EP2614514B1 - Electric protective device and method for producing an electric protective device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a safety device for an electric circuit, in particular for use in a motor vehicle, having a first and a second terminal for electrically connecting the safety device to the circuit, a conducting element guided by the safety device and an electrical connection between the first and the second terminal forms, a pyrotechnic propellant charge, which is adapted to separate by a triggerable explosion, the electrical connection.

The present invention further relates to a power train with an electrical lead having such a securing device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing such a security device.

Such a security device is known, for example from the DE 19503809 A1 comprising, in an electrical path between a battery and the engine wiring harness of a motor vehicle, an ammeter connected to a threshold switch connected to a detonator via an amplifier. The detonator triggers an explosion in the event of exceeding the threshold and cuts through a predetermined breaking point in the electrical line, whereby the electrical connection between the battery and the wiring harness is interrupted.

A disadvantage of this safety device is that in the case of triggering the safety device, only the connected components of the motor vehicle are de-energized, other components that must not be switched off in the event of triggering the safety device or must be activated, are disregarded.

Furthermore, the document shows DE 197 12 544 A1 a power interruption control unit that receives an impact detection signal that is externally supplied when an impact such as a collision of a motor vehicle has been detected, and generates and supplies a circuit interruption control signal based on the impact detection signal. A circuit breaker unit forcibly interrupts a power supply path and stops powering a load. The supply of electricity can therefore be interrupted immediately upon detection of the impact. In addition, a second load, which is a minimum electrical system that is essential to keep the motor vehicle, is provided. Even if the power supply to the load is interrupted, therefore, the vehicle can be kept running. Therefore, even at the time of an accident or the like, the motor vehicle can be moved by itself to the roadside or the like, as far as the state of the vehicle permits.

The present invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a security device and a method for producing such a security device that can turn off certain components and simultaneously activate other components.

This object is achieved with the safety device mentioned above in that the safety device comprises detecting means to detect the triggering of the explosion, wherein the detection means comprise a signal line, wherein the line element and the signal line are associated with release means which are actuated by the explosion, wherein the separating means comprise a separating device, which is designed to sever the signal line and the line element.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a drive train with an electrical line having such a safety device. As a result, the triggering of the pyrotechnic propellant charge can be detected reliably and with simple means.

The object is further achieved by the production method mentioned at the outset with the steps of providing a housing part, providing a pyrotechnic propellant charge, arranging a line element on the propellant charge, arranging detection means on the line element or the propellant charge, arranging the pyrotechnic passage in the housing part and allocating separating means which are actuatable by the propellant charge, to the conduit member and the signal conduit, the separation means comprising a separator adapted to sever the signal conduit and the conduit member, and sealing the body member by means of a seal and a housing cover.

Advantage of the safety device according to the invention is that regardless of the electrical line to be separated, the triggering of the safety device and in particular the pyrotechnic propellant charge independently is detected in order to activate in the event of triggering other components, such as contactors or the like, or to take certain safety-related measures. As a result, the safety, in particular in a motor vehicle when the safety device is triggered, can be increased.

In a preferred embodiment, the detection means are at least partially destroyed by the explosion.

This allows the explosion to be detected reliably.

In particular, the separating means are assigned such that a movement of the separating means cuts through the line element and the signal line. Thus, it can be provided that the line element and the signal line are severed by the separating means together. The movement can be actuated by the explosion.

Thereby, a reliable separation of the electrical connection and / or the electrical path can be realized.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the signal line is electrically insulated from the line element.

As a result, disturbances of the signal line can be reduced by the current in the line element.

Furthermore, it is preferred if an insulation element is arranged between the signal line and the line element.

As a result, a reliable insulation can be provided by simple means.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the detection means comprise a plurality of signal lines which form independent electrical paths which can be severed by the explosion.

As a result, different components can be activated independently of each other, creating additional redundancy.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the separating means have a, in particular a single, cutting chisel, which is designed to sever the signal line and the line element.

Thereby, a reliable separation of the electrical connection and the electrical path can be provided.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the propellant charge is accommodated in a watertight housing.

As a result, the life and reliability of the safety device can be increased or ensured under different environmental conditions.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the housing has feedthrough means for guiding electrical signals into and / or out of the housing. As a result, the function of the securing device in the watertight housing can be ensured.

In general, it is preferred if the line element has further safety switches in order to be able to switch de-energized individually determined components. This offers the advantage that certain components can be protected individually and with different currents.

In general, it is preferred that the watertight housing has two electrical feedthroughs for independently firing the pyrotechnic propellant charge and detecting the initiation of the explosion.

It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the particular combination given, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1

den schematischen Aufbau eines Antriebsstrangs eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit einer Sicherungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 2

den schematischen Aufbau einer Sicherungsvorrichtung mit einer pyrotechnischen Treibladung und Erfassungsmitteln;

Fig. 3

den schematischen Aufbau einer Sicherungsvorrichtung mit einer Signalleitung und einem Trennmeißel;

Fig.4

eine Sicherungsvorrichtung mit einer Signalleitung und zwei Trennmeißeln;

Fig. 5

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführung der Sicherungsvorrichtung;

Fig. 6

eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Sicherungsvorrichtung mit einer Signalleitung und einem wasserdichten Gehäuse; und

Fig. 7

eine Batterie eines Kraftfahrzeugs mit einer Sicherungsvorrichtung.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1

the schematic structure of a drive train of a motor vehicle with a securing device;

Fig. 2

the schematic structure of a safety device with a pyrotechnic propellant charge and detection means;

Fig. 3

the schematic structure of a securing device with a signal line and a cutting bit;

Figure 4

a safety device with a signal line and two cutting chisels;

Fig. 5

an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the securing device;

Fig. 6

an exploded view of a safety device with a signal line and a waterproof housing; and

Fig. 7

a battery of a motor vehicle with a safety device.

In FIG. 1 a motor vehicle with a safety device is shown schematically and generally designated 10. The motor vehicle has a drive train 12 which is supplied with a torque t by means of a drive machine 14. The torque t is transmitted to driven wheels 16r, 161 for driving the motor vehicle 10. The prime mover 14 may be designed both as an internal combustion engine with an alternator, not shown, as an electric machine or as a hybrid drive with an electric machine and another drive motor, such as an internal combustion engine or the like. The prime mover 14 is connected to a controller 18 which controls the prime mover 14. The motor vehicle 10 has an electrical energy source 20, which is preferably designed as an accumulator 20. The accumulator 20 is electrically connected to the drive machine 14 in order to supply the drive machine with electrical energy and / or to be charged by the electric drive machine, for example, in overrun mode or the alternator with electrical energy. For charging the accumulator 20 and solar cells can be used, which also provide in combination with the alternator electrical energy. Between the accumulator 20 and the prime mover 14, a securing device 22 is arranged, which is designed to possibly separate the electrical connection. The security device 22 is further connected to a control unit 24. The control unit 24 receives a control signal from the fuse 22, if the securing device 22 has been triggered and the electrical connection between the accumulator 20 and the drive machine 14 has been severed. On the side of the securing device 22 facing the accumulator 20, further consumers may also be connected, which are controlled by the control unit 24.

The safety device 22 is designed to trigger in the event of an accident or in the case of too high a current in the electrical connection between the accumulator 20 and the engine 14, d. H. to disconnect the electrical connection. The security device 22, in the event of triggering, provides a signal to the control device 24, which activates other security-relevant components 26 or initiates a specific security sequence or shutdown sequence. This allows certain components of the vehicle, such. As contactors, on-board electronics, hazard warning lights, communication means, restraint systems activated by a corresponding signal or in a certain way, e.g. in a safe mode, to increase the overall safety in the motor vehicle 10 in the event of an accident.

In FIG. 2 For example, a pyrotechnic propellant charge and explosion detection device is shown and generally designated 30. By the securing device 30, a power line 32 is guided, in which the current I flows. The securing device 30 has a housing 34 in which a pyrotechnic explosive charge 36 is arranged. The housing 34 is open on a side facing the power line 32. On the open side of the housing 34, a detector 38 is arranged, which is connected to a signal line 40. The power line 32 has a first terminal 42 and a second terminal 44, wherein the power line 32 forms an electrical connection between the power terminals 42, 44.

The terminals 42, 44 serve to connect the power line 32 in a circuit or to connect to a circuit. The pyrotechnic explosive charge 36 is disposed in the housing 34, which is open to the power line 32 in order to permanently sever an electrical connection between the terminal 42 and 44 by a triggerable explosion. Between the pyrotechnic explosive charge 36 and the power line 32, the detector 38 is arranged, which detects the triggering of the explosion of the pyrotechnic explosive charge 36 and leads out a corresponding detection signal via the signal line 40 from the housing 34. In the power line 32 may be provided a predetermined breaking point, which is severed by the triggerable explosion to interrupt the electrical connection between the terminal 42 and 44. The detector 38 may be configured as a pressure sensor, temperature sensor, electrical conduit or the like to detect the initiation of the explosion. Preferably, the detector 38 is destroyed by the explosion. By this arrangement, the fuse device 30 on the one hand by the triggerable explosion, the electrical connection between the terminals 42, 44 separate and at the same time detect the triggering of the explosion via the sensor 38 and the signal line 40 and to corresponding control and / or regulating devices.

In Fig. 3 an embodiment of the securing device 30 is shown schematically. The same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, with only the differences being explained here.

In the housing 34, the pyrotechnic explosive charge 36 is disposed, and a cutting bit 46 having a cutting edge 48. The cutting bit 46 is movably supported in the housing 34 between the pyrotechnic explosive charge 36 and the open side of the housing 34. The cutting edge 48 faces the electrical line 32. Between the electrical line 32, a signal line 50 is arranged, which has a first plug connection 52 and a second plug connection 54.

The signal line 50 and the electrical lead 32 are arranged relative to the housing 34 and the cutting bit 46 so that the cutting bit 46 is moved outward by the explosion, and the cutting edge 48 of the cutting bit 46, the signal line 50 and the electrical line 32 is severed. The signal line 50 has the plug-in connections 52, 54, via which an electrical current in the signal line 50 is impressed. When the cutting bit 46 cuts the signal line 50 and the electric wire 32, the impressed current in the signal line 50 is cut off, whereby the triggering of the explosion can be detected independently.

The signal line 50 is isolated from the electrical line 32 to avoid interference with the signal line 50. The cutting bit 46 is preferably made of a hard, non-conductive material such. As plastic, so as not to generate short circuits between the signal line 50 and the electrical line 32 or to form an electrical connection between the terminals 42, 44 of the electrical line 32. The plug-in connections 52, 54 are preferably waterproof.

In FIG. 4 a further embodiment of the securing device 30 is shown. The same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, with only the differences being explained here.

The housing 34 has two openings arranged on opposite sides of the housing 34. In the middle of the housing 34, the pyrotechnic explosive charge 36 is arranged. On the open sides of the housing 34, a respective separating chisel 56, 58 is arranged. The cutting chisels 56, 58 each have a cutting edge 60, 62, which are guided through an opening in the housing 34. The cutting bits 56, 58 are movably mounted in the housing 34. At the openings of the housing 34, the electrical line 32 and the signal line 50 are arranged.

The cutting bits 56, 58 are movably supported in the housing 34 so that the blades 60, 62 are moved outward by the explosion of the explosive charge 36. The electrical line 32 and the signal line 50 are disposed on the respective cutting edge 60, 62, so that the movement of the cutting chisel 54, 56, the electrical line 32 and the signal line 50 is severed. The movement of the cutters 56, 58 is effected by the explosion.

In Fig. 4 the signal line 50 and the electrical line 32 separate separating chisels 56, 58 assigned. As a result, the triggering of the explosion by the signal line 50 can take place independently. The detection of the triggering of the explosion is made via the signal line 50 in the same manner as in the embodiment according to FIG Fig. 3 ,

In Fig. 5 an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the securing device 30 is shown. The same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, with only the differences being explained here.

The pyrotechnic explosive charge 36 is disposed in the housing 34. The housing 34 has connection or feedthrough means 64, via which the pyrotechnic explosive charge 36 can be ignited electrically. The housing has an opening 66 through which various elements can be mounted in the housing 34. In Fig. 5 an insulation element 68 is shown, which can be accommodated in the housing 34. The signal line 50 has a flat portion 70 which is insertable into the insulating member and received in the housing 34 together with the insulating member 68. The insulating member 68 has two insulating portions 72, 74, between which the flat portion 70 is received. The electrical line 32 has the terminals 42, 44 and a vertical portion 76 which is insertable through the opening 66 in the housing 34 and rests against the insulating element 68 in the assembled state. The insulating element 68 with the vertical portion 70 of the signal line 50 is in the assembled state between the vertical Section 76 and the pyrotechnic explosive charge 36 arranged. In a preferred embodiment, the separating bit 46 is arranged between the insulating element 68 and the pyrotechnic explosive charge 36.

Furthermore, in Fig. 5 a closure element 78 is shown, which closes the opening 66 of the housing 34 after installation of the electrical line 32, the signal line 50 and the insulating element 68. The closure element 78 has connection pins 80 which can be inserted for fixing in connection opening 82 of the housing 34.

The flat portion 70 of the signal line 50 is disposed between the cutting bit 46 and the vertical portion 76, so that the blast 48 is moved by the explosion of the pyrotechnic explosive charge 36 and the flat portion 70 and the vertical portion 76 is severed. Thereby, the electrical path between the plug-in terminals 52 and 54 and the electrical line 32 between the terminals 42 and 44 is severed. As a result, the electrical line 32 can be severed reliably and at the same time the triggering of the explosion or the severing of the electrical line 32 by means of the signal line 50 can be reliably detected.

In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of signal lines 50 are arranged in the securing device 10 one behind the other, which are severed by the explosion. This can increase the redundancy.

Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of a housing for the securing device 30, which is generally designated 90.

The housing 90 is formed by a lower housing part 92 and a housing cover 94. The housing cover 94 is provided with a seal 96 to seal the housing 90 watertight. The securing device 30 is received in the housing 90, wherein the passage 94 at an opening 98 of the Housing 90 is arranged to ignite the pyrotechnic explosive charge 36 by means of an electrical signal from the outside. The connection terminals 42, 44 are fixed for mechanical fixation on pin 100. The terminals 42, 44 are each connected to a current clamp 102, 104, which are guided via openings 106, 108 to the outside. The signal line 50 is connected via the connection terminals 52, 54 to a feedthrough 110. The feedthrough 110 is disposed at an opening 112 of the housing 90 for conducting an electrical signal to the outside. As a result, the severing of the signal line 50 can be detected from the outside. The openings 98 and 112 are provided with seals 114, 116 to allow a watertight implementation of the electrical signals.

The housing 90 thereby offers the possibility of the securing device 30 waterproof, z. B. in a motor vehicle to operate, electrical signals and the electrical line 32 are guided into the housing 90 and out of the housing 90 out. The housing 90 can be attached directly to a battery case.

In Fig. 7 For example, a battery for a motor vehicle 10 is shown with a security device 30 and generally designated 120. The battery 120 has a first pole 122 and a second pole 124. The first pole 122 forms a ground terminal of the battery and the second pole 124 forms a positive voltage pole of the battery 120. The fuse device 30 is fixed to the battery 120, the current clamp 102 being electrically connected to the second pole 124 by means of a pole connection device 126. The pole connection device 126 is formed as a metal strip 126. If the securing device 30, as in FIG. 7 is attached to the battery 120, the pole connection device 126 is preferably formed as a metal bar 126. Alternatively, the pole connection device 126 may be formed as a cable, in particular if the securing device 30 is installed remotely from the battery 120 in the motor vehicle 10.

Claims (8)

1. Protective device (30) for an electrical circuit, in particular for use in a motor vehicle (10), comprising:

   - a first and a second connection terminal (42, 44) in order to electrically connect the protective device (30) to the circuit,

   - a line element (32) which is passed through the protective device (30) and forms an electrical connection between the first and the second connection terminal (42, 44),

   - a pyrotechnical propellant charge (36) which is designed to break the electrical connection by a trippable explosion, wherein the protective device (30) has detection means (38, 50) in order to detect tripping of the explosion,
   characterized in that the detection means (50) have a signal line (50), wherein disconnection means (46, 56, 58) which can be operated by the explosion are assigned to the line element (32) and the signal line (50), wherein the disconnection means (46, 56, 58) have a disconnection device (46) which is designed to sever the signal line and the line element.
2. Protective device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the signal line (50) is electrically insulated from the line element (32).
3. Protective device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an insulating element (68) is arranged between the signal line (50) and the line element (32).
4. Protective device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the detection means (50) have a plurality of signal lines (50) which form independent electrical paths which can be severed by the explosion.
5. Protective device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the propellant charge (36) is accommodated in a water-tight housing (90).
6. Protective device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the housing (90) has pass-through means (64, 110) in order to pass electrical signals into the housing (90) and/or out of the housing (90).
7. Drive train (12), in particular for a motor vehicle (10), comprising an electrical line (23) which has a protective device (30) according to one of Claims 1 to 6.
8. Method for producing a protective device (30) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, comprising the steps of:

   - providing a housing part (92),

   - providing a pyrotechnical propellant charge (36) in the housing part (92),

   - arranging a line element (32) on the propellant charge (36),

   - arranging a signal line (50) on the line element (32) or the propellant charge (36), wherein the disconnection means (46, 56, 58) have a disconnection device (46) which is designed to sever the signal line and the line element,

   - arranging the pyrotechnical propellant charge (36) in the housing part (92) and assigning disconnection means (46, 56, 58), which can be operated by the propellant charge (36), to the line element (32) and the signal line (50),

   - closing the housing part (92) by means of a seal (96) and a housing cover (94).

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