DE102020104970A1 - Electronic circuit breaker device - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic circuit breaker device (100) is described. The electronic circuit breaker device (100) comprises at least one input connection (102) for connecting an electrical direct voltage source (104) and at least one output connection (106) for connecting an electrical load (108). The electronic circuit breaker device (100) further comprises a current measuring unit (110) for determining a current flowing through the input connection (102). The electronic circuit breaker device (100) further comprises a first switch (112A) which is connected in series with the current measuring unit (110) and is designed to separate at least one of the at least one output connection (106) from at least one of the at least one input connection (102) . The electronic circuit breaker device (100) further comprises a test unit (114) which is designed to selectively close a test circuit comprising at least the current measuring unit (110) via a reference resistor (114A) by means of a test switch (114B). The electronic circuit breaker device (100) further comprises a control unit (116) which is designed to disconnect the electrical consumer (108) from the electrical DC voltage source (104) at at least one of the at least one output connection (106) and the test circuit by means of the test unit (114) to close via the reference resistor (114A), to determine a test current measured value in the closed state of the test unit (114) by means of the current measuring unit (110), and based on a discrepancy between the test current measured value and one of the at least one input terminal (102) Voltage and the reference resistance (114A) corresponding setpoint current to output a state of the test circuit.

Description

The invention relates to an electronic circuit breaker device, in particular an electronic circuit breaker device with self-checking.

Among other things, high reliability in operation and high accuracy of the tripping characteristic are expected from an electronic circuit breaker device. The expectation is very often not met, since such an electronic circuit breaker device consists of numerous electronic components, the overall accuracy being formed from the sum of all component tolerances. In addition, the properties of the electronic components change with increasing operating time.

Various methods are known in the prior art for solving this challenge, for example through external monitoring or through the use of high-precision and expensive individual components. The disadvantages are that the production costs are driven up and the number of application-specific materials increases.

The invention is based on the object of providing an electronic circuit breaker device which monitors the state of the electronic circuit breaker device and detects changes, preferably due to aging effects with increasing operating time. As an alternative or in addition, an electronic circuit breaker device is to be provided which can change the tripping behavior of the electronic circuit breaker device as a function of the changes in state.

The task or tasks are solved with the features of the independent claim. Appropriate configurations and advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

Embodiments of the invention are described below with partial reference to the figures.

According to one aspect, an electronic circuit breaker device is provided. The electronic circuit breaker device comprises at least one input connection for connecting an electrical direct voltage source and at least one output connection for connecting an electrical load. The electronic circuit breaker device further comprises a current measuring unit for determining a current flowing through the input connection. The electronic circuit breaker device further comprises a first switch which is connected in series with the current measuring unit and is designed to separate at least one of the at least one output connection from at least one of the at least one input connection. The electronic circuit breaker device further comprises a test unit which is designed to selectively close a test circuit comprising at least the current measuring unit via a reference resistor by means of a test switch. The electronic circuit breaker device further comprises a control unit which is designed to disconnect the electrical load at at least one of the at least one output connection from the electrical DC voltage source and to close the test circuit by means of the test unit via the reference resistor To determine the current measuring unit, and based on a discrepancy between the test current measured value and a setpoint current corresponding to a voltage applied to the at least one input connection and the reference resistance, outputting an indication of the state of the test circuit.

Embodiments make it possible to determine the deviation, for example repeatably at certain times and / or with each starting process of the electronic circuit breaker device, for example to carry out a self-test with it. Embodiments can be designed to check the basic circuit breaker functionality during the self-test (for example opening the first switch) and / or to determine conclusions about the aging of the circuit breaker device (for example, previously damaged components and / or already in operation) (for example based on the Deviation). A component of the circuit breaker device such as the current measuring unit or the first switch can change their internal resistance, for example age, in the event of frequent short circuits and / or high current pulses. The circuit breaker device, preferably the control unit, can be designed to determine this change due to the deviation and / or to output it as status information of the test circuit, for example if and / or whether a component has reached its aging limit (also: wear limit).

The control unit can be designed to disconnect the electrical consumer from the electrical DC voltage source by means of the first switch (i.e. by opening the first switch) at at least one of the at least one output connection.

The control unit can be designed to disconnect and determine at each start and / or each load-free state ( e.g. for potential-free output connections). As an alternative or in addition, the disconnection and the determination can be carried out in response to the applied voltage and / or a connection of the consumer.

The test unit can comprise the reference resistor and the test switch, preferably a semiconductor switch (for example a transistor). As an alternative or in addition, the test unit can comprise a capacitor. The test unit can be designed to cause a current to flow through the current measuring unit (preferably for a short period of time or for a measurement time) (for example when the test switch is closed and / or the first switch is open).

A test current path in which the test unit is arranged can be branched off from an operating current path between the at least one input connection and the at least one output connection. The current measuring unit can be arranged in the operating current path. The test current path can be branched off from the operating current path in such a way that a test current circuit comprises at least the current measuring unit. The test circuit can furthermore comprise the voltage source and / or the at least one input connection.

During a self-test of the electronic circuit breaker device, the electrical consumer can be separated from the electrical DC voltage source (for example by means of the first and / or second switch), i.e. no electrical current flows between the electrical consumer and the electrical DC voltage source. The test circuit can be closed via the reference resistor by means of the test switch, i.e. an electrical current flows in the test circuit (for example starting from the electrical DC voltage source and / or the capacitor). The test circuit can be closed for a predetermined period of time (for example 5 ms).

The voltage applied to the at least one input connection can correspond to a setpoint voltage. As an alternative or in addition, the electronic circuit breaker device can furthermore comprise a voltage measuring unit. The voltage measuring unit can be designed to measure the voltage applied to the at least one input connection.

The reference resistance can have a predetermined reference resistance value.

A value of the reference resistance, a value of the voltage applied to the at least one input connection and / or a value of the setpoint current can be predetermined. The value of the reference resistance, the value of the voltage applied to the at least one input connection and / or the value of the setpoint current can be stored in the control unit. Alternatively, the control unit can be designed to measure the applied voltage and / or to determine the setpoint current. For example, the control unit can be designed to calculate the setpoint current as the quotient of the voltage applied to the at least one input connection and the reference resistance value.

The status information of the test circuit can be or include a status information with regard to the current measuring unit. For example, a change in the internal resistance of the current measuring unit can lead to a discrepancy between the test current measured value and the expected setpoint current.

The electronic circuit breaker device can furthermore comprise a fuse, for example a fuse, connected in series with the current measuring unit. The test circuit can also include the fuse. The control unit can be designed to output the status information with regard to the current measuring unit and / or the fuse based on the discrepancy between the test current measured value and the setpoint current corresponding to the voltage applied to the at least one input connection and the reference resistance. For example, status information can indicate an increase in the internal resistance of the fuse.

The fuse can be arranged between the at least one input connection and the current measuring device (preferably connected in series in the operating current path). The fuse can be arranged in the operating current path.

The test current path can branch off from the operating current path in such a way that a test circuit comprises at least the current measuring unit and the fuse. For example, the test current path can include the current measuring unit, the fuse, the reference resistor and the test switch.

Embodiments of the invention make it possible to determine conclusions about the aging of the fuse (for example due to the deviation) and to output them (for example as status information). For example, the fuse can change its internal resistance as a result of several or more frequent short circuits and / or several or more frequent (for example high) current pulses. Short circuits and / or current pulses can also be referred to as load processes.

If, for example, the fuse is a fuse, the internal resistance (also: volume resistance) of the fuse can increase with the number of load processes. With appropriately precise circuit components (for example the current measuring unit), a change in the voltage drop between the input voltage and the output voltage of the electronic circuit breaker device and thus a change in the current measured by the current measuring unit can be determined. Depending on the type of backup used, the value changes, for example from
15 mOhm of a brand new fuse to 17 mOhm at the end of the fuse's operating time. The total resistance in the test circuit then changes, for example, from 25 mOhm to 27 mOhm. By measuring the
With the voltage drop between the input voltage and the output voltage or the current by means of the current measuring unit, the control unit can determine the point when the fuse is shortly before its maximum operating time and output a corresponding status information (for example a message) on the electronic circuit breaker device.

The status information can be output as a light signal on the circuit breaker device (for example by means of an LED) and / or as a remote message (for example via a data network).

The test circuit can further comprise the first switch. The control unit can also be designed to output the status information with regard to the current measuring unit and / or the fuse and / or the first switch based on the discrepancy between the test current measured value and the target current corresponding to the voltage applied to the at least one input connection and the reference resistance.

The test current path can branch off from the operating current path in such a way that a test circuit comprises at least the current measuring unit and the first switch. The first switch can be arranged in the operating current path (for example connected in series).

Embodiments can make it possible to determine conclusions about the aging of the first switch (for example due to the deviation or a time course of the aging) and / or to output (for example as a status output). The fuse, the first switch and / or the current measuring unit can change (for example increase) their internal resistance with the number of load processes.

The control unit can be designed to disconnect the electrical consumer at at least one of the at least one output connection by means of the first switch. The control unit can preferably be designed to disconnect the electrical consumer at at least one of the at least one output connection by means of the first switch in order to determine and output the status information of the test circuit, in particular the status information with regard to the current measuring unit and / or the fuse.

The first switch can be arranged such that when the first switch is open, the current measuring unit and / or the fuse is or remains connected to at least one of the at least one input connection.

The electronic circuit breaker device can further comprise a second switch which is designed to separate at least one of the at least one output connection (for example the second output connection) from at least one of the at least one input connection (for example the second input connection). The control unit can furthermore be designed to disconnect the electrical consumer at at least one of the at least one output connection by means of the second switch. The control unit can preferably be designed to disconnect the electrical consumer at at least one of the at least one output connection (for example the second output connection) by means of the second switch in order to display the status information of the test circuit, in particular the status information with regard to the current measuring unit and / or the fuse and / or the first switch to determine and output.

The at least one output connection can comprise two or more output connections. The first switch can be designed to separate a first output connection of the output connections from at least one of the at least one input connection. The second switch can be designed to separate a second output connection of the output connections from at least one of the at least one input connection.

The second switch can be arranged such that when the second switch is open, the current measuring unit and / or the fuse and / or the first switch is or remains electrically connected to at least one of the at least one input connection.

The electronic circuit breaker device may have first and second input terminals and first and second output terminals include. The first input connection can be connected to the first output connection via a first current path. The second input connection can be connected to the second output connection via a second current path.

The first switch and / or the second switch can interrupt the first current path. Alternatively or in addition, the second switch can interrupt the second current path.

The first current path can correspond to or include the operating current path. The electrical current can flow in the first current path from the first input connection to the first output connection. The electrical current can flow in the second current path from the second output connection to the second input connection (for example in order to close an operating circuit).

The first input connection can or can be connected to a positive pole of the electrical DC voltage source. The second input connection can be or can be connected to the negative pole or ground potential of the electrical DC voltage source.

The current measuring unit and the first switch can be arranged in the first current path. The second switch can be arranged in the first current path or in the second current path.

The test current path in which the test unit is arranged can be branched off from at least one node of the first current path. The test current path can be separated from each of the at least one node by means of a respective switch. Alternatively, the test current path can be connected to exactly one of the at least one node of the first current path by means of a bipolar switch (for example, technically referred to as a “Single Pole, Center Off” switch or a “Single Pole, Triple Throw” switch), preferably optionally . For example, the test current path can optionally be connected to either a first node or a second node.

The test unit can be arranged between the first and second current paths. Alternatively or additionally, the test unit can be connected or connectable on the one hand (for example at one of the nodes) to the first current path and on the other hand to the second current path (for example to a ground potential).

The status information can include the test current measured value and / or the deviation. The electronic circuit breaker device can furthermore comprise an output (i.e. an output unit) for outputting the status information. The output can include a display, preferably a screen. The output can also include a radio and / or network interface. The status information can be transmitted to a central data unit (for example a central computer or a central storage unit) by means of the radio and / or network interface.

The control unit can furthermore be designed to determine a warning state if an amount and / or a rate of the deviation is greater than a predetermined warning threshold value. The electronic circuit breaker device can furthermore comprise a warning output for outputting a warning signal when the warning state is determined.

The rate can be a change over time (for example a rate of change or a derivative over time) of the deviation. The warning output can be implemented by means of a warning output unit.

The control unit can be designed to regularly store the deviation. The rate can be determined by means of the control unit on the basis of the stored deviations.

The predetermined warning threshold value can correspond to an amount and / or a rate of deviation at which the current measuring unit comprised by the test circuit and / or the fuse comprised by the test circuit and / or the first switch comprised by the test circuit has reached a predetermined operating time. For example, the test circuit can include the current measuring unit and the predetermined warning threshold value correspond to an amount and / or a rate of deviation at which the current measuring unit has reached 80% of its operating time.

The warning output can include one or more light outputs, preferably one or more light-emitting diodes. The warning signal can be a light signal. Alternatively or in addition, the warning output can include a display, preferably a screen. The warning signal can be an image output, for example “80% of the maximum operating time reached”. Furthermore, as an alternative or in addition, the warning signal can comprise an acoustic signal.

The warning output can also include a radio and / or network interface. The warning signal can be transmitted to a central data unit.

Embodiments can give preventive warnings by means of the status output, for example that one or more components of the electronic circuit breaker device already have a high Operating time that approaches the maximum operating time, and / or cause the user to replace the corresponding component, the corresponding components or the electronic circuit breaker device.

The control unit can also be designed to determine an error state if an amount and / or a rate of the deviation is greater than a predetermined error threshold value, and to disconnect the electrical consumer by means of the first switch and the second switch when the error state is determined. Optionally, the electronic circuit breaker device can also include an error output for outputting an error signal when the error state is determined.

An output unit can comprise the error output and the warning outputs. The output unit can comprise several light outputs, preferably several multicolored light-emitting diodes. For example, lighting up a yellow light diode can indicate a warning state and lighting up a red light diode can indicate an error state. As an alternative or in addition, the output unit can comprise a display, preferably a screen. The image display can display a warning signal, for example “80% of the maximum operating time reached”, or an error signal, for example “maximum operating time reached”. Furthermore, as an alternative or in addition, the warning signal and / or the error signal can comprise an acoustic signal.

Alternatively, the warning output and the error output can be designed separately, wherein the error output can be designed analogously to the warning output.

Embodiments can ensure in the event of a detected fault condition that the electrical consumer is completely disconnected from the electrical DC voltage source and the electronic circuit breaker device is inoperable in order to protect the electrical consumer and / or the electrical DC voltage source from damage and the electronic circuit breaker device from further damage. Furthermore, the status output can be used to indicate (for example, display) that an error status is present, preferably because one or more components of the electronic circuit breaker device have reached their maximum operating time, and / or to cause a user to select the corresponding component, the corresponding components or the replace electronic circuit breaker device.

The control unit can also be designed to determine and store a maximum current value as a function of the test current measured value.

The control unit can also be designed to determine an operating current measured value by means of the current measuring unit in an operating state of the electrical consumer connected to the at least one output connection and to determine an overcurrent if the determined operating current measured value is greater than the maximum current value, and the electrical consumer when the overcurrent is detected to separate from the electrical DC voltage source at at least one of the at least one output connection (for example by means of the first and / or second switch).

Embodiments thus enable, in addition to the self-testing of the electronic circuit breaker device, a simultaneous self-calibration of the electronic circuit breaker device. In a normal operating state in which the electrical load is supplied with electrical current from the electrical direct voltage source via the electronic circuit breaker device, the electronic circuit breaker device disconnects the power supply in the usual way when the current determined by the current measuring unit exceeds a maximum current value. As a result of the self-calibration, exemplary embodiments of the invention can change this maximum current value as a function of the test current measured value and thus as a function of changes in state, for example due to aging effects, of the current measuring unit and / or the fuse and / or the first switch. The exemplary embodiments can thus provide a safe electronic circuit breaker device which, in comparison to conventional circuit breakers, can react to aging effects of the electronic circuit breaker device against overloading by changing the permissible maximum current value.

Alternatively or in addition, the self-calibration during manufacture (or production) of the electronic circuit breaker device, preferably after manufacture and before delivery of the electrical circuit breaker device, can be carried out by the control unit to set or first determine the (preferably first) maximum current value.

The current measuring unit can include a shunt resistor and be designed to measure the current through the at least one input connection (for example an operating current measured value in the operating state, a value of the overcurrent in the fault state and / or the test current measured value) as a voltage drop at the shunt resistor.

The current measuring unit can be designed as a comparator with a shunt resistor. The operating current measured value and / or the test current measured value can be determined on the current measuring unit as a voltage drop across the shunt resistor. The maximum current value can be determined and / or stored as a maximum voltage drop across the shunt resistor.

The current measuring unit can be designed to provide the operating current measured value and / or the test current measured value to the control unit (preferably to output it, for example via a serial bus, preferably I-square-C or I ² C). As an alternative or in addition, the current measuring unit can be designed to determine whether the operating current measured value has exceeded the maximum current value. The current measuring unit can furthermore be designed to cause the first switch and / or the second switch to transition into an open state when the operating current measured value has exceeded the maximum current value. As an alternative or in addition, the current measuring unit can also be designed to provide the control unit with a signal when the operating current measured value has exceeded the maximum current value.

The first switch can comprise a semiconductor switch, preferably a semiconductor field effect transistor. As an alternative or in addition, the second switch can comprise a semiconductor switch, preferably a semiconductor field effect transistor.

The control unit can also be designed to apply different control voltages to close the semiconductor switch (the first and / or second switch) when the electrical load is disconnected and the test circuit is closed and to determine a threshold value for the semiconductor switch (the first switch and / or the second switch). The threshold value can be determined by a transition from an open (i.e. essentially non-conductive) state to a closed (i.e. essentially conductive state) of the respective semiconductor switch. To determine the threshold value of the first switch, the electrical consumer can be separated from the electrical DC voltage source by means of the second switch. To determine the threshold value of the second switch, the electrical consumer can be separated from the electrical DC voltage source by means of the first switch.

The control unit can also be designed to output a state of the semiconductor switch (i.e. the first switch or the second switch) based on a discrepancy between the threshold value and a target threshold value (for example predetermined in the control unit). The state output of the semiconductor switch can be implemented analogously to the state output of the test circuit or it can be implemented by means of the same output.

The control unit can be designed to examine the response behavior of the semiconductor switch by changing the applied control voltages. A deviation of the specific threshold value from the (preferably predetermined) setpoint threshold value or a rate of the deviation (for example a change in a specific time interval) can be output as aging effects by means of the status output, for example.

The threshold value can also be referred to as the response voltage or U _th value (or U _{th for} short).

For example, the response _{voltage U th} between the gate and source of the semiconductor switch (for example a conventional semiconductor switch or MOSFET) can change as the operating time increases. The response voltage can reduce (for example slightly) before the response voltage increases (for example rapidly or faster in terms of magnitude than the previous reduction). The change in this response voltage can be determined or determined with appropriately precise circuit components (for example in the control unit).

For example, crossing a minimum of the threshold value can correspond to an aged state of the semiconductor. The control unit can be designed to output a corresponding state information in response to the aged state of the semiconductor.

Depending on the semiconductor switch used, the U _th value can drop, for example, from 2.2 V at a current strength of 1 A to 2.1 V at a current strength of 1 A. By measuring the U _th value at the gate of the semiconductor switch, you can determine the point when the semiconductor switch is shortly before its maximum operating time and output a corresponding message to the electronic circuit breaker device, for example by LED or remote message.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings using preferred exemplary embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht einer elektronischen Schutzschaltervorrichtung gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2 eine schematische Ansicht einer elektronischen Schutzschaltervorrichtung gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel; und
• 3 eine schematische Ansicht einer elektronischen Schutzschaltervorrichtung gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic view of an electronic circuit breaker device according to a first embodiment;
• 2 a schematic view of an electronic circuit breaker device according to a second embodiment; and
• 3 a schematic view of an electronic circuit breaker device according to a third embodiment.

1 shows schematically a first embodiment of a generally with reference numerals 100 designated electronic circuit breaker device (short: circuit breaker device).

The circuit breaker device 100 includes at least one input port 102 for connecting an electrical DC voltage source 104 and at least one output port 106 to connect an electrical consumer 108 . In this embodiment, the circuit breaker device comprises 100 a first and second input terminal 102 and first and second output ports 106 . The first input port 102 is with the first output port 106 via a first current path 118 electrically connected. The second input port 102 is to the second output port 106 via a second current path 120 electrically connected.

The circuit breaker device 100 further comprises a current measuring unit 110 , a first switch 112A , a test unit 114 with a reference resistor 114A and a test switch 114B and a control unit 116 . Optionally includes the circuit breaker device 100 also a backup 124 and a second switch 112B .

The current measuring unit 110 is in the first rung 118 arranged. The current measuring unit 110 can be arranged to one through the first current path 118 to determine the current flowing. The current measuring unit is an alternative or supplement 110 to determine one through the input port 102 flowing current formed.

The first switch 112A is with the current measuring unit 110 connected in series and in the first rung 118 arranged. The first switch 112A is designed to the first output connection 106 from the first input port 102 to separate, preferably optionally to separate and connect according to the control unit 116 .

The second switch is optional 112B in the second rung 120 arranged. Alternatively, the second switch 112B in the first rung 118 be arranged. The second switch 112B is designed in each case to the second output connection 106 from the second input port 102 to separate.

The backup 124 is with the current measuring unit 110 connected in series. Preferably the fuse 124 be a fuse.

The test unit 114 is in a test current path, which is the first current path 118 and the second rung 120 connects, arranged. The current path of the test unit 114 can at the first junction 122A or at the second junction 122B from the first rung 118 branch off. The test unit 114 is designed to run a test circuit across the reference resistor 114A using the test switch 114B optionally to close.

The test circuit includes the current measuring unit 110 and (if present) the fuse 124 for example by placing the test circuit across the first node 122A closed is. The test circuit preferably further comprises (for example optionally or permanently) the first switch 112A for example by placing the test circuit across the second node 122B closed is. The test circuit can also be the voltage source 104 and / or the first input port 102 and / or the second input connection 102 include.

The control unit 116 is designed for the electrical consumer 108 at at least one of the at least one output connection 106 from the electrical DC voltage source 104 to be disconnected (preferably by opening the first switch 112A and / or second switch 112B ) and the test circuit using the test unit 114 via the reference resistor 114A to close, a test current measured value in the closed state of the test unit 114 by means of the current measuring unit 110 to be determined, and based on a discrepancy between the test current measured value and a through one at the at least one input terminal 102 applied voltage and the reference resistance 114A to output a status information of the test circuit for a specific setpoint current.

The status information of the test circuit can be a status information with regard to the current measuring unit 110 and / or the backup 124 , for example if the test circuit is across the first node 122A closed is. As an alternative or in addition, the status information of the test circuit can be a status information with regard to the current measuring unit 110 and / or the backup 124 and / or the first switch 112A be, for example, if the test circuit crosses the second node 122B closed is.

The at least one input port 102 applied voltage can correspond to a nominal voltage. Alternatively, the circuit breaker device 100 furthermore a voltage measuring unit 126 comprise, which is designed to be attached to the at least one input port 102 to measure the applied voltage.

The control unit 116 can furthermore be designed to determine a warning state if an amount and / or a rate of the deviation is greater than a predetermined warning threshold value. The circuit breaker device 100 can furthermore comprise a warning output for outputting a warning signal when the warning state is determined.

The control unit 116 can furthermore be designed to determine an error state if an amount and / or a rate of the deviation is greater than a predetermined error threshold value. The control unit 116 can also be designed to control the electrical consumer when the fault condition is detected 108 by means of the first switch 112A and the second switch 112B to separate. Optionally, the circuit breaker device 100 furthermore comprise an error output for outputting an error signal when the error state is determined.

The control unit 116 can furthermore be designed to determine and store a maximum current value as a function of the test current measured value. In addition, the control unit 116 be designed to be in an operating state of the electrical consumer connected to the at least one output connection 108 by means of the current measuring unit 102 to determine an operating current measured value and to determine an overcurrent if the determined operating current measured value is greater than the maximum current value. If the overcurrent is detected, the control unit can 116 the electrical consumer 108 at at least one of the at least one output connection 106 from the electrical DC voltage source 104 separate.

2 shows a second embodiment of the circuit breaker device 100 .

2 uses alternative nomenclatures of the components of the circuit breaker device 100 . The electrical DC voltage source 104 is alternatively used briefly as a source, the electrical consumer 108 in short as a consumer, the current measuring unit 110 as a measuring device, the first switch 112A as a switching device, the test unit 114 as a test and calibration unit, and the control unit 116 referred to as a control and evaluation unit.

In comparison to the first exemplary embodiment, the test unit is 114 only via the first junction 122A connected to the first rung. Furthermore, the circuit breaker device comprises 100 of the embodiment only the first switch 112A not the second switch 112B . In addition, this exemplary embodiment does not include a fuse 124 .

• - Eine Versorgungsspannung V_in wird angelegt. Der erste Schalter 112A ist im geöffneten Zustand.
• - Die Testeinheit 114 wird für eine kurze Zeitdauer, beispielsweise 5 ms mittels des Testschalters 114B geschlossen, sodass ein Teststrom über die Testeinheit 114 fließt.
• - Der von der Strommesseinheit 110 bestimmte Teststrommesswert des Teststroms wird durch die Steuereinheit 116 ausgelesen und (vorzugsweise bis auf eine Skalierung) als Maximalstromwert für die Strommesseinheit 110 bis zum neuen Startvorgang gespeichert.
• - Die Testeinheit 114 wird mittels des Testschalters 114B geöffnet.
• - Der erste Schalter 112A wird geschlossen. Die Schutzschaltervorrichtung 100 ist betriebsbereit.

This arrangement can, for example, be used for self-testing of the circuit breaker device 100 and / or (for example, simultaneous) self-calibration of the circuit breaker device 100 be used. The self-calibration can take place, for example, as follows when the circuit breaker device is started 100 be performed:

• - A supply voltage V _in is applied. The first switch 112A is in the open state.
• - The test unit 114 is for a short period of time, for example 5 ms by means of the test switch 114B closed so that a test current passes through the test unit 114 flows.
• - The one from the current measuring unit 110 certain test current measurement value of the test current is determined by the control unit 116 read out and (preferably up to a scaling) as the maximum current value for the current measuring unit 110 saved until the new start process.
• - The test unit 114 is made using the test switch 114B opened.
• - The first switch 112A will be closed. The circuit breaker device 100 is ready for use.

3 shows a third embodiment of the circuit breaker device 100 .

3 uses the same alternative nomenclatures of the components of the circuit breaker device 100 how 2 , with the exception of the first switch 112A which in 3 is referred to as a highside switching device. In addition, the in 2 second switch, not shown 112B in 3 referred to as a low-side switching device.

In comparison to the first exemplary embodiment, the test unit is 114 only via the second junction 122B connected to the first rung. In addition, this exemplary embodiment does not include a fuse 124 .

• - Der zweite Schalter 112B ist im geöffneten Zustand und der erste Schalter 112A ist im geschlossenen Zustand.
• - Die Testeinheit 114 wird für eine kurze Zeitdauer, beispielsweise 5 ms mittels des Testschalters 114B geschlossen, sodass ein Teststrom über die Testeinheit 114 fließt.
• - Der von der Strommesseinheit 110 bestimmte Teststrommesswert des Teststroms wird durch die Steuereinheit 116 ausgelesen und ausgewertet.
• - Die Testeinheit 114 wird mittels des Testschalters 114B geöffnet.

This arrangement can be used, for example, for self-testing of the circuit breaker device. The self-test can be carried out, for example, as follows when the circuit breaker device is started:

• - The second switch 112B is in the open state and the first switch 112A is in the closed state.
• - The test unit 114 is for a short period of time, for example 5 ms by means of the test switch 114B closed so that a test current passes through the test unit 114 flows.
• - The one from the current measuring unit 110 certain test current measurement value of the test current is determined by the control unit 116 read out and evaluated.
• - The test unit 114 is made using the test switch 114B opened.

If the evaluation is positive, for example if the amount and / or the rate of the deviation between the test current measured value and a target current corresponding to a voltage applied to the at least one input connection and the reference resistance is not greater than the predetermined error threshold value, the second switch is activated 112B in addition to the first switch 112A closed. There is no fault condition and the circuit breaker device is operational.

If the evaluation is negative, for example if the amount and / or the rate of the deviation is greater than the predetermined error threshold value, the first switch is activated 112A in addition to the second switch 112B opened. The circuit breaker device 100 is not ready for operation and an error status is output (for example, signaled).

Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents used as replacements. Consequently, the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but rather encompasses all exemplary embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

List of reference symbols

100

Electronic circuit breaker device

102

Input connector

104

DC voltage source

106

Output connector

108

Electrical consumer

110

Current measuring unit

112A

First switch

112B

Second switch

114

Test unit

114A

Reference resistance

114B

Test switch

116

Control unit

118

First current path

120

Second stream path

122A

First junction

122B

Second junction

124

Fuse

126

Voltage measuring unit

Claims (14)

An electronic circuit breaker device (100) comprising: - At least one input connection (102) for connecting an electrical direct voltage source (104) and at least one output connection (106) for connecting an electrical load (108); - A current measuring unit (110) for determining a current flowing through the input connection (102); - A first switch (112A) which is connected in series with the current measuring unit (110) and is designed to separate at least one of the at least one output connection (106) from at least one of the at least one input connection (102); - A test unit (114) which is designed to selectively close a test circuit comprising at least the current measuring unit (110) via a reference resistor (114A) by means of a test switch (114B); and - A control unit (116) which is designed to separate the electrical consumer (108) from the electrical DC voltage source (104) at at least one of the at least one output connection (106) and to disconnect the test circuit by means of the test unit (114) via the reference resistor ( 114A) to determine a test current measured value in the closed state of the test unit (114) by means of the current measuring unit (110), and based on a discrepancy between the test current measured value and a voltage applied to the at least one input terminal (102) and the reference resistor (114A) to output a status information of the test circuit corresponding to the nominal current. Electronic circuit breaker device according to Claim 1 , further comprising: - a fuse (124) connected in series with the current measuring unit (110), preferably a fuse, the test circuit further comprising the fuse (124), and the control unit (116) being designed to do so on the basis of the deviation to output the status information with regard to the current measuring unit (110) and / or the fuse (124) between the test current measured value and the setpoint current corresponding to the voltage applied to the at least one input connection (102) and the reference resistor (114A). Electronic circuit breaker device according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the test circuit further comprises the first switch (112A), and the control unit (116) is further configured to, based on the discrepancy between the test current measured value and the voltage applied to the at least one input terminal (102) and the reference resistor (114A) corresponding Set current to output the status information with regard to the current measuring unit (110) and / or the fuse (124) and / or the first switch (112A). Electronic circuit breaker device according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , wherein the control unit (116) is designed to disconnect the electrical consumer (108) at at least one of the at least one output connection (106) by means of the first switch (112A). Electronic circuit breaker device according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th , further comprising: - a second switch (112B) which is designed to separate at least one of the at least one output connection (106) from at least one of the at least one input connection (102), wherein the control unit (116) is further designed to, to disconnect the electrical load (108) at at least one of the at least one output connection (106) by means of the second switch (112B). Electronic circuit breaker device according to Claim 5 wherein the electronic circuit breaker device comprises a first and second input terminal (102) and a first and second output terminal (106), and wherein the first input terminal (102) connects to the first output terminal (106) via a first current path (118) and the second input terminal (102) are connected to the second output connection (106) via a second current path (120). Electronic circuit breaker device according to Claim 6 , wherein the current measuring unit (110) and the first switch (112A) are arranged in the first current path (118), and / or wherein the second switch (112B) is arranged in the first current path (118) or in the second current path (120). Electronic circuit breaker device according to one of the Claims 1 until 7th , wherein the status information includes the test current measured value and / or the deviation. Electronic circuit breaker device according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , wherein the control unit (116) is further designed to determine a warning state if an amount and / or a rate of the deviation is greater than a predetermined warning threshold value, and wherein the electronic circuit breaker device further comprises: a warning output for outputting a warning signal when it is detected the warning state. Electronic circuit breaker device according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , wherein the control unit (116) is further designed to determine an error state if an amount and / or a rate of the deviation is greater than a predetermined error threshold value, and if the error state is determined, the electrical consumer (108) by means of the first switch (112A) ) and the second switch (112B), and optionally wherein the electronic circuit breaker device further comprises: - an error output for outputting an error signal upon detection of the error state. Electronic circuit breaker device according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 , wherein the control unit (116) is further designed to determine and store a maximum current value as a function of the test current measured value. Electronic circuit breaker device according to Claim 11 , wherein the control unit (116) is further designed to determine an operating current measured value by means of the current measuring unit (102) in an operating state of the electrical consumer (108) connected to the at least one output connection and to determine an overcurrent if the determined operating current measured value is greater than the maximum current value and, if the overcurrent is determined, to separate the electrical consumer (108) from the electrical DC voltage source (104) at at least one of the at least one output connection (106). Electronic circuit breaker device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 12th , further comprising: - a voltage measuring unit (126) which is designed to measure the voltage applied to the at least one input connection (102); or wherein the voltage applied to the at least one input connection (102) corresponds to a setpoint voltage. Electronic circuit breaker device (100) according to one of the Claims 1 until 13th , wherein the first switch (112A) is a semiconductor switch, preferably a semiconductor field effect transistor, and wherein the control unit (116) is further designed to apply different control voltages to close the semiconductor switch and to determine a threshold value of the semiconductor switch when the electrical load (108) and the test circuit are closed.

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