 6. So that the internal pressure does not lead to an explosion of the switching tube 3, gas outflow openings 27 are provided between the left contact ring 14 and the middle contact ring 15, the gas outflow openings being only really clear when the contact stud is located completely in the position shown.

[0066] In FIG. 6, the contact stud 13 establishes a connection between the contact ring 15 to the load circuit 22 with connection and the contact ring 16 to ground with connection. In this way, not only can the load circuit be disconnected from the storage cells in the event of an accident, but it can also be discharged. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two main switches 7 are provided, wherein the contact ring 15 of the one main switch is connected to the positive connection of the load circuit 22 and the contact ring 15 of the other main switch is connected to the negative connection of the load circuit 22. In this case, both the negative connection and the positive connection of the load circuit are connected to ground in the event of an accident.

REFERENCE LIST

[0067] 1 isolator switch [0068] 2 gas pressure driven contact studs [0069] 3 switching tube [0070] 4 first contact ring [0071] 5 stop beads [0072] 6 gas passage opening [0073] 7 main switch [0074] 8 linear drive [0075] 9 rotor [0076] 10 stator [0077] 11 push rod [0078] 12 predetermined breaking point [0079] 13 contact stud of the main switch [0080] 14 contact ring with connection to the storage cells [0081] 15 contact ring with connection to the load circuit [0082] 16 contact ring with connection to ground [0083] 17 threaded nut [0084] 18 round nut flange [0085] 19 solenoid with locking lever [0086] 20 push rod flange [0087] 21 spring [0088] 22 load circuits [0089] 23 gas generator [0090] 24 storage cells or groups of storage cells [0091] 25 controller [0092] 26 impact sensor [0093] 27 gas outflow opening [0094] 28 second contact ring