EP4107025A1

EP4107025A1 - Power distributor unit for a utility vehicle and utility vehicle comprising said power distributor unit

Info

Publication number: EP4107025A1
Application number: EP21706215.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Frank Seemann; Andre EHRSAM; Martin Mach; Stepan ZBYNEK; Vladimír DVORAK; Gabriel Scherer
Original assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Current assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Priority date: 2020-02-17
Filing date: 2021-02-15
Publication date: 2022-12-28
Also published as: US20230065978A1; US11878591B2; WO2021165199A1; DE102020201902A1; CN115135527A

Abstract

The invention relates to a power distributor unit (1) for a utility vehicle comprising at least one auxiliary output drive with an electric machine (3), having a first input (E1) for connection to an energy store (2) of the utility vehicle, which energy store provides a DC voltage, a second input (E2) for the connection to an external power source, a first output (A1) for connection to the auxiliary output drive, a second output (A2) for connection to an external current collector, and a third output (A3) for connection to a low-voltage on-board supply system, a high-voltage distributor (6) which is connected to the first input (E1) and forms the connection between the energy store (2) and the further components of the power distributor unit (1), a controller (5) which monitors at least the high-voltage distributor (6) and can control components of the power distributor unit (1), at least one inverter (I1; I1.1; I2) which is arranged in the current path between the high-voltage distributor (6) and at least one of the connections for the first output (A1), the second output (A2) or the second input (E2), a first converter (K1) which is arranged between the high-voltage distributor (6) and the third output (A3) and converts a DC voltage provided by the high-voltage distributor (6) into a lower DC voltage. A further aspect of the invention is a vehicle comprising a power distributor unit of this kind.

Description

Power distribution unit for a utility vehicle and utility vehicle with this

The invention relates to a power distribution unit for utility vehicles, in particular utility vehicles with an electric drive, the utility vehicle having a power take-off for superstructures or work modules.

In the prior art, commercial vehicles are equipped with an internal combustion engine which emits mechanical energy directly to a structure via an additional mechanical output shaft or converts it into hydraulic or pneumatic energy via a pump.

The object of the invention is to provide an alternative for supplying a power take-off of a commercial vehicle. Further tasks are to improve security and usability.

The object is achieved by having a power distribution unit for a utility vehicle with at least one power take-off with an electrical machine

• a first input for connection to an energy storage device of the commercial vehicle, which provides a direct voltage,

• a second input for connection to an external power source,

• a first output for connection to the power take-off,

• a second output for connection to an external pantograph,

• and a third output for connection to a low-voltage electrical system,

• a high-voltage distributor, which is connected to the first input and forms the connection between the energy store and the other components of the power distribution unit,

• a control unit that monitors at least the high-voltage distributor and can control components of the power distribution unit,

• at least one inverter, which is arranged in the current path between the high-voltage distributor and at least one of the connections for the first output, the second output or the second input, • a first converter, which is arranged between the high-voltage distributor and the third output and converts a DC voltage provided by the high-voltage distributor to a lower DC voltage.

Commercial vehicles often have a power take-off for work functions, these can, for example, tilt a loading area, mix or promote a load, compress a load, drive an implement and the like represent len. In electrically powered commercial vehicles, the mechanical energy required for the power take-off for movements or for conversion into hydraulic, pneumatic or thermal energy is preferably generated by an electric machine. A power distribution unit consisting of several components is provided for the supply.

The power distribution unit here has a first input which is connected to an energy store of the utility vehicle. The energy storage device provides electrical energy, usually in the form of a high-voltage direct voltage.

The energy storage device is connected to a high-voltage distributor through the first input. The high-voltage DC voltage is passed on to other components of the power distributor via the high-voltage distributor and, at the same time, sensors are provided that record the voltage, current strengths, temperature and / or other variables.

A control unit is provided and monitors at least the high-voltage distributor, for example via the optionally provided sensor system. The control unit can also monitor the other components and, if necessary, also switch them. The control unit is advantageously used to avoid overloads, to enable battery management and / or to control the current paths to the components as required, whereby dangers can be avoided or recognized, the energy storage device can be used in an optimized manner and / or losses can be reduced. The power distribution unit also has a second input, which is designed as a connection to an external power source. This second input is provided before geous enough as a plug connection in order to be able to connect an externally supplied power cable to the power distribution unit. Electricity can be fed in through the second input and used to charge the energy store and / or directly to operate the power take-off in a stationary utility vehicle.

The power distribution unit also has a first output to which the auxiliary drive is connected. The power take-off is supplied with the electrical current for operating an electrical machine via the first output.

A second output is also provided, which is designed for connecting an external consumer. A local direct or alternating voltage can be output via this preferably plug-in connection and is designed in accordance with the local sockets for the corresponding mains voltage. In this way, the energy store, possibly in conjunction with a generator provided in the utility vehicle, can be used as a decentralized power generator or power source for electrical devices via a corresponding inverter. Alternatively or additionally, the second output can also be used as a charging station for accumulators of the corresponding devices.

A third output is also provided on the power distribution unit, via which a low DC voltage is output. The low DC voltage can be used to supply an on-board network or also for an operating unit for the power take-off.

Furthermore, the low DC voltage can be used for components of the power distribution unit, such as the control unit, inverter, converter, switching elements and the like.

In order to supply the third output with a low DC voltage, a first converter is arranged between the high-voltage distributor and the third output. With the first converter, in addition to converting from a high to a low DC voltage, a galvanic separation between the low-voltage electrical system and the energy storage can be achieved.

This low DC voltage can also be used to supply the components of the power distribution unit. A low-voltage battery is preferably also provided in order to supply the components before or during starting.

The power distribution unit also has an inverter with which the high-voltage direct voltage is converted into an alternating voltage.

Embodiments of a power distribution unit are characterized in that the high-voltage distributor is connected directly to the first output. In these cases, a high-voltage direct voltage is output at the first output, which is then used or converted accordingly in the power take-off. The advantageous structure of the power distribution unit with regard to the utility vehicle and a flexible structure of the electrical machine of the power take-off are advantageous here.

Power distribution units according to alternative embodiments are characterized in that a second converter is arranged between the high-voltage distributor and the first output. The second converter can provide an advantageous galvanic separation between the energy store, in order to protect it, and the power take-off and, if necessary, a defined DC voltage can be output to the first output and / or other components independently of the voltage of the energy store. A defined DC voltage can be used to provide standardized interfaces regardless of the properties of the energy storage device.

Embodiments of a power distribution unit are characterized in that an inverter is arranged in front of the first output, which inverter provides an alternating voltage required for the auxiliary drive. A common alternating voltage can be provided via an inverter, whereby a standardized interface point to the power take-off and at the same time the structure of the power take-off is simplified.

Power distribution unit according to embodiments are characterized in that separate inverters are provided for the second output and the second input. AC voltages are usually tapped or applied at the second output and the second input. In order to enable simultaneous operation, their design and / or different voltages, separate inverters are provided for the second output and the second input.

The separate inverters can be connected directly to the high-voltage distributor or one or more second converters can be interposed.

Further embodiments of a power distribution unit are characterized in that a common inverter is provided for the second output and the second input. Since a local mains voltage is present both at the second output and at the second input, both connections can also be connected to the high-voltage distributor via a common inverter. This reduces the number of components required.

Preferred embodiments thereof are characterized in that the inverter is designed to be bidirectional. In order to be able to map both the second output and the second input, the common inverter is advantageously designed to be bidirectional.

Power distribution units according to embodiments are characterized in that a common inverter is provided for the first output and the second output. The same alternating voltage or, in the case of a polyphase alternating voltage, at least a partial phase thereof is advantageously present at the second output. A common inverter for the first and second output can therefore keep the number of components low.

Corresponding to the embodiments already mentioned, in which the second output and the second input have a common inverter, a common inverter can also be provided for the first output, second output and second input.

Embodiments of a power distribution unit are characterized in that at least two of the connections for the first output, the second output and the second input are connected to the other components of the power distribution unit via a changeover switch. In particular when using common components in the power distribution unit, the connections are alternatively connected to the common component. In order to achieve a change between the individual connections, a changeover circuit is provided between these and the common component. The changeover circuit can be actuated manually or via a controller, in particular via the Steuerge advises. Correspondingly, a changeover circuit can also be provided in which it is possible to switch between the first output, the second output and the second input.

Power distribution units according to embodiments are characterized in that a plurality of second outputs are provided. For flexible use as an energy source, several identical connections can be provided in order to be able to connect several devices, for example.

A plurality of different connections are advantageously provided alternatively or cumulatively. Preferred embodiments are here provided with a plug connection for a polyphase alternating voltage and at least one plug connection for a partial phase of the polyphase alternating voltage.

It is also possible to provide the plug-in connections for direct current from a first or possibly second converter provided in the current distributor, or also to provide additional third converters. These plug connections for direct current can also be designed as charging contacts for electrical devices operated with batteries.

Embodiments of a power distribution unit are characterized in that the second output and the second input are formed by a connection. In order to be able to charge the energy store from the local mains voltage, the second input or, in the case of a plurality of one of the second inputs, can be designed with a local plug connection. Since a corresponding plug connection is also used for electrical devices, a common connection can be provided for the second output and the second input. The current direction can be controlled or selected via an appropriate interconnection and / or an optional changeover switch.

Another aspect of the invention is a utility vehicle with a power distribution unit according to a described embodiment and a power take-off with an electrical machine. By providing a power distributor according to the invention in a utility vehicle, the advantages explained can be achieved.

The features of the embodiments can be combined with one another as desired.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures. Identical or similar elements are denoted by uniform reference symbols. The figures show in detail:

1 to 8 each show a schematically illustrated embodiment of a power distribution unit.

Fig. 9 shows a schematically illustrated embodiment of a utility vehicle with a power distribution unit.

1 to 8 have in common that the power distribution unit (1) is shown schematically. Several connections are provided on the power distribution unit (1), a first and a second input (E1; E2) as well as a first, second and third output (A1; A2; A3) being shown. An energy store (2) is shown at the first input (E1), which is connected to the first input (E1), with individual lines for the poles being shown schematically. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the energy store (2) is shown as a high-voltage battery or high-voltage accumulator.

The second input (E2), on the other hand, is shown as a schematic connection which is designed, for example, as a multi-pole plug contact for a local or device-specific electrical plug connection. The power distribution unit (1) can be connected to an external power source via the second input (E2), for example to charge the energy store (2) and / or to provide the utility vehicle with power for stationary applications.

At least one electrical machine (3) of a power take-off is provided at the first output (A1) of the power distribution unit (1).

The second output (A2) for an external current collector, analogous to the second input (E2), is shown as a schematic connection.

At the third output (A3) an on-board network distributor (4) is shown, with which a power supply of the on-board network of the commercial vehicle is provided.

The exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 8 also have in common that the power distribution unit (1) comprises a control device (5) with which at least individual components can be monitored and / or controlled or regulated. For example, parameters such as temperature, current intensity, voltage, connection usage and the like can be recorded and components can be switched on or off or their performance can be controlled.

The power distribution unit (1) also has a high-voltage distributor (6) connected to the first input (E1), which is connected to other components of the power distribution unit (1). The DC voltage from the energy storage device (2) is applied selectively and / or simultaneously to other components of the power distribution unit (1) via the high-voltage distributor (6).

A first converter (K1) is provided between the high-voltage distributor (6) and the third output (A3), with which a voltage from the energy store (2) applied via the high-voltage distributor (6) is transformed to a DC voltage required for the vehicle electrical system. Energy storage (2) in the form of a high-voltage battery each have after execution a voltage between 60V and 800V, whereas an on-board network of a vehicle is usually operated with 12V or 24V.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprises an inverter (11) which is arranged between the high-voltage distributor (6) and the second output (A2). The inverter (11) converts the DC voltage provided by the high-voltage distributor (6) or the energy store (2) into an AC voltage required for an external consumer.

Another inverter (11.1) is also provided, which is arranged between the high-voltage distributor (6) and the second input (E2). The alternating voltage, which can optionally be supplied via the second input (E2), is accordingly transformed into a direct voltage by the further inverter (11.1) and fed to the high-voltage distributor (6). The current that is supplied can be used to charge the energy store (2) and / or passed on directly to other components of the power distribution unit (1).

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a separate inverter (I3) is provided, which is arranged between the first output (A1) and an electrical Ma machine (3) of the power take-off. With this separate inverter (I3), the voltage provided by the power distribution unit (1) is converted into an alternating voltage suitable for the electrical machine (3). By providing a separate inverter (I3) assigned to the electrical machine, a uniform power distribution unit (1) can be used for power take-offs with different electrical machines, which is particularly advantageous for platform-based commercial vehicles with different structures.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is largely the same as the example shown in Fig. 1 carried out, which is why it is referred to the above description. Only the inverter (11) assigned to the second output (A2) and the further inverter (11.1) assigned to the second input (E2) are replaced by a common bidirectional inverter (I2). This allows the number of components to be reduced. Depending on the design of the bidirectional inverter (I2), the second input (E2) and the second output (A2) can be used simultaneously or only alternatively. In particular, if simultaneous operation of the second input (E2) and output (A2) is not provided, the two connections can optionally be formed by a single plug contact and there is an automatic or user-defined switchover between input and output.

Fig. 3 basically has the same structure as Fig. 2, in addition, a changeover switch (7) is arranged between a bidirectional inverter (I2) and a second input (E2) and two th output (A2). The changeover switch (7) can either be used to establish an electrical connection between the bidirectional inverter (I2) and the second input (E2) or the second output (A2). The direction of operation of the bidirectional inverter (I2) can be set either directly or via the control unit (5) using the toggle switch (7). Alternatively, the changeover switch (7) can also be switched via the control device on the basis of measured values, for example voltage applied to the connections or the like.

In Fig. 4 a second converter (K2) is provided between the first output (A1) and the high-voltage distributor (6), which benabtrieb the over the high-voltage distributor (6) or rather the energy store (2) required DC voltage to another for the Ne DC voltage transformed. It is advantageous here that, if necessary, uniform power take-offs can be used for different vehicles with different energy stores (2).

Next, in Fig. 4, the inverter (11) for the second output (A2) is also not directly but verbun via the second converter (K2) to the high-voltage distributor (6). Alternatively, the inverter (11) can also be connected directly to the high-voltage distributor (6).

The further inverter (11.1) in FIG. 4, on the other hand, is connected directly to the high-voltage distributor (6). It is also possible here to use the additional inverter as an alternative (11.1) must also be connected to the high-voltage distributor (6) via the second converter (K2).

FIG. 5 is constructed analogously to FIG. 4, the inverter (11) and the further inverter

(11.1), as for example also in the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, are replaced by a common bidirectional inverter (I2), whereby the number of components is reduced. The second converter (K2) must accordingly also be usable bidirectionally.

Alternatively, in this exemplary embodiment, the bidirectional inverter (I2) can alternatively be connected directly to the high-voltage distributor (6), depending on the output voltage of the second converter (K2) and the inverter (11; 11.1;

I2).

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 6, in contrast to the previous exemplary embodiments, no separate inverter (I3) is provided. An inverter (11) is provided, the output side of which is connected to a changeover switch (7). Via the changeover switch (7), the inverter (11) can be connected to the first output (A1) and thus the power take-off or its electrical machine (3) or to the second output (A2). The further structure is analogous to, for example, FIG. 1 or FIG. 4.

Thus, the power take-off can be supplied directly from the power distribution unit (1) with an alternating voltage required for the electric machine (3), which accordingly reduces the components and installation space in the power take-off.

In Fig. 7, compared to FIG. 6, a bidirectional inverter (I2) is again provided, which replaces both the inverter (11) and the further inverter (11.1). A connection to the first output (A1), the second output (A3) or the second input (E2) can be established via the changeover switch (7).

The embodiment of FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 7, the changeover switch (7) being replaced by a selection unit (8). The selection unit (8) can be used to connect the bidirectional inverter (I2) to any of the various Connections (A1; A2; E2) can be established, whereby simultaneous connections are also possible.

The selection unit (8) can be designed as a demand-controlled connection or as an interrupter or fuse for disconnecting the connection of unneeded connections or faulty connections.

Of course, in the other exemplary embodiments, instead of a changeover switch (7), a selection unit (8), as in FIG. 8, can be provided.

In Fig. 9 is an example of a utility vehicle, in this example as a semi-trailer truck, ge shows to which a trailer with a power take-off, in the example for a tipper is attached.

Schematically, a power distribution unit (1) and an energy storage device (2) are provided on the utility vehicle, which are electrically connected to one another via a power line.

A power take-off with an electric machine (3), here for example for a hydraulic pump, is provided on the trailer. The power take-off is also connected to the Stromver divider unit (1) with an electrically conductive power line. Preferably, the power line is designed as a cable connected to the power take-off with a plug, which is connected to a first output (A1) designed as a corresponding counterpart.

In addition, a data line is also provided, for example, between the power take-off and the power distribution unit in order to enable a flow of information. For example, sensor data and / or control commands can be transmitted via the data line.

In addition to the example shown of a tipping trailer, other structures are of course also possible. Likewise, the invention is not restricted to semi-trailers, but any vehicles such as trucks, mobile cranes, construction machines and other commercial vehicles are included. In addition, several connections, including different connections, can be provided for the second output, for example, such as sockets with different numbers of phases or voltages, preferably corresponding to the local mains voltages. For Europe, for example, a three-phase plug or three-phase socket with 3-phase and 400V as well as one or more mains sockets with 230V of the individual phases. Different for other regions, such as single-phase 120V and two-phase 240V for America or 127V / 220V or 220V / 380V for China. The frequency also corresponds to the frequency of the local mains voltage, usually 50Hz or 60Hz.

The invention is also not limited to the embodiments described. As stated above, only individual advantageous features can also be provided and combined with one another.

Reference symbol

1 power distribution unit

2 energy storage

3 electric machine (power take-off)

4 on-board network distributors

5 control unit

6 high-voltage distributors

7 changeover switches

8 selection unit

E1 first entrance

E2 second entrance

A1 first exit

A2 second output

A3 third exit

11 inverter

11.1 further inverter

12 inverters (bidirectional)

13 inverter (separate)

K1 first converter

K2 second converter

Claims

1. Power distribution unit (1) for a commercial vehicle with at least one Nebenab driven with an electrical machine (3), having

• a first input (E1) for connection to an energy store (2) of the commercial vehicle, which provides a direct voltage,

• a second input (E2) for connection to an external power source,

• a first output (A1) for connection to the power take-off,

• a second output (A2) for connection to an external pantograph,

• and a third output (A3) for connection to a low-voltage vehicle electrical system,

• a high-voltage distributor (6), which is connected to the first input (E1) and forms the connection between the energy store (2) and the other components of the power distribution unit (1),

• a control device (5) which monitors at least the high-voltage distributor (6) and can control components of the power distribution unit (1),

• at least one inverter (11; 11.1; I2) which is arranged in the current path between the high-voltage distributor (6) and at least one of the connections for the first output (A1), the second output (A2) or the second input (E2),

• a first converter (K1), which is arranged between the high-voltage distributor (6) and the third output (A3) and converts a DC voltage provided by the high-voltage distributor (6) to a lower DC voltage.

2. Power distribution unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the high-voltage distributor (6) is connected directly to the first output (A1).

3. Power distribution unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that between tween the high-voltage distributor (6) and the first output (A1), a second Kon verter (K2) is arranged.

4. Power distribution unit (1) according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that an inverter (11; I2) is arranged in front of the first output (A1), which inverter provides an alternating voltage required for the power take-off.

5. Power distribution unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that separate inverters (11; 11.1) are provided for the second output (A2) and the second input (E2).

6. Power distribution unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a common inverter (11; 11.1; I2) is provided for the second output (A2) and the second input (E2).

7. Power distribution unit (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the inverter (I2) is bidirectional.

8. Power distribution unit (1) according to one of claims 1 or 3 to 7, characterized in that a common inverter (11; I2) is provided for the first output (A1) and the second output (A2).

9. Power distribution unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the connections for the first output (A1), the second output (A2) and the second input (E2) via a changeover switch (7) with the other Components of the power distribution unit (1) are connected.

10. Power distribution unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of second outputs (A2) are provided.

11. Power distribution unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second output (A2) and the second input (E2) are formed by a connection.

12. Commercial vehicle with a power distribution unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a power take-off with an electric machine (3).