DE102016012053A1 - Protective device for a motor vehicle and method for monitoring a contactor device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a contactor device (10) for a motor vehicle, wherein the contactor device (10) comprises a housing (18) and a coil (12) arranged in the housing (18), an armature (14a) and an armature (14a) first contact element (18), wherein the coil (12) for moving the armature (14a) can be acted upon by current, wherein the contactor (10) has two second contact elements (16a, 16b) and is arranged such that the second contact elements ( 16a, 16b) are electrically connected via the first contact element (18) in a closed state of the contactor device (10) and are not connected in an opened state of the protective device (10). Furthermore, the contactor device (10) has a diagnosis device (20) arranged in the housing (18), which is designed to detect a non-operational open state and / or a non-operational closed state of the contactor device (10).

Description

The invention relates to a contactor device for a motor vehicle and a method for monitoring a contactor device according to the preamble of the independent claims.

Contactors are a commonly used switching element to galvanically separate high electrical potentials from each other. Such contactors or contactors in general generally have a coil and a punch which may comprise an armature and a contact element coupled to the armature. In this case, the coil for moving the armature can be acted upon by electricity. For example, by moving the armature, the first contact element can electrically connect two further contact elements to each other and thereby provide a closed state of the contactor device. By returning the armature and thus the contact element, the further contact elements can be separated from each other again. When separating high currents, as they can occur, for example, in case of short circuits, there is the danger of a protective adhesive, that is, the contacts can weld together. The galvanic separation is no longer possible, which can cause danger to life and limb.

The DE 10 2014 222 673 A1 describes, for example, a contactor switch monitoring in an electric vehicle battery. For this purpose, a battery monitoring IC is provided, which is coupled via an evaluation switch with two contactors. In addition, the battery monitoring IC also measures the corresponding voltages of the battery cells. The disadvantage here is that incurred in such diagnostic devices at a higher system level large development costs. Such diagnostic options must be re-designed and tested on a project-specific basis for each new product. In addition, the large number of measuring points leads to inaccurate and less reliable measurements, which in turn can lead to very safety-critical situations.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a contactor device and a method for monitoring a contactor device, which enable an improved diagnostic option.

This object is achieved by a contactor and a method for monitoring a contactor having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The inventive protection device for a motor vehicle comprises a housing and a coil arranged in the housing, an armature and a first contact element coupled to the armature, wherein the coil for energizing the armature can be acted upon by electricity. Furthermore, the contactor has two second contact elements and is set up such that the second contact elements are electrically conductively connected in a closed state of the contactor via the first contact element and are not connected in an open state of the contactor. In this case, the contactor further comprises a diagnostic device arranged in the housing, which is designed to detect a non-operationally open state and / or a non-operationally closed state.

This advantageously makes it possible to provide a contactor diagnostic device, which is integrated directly into the contactor and connected to it, which means that development efforts on the higher-level system can be dispensed with. Thus, these diagnostic options advantageously need not be re-designed and tested project-specifically for each new project. This results in a reduction of the development effort. Furthermore, local proximity can provide a more accurate and reliable measurement because the number of connection points can be reduced. This is particularly relevant when using the contactor, that is, the contactor, in safety-critical applications, as this safety objectives for a system can be achieved more easily if sub-components, such as the contactor, are intrinsically safe.

In particular, a nonoperational state is to be understood as a state which deviates from a predetermined desired state. If, for example, the coil is activated in such a way, z. B. powered to cause a closed state of the contactor, which then represents the desired state, and it is diagnosed that the contactor is still in the open state, so this open state represents a non-operational open state. On the other hand the coil so controlled, z. B. is not energized to cause an open state of the contactor, which then represents the desired state, and is diagnosed that the contactor is still in the closed state, so this closed state represents a non-operational closed state.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the diagnostic device has a first measuring line and a second measuring line, each with one of the second contact elements are connected. In this case, one of the first and second measuring line can be acted upon by a voltage, so that the first and second measuring line have a first potential difference from one another. Furthermore, the diagnostic device is preferably designed to detect at least one physical variable, in particular a current intensity and / or a resistance concerning the first and / or second measuring line, and depending on the detected variable, an operational or non-operational open and / or one to detect operational or inoperative closed state.

For example, one of the two test leads can be supplied with voltage. If, in this case, the first contact element contacts the two second contact elements, a current flow is generated on the basis of the applied voltage from one measuring line to the other measuring line. At the same time, the current intensity also represents a measure of the magnitude of the resistance between the two measuring lines. Thus, either the current intensity or, preferably, the resistance of the diagnostic device can be adjusted to a desired state. If, for example, the contactor is to be closed in the operating state, then a correspondingly low resistance value is to be expected. If the contactor has been opened according to the nominal state, it must be recognized accordingly "open line", ie an infinite resistance. Thus, in a simple manner, the current state of the contactor device, that is whether closed or open, can be detected in a particularly simple manner by means of the first and second measuring line and compared whether this detected state corresponds to the desired state. If this is not the case, then it can be concluded in a simple way that either the contacts are glued or the stamp does not close or the contact surfaces are damaged.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the diagnostic device has a third measuring line coupled to the first contact element, the diagnostic device being designed to apply a voltage to first and second measuring lines respectively or to the third measuring line so that the first and third measuring lines have a second potential difference and the second and third measurement lines have a third potential difference. In this case, the diagnostic device is preferably designed to detect at least one physical variable, in particular a current strength and / or resistance, relating to the third and the first and / or second measuring line and, depending on the detected variable, an operational or non-operational open and / or separately to detect a closed or operationally closed state for each one of the second contact elements. Via this additional third measuring line, it is advantageously additionally possible to carry out a precise localization of the protective adhesive, should this occur, in order, for example, to detect at which of the second contact elements it is present.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contactor has an interface coupled to the diagnostic device, in particular a plug connection, for connecting a communication interface to an external control device and / or for receiving a control signal for the coil and / or for connecting a power supply. As a result, a diagnostic result can advantageously be forwarded to an external control device, for example, in order to initiate appropriate countermeasures. Furthermore, the control of the coil can also take place via this interface, wherein this control signal can be used at the same time as a setpoint for the operating state. Additionally or alternatively, the current desired state can also be communicated by the external control device via the communication interface to the diagnostic device.

The invention further relates to a method for monitoring a contactor device for a motor vehicle, wherein the contactor device comprises a housing and a coil arranged in the housing, an armature and a first contact element coupled to the armature, wherein the coil moves the armature when current is applied. In this case, the contactor has two second contact elements, which are electrically connected in a closed state of the contactor via the first contact element and are not connected in an open state of the contactor. In addition, the contactor has a diagnostic device arranged in the housing, which detects a non-operational open state and / or a non-operational closed state.

The advantages described for the contactor according to the invention and its embodiments apply in the same way for the inventive method. In addition, the physical features mentioned in connection with the contactor device according to the invention and its embodiments enable the development of the method according to the invention by further method steps.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawing. The The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or in the single figure alone can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the scope of To leave invention.

The only Fig. Shows a schematic representation of a contactor 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the contactor 10 in the following, just as a contactor 10 referred to as. The contactor 10 includes a coil 12 and a stamp 14 which is an anchor 14a and a first at anchor 14a arranged contact element 14b having. Furthermore, the contactor includes 10 two contactor contacts 16a and 16b , Furthermore, the contactor points 10 a housing 18 on, in which the coil 12 and the stamp 14 are arranged. The contactor contacts 16a . 16b penetrate the case 18 and protrude into this. Advantageously, is now in addition to this case 18 a diagnostic device 20 integrated. This can, for example, a computing unit with a measuring board 20a exhibit. The arithmetic unit 20a For example, it may include a microcontroller or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Furthermore, the diagnostic device comprises 20 also two test leads 22a . 22b , which on the one hand to the arithmetic unit with measuring board 20a and on the other hand to the respective contactor contacts 16a . 16b are connected, and optionally a third measuring line 22c , which to the stamp 14 , in particular to the first contact element 14a , connected. In addition, the diagnostic device 20 also a corresponding economizer circuit for control lines 24a . 24b for controlling the coil 12 contain.

For contacting the stamp 14 through the third measuring line 22c it is advantageous if the measuring line 22c is designed so that it can be flexibly connected, since the stamp 14 is usually designed as a movable part. The arithmetic unit with measuring board 20a preferably also has a plug connection 26 trained interface, which also comes from the housing 18 leads out and via which a communication interface to an external control device, the control of the contactor coil 12 and a power supply can be connected. Furthermore, the control lines 24a . 24b directly to the coil 12 connected.

The measuring board 20a for measuring a contact adhesive, for example, be designed as a corresponding ohmmeter or as a continuity tester. Overall, the measuring board 20a , or in general, the measuring device of the diagnostic device 20 , designed so that typical resistance values that can occur in a contact adhesive are reliably detected.

For this purpose, for example, a voltage to a measuring line 22a . 22b . 22c be created. Contact now the stamp 14 , in particular the first contact element 14a , the contactor contacts 16a . 16b , a current flow due to the applied voltage from one of the test leads 22a . 22b to the other measuring line 22a . 22b generated. Also, a corresponding current flow of at least one of the test leads 22a . 22b to the third measuring line 22c or possibly also vice versa, depending on which of the measuring lines 22a . 22b . 22c the higher or lower potential is present. The current is the measure of the height of the resistor. This actual value, that is the correspondingly measured value, can now be calculated by the arithmetic unit 20a be compared with a desired state. Shall the contactor 10 be closed, so a correspondingly lower resistance value is expected. With a contactor open according to the nominal state 10 must be recognized according to "open line", that means an infinite resistance value.

About the third measuring line 22c of the stamp 14 In addition, it is possible to perform a precise localization of the contact adhesive, and to determine, for example, whether this contact at the first or second contactor 16a . 16b is present. In addition, a diagnosis can be made whether the contactor 10 closes correctly.

In the following, it will be explained with reference to an exemplary embodiment how a corresponding diagnosis can be made based on the measurement results of the measured resistance. Here, it is initially assumed that the target state, that is, the operational state of the contactor 10 which should be closed state. Furthermore, it is assumed that the three test leads 22a . 22b . 22c are at different potential levels. Will in this case between the first measuring line 22a and the second measuring line 22b a small resistance, for example, about 0 ohms is measured, it is diagnosed that there is no error. In contrast, between the first line 22a and the second measuring line 22b a very large resistance, especially infinite, measured, as a result, an error is diagnosed, for example, that the punch 14 does not close and / or the contact surfaces of one or more of the contact elements 14a or contactor contacts 16a . 16b are damaged. Will be between the first measuring line 22a and the third measuring line 22c If a small resistance, for example about 0 ohms, is measured, it can again be diagnosed that there is no error. In contrast, between the first measuring line 22a and the third measuring line 22c a very large, especially infinite, resistance measured, so an error is diagnosed, for example, that the punch 14 does not close and / or the contact surfaces are damaged. Is between the second measuring line 22b and the third measuring line 22c a small resistance, measured around 0 ohms, is diagnosed as having no error. Is between the second measuring line 22b and the third measuring line 22c If a very large resistance, in particular infinitely large, is measured, then it is diagnosed that a fault exists and, for example, the punch does not close and / or one of the contact surfaces is damaged.

In the following it is now assumed that the target state, that is the operational state of the contactor 10 which is to be opened state. Accordingly, no current should be able to flow between the corresponding test leads and therefore the resistances in question should be infinite. If this is not the case, then it can be concluded on appropriate errors. So in this situation, between the first measuring line 22a and the second measuring line 22b If a very small resistance, in particular approximately 0 ohms, is measured, an error is diagnosed, in particular it is diagnosed that both contacts, that is, both the first contactor contact 16a as well as the second contactor contact 16b , with the first contact element 14a are glued. In contrast, between the first measuring line 22a and the second measuring line 22b a very large, especially infinite, resistance measured, it can be diagnosed, for example, that there is no error. However, such a measurement result could also be the case if only one of the two contactor contacts 16a . 16b with the first contact element 14a is glued, the other is not. That there is in fact no error here can advantageously still be verified by the following measurements. For example, between the first measuring line 22a and the third measuring line 22c a very small resistance, in particular about 0 ohms measured, so again an error is diagnosed and in particular that the first contactor contact 16a with the first contact element 14a is glued. Will be between the first measuring line 22a and the third measuring line 22c a very large resistance, in particular infinite resistance, measured, it is diagnosed that there is no error. Is between the second measuring line 22b and the third measuring line 22c measured a very small resistance, in particular 0 ohms, so it can be diagnosed that there is a fault, namely that the second contactor contact 16b with the first contact element 14a is glued. In contrast, between the second measuring line 22b and the third measuring line 22c a very large, in particular an infinitely large, resistance measured, it is diagnosed that there is no error.

Overall, this can be achieved by considering only three measured values, namely the resistance value between the first and the second measuring line 22a . 22b , between the first and third measuring line 22a . 22c and between the second and third measuring leads 22b . 22c In a simple and fast way can be determined whether the current state of the contactor 10 the operational set state or not and even a localization of possible errors are determined.

Thus, a total of the invention and its embodiments, a contactor and a method for monitoring a contactor is provided, which allow the direct connection and integration of the contactor diagnostics in the contactor, to account for development costs at a higher system level, thereby reducing the development effort and thus costs can be saved. Furthermore, local proximity can provide a more accurate and reliable measurement since the number of connection points can be reduced. This is particularly relevant when using the contactor in safety-critical applications, since this safety objectives for a system can be easily achieved when sub-components, such as a contactor, intrinsically safe.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

contactor

12

Kitchen sink

14

stamp

14a

anchor

14b

First contact element

16a, 16b

contactors

18

casing

20

diagnostic device

20a

Computing unit with measuring board

22a

First test lead

22b

Second measuring line

22c

Third measuring line

24a, 24b

drive line

26

connector

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102014222673 A1 [0003]

Claims (5)

Contactor device ( 10 ) for a motor vehicle, the contactor device ( 10 ) a housing ( 18 ) and one in the housing ( 18 ) arranged coil ( 12 ), an anchor ( 14a ) and one with the anchor ( 14a ) coupled first contact element ( 18 ), wherein the coil ( 12 ) for moving the anchor ( 14a ) can be acted upon with electricity, wherein the contactor device ( 10 ) two second contact elements ( 16a . 16b ) and is arranged such that the second contact elements ( 16a . 16b ) in a closed state of the contactor device ( 10 ) via the first contact element ( 18 ) are electrically connected and in an open state of the contactor device ( 10 ) are not connected, characterized in that the contactor ( 10 ) one in the housing ( 18 ) arranged diagnostic device ( 20 ), which is adapted to a non-operationally open state and / or an inoperative closed state of the contactor device ( 10 ) to detect. Contactor device ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the diagnostic device ( 10 ) a first measuring line ( 22a ) and a second measuring line ( 22b ), each with one of the second contact elements ( 16a . 16b ), one of the first and second measuring leads ( 22a . 22b ) can be acted upon by a voltage, so that the first and second measuring line ( 22a . 22b ) have a first potential difference to each other and wherein the diagnostic device ( 20 ) is designed, at least one physical variable, in particular a current intensity and / or a resistance, the first and / or second measuring line ( 22a . 22b ) and to detect, depending on the detected variable, an operational or non-operational open and / or operational or non-operational closed state. Contactor device ( 10 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the diagnostic device ( 20 ) a third with the first contact element ( 18 ) coupled measuring line ( 22c ), wherein the diagnostic device ( 20 ) is adapted to the first and second measuring line ( 22a . 22b ) respectively or the third measuring line ( 22c ), so that the first and third test leads ( 22a . 22c ) a second potential difference and the second and third measuring line ( 22b . 22c ) have a third potential difference, wherein the diagnostic device ( 20 ) is designed, at least one physical variable, in particular a current strength and / or a resistance, the third measurement line ( 22c ) and the first and / or second measuring line ( 22a . 22b ) and, depending on the detected variable, an operational or non-operational open and / or operational or non-operational closed state for each one of the second contact elements ( 16a . 16b ) separately. Contactor device ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contactor device ( 10 ) one with the diagnostic device ( 20 ) coupled interface ( 26 ), in particular a plug connection ( 26 ), for connecting a communication interface to an external control device and / or for receiving a control signal for the coil ( 12 ) and / or for connecting a power supply. Method for monitoring a contactor device ( 10 ) for a motor vehicle, the contactor device ( 10 ) a housing ( 18 ) and one in the housing ( 18 ) arranged coil ( 12 ), an anchor ( 14a ) and one with the anchor ( 14a ) coupled first contact element ( 18 ), wherein the coil ( 12 ) when energized the anchor ( 14a ), wherein the contactor device ( 10 ) two second contact elements ( 16a . 16b ), which in a closed state of the contactor device ( 10 ) via the first contact element ( 18 ) are electrically connected and in an open state of the contactor device ( 10 ) are not connected, characterized in that the contactor ( 10 ) one in the housing ( 18 ) arranged diagnostic device ( 20 ), which detects a non-operational open state and / or a non-operational closed state.

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