EP1290769A1 - Overcurrent protection circuit - Google Patents

Overcurrent protection circuit

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Publication number
EP1290769A1
EP1290769A1 EP01944958A EP01944958A EP1290769A1 EP 1290769 A1 EP1290769 A1 EP 1290769A1 EP 01944958 A EP01944958 A EP 01944958A EP 01944958 A EP01944958 A EP 01944958A EP 1290769 A1 EP1290769 A1 EP 1290769A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
current
protection circuit
switching element
overcurrent protection
circuit according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP01944958A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Karl-Heinz Hastreiter
Robert Jung
Michael SCHRÖCK
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Publication of EP1290769A1 publication Critical patent/EP1290769A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H3/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection
    • H02H3/02—Details
    • H02H3/025—Disconnection after limiting, e.g. when limiting is not sufficient or for facilitating disconnection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H9/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection
    • H02H9/02—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection responsive to excess current
    • H02H9/025—Current limitation using field effect transistors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an overcurrent protection circuit with an overcurrent release and a switching element, the switching current flowing through the switching element being detectable by means of the overcurrent release, and opening of the switching element being able to be triggered if the switching current fulfills a triggering condition.
  • Overcurrent protection circuits of this type are generally known, in particular in the form of circuit breakers.
  • Circuit breakers usually have a thermal overload release and an electromagnetic quick release. If the current flowing through the circuit breaker slightly exceeds a nominal current, the thermal overload release triggers a delayed trip. In the event of a short circuit, on the other hand, when the current increases rapidly, the electromagnetic quick release trips the circuit breaker almost instantaneously. Tripping the circuit breaker has two effects. On the one hand the circuit is opened directly, on the other hand a switch lock is triggered so that the circuit does not close again automatically after the circuit breaker has tripped.
  • the electromagnetic release has a response time.
  • the load current rises above the detection current at which the electromagnetic release is triggered.
  • the contact that opens there is a high level of wear due to contact erosion.
  • the current rises too quickly, it can even result in a permanent arc that can no longer be extinguished and to complete
  • the object of the present invention is to provide an overcurrent protection circuit in which an excessive increase in the current is prevented even in the event of a short circuit in the load circuit.
  • the object is achieved in that a current limiter is connected in series to the switching element.
  • the current limiter has a steep current-voltage characteristic curve at low voltages and a flat current-voltage characteristic curve at high voltages, there is a low power loss during normal operation of the overcurrent protection circuit and a current limitation to a relatively low value in the event of a short circuit.
  • the current limiter can be designed as a single component in individual cases. As a rule, however, it is designed as a current limiting circuit.
  • Examples of a current limiter are that the
  • Current limiter has two transistors connected in series or (alternatively) has two series connections connected in antiparallel, each having a transistor and a diode.
  • the current limiter has two self-conducting transistors, each with a gate, a source and a drain contact, the source contacts are connected to one another via a resistor, the source contacts
  • Transistors are connected to the gate contact of the other transistor and the current limiter is connected in series with the switching element via the drain contacts of the transistors.
  • the current limiter has a particularly wrinkle resistance and in short-circuit operation a high energy absorption capacity.
  • the overcurrent protection circuit is particularly compact.
  • the overcurrent protection circuit can then be designed as a pre-wirable unit.
  • the overcurrent release triggers the opening of the
  • Switching element almost instantaneously when a limit current is exceeded. If the current limiter is dimensioned accordingly, it is also possible for the switching element to open with a time delay when the limit current is exceeded.
  • FIG. 4 shows a current-voltage characteristic curve and FIG. 5 and 6 further current limiters.
  • a load 1 is connected to a voltage source 4 via an on / off switch 2 and an overcurrent protection circuit 3.
  • the on / off switch 2 can be controlled from the outside by a corresponding control signal S.
  • a switching current I flows through the overcurrent protection circuit 3 and the load 1.
  • the overcurrent protection circuit 3 has an overcurrent release 5, a switching element 6 and a current limiter 7.
  • the switching element 6 is closed, so that the switching current I can flow.
  • the overcurrent Trigger 5 the switching current I, which also flows through the switching element 6, can be detected and an opening of the switching element 6 can be triggered if the switching current I fulfills a triggering condition.
  • the overcurrent release 5, the switching element 6 and the current limiter 7 are connected in series and arranged in a common housing 10. The switching current I is limited by means of the current limiter 7.
  • the overcurrent release 5 has two release elements 8, 9, namely an electromagnetic quick release 8 and a thermal overload release 9.
  • the quick release 8 triggers the opening of the switching element 6 almost instantaneously when the switching current I exceeds a limit current which is a multiple of a nominal current, typically 12 or 19 times the nominal current.
  • the overload release 9 triggers an opening of the switching element 6 with a time delay when the switching current I is above the rated current for a longer time, for. B. at 1.2 times, at 1.5 times, twice or 7.2 times the nominal current.
  • the switching element 6 has on the one hand a switch by means of which the circuit can be opened and closed as such, and on the other hand a switching lock by means of which the
  • Switch can be fixed in its open or closed position. When one of the trigger elements 8, 9 responds, both the switch of the switching element 6 is opened and the switching lock is released. After opening the switching element 6, it is not automatically closed again.
  • the circuit shown in FIG. 2 is used.
  • the opening of the switching element 6 can be triggered almost instantaneously.
  • the current limiter 7 is dimensioned accordingly so that it can withstand a short circuit until the thermal overload release 9 responds, the quick release 8 can be omitted. This is indicated in FIG. 2 by the fact that the quick release 8 is only drawn in broken lines. In this case, the opening of the switching element 6 is triggered with a time delay even in the event of a short circuit.
  • the current limiter 7 has two self-conducting transistors 11, 12.
  • the transistors 11, 12 can in principle be of any type. In particular, they can be designed as MOSFET, IGBT and also as bipolar transistors. According to the exemplary embodiment, they are designed as SiC field-effect transistors 11, 12.
  • Each of the field effect transistors 11, 12 has a gate contact 13, a source contact 14 and a drain contact 15.
  • the source contacts 14 are connected to one another via an adjustable resistor 16.
  • the source contacts 14 of the field effect transistors 11, 12 are connected to the gate contact 13 of the respective other field effect transistors 12, 11.
  • the current limiter 7 is then connected in series with the switching element 6 via the drain contacts 15.
  • the current limiter according to FIG. 3 can be constructed from discrete components 11, 12, 16. However, as indicated in FIG. 3 by a dash-dotted line, it can also be designed as a monolithically integrated circuit.
  • the current limiter 7 shown in FIG. 3 has a current-voltage characteristic curve according to FIG. 4.
  • the characteristic curve has a steep profile at low voltages and a flat profile at high voltages.
  • the switching current I is limited to the maximum value shown in broken lines even at high voltages U.
  • the maximum value can be set by setting the resistor 16 accordingly.
  • the transistors 11, 12 according to FIG. 5 can also be connected in series. In this case, one diode 17, 18 is preferably connected in parallel.
  • the current limiter 7 has two series connections connected in anti-parallel. Each series connection has a transistor 11 or 12, to which a diode 17, 18 is connected in series.
  • the transistors 11, 12 are designed as SiC components.
  • the overcurrent protection circuit 7 according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in AC circuits. In principle, however, application in DC circuits is also possible.

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  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to an overcurrent protection circuit comprising an overcurrent trip (5) and a switching element (6). A switched current (I) passing through the switching element (6) can be detected by the overcurrent trip (5) and the switching element (6) can be tripped to open if said switched current (I) fulfils a tripping requirement. A current limiter (7) is series-connected downstream of the switching element (6).

Description

BesehreibungBesehreibung
ÜberstromschutzschaltungOvercurrent protection circuit
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Überstromschutzschal- tung mit einem Überstromauslöser und einem Schaltelement, wobei mittels des Überstromauslösers ein das Schaltelement durchfließender Schaltstrom erfassbar und ein Öffnen des Schaltelements auslösbar ist, wenn der Schaltstrom eine Aus- lösebedingung erfüllt.The present invention relates to an overcurrent protection circuit with an overcurrent release and a switching element, the switching current flowing through the switching element being detectable by means of the overcurrent release, and opening of the switching element being able to be triggered if the switching current fulfills a triggering condition.
Derartige Überstromschutzschaltungen sind - insbesondere in Form von Leistungsschaltern - allgemein bekannt.Overcurrent protection circuits of this type are generally known, in particular in the form of circuit breakers.
Leistungsschalter weisen in der Regel einen thermischen Überlastauslöser und einen elektromagnetischen Schnellauslöser auf. Übersteigt der durch den Leistungsschalter fließende Strom einen Nennstrom geringfügig, erfolgt mittels des thermischen Überlastauslösers eine zeitverzögerte Auslösung. Im Kurzschlussfall hingegen, wenn der Strom rapide ansteigt, löst der elektromagnetische Schnellauslöser den Leistungsschalter quasi unverzögert aus. Das Auslösen des Leistungs- schalters hat zwei Wirkungen. Zum einen wird direkt der Schaltkreis geöffnet, zum anderen wird ein Schaltschloss aus- gelöst, so dass der Schaltkreis nach dem Auslösen des Leistungsschalters nicht selbsttätig wieder geschlossen wird.Circuit breakers usually have a thermal overload release and an electromagnetic quick release. If the current flowing through the circuit breaker slightly exceeds a nominal current, the thermal overload release triggers a delayed trip. In the event of a short circuit, on the other hand, when the current increases rapidly, the electromagnetic quick release trips the circuit breaker almost instantaneously. Tripping the circuit breaker has two effects. On the one hand the circuit is opened directly, on the other hand a switch lock is triggered so that the circuit does not close again automatically after the circuit breaker has tripped.
Trotz der quasi unverzögerten Auslösung weist der elektromagnetische Auslöser eine Reaktionszeit auf. Während der Reakti- onszeit steigt der Laststrom über den Erkennungsström, bei dem der elektromagnetische Auslöser auslöst, an. Im zu öffnenden Kontakt entsteht dadurch ein hoher Verschleiß durch Kontaktabbrand. Wenn der Strom zu schnell ansteigt, kann es im Extremfall sogar geschehen, dass ein Dauerlichtbogen ent- steht, der nicht mehr gelöscht werden kann und zur völligenDespite the almost instantaneous release, the electromagnetic release has a response time. During the reaction time, the load current rises above the detection current at which the electromagnetic release is triggered. In the contact that opens, there is a high level of wear due to contact erosion. In extreme cases, if the current rises too quickly, it can even result in a permanent arc that can no longer be extinguished and to complete
Zerstörung des Leistungsschalters und zum Nichtabschalten des Stromes führt. Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, eine Uberstromschutzschaltung zu schaffen, bei der ein übermäßiges Ansteigen des Stromes auch bei einem Kurzschluss im Lastkreis verhindert wird.Destruction of the circuit breaker and failure to turn off the power. The object of the present invention is to provide an overcurrent protection circuit in which an excessive increase in the current is prevented even in the event of a short circuit in the load circuit.
Die Aufgabe wird dadurch gelöst, dass dem Schaltelement ein Strombegrenzer in Reihe geschaltet ist.The object is achieved in that a current limiter is connected in series to the switching element.
Wenn die Strombegrenzer bei niedrigen Spannungen eine steile Strom-Spannungs-Kennlinie und bei hohen Spannungen eine flache Strom-Spannungs-Kennlinie aufweist, ergibt sich im Normalbetrieb der Uberstromschutzschaltung eine geringe Verlustleistung und im Kurzschlussfall eine Strombegrenzung auf einen relativ niedrigen Wert.If the current limiter has a steep current-voltage characteristic curve at low voltages and a flat current-voltage characteristic curve at high voltages, there is a low power loss during normal operation of the overcurrent protection circuit and a current limitation to a relatively low value in the event of a short circuit.
Der Strombegrenzer kann im Einzelfall als einzelnes Bauelement ausgebildet sein. In der Regel ist er aber als Strombegrenzungsschaltung ausgebildet.The current limiter can be designed as a single component in individual cases. As a rule, however, it is designed as a current limiting circuit.
Beispiele eines Strombegrenzers bestehen darin, dass derExamples of a current limiter are that the
Strombegrenzer zwei antiseriell geschaltete Transistoren aufweist oder (alternativ) zwei antiparallel geschaltete Reihenschaltungen aufweist, die je einen Transistor und eine Diode aufweisen.Current limiter has two transistors connected in series or (alternatively) has two series connections connected in antiparallel, each having a transistor and a diode.
Eine Strombegrenzung kann in effektiver Weise auch dadurch realisiert werden, dass der Strombegrenzer zwei selbstleitende Transistoren mit je einem Gate-, einem Source- und einem Drainkontakt aufweist, die Sourcekontakte über einen Wider- stand miteinander verbunden sind, die Sourcekontakte derCurrent limitation can also be implemented effectively in that the current limiter has two self-conducting transistors, each with a gate, a source and a drain contact, the source contacts are connected to one another via a resistor, the source contacts
Transistoren mit dem Gatekontakt des jeweils anderen Transistors verbunden sind und der Stro begrenzer über die Drainkontakte der Transistoren mit dem Schaltelement in Reihe geschaltet ist.Transistors are connected to the gate contact of the other transistor and the current limiter is connected in series with the switching element via the drain contacts of the transistors.
Wenn die Transistoren als SiC-Transistoren ausgebildet sind, weist der Strombegrenzer im Normalbetrieb einen besonders ge- ringen Durchlasswiderstand und im Kurzschlussbetrieb ein hohes Energieaufnahmevermögen auf .If the transistors are designed as SiC transistors, the current limiter has a particularly wrinkle resistance and in short-circuit operation a high energy absorption capacity.
Wenn der Überstromauslöser, das Schaltelement und der Strom- begrenzer in einem gemeinsamen Gehäuse angeordnet sind, ergibt sich ein besonders kompakter Aufbau der Uberstromschutzschaltung. Darüber hinaus kann die Uberstromschutzschaltung dann als vorverdrahtbare Baueinheit ausgebildet sein.If the overcurrent release, the switching element and the current limiter are arranged in a common housing, the overcurrent protection circuit is particularly compact. In addition, the overcurrent protection circuit can then be designed as a pre-wirable unit.
Im Regelfall löst der Überstromauslöser das Öffnen desAs a rule, the overcurrent release triggers the opening of the
Schaltelements bei Überschreiten eines Grenzstroms quasi un- verzögert aus. Wenn der Strombegrenzer entsprechend dimensioniert ist, ist es aber auch möglich, dass bei Überschreiten des Grenzstroms ein zeitverzögertes Öffnen des Schaltelements erfolgt.Switching element almost instantaneously when a limit current is exceeded. If the current limiter is dimensioned accordingly, it is also possible for the switching element to open with a time delay when the limit current is exceeded.
Weitere Vorteile und Einzelheiten ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispiels. Dabei zeigen in PrinzipdarstellungFurther advantages and details emerge from the following description of an exemplary embodiment. Show in principle
FIG 1 einen Stromkreis,1 shows a circuit,
FIG 2 eine Uberstromschutzschaltung,2 shows an overcurrent protection circuit,
FIG 3 einen Strombegrenzer,3 shows a current limiter,
FIG 4 eine Strom-Spannungs-Kennlinie und FIG 5 und 6 weitere Strombegrenzer.4 shows a current-voltage characteristic curve and FIG. 5 and 6 further current limiters.
Gemäß FIG 1 ist eine Last 1 über einen Ein-/Ausschalter 2 und eine Uberstromschutzschaltung 3 an eine Spannungsquelle 4 angeschlossen. Der Ein-/Ausschalter 2 ist von außen durch ein entsprechendes Steuersignal S ansteuerbar. Wenn der Ein-/Ausschalter 2 geschlossen ist, fließt durch die Uberstromschutzschaltung 3 und die Last 1 ein Schaltstrom I.According to FIG. 1, a load 1 is connected to a voltage source 4 via an on / off switch 2 and an overcurrent protection circuit 3. The on / off switch 2 can be controlled from the outside by a corresponding control signal S. When the on / off switch 2 is closed, a switching current I flows through the overcurrent protection circuit 3 and the load 1.
Die Uberstromschutzschaltung 3 weist gemäß FIG 2 einen Über- stromauslöser 5, ein Schaltelement 6 und einen Strombegrenzer 7 auf. In der Regel ist das Schaltelement 6 geschlossen, so dass der Schaltstrom I fließen kann. Mittels des Überstrom- auslösers 5 ist aber der Schaltstrom I, der auch durch das Schaltelement 6 fließt, erfassbar und ein Öffnen des Schaltelements 6 auslösbar, wenn der Schaltstrom I eine Auslösebedingung erfüllt. Wie aus FIG 2 ersichtlich ist, sind der Überstromauslöser 5, das Schaltelement 6 und der Strombegrenzer 7 in Reihe geschaltet sowie in einem gemeinsamen Gehäuse 10 angeordnet. Mittels der Strombegrenzer 7 wird dabei der Schaltstrom I begrenzt.According to FIG. 2, the overcurrent protection circuit 3 has an overcurrent release 5, a switching element 6 and a current limiter 7. As a rule, the switching element 6 is closed, so that the switching current I can flow. By means of the overcurrent Trigger 5, however, the switching current I, which also flows through the switching element 6, can be detected and an opening of the switching element 6 can be triggered if the switching current I fulfills a triggering condition. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the overcurrent release 5, the switching element 6 and the current limiter 7 are connected in series and arranged in a common housing 10. The switching current I is limited by means of the current limiter 7.
In der Regel weist der Überstromauslöser 5 zwei Auslöseelement 8, 9 auf, nämlich einen elektromagnetischen Schnellauslöser 8 und einen thermischen Überlastauslöser 9. Mittels des Schnellauslösers 8 wird das Öffnen des Schaltelements 6 quasi unverzögert ausgelöst, wenn der Schaltstrom I einen Grenz- ström überschreitet, der ein Mehrfaches eines Nennstroms beträgt, typischerweise das 12- oder 19-fache des Nennstroms. Mittels des Überlastauslösers 9 wird zeitverzögert ein Öffnen des Schaltelements 6 ausgelöst, wenn der Schaltstrom I eine längere Zeit oberhalb des Nennstroms liegt, z. B. beim 1,2- fachen, beim 1,5-fachen, dem Doppelten oder dem 7,2-fachen des Nennstroms .As a rule, the overcurrent release 5 has two release elements 8, 9, namely an electromagnetic quick release 8 and a thermal overload release 9. The quick release 8 triggers the opening of the switching element 6 almost instantaneously when the switching current I exceeds a limit current which is a multiple of a nominal current, typically 12 or 19 times the nominal current. The overload release 9 triggers an opening of the switching element 6 with a time delay when the switching current I is above the rated current for a longer time, for. B. at 1.2 times, at 1.5 times, twice or 7.2 times the nominal current.
Das Schaltelement 6 weist zum einen einen Schalter auf, mittels dessen der Stromkreis als solcher offen- und schließbar ist, und zum anderen ein Schaltschloss, mittels dessen derThe switching element 6 has on the one hand a switch by means of which the circuit can be opened and closed as such, and on the other hand a switching lock by means of which the
Schalter in seiner geöffneten bzw. geschlossenen Stellung fixierbar ist. Beim Ansprechen eines der Auslöseelemente 8, 9 wird sowohl der Schalter des Schaltelements 6 geöffnet als auch das Schaltschloss freigegeben. Nach dem Öffnen des Schaltelements 6 wird dieses also selbsttätig nicht wieder geschlossen.Switch can be fixed in its open or closed position. When one of the trigger elements 8, 9 responds, both the switch of the switching element 6 is opened and the switching lock is released. After opening the switching element 6, it is not automatically closed again.
In der Regel kommt die in FIG 2 dargestellte Schaltung zur Anwendung. In diesem Fall ist im Kurzschlussfall eine Auslö- sung des Öffnens des Schaltelements 6 quasi unverzögert möglich. Wenn hingegen der Strombegrenzer 7 entsprechend dimensioniert ist, dass er einen Kurzschluss bis zum Ansprechen des thermischen Überlastauslösers 9 verkraftet, kann der Schnellauslöser 8 entfallen. Dies ist in FIG 2 dadurch angedeutet, dass der Schnellauslöser 8 nur gestrichelt gezeichnet ist. In diesem Fall erfolgt also auch im Kurzschlussfall eine zeitverzögerte Auslösung des Öffnens des Schaltelements 6.As a rule, the circuit shown in FIG. 2 is used. In this case, in the event of a short circuit, the opening of the switching element 6 can be triggered almost instantaneously. If, on the other hand, the current limiter 7 is dimensioned accordingly so that it can withstand a short circuit until the thermal overload release 9 responds, the quick release 8 can be omitted. This is indicated in FIG. 2 by the fact that the quick release 8 is only drawn in broken lines. In this case, the opening of the switching element 6 is triggered with a time delay even in the event of a short circuit.
FIG 3 zeigt nun beispielhaft eine mögliche Ausgestaltung des Strombegrenzers 7. Gemäß FIG 3 weist der Strombegrenzer 7 zwei selbstleitende Transistoren 11, 12 auf. Die Transistoren 11, 12 können prinzipiell beliebiger Natur sein. Insbesondere können sie als MOSFET, IGBT und auch als Bipolartransistoren ausgebildet sein. Gemäß Ausführungsbeispiel sind sie als SiC- Feldeffekttransistoren 11, 12 ausgebildet. Jeder der Feldeffekttransistoren 11, 12 weist je einen Gatekontakt 13, einen Sourcekontakt 14 und einen Drainkontakt 15 auf. Die Sourcekontakte 14 sind über einen einstellbaren Widerstand 16 miteinander verbunden. Ferner sind die Sourcekontakte 14 der Feldeffekttransistoren 11, 12 mit dem Gatekontakt 13 des jeweils anderen Feldeffekttransistors 12, 11 verbunden. Über die Drainkontakte 15 ist die Strombegrenzer 7 dann mit dem Schaltelement 6 in Reihe geschaltet.3 shows an example of a possible embodiment of the current limiter 7. According to FIG. 3, the current limiter 7 has two self-conducting transistors 11, 12. The transistors 11, 12 can in principle be of any type. In particular, they can be designed as MOSFET, IGBT and also as bipolar transistors. According to the exemplary embodiment, they are designed as SiC field-effect transistors 11, 12. Each of the field effect transistors 11, 12 has a gate contact 13, a source contact 14 and a drain contact 15. The source contacts 14 are connected to one another via an adjustable resistor 16. Furthermore, the source contacts 14 of the field effect transistors 11, 12 are connected to the gate contact 13 of the respective other field effect transistors 12, 11. The current limiter 7 is then connected in series with the switching element 6 via the drain contacts 15.
Die Strombegrenzer gemäß FIG 3 kann aus diskreten Bauelementen 11, 12, 16 aufgebaut sein. Sie kann aber auch, wie in FIG 3 durch eine strichpunktierte Linie angedeutet, als monolithisch integrierte Schaltung ausgebildet sein.The current limiter according to FIG. 3 can be constructed from discrete components 11, 12, 16. However, as indicated in FIG. 3 by a dash-dotted line, it can also be designed as a monolithically integrated circuit.
Der in FIG 3 dargestellte Strombegrenzer 7 weist eine Strom- Spannungs-Kennlinie gemäß FIG 4 auf. Wie aus FIG 4 ersichtlich ist, weist die Kennlinie bei niedrigen Spannungen einen steilen Verlauf und bei hohen Spannungen einen flachen Verlauf auf. Insbesondere wird der Schaltstrom I auch bei hohen Spannungen U auf den gestrichelt eingezeichneten Maximalwert begrenzt. Der Maximalwert ist durch entsprechendes Einstellen des Widerstands 16 einstellbar. Alternativ können die Transistoren 11, 12 gemäß FIG 5 auch antiseriell geschaltet sein, In diesem Fall ist ihnen vorzugsweise je eine Diode 17, 18 parallel geschaltet. Bei der weiteren, in FIG 6 dargestellten Ausführungsform weist der Strombegrenzer 7 zwei antiparallel geschaltete Reihenschaltungen auf. Jede Reihenschaltung weist einen Transistor 11 bzw. 12 auf, dem eine Diode 17, 18 in Reihe geschaltet ist. Auch bei den Ausführungsformen gemäß den FIG 5 und 6 sind die Transistoren 11, 12 als SiC-Bauelemente ausgebildet.The current limiter 7 shown in FIG. 3 has a current-voltage characteristic curve according to FIG. 4. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the characteristic curve has a steep profile at low voltages and a flat profile at high voltages. In particular, the switching current I is limited to the maximum value shown in broken lines even at high voltages U. The maximum value can be set by setting the resistor 16 accordingly. Alternatively, the transistors 11, 12 according to FIG. 5 can also be connected in series. In this case, one diode 17, 18 is preferably connected in parallel. In the further embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the current limiter 7 has two series connections connected in anti-parallel. Each series connection has a transistor 11 or 12, to which a diode 17, 18 is connected in series. In the embodiments according to FIGS. 5 and 6, the transistors 11, 12 are designed as SiC components.
Die erfindungsgemäße Uberstromschutzschaltung 7 eignet sich besonders zur Anwendung in Wechselspannungskreisen. Prinzipiell ist aber auch eine Anwendung bei Gleichspannungskreisen möglich. The overcurrent protection circuit 7 according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in AC circuits. In principle, however, application in DC circuits is also possible.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Uberstromschutzschaltung, mit einem Überstromauslöser1. Overcurrent protection circuit, with an overcurrent release
(5) und einem Schaltelement (6), wobei mittels des Überstrom- auslösers (5) ein das Schaltelement (6) durchfließender(5) and a switching element (6), a switching element (6) flowing through the overcurrent release (5)
Schaltstrom (I) erfassbar und ein Öffnen des SchaltelementsSwitching current (I) detectable and opening of the switching element
(6) auslösbar ist, wenn der Schaltstrom (I) eine Auslösebedingung erfüllt, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass dem Schaltelement (6) ein Strombegrenzer (7) in Reihe geschaltet ist.(6) can be triggered when the switching current (I) fulfills a triggering condition, i.e. because the switching element (6) is connected in series with a current limiter (7).
2. Uberstromschutzschaltung nach Anspruch 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass der Strombegrenzer (7) bei niedrigen Spannungen (U) eine steile Strom-Spannungs-Kennlinie und bei hohen Spannungen (U) eine flache Strom-Spannungs-Kennlinie aufweist.2. Overcurrent protection circuit according to claim 1, so that the current limiter (7) has a steep current-voltage characteristic curve at low voltages (U) and a flat current-voltage characteristic curve at high voltages (U).
3. Uberstromschutzschaltung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass der Strombegrenzer (7) zwei antiseriell geschaltete Transistoren (11,12) aufweist.3. Overcurrent protection circuit according to claim 1 or 2, so that the current limiter (7) has two anti-series transistors (11, 12).
4. Uberstromschutzschaltung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass der Strombegrenzer (7) zwei antiparallel geschaltete Reihenschaltungen aufweist, die je einen Transistor (11,12) und eine Diode (17,18) aufweisen.4. Overcurrent protection circuit according to claim 1 or 2, so that the current limiter (7) has two anti-parallel series circuits, each having a transistor (11, 12) and a diode (17, 18).
5. Uberstromschutzschaltung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass der Strombegrenzer (7) zwei selbstleitende Transistoren (11,12) mit je einem Gate- (13), einem Source- (14) und einem Drainkontakt (15) aufweist, dass die Sourcekontakte (14) über einen Widerstand (16) miteinander verbunden sind, dass die5. Overcurrent protection circuit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the current limiter (7) has two normally-on transistors (11, 12), each with a gate (13), a source (14) and a drain contact (15), that the Source contacts (14) are connected to each other via a resistor (16) that the
Sourcekontakte (14) der Transistoren (11,12) mit dem Gatekontakt (13) des jeweils anderen Transistors (12,11) verbunden sind und dass der Strombegrenzer (7) über die Drainkontakte (15) der Transistoren (11,12) mit dem Schaltelement (6) in Reihe geschaltet ist.Source contacts (14) of the transistors (11, 12) are connected to the gate contact (13) of the respective other transistor (12, 11) and that the current limiter (7) is connected in series with the switching element (6) via the drain contacts (15) of the transistors (11, 12).
6. Uberstromschutzschaltung nach Anspruch 3, 4 oder 5, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass die Transistoren (11,12) als SiC-Transistoren (11,12) ausgebildet sind.6. Overcurrent protection circuit according to claim 3, 4 or 5, so that the transistors (11, 12) are designed as SiC transistors (11, 12).
7. Uberstromschutzschaltung nach einem der obigen Ansprüche, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass der Strombegrenzer (7) als monolithisch integrierte Schaltung (7) ausgebildet ist.7. Overcurrent protection circuit according to one of the preceding claims, that the current limiter (7) is designed as a monolithically integrated circuit (7).
8. Uberstromschutzschaltung nach einem der obigen Ansprüche, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass der Überstromauslöser (5), das Schaltelement (6) und der Strombegrenzer (7) in einem gemeinsamen Gehäuse (10) angeordnet sind.8. Overcurrent protection circuit according to one of the above claims, that the overcurrent release (5), the switching element (6) and the current limiter (7) are arranged in a common housing (10).
9. Uberstromschutzschaltung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis9. Overcurrent protection circuit according to one of claims 1 to
d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass der Überstromauslöser (5) das Öffnen des Schaltelements (6) quasi unverzögert auslöst, wenn der Schaltstrom (I) einen Grenzstrom überschreitet.That means that the overcurrent release (5) triggers the opening of the switching element (6) almost instantaneously when the switching current (I) exceeds a limit current.
10. Uberstromschutzschaltung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t , dass der Überstromauslöser (5) das Öffnen des Schaltelements (6) zeitverzögert auslöst, wenn der Schaltstrom (I) einen Grenzstrom überschreitet. 10. Overcurrent protection circuit according to one of claims 1 to 8, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the overcurrent release (5) triggers the opening of the switching element (6) with a time delay when the switching current (I) exceeds a limit current.
EP01944958A 2000-06-15 2001-05-30 Overcurrent protection circuit Ceased EP1290769A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10029418A DE10029418A1 (en) 2000-06-15 2000-06-15 Excess current protection circuit has current limiter connected in series with switch element with steep current-voltage characteristic for low voltages and flat characteristic for high voltages
DE10029418 2000-06-15
PCT/DE2001/002046 WO2001097353A1 (en) 2000-06-15 2001-05-30 Overcurrent protection circuit

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EP1290769A1 true EP1290769A1 (en) 2003-03-12

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EP01944958A Ceased EP1290769A1 (en) 2000-06-15 2001-05-30 Overcurrent protection circuit

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US (1) US7061739B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1290769A1 (en)
DE (1) DE10029418A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2001097353A1 (en)

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WO2001097353A1 (en) 2001-12-20
DE10029418A1 (en) 2001-12-20
US20030137790A1 (en) 2003-07-24
US7061739B2 (en) 2006-06-13

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