Device for a motor vehicle for interrupting an electrical connection and a motor vehicle

Abstract

Device (1) for a motor vehicle for interrupting an electrical connection, comprising: - a first electrical connection (2); - a second electrical connection (3); - a coupling device (4) which is configured to electrically connect the first terminal (2) to the second terminal (3) in a first position (P1) and to electrically isolate the first terminal (2) from the second terminal (3) in a second position (P2); - a partially transparent covering (5) which covers the coupling device (4), characterized in that a) the coupling device (4) is configured to connect the first terminal (2) to a third electrical terminal in a third position and to electrically isolate the first terminal (2) from the third terminal in a fourth position, wherein a contacting device (6) is configured to electrically connect the first terminal (2) to the second terminal (3) and the third terminal to a fourth terminal either coupled or separately, or to electrically isolate the first terminal (2) from the second terminal (3) and the third terminal from the fourth terminal either coupled or separately, and / or b) the coupling device (4) has at least one actuator (8) which is configured to move the coupling device (4) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) and / or from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for a motor vehicle for interrupting an electrical connection and to a motor vehicle.

[0002] To expand their functionality, vehicles are increasingly equipped with sensors to detect a wide variety of physical inputs. The ever-growing array of sensors in vehicles can be interpreted by users as surveillance, even if none is actually taking place. Some hardware solutions allow cameras to be physically retracted, meaning the lens is covered by an object. If a microphone is installed in the vehicle, users may also want to control its use. There is also a fear, in some cases, of being tracked via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

[0003] DE 67 51 662 U relates to an electrical switch with contact bridges inserted in an operating part and fixedly arranged counter-contact springs, in particular for household appliances, characterized in that the step switch forms a unit with a printed circuit board and that a counter-contact spring and optionally a terminal block are directly connected to a conductor track of the printed circuit board, for example by soldering.

[0004] JP 2002-042599 A discloses a switch comprising a housing, a normally closed fixed terminal protruding outwards from the housing, a normally closed fixed contact housed within the housing and electrically connected to the terminal, a common terminal protruding outwards from the housing, a moving part housed within the housing and electrically connected to the common terminal, and a moving contact electrically connected to the moving part, which, upon movement of the moving part, makes contact or is not in contact with the common contact. The housing is provided with at least one transparent section near the position where the contacts make contact with each other.

[0005] US 3,657,503 A discloses a terminal housing for the secondary terminals of a current transformer. The housing includes a terminal block or mounting element that attaches to the secondary terminals. The mounting or block element is provided with port barriers that prevent access to the secondary terminals. A clear plastic cover made of electrically insulating material fits over the terminal block element. A locking nut is attached to the cover and engages a pin on the mounting element to secure the cover to the mounting element and enclose the terminals. A pair of ports are formed in the cover to provide access to the secondary terminals in a specific position of the cover. A shorting element is mounted on the pin and locks or unlocks with the cover, so that the ports in the cover are blocked when the shorting element is in its closed position.

[0006] CN 2 07 338 241 U discloses a relay comprising a relay body, a base, an integrated electrical leakage warning system, and a miniature transformer for the relay body. The relay is constructed by connecting the base to a safety cover, which is fitted with a gasket, and a sealing washer, such that the space within the safety cover is sealed around the relay body, keeping the inside of the relay dry.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the interruption of an electrical connection within a motor vehicle.

[0008] The problem is solved by a device for a motor vehicle for interrupting an electrical connection and by a motor vehicle.

[0009] A first aspect concerns a device for a motor vehicle for interrupting an electrical connection. This device has a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection. Furthermore, the device has a coupling device configured to electrically connect the first connection to the second connection in a first position and to electrically isolate the first connection from the second connection in a second position. In addition, the device has at least a partially transparent cover that conceals the coupling device. This transparent cover can be made of, for example, glass, plexiglass, or plastic.

[0010] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the invention, the coupling device is configured to connect the first terminal to a third electrical terminal in a third position and to electrically isolate the first terminal from the third terminal in a fourth position. In this way, the coupling device can independently connect or isolate two separate circuits. For example, it would be possible to interrupt the power supply to a camera at the first and second terminals, while interrupting a data line of a microphone at the third and fourth terminals. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible, for example, to use a microphone array with a first and a second microphone in conjunction with the coupling device.The first microphone of the microphone array can be electrically interruptible at the first and second terminals, while a second microphone can be electrically interruptible at the third and fourth terminals. Furthermore, the contacting device is configured to optionally connect the first terminal to the second terminal and the third terminal to a fourth terminal, either coupled or separately, or to optionally couple or isolate the first terminal from the second terminal and the third terminal from the fourth terminal. If the first terminal is coupled to the second terminal and the third terminal to the fourth terminal, it is possible to easily connect or isolate multiple lines that can be electrically connected via the coupling device.This allows, for example, a camera and microphone, both used for hands-free operation in a vehicle, to be either activated (i.e., electrically connected) or deactivated (i.e., electrically isolated). This significantly improves user convenience.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, according to a further aspect of the invention, the coupling device comprises at least one actuator motor configured to move the coupling device from the first position to the second position and / or from the second position to the first position. This allows the vehicle user to control the device, for example, via an input on the steering wheel, so that the actuator motor moves the coupling device to the first or second position depending on the input. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the user to control the device accordingly using voice input or other input options available in the vehicle.This approach further reduces the risk of device malfunction, as the user does not interact directly with the coupling mechanism, but only indirectly via the actuator. This, in turn, reduces the potential risk of an accident, since the user can essentially keep both hands on the steering wheel while driving.

[0012] The invention is based on the idea that a user of the device can visibly perceive an electrical interruption in an electrical component, such as a sensor. In particular, it is desirable for motor vehicle users to be able to visually determine whether and which electrical components of the vehicle are currently in use. For example, a user would want to be able to visually see that a camera or microphone is not currently powered, or at least that its data line for transmitting the recorded parameters is interrupted. This significantly increases the user's confidence in the vehicle's systems and also enhances data security, as the user can determine whether and which electrical components should be active.

[0013] A second aspect concerns a motor vehicle comprising a device according to the first aspect. The device may be arranged on or in at least one of the following components of the motor vehicle: a glove compartment, a center console, a steering wheel, or a fuse box. If the device is arranged on or in the glove compartment, it allows for particularly discreet control of whether electrical components are electrically connected to or isolated from the motor vehicle or a system located therein. Alternatively, it may be advantageous for the device to be arranged on the steering wheel, as this allows for particularly simple switching between electrical connection and electrical isolation.In the area of ​​the center console, it is also advantageous for the device to be located and easily accessible, as this allows the vehicle user to quickly and easily see whether and which electrical components are currently transmitting a signal. Furthermore, it may be preferable to locate the device on or in the fuse box. This allows for particularly simple electrical wiring of the components during vehicle manufacturing, as preferably only minimal additional wiring is required.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the cover is designed so that a user of the device can visually identify the first and / or second position of the coupling device in an operating position of the device in the vehicle. On the one hand, the cover serves to protect the coupling device from accidental contact and thus the risk of the user unintentionally moving the coupling device from the first position to the second position or vice versa. Furthermore, it is advantageous in this context if the user does not have to remove the cover to visually inspect the current position of the coupling device.This can be achieved in particular by making the coupling device at least partially transparent, so that the user can see at least one of the two positions, preferably both positions, without having to touch the device, especially the coupling device. This also increases driving safety, as the driver can keep both hands on the steering wheel while driving to perform a visual check.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment, the cover is designed so that a user of the device, in an operating position of the device in the motor vehicle, can visually determine whether the first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal or whether the first terminal is electrically isolated from the second terminal. In this way, a user of the motor vehicle can determine with particular certainty whether an electrical component is electrically connected to or isolated from the first and second terminals.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, the coupling device comprises at least one contacting device which is movable by at least one of the following movements. In a first case, it can be provided that a push or pull, analogous to a mechanical knob, moves the coupling device from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position. Alternatively or additionally, the contacting device can be configured such that a rotation, in particular a turn, of the contacting device moves the coupling device from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position. For example, this can be a rotary knob which, depending on its radial position, electrically connects or isolates the first terminal from the second terminal.Furthermore, by way of example, a displacement of the contacting device essentially in a longitudinal direction, i.e. a translation, can also be provided in order to transfer the coupling device from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment, the contacting device comprises a first contacting element and a second contacting element, in particular a first pin and a second pin, which are electrically connected to each other, wherein the first connection can be connected to the first contacting element and the second connection to the second contacting element. In this way, a particularly reliable coupling or decoupling of the first and second connections can be achieved.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first and second connections are configured as plug connectors. In another preferred embodiment, the first connection is configured as a plug and the second connection as a socket. This allows for a particularly stable electrical connection between the first and second connections, while also making electrical isolation of the first connection from the second connection particularly easy.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first and / or the second connection has several different electrical conductors. This allows not only one conductor, but also a second conductor related to the first, to be connected to the same connection simultaneously. As with a cinch connector, for example, an internal and an external potential can be provided to enable stereo audio transmission. This significantly reduces the required space of the device, since only two connections are needed to electrically connect or isolate two conductors.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first connection and / or the second connection is configured as a data line and / or power supply line. This makes it particularly easy to simultaneously supply power to and transmit data to or from an electrical component.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment, the coupling device includes a mechanical clamping device which, when actuated by a user, mechanically moves the coupling device from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position. In this way, mechanical stress on the coupling device can be particularly predictable, so that the components used in the coupling device can be designed to withstand a continuous load, but one that is known to be exerted by the mechanical clamping device, with particular efficiency. For example, this could be a spring which, when unloaded, moves the coupling device into the first position. When the spring is compressed, it can be moved into the second position.For this purpose, a locking mechanism may be provided so that the tensioned spring can be fixed in this position. If a user activates the locking mechanism, the mechanical tension of the spring allows them to return the coupling device to its initial position without any additional effort.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment, the device is configured to output an acoustic signal, a visual signal, and / or a haptic signal when the first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal. This provides the user with additional feedback indicating that the coupling device is in the desired position. For example, the user can move the coupling device from the first position to the second position, and during this process, visual feedback, e.g., in the form of a flashing LED, informs the user of the coupling device's position. Alternatively or additionally, a light source can indicate the coupling device's position. In this context, for example, a first color, e.g.,A green color indicates that the coupling device is in the first position. A second color, e.g., red, can indicate that the coupling device is in the second position. Furthermore, in one implementation, a beep or other acoustic sound can be emitted to inform the user of the current position of the coupling device.

[0023] For use cases or application situations that may arise when using the device according to the first aspect and that are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, according to the device according to the first aspect, an error message and / or a request for user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0024] The invention also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the device according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the device according to the invention are not described again here.

[0025] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0026] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0027] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a device for a motor vehicle for interrupting an electrical connection in a first position; Fig. 2 the device for a motor vehicle for interrupting an electrical connection in a second position.

[0028] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0029] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0030] Fig. 1 A device 1 for a motor vehicle for interrupting an electrical connection in a first position P1. A coupling device 4 includes a first electrical connection 2 and a second electrical connection 3. A contacting device 6 is arranged between the first connection 2 and the second connection 3, which is configured to enable electrical contact between the first connection 2 and the second connection 3 or to electrically isolate the first connection 2 from the second connection 3.

[0031] As shown, the coupling device 4 is in a first position P1 in which the first electrical terminal 2 is electrically connected to the second electrical terminal 3. For this purpose, the contacting device 6 has a first contacting element 7a, which is electrically connected to the first terminal 2. Preferably, this is a pin. Furthermore, the contacting device 6 has a second contacting element 7b, which is electrically connected to the second terminal 3. In this way, an electrical connection between the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 can be established. By means of a pin 10, a user of the device 1 can move the contacting device 6 in such a way that an electrical connection between the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 can be established or broken, depending on the position of the contacting device 6.electrically insulated. In this context, it may be provided that a symbol or the like is arranged on the device 1 in the target area where the pin 10 moves the coupling device 4 into the first position, so that a user of the device 1 can recognize which position of the coupling device 4 is currently prevailing. Similarly, a second symbol may also be arranged in the target area where the pin 10 moves the coupling device 4 into the first position.

[0032] This can, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the contacting device 6 can be moved in a longitudinal, straight line either from left to right or from right to left. Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that the pin 10 is designed to establish and electrically connect the first terminal 2, the contacting device 6, and the second terminal 3 by pressing the pin 10. Conversely, pulling the pin 10 can disconnect, i.e., electrically isolate, the electrical contact between the first terminal 2, the contacting device 6, and the second terminal 3.

[0033] Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the pin 10 can be configured such that a rotation of the pin 10 about its radial axis in a first direction establishes and electrically connects the first terminal 2, the contacting device 6, and the second terminal 3. By rotating the pin 10 in a direction opposite to the first direction, the electrical contact between the first terminal 2, the contacting device 6, and the second terminal 3 can be broken, i.e., electrically isolated. For this purpose, it can be provided that when the pin 10 is rotated in the first direction, the contacting device 6 is lowered, i.e., the distance between the contacting device 6 and the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 is reduced, in particular minimized, so that an electrical connection is established.Conversely, in the opposite case, turning in the second direction can increase the distance between the contacting device 6 and the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3. Based on... Fig. 1 can be provided accordingly so that the contacting device 6 can adjust its position in the vertical direction to effect or release contact.

[0034] To ensure that the device 1 initially has a predetermined state, the coupling device 4 can have a clamping device 9. This can be designed, as shown, in the form of a mechanical spring 9 or the like. Preferably, the coupling device 4 has a locking mechanism for this purpose, so that the contacting device 6 remains in the predetermined position due to the spring force exerted by the clamping device 9, until an external force releases the locking mechanism and moves the coupling device into the alternative position that deviates from the predetermined position.

[0035] To shield the contacting device 6 as much as possible, the coupling device 4 has a cover 5. This cover is at least partially transparent, so that a user of the device 1 can see the contacting device 6 from above. Fig. 1 accordingly from top to bottom, the currently prevailing position of the coupling device 4 can be seen.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows the device 1 for a motor vehicle for interrupting an electrical connection in a second position P2. The first electrical connection 2 is electrically isolated from the second electrical connection 3. For this purpose, the contacting device 6 is arranged such that only the first contacting element 7a is electrically connected to the first connection 2. The second contacting element 7b is suspended within the coupling device 4, and accordingly, there is no electrical connection between the second contacting element 7b and the second connection 3.

[0037] Preferably, the contacting device 6 is arranged in such a way that the user can not only visually determine the position of the contacting device 6, but can even recognize that the first electrical terminal 2 is isolated from the second electrical terminal 3. This can be visually apparent, for example, in the form of a gap S between the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3.

[0038] In this embodiment, the coupling device 4 has an actuator 8. This actuator can be controlled by a user, and is configured to move the contacting device 6 from a first position P1, in which the contacting device 6 connects the first terminal 2 to the second terminal 3 in a conductive manner, to a second position P2, in which the contacting device 6 disconnects the first terminal 2 from the second terminal 3 in a conductively insulating manner. Preferably, a user can control the actuator 8 as desired by means of inputs such as voice control or a setting on the vehicle in an operating position of the device 1. In this way, it is possible for the cover 5 to be designed to be essentially continuous, so that external forces acting on the cover 5, as described in Fig. 1. These can be avoided if they are intended for operation by a user. This can, in particular, increase the service life of the components arranged in the device 1. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the components in Fig. 1 and Fig. The contacting device 6 shown in Figure 2 comprises a combination of the components arranged therein. For example, the contacting device 6 may include an actuator 8 for automatic movement and a pin 10 for manual movement. Furthermore, the contacting device 6 may also include a clamping device 9, regardless of whether a pin 10 or an actuator 8 is arranged.

[0039] Furthermore, the device 1 can be configured such that it has a third electrical connection, allowing the coupling device 4 to connect the first connection 2 to the third connection in a conductive manner or to electrically isolate them. In addition, the coupling device 4 can have a third connection and a fourth connection besides the first connection 2 and the second connection 3, which are also electrically connectable or isolable. For this purpose, the contacting device 6 can be configured such that the first connection 2 can be selectively connected to the second connection 3 and the third connection to the fourth connection, or that the first connection 2 can be selectively connected to the second connection 3 and the third connection to the fourth connection, or that the third connection can be selectively connected to the second connection 3 and the third connection to the fourth connection, or that the third connection can be selectively isolated from the fourth connection.

[0040] Furthermore, the first connection 2 can be configured as a plug and the second connection 3 as a socket, thus collectively forming a plug connection. This particularly reduces the risk of insufficient contact between the first connection 2, the contacting device 6, and the second connection 3 when the device 1 is in the first position P1. A plug connection offers particularly advantageous properties due to the positive and / or force-fit interaction between the plug and socket.

[0041] Furthermore, it can be provided that the first terminal 2 and the second terminal 3 are configured such that they each have two different lines. Thus, it is possible, for example, that a first signal is transmitted from a first line of the first terminal 2 via the contact device 6 to a first line of the second terminal 3, and a second signal is transmitted from a second line of the first terminal 2 via the contact device 6 to a second line of the second terminal 3. In this context, it can be provided that the first line in each case is configured to serve as a power supply line, whereas the second line can be configured to serve as a data transmission line.

[0042] Furthermore, the device can have at least one output device configured to output a signal when the first terminal 2 is electrically connected to the second terminal 3. This can be, for example, in the form of an acoustic, visual, and / or haptic signal.

[0043] Furthermore, the device 1 can be part of a motor vehicle (not shown). For this purpose, various actuators and sensors located on or in the motor vehicle can be controlled and monitored in a simplified manner. For example, it may be desirable for a user to be able to determine visually whether a predetermined electrical component of the motor vehicle is currently activated and transmitting data. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the device 1 is located in an easily accessible area within the vehicle's interior. For example, the device 1 can be located on or in the steering wheel or the center console. It is also possible for the device 1 to be located in a glove compartment or generally behind a removable panel in the vehicle's interior.

[0044] Overall, the examples demonstrate how a visible cable break can be implemented in a motor vehicle. A physical break, which may be located behind a protective device such as glass, transparent plastic, or plexiglass, ensures the visibility of the break. A symbol can further indicate whether the function is currently activated or deactivated. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 first electrical connection 3 second electrical connection 4 Coupling device 5. Covering 6 Contact device 7a first contacting element 7b second contacting element 8 Actuator 9 Clamping device 10 pens P1 first position P2 second position S gap

Claims

[1] Device (1) for a motor vehicle for interrupting an electrical connection, comprising: - a first electrical connection (2); - a second electrical connection (3); - a coupling device (4) which is configured to electrically connect the first terminal (2) to the second terminal (3) in a first position (P1) and to electrically isolate the first terminal (2) from the second terminal (3) in a second position (P2); - a partially transparent cover (5) which covers the coupling device (4), characterized by , that a) the coupling device (4) is configured to connect the first terminal (2) to a third electrical terminal in a third position and to electrically isolate the first terminal (2) from the third terminal in a fourth position, wherein a contacting device (6) is configured to electrically connect the first terminal (2) to the second terminal (3) and the third terminal to a fourth terminal either coupled or separately, or to electrically isolate the first terminal (2) from the second terminal (3) and the third terminal from the fourth terminal either coupled or separately, and / or b) the coupling device (4) has at least one actuator (8) which is configured to move the coupling device (4) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) and / or from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1). [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cover (5) is arranged to allow a user of the device (1) to visually identify the first position (P1) and / or the second position (P2) of the coupling device (4) in an operating position of the device (1) in the motor vehicle. [3] Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover (5) is arranged so that a user of the device (1) in an operating position of the device (1) in the motor vehicle can visually recognize that the first terminal (2) is electrically connected to the second terminal (3) or that the first terminal (2) is electrically isolated from the second terminal (3). [4] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (4) has at least one contacting device (6) which is movable by at least one of the following movements: Push, pull, turn, slide. [5] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contacting device (6) has a first contacting element (7a) and a second contacting element (7b), in particular a first pin and a second pin, which are electrically connected to each other, wherein the first connection (2) can be connected to the first contacting element (7a) and the second connection (3) can be connected to the second contacting element (7b). [6] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection (2) and the second connection (3) are designed as plug connections. [7] Device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first connection (2) is designed as a plug and the second connection (3) is designed as a socket. [8] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection (2) and / or the second connection (3) has several different electrical conductors. [9] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection (2) and / or the second connection (3) is configured as a data line and / or power supply line. [10] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling device (4) has a mechanical clamping device (9) which is configured to move the coupling device (4) mechanically from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) or from the second position (P2) to the first position (P1) when actuated by a user. [11] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) is configured to output at least one of the following signals when the first terminal (2) is electrically connected to the second terminal (3): acoustic signal, visual signal, haptic signal. [12] Motor vehicle comprising a device (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

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