GB2385726A - Vehicle electrical distribution system monitoring incoming and outgoing power to a load - Google Patents

Vehicle electrical distribution system monitoring incoming and outgoing power to a load Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2385726A
GB2385726A GB0224483A GB0224483A GB2385726A GB 2385726 A GB2385726 A GB 2385726A GB 0224483 A GB0224483 A GB 0224483A GB 0224483 A GB0224483 A GB 0224483A GB 2385726 A GB2385726 A GB 2385726A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
power
distribution system
electrical distribution
switch
voltage terminal
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.)
Granted
Application number
GB0224483A
Other versions
GB2385726B (en
GB0224483D0 (en
Inventor
Klaus Hold
Rainer Denkelmann
Achim Rosemann
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.)
Delphi Technologies Inc
Original Assignee
Delphi Technologies Inc
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 Delphi Technologies Inc filed Critical Delphi Technologies Inc
Publication of GB0224483D0 publication Critical patent/GB0224483D0/en
Publication of GB2385726A publication Critical patent/GB2385726A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2385726B publication Critical patent/GB2385726B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L1/00—Supplying electric power to auxiliary equipment of vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
    • B60R16/03—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems or for
    • 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
    • H02H3/08—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 responsive to excess current
    • H02H3/087—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 responsive to excess current for dc applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J1/00—Circuit arrangements for dc mains or dc distribution networks
    • H02J1/06—Two-wire systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J2310/00—The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load
    • H02J2310/40—The network being an on-board power network, i.e. within a vehicle
    • H02J2310/46—The network being an on-board power network, i.e. within a vehicle for ICE-powered road vehicles

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)

Abstract

An electrical distribution system (10) for a motor vehicle comprising an input voltage terminal (14); an input ground terminal (16); an output voltage terminal (18) electrically connected to the input voltage terminal by a first power line (24); an output ground terminal (20) electrically connected to the input ground terminal by a second power line (26); electrically actuable switch means (28,30) in the first power line to connect/disconnect the input voltage terminal and the output voltage terminal; power monitoring means (36) sensing the electrical power on the first power line, and on the second power line; and switch control means (36) receiving a control signal from the power monitoring means dependent on the sensed power, and actuating the switch means dependent on the control signal. Continuously monitors the power being sent to an electrical load, and disconnects the power supply should an adverse condition be detected.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1>
ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Technical Field The present invention relates to an electrical distribution system for a motor vehicle.
Background of the Invention Vehicle manufacturers are beginning to introduce a 42 volt electrical system in motor vehicles. Power distribution in the vehicle has to handle not only the simple switch-on and-off operations, but also guard against situations which could result in hazards appearing. Due to new voltage being three times higher than the voltage in the more conventional 14 volt system, critical situations may be created: for example, an increased risk of series arcing because of disconnection under power (live disconnection); an increased risk of parallel arcing if a damaged wire (insulation defect) makes contact with the ground or another potential; and an additional short-circuit problem in a dual voltage system (short circuit between 14V and 42V potential).
It is expected that a future 42 volt system will include a 14 volt system for those functions that cannot easily be transformed to the new voltage level. A power distribution unit is known which just switches the current on and off, and in some cases senses the switched current. Failures like a temporarily break of the power-line, leakage current to other components or and arcs cannot be detected.
Summary of the Invention The object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the above mentioned concerns.
An electrical distribution system, in accordance with the present invention, for a motor vehicle comprises an input voltage terminal; an input ground terminal; an output voltage terminal electrically connected to the input
<Desc/Clms Page number 2>
voltage terminal by a first power line; an output ground terminal electrically connected to the input ground terminal by a second power line; electrically actuable switch means in the first power line to connect/disconnect the input voltage terminal and the output voltage terminal; power monitoring means sensing the electrical power on the first power line, and on the second power line; and switch control means receiving a control signal from the power monitoring means dependent on the sensed power, and actuating the switch means dependent on the control signal.
The present invention is an electrical distribution system, which monitors both the incoming and outgoing power, preferably current, to a component. For this, the power and the ground line to a load need to be accessible in a single unit. Monitoring the current provides information on the current operating status of the load. Monitoring the voltage can also provide information on the current status (open/closed) of the switch means. In case of an irregular manipulation of the system (unplugging the fuses under power), the load can be switched off and the mating contacts will not be destroyed.
Continuous monitoring of the current/voltage level enables the system to detect a failure mode operation, and to cut off the effected circuits if necessary.
Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a power distribution unit for an electrical distribution system in accordance with the present invention, with the detection cover omitted for clarity; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the power and control boards of the unit of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is schematic of the electrical distribution system in accordance with the present invention, when installed in the unit of Figure 1,
<Desc/Clms Page number 3>
showing alternatives-monitoring using an FET ; and/or monitoring using a relay and fuse.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to the drawings, an electrical distribution system 10 for a motor vehicle is integrated in a power distribution unit 12, in the form of a housing for enclosing the various components and connections associated with the system 10. In use, the unit 12 would include a cover (not shown).
The system 10 includes an input voltage terminal 14; an input ground terminal 16; and a number of output voltage terminals 18, each with an associated output ground terminal 20. The input voltage terminal 14 and input ground terminal 16 are electrically connectable to a DC power supply, typically at 42 volts. Each output voltage terminal 18 and its associated output ground terminal 20 is connectable to an electrical load 19. The unit 12 includes power and control boards 22 (typically PCB's) which include first power lines 24 electrically connecting the input voltage terminal 14 to the output voltage terminals 18; and second power lines 26 electrically connecting the input ground terminal 16 with the output ground terminals 20.
Positioned in each first power line 24 is an electrically actuable switch means, preferably an FET 28, or a relay 30. In the case of a relay 30, a fuse 32 is preferably also positioned in the first power line 24 in series with the relay. Each switch means 28,30 is individually actuable to electrically connect the input voltage terminal 14 with, or disconnect the input voltage terminal from, the associated output voltage terminal 18. In the case of a relay 30 and fuse 32, the relay and fuse may be plugged into the unit 12 at appropriate plug-in positions 34.
The system 10 further comprises a power monitoring means and a switch control means, which are preferably integrated together in the form of a micro-computer 36. The power monitoring means has lines 38,40 connected to the first and second power lines 24,26, respectively, for sensing the power (preferably the current, but possibly a combination of the current
<Desc/Clms Page number 4>
and voltage) on each power line. From the sensed power on the power lines 24,26, the monitoring means generates a control signal which is sent to the switch control means. The switch control means has lines 42 connected to each switch means 28,30 for controlling the actuation of the switch means dependent on the control signal from the power monitoring means.
Optionally, a cover switch 44 (such as a micro-switch or Hall sensor) may be associated with the cover for the unit 12. The cover switch 44 is connected by a line 46 to the power monitoring means, which, by way of the switch control means, would actuate the switch means 28,30 as required should the cover be removed from the unit 12. Also, the micro-computer 36 may be connected to other vehicle computer systems by way of a suitable connector 48.
The operation of the present invention provides the following aspects or options: (1) hot-plugging detection for the removal of the cover and/or live disconnection; (2) arc sensing for monitoring the current/voltage level and using an algorithm (in the micro-computer 36) to determine parallel or series arcing; (3) failure mode for measuring the leakage current (difference between incoming and outgoing current) and switch off when loss of current reaches predetermined critical limit; and (4) electronics to control switches, to communicate to the vehicle computer network, to sense the current/voltage and to calculate via the algorithm the degree of failure (arcing). The present invention has particular application in a dual voltage system of a motor vehicle, for electrical distribution for the higher voltage system.
The present invention provides continuous monitoring of the power being supplied to an electrical load, and disconnects the power supply should an adverse condition be detected. Any number of switch means 28,30 may be associated with the system 10, each of which can be individually actuated by the switch control means.

Claims (9)

Claims
1. An electrical distribution system for a motor vehicle comprising an input voltage terminal; an input ground terminal; an output voltage terminal electrically connected to the input voltage terminal by a first power line; an output ground terminal electrically connected to the input ground terminal by a second power line; electrically actuable switch means in the first power line to connect/disconnect the input voltage terminal and the output voltage terminal; power monitoring means sensing the electrical power on the first power line, and on the second power line; and switch control means receiving a control signal from the power monitoring means dependent on the sensed power, and actuating the switch means dependent on the control signal.
2. An electrical distribution system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the power monitoring means and the switch control means are integrated in a micro-computer.
3. An electrical distribution system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the sensed power is electrical current.
4. An electrical distribution system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the sensed power is electrical current and voltage.
5. An electrical distribution system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch means includes an FET.
6. An electrical distribution system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch means includes a relay.
7. An electrical distribution system as claimed in Claim 7 in which a fuse is in series with the relay.
<Desc/Clms Page number 6>
8. An electrical distribution system as claimed in any one of Claims I to 7, wherein the system is positioned in a housing having a separate cover, wherein a cover switch is mounted on the housing, the power monitoring means being connected to the cover switch to monitor when the cover is removed and to send a control signal to the switch control means when the cover is removed.
9. An electrical distribution system as herein described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
GB0224483A 2001-10-29 2002-10-22 Electrical distribution system Expired - Fee Related GB2385726B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0125851.6A GB0125851D0 (en) 2001-10-29 2001-10-29 Electrical distribution system

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0224483D0 GB0224483D0 (en) 2002-11-27
GB2385726A true GB2385726A (en) 2003-08-27
GB2385726B GB2385726B (en) 2004-01-14

Family

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Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB0125851.6A Ceased GB0125851D0 (en) 2001-10-29 2001-10-29 Electrical distribution system
GB0224483A Expired - Fee Related GB2385726B (en) 2001-10-29 2002-10-22 Electrical distribution system

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB0125851.6A Ceased GB0125851D0 (en) 2001-10-29 2001-10-29 Electrical distribution system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (2) GB0125851D0 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4969062A (en) * 1989-05-30 1990-11-06 Motorola, Inc. Ground fault protection circuit
US5245523A (en) * 1989-05-09 1993-09-14 United Technologies Automotive, Inc. Power delivery circuit with current detection

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5245523A (en) * 1989-05-09 1993-09-14 United Technologies Automotive, Inc. Power delivery circuit with current detection
US5245523B1 (en) * 1989-05-09 1997-06-24 United Technologies Automotive Power delivery circuit with current detection
US4969062A (en) * 1989-05-30 1990-11-06 Motorola, Inc. Ground fault protection circuit

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2385726B (en) 2004-01-14
GB0224483D0 (en) 2002-11-27
GB0125851D0 (en) 2001-12-19

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Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20061022