Switch with actuator

Abstract

A switch for opening a current conduction path is provided. The switch includes an actuator, a conductor, and a movable part. The conductor has a length extending between two ends and a width extending between two sides, and has connecting contacts at two ends and at least one switch area arranged between the connecting contacts. Each switch area extends between two sides of the conductor and includes a hole passing through the conductor, at least one shearable portion defined by the hole and the closest side of the two sides of the conductor, and an inserted conductor inserted into the hole and electrically contacting the conductor through the hole, so as to define a current conduction path along the length of the conductor via the inserted conductor and at least one shearable portion of each switch area. The movable part is aligned with at least one switch area and is arranged to move toward at least one switching area in a first direction when actuated by the actuator. When moving in the first direction, the movable part is configured to at least partially move the inserted conductor from the hole through its first end, and then shear at least one shearable portion of the conductor through its corresponding second end, so as to disconnect the current conduction path, wherein the first end extends farther in the first direction than the corresponding second end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to opening or interrupting a current conducting path, and more particularly to a switch including an actuator for opening a current conducting path, and a method for operating the switch. Background Art

[0002] The current conduction path can be opened by disconnecting a continuous conductor defining the current conduction path. One method is to disconnect the continuous conductor using a switch including an actuator, which in some examples is a pyrotechnic actuator. When the switch is used for high current applications, the size of the conductor may be large in order to carry the high current. Therefore, it may be difficult to disconnect such a large continuous conductor.

[0003] It is desirable to provide an improved switching device for opening a current conducting path, particularly in high current applications. Such an improved device is desirable for applications requiring reliable and rapid opening of the current conducting path (e.g., batteries in electric vehicles or electrical overload mechanisms for industrial processes requiring high current ratings). Summary of the invention

[0004] In a first aspect, there is provided a switch having the optional features defined hereinafter. In a second aspect, there is provided a method of operating the switch of the first aspect.

[0005] In the following specification, a switch for opening a current conduction path is described. The switch includes: an actuator; and a conductor having a length extending between two ends and a width extending between two sides, the conductor having a connection contact at either end and at least one switch area disposed between the connection contacts. Each switch area extends between the two sides of the conductor and includes a hole through the conductor, at least one shearable portion defined by the hole and the nearest side of the two sides of the conductor, and inserted into the hole and electrically contacted with the conductor through the hole, so that a current conduction path is defined along the length of the conductor by the inserted conductor and at least one shearable portion of each switch area. The switch includes a movable part, which is aligned with at least one switch area and is configured to move toward at least one switch area in a first direction when actuated by the actuator, wherein when the movable part moves in the first direction, the movable part is configured to at least partially move the inserted conductor from the hole through a first end of the movable part, and then shear at least one shearable portion of the conductor through a corresponding second end of the movable part to disconnect the current conduction path, wherein the first end extends farther in the first direction than the corresponding second end.

[0006] Optionally, the inserted conductors are retained in the respective holes by an interference fit (optionally, by a press fit). Additionally or alternatively, the inserted conductors may be at least partially retained in the respective holes by solder. Additionally or alternatively, the inserted conductors may be at least partially retained in the respective holes by a conductive adhesive.

[0007] Previous switches based on actuators relied on linear arrangements to disconnect single or continuous conductors. For example, the linear displacement of the actuated piston will cut the conductor into two sections under a wedge-shaped action to interrupt the current. This arrangement may be suitable for some low current applications. However, for higher current applications, the conductor to be disconnected is usually thicker or wider, and therefore requires a higher force in order to disconnect the conductor. By inserting and holding the insert conductor in the hole with a temporary joint, and then moving the insert conductor before disconnecting the conductor body at one or more shearable parts of one or more switch areas, sufficient electrical contact can be maintained to provide a current conduction path through the entire conductor in daily use. In addition, during the initial displacement operation, the mechanical stability of the conductor is maintained by one or more shearable parts. At the same time, once the actuator is actuated, the current conduction path can be quickly and easily opened without applying a large force to the conductor. Therefore, a smaller actuator can be used, which is convenient for providing a smaller and cheaper switch.

[0008] The separation of the inserted conductor and the shearable portion from the conductor body also helps to reduce the arc (or arc discharge) formed when different conductors are separated from each other. Specifically, the displacement of the inserted conductor and the shearable portion in response to actuation (i.e., the linear translation of the movable part, and therefore the linear translation of the inserted conductor and the shearable portion) can quickly stretch the arc, thereby increasing arc resistance. The increased arc resistance causes a corresponding increase in arc voltage and a decrease in arc current (because the arc exhibits negative resistance). In the case of physical separation between the conductor parts that can be achieved with the switch of the first aspect, the arc resistance can increase rapidly over time, and the current correspondingly decreases to a value at which the heat formed by the current passing through the air is insufficient to maintain the arc, and the arc is therefore extinguished.

[0009] Optionally, at least one switching area comprises two switching areas separated from each other along the length of the conductor. Optionally, the movable part comprises two extensions, each extension being aligned with a respective one of the two switching areas, the first end and the second end being provided with the end of each of the two extensions. By breaking the conductor at multiple locations (i.e. in each switching area), multiple arc columns can be generated; the arc can be distributed over each column, which reduces the severity of each individual arc column and increases the suppression rate. Thus, a more effective interruption of the arc can be provided. Thus, a safer and more robust switch can be provided.

[0010] Optionally, the switch further comprises a housing arranged to enclose at least two switch areas, wherein a portion of the conductor between the two switch area components is supported by the housing. By supporting the conductor from the bottom while applying shear forces to the top, more effective and efficient force transfer from the movable component can be provided. As a result, a smaller actuator can be used, thereby reducing the size and cost of the switch. Since structural support for the conductor can be provided while assembling the switch, assembly and manufacturing can also be made easier and more efficient using such a structure.

[0011] Optionally, the actuator is a pyrotechnic actuator, and the switch also includes an ignition chamber. The pyrotechnic actuator may be arranged to release gas into the ignition chamber to actuate a movable component when ignited. Optionally, the movable component includes a gap that at least partially defines the ignition chamber. The movable component can be directly actuated and can move like a piston to insert the conductor and shear the shearable portion. When the ignition chamber is at least partially defined by the gap in the movable component (or piston), a smaller ignition chamber (at least initially, it should be understood that as the piston moves, the ignition chamber will expand in size) can be provided. Therefore, less explosives may be required to generate required pressure on the piston, which can provide a more efficient switch.

[0012] As mentioned above, for higher current applications, the conductors to be disconnected are typically thicker or wider, and therefore require higher forces in order to disconnect the conductors. Therefore, previous pyrotechnic-based switches (or automatic pyrotechnic-based circuit breakers) typically use large pyrotechnic actuators, which result in high cost and bulky switch devices. By forming the conductors using separate conductor pieces that are connected only by temporary joints provided by pushing the inserted conductors into the holes of the conductor body, leaving only a narrow portion of the conductor body around each hole, significantly less force is required to disconnect the electrical contact of the different conductors and open the current conduction path. This can produce a smaller and cheaper switch suitable for a range of current loads.

[0013] Optionally, the movable part is configured so that the first end completely moves the inserted conductor from the corresponding hole before the second end contacts at least one shearable portion of each switch area. Optionally, at least one shearable portion is further defined by one or more notched portions of the conductor, the notched portions extending in a direction across the width of the conductor. Optionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​at least one shearable portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor outside of at least one switch area. Optionally, at least one switch area includes two shearable portions, one on each side of the hole. Since the conductor is more easily sheared at the shearable portion, each of these arrangements allows the conductor to be disconnected under the action of less force. Therefore, a smaller actuator can be used, facilitating the provision of a smaller and cheaper switch for a higher rated current.

[0014] A system is provided, comprising a switch as described above and a controller, the controller being arranged to provide a signal to an actuator to actuate the actuator. This system may be used in any suitable application where a switch (or automatic circuit breaker, wherein an activation trigger is provided) is required, for example for overload in industrial applications.

[0015] A vehicle is provided, comprising a switch as described above. Optionally, the vehicle may further comprise a controller arranged to provide a signal to the actuator to ignite the actuator. Optionally, the vehicle is an electric vehicle. The switch may be used, for example, to disconnect a circuit in a battery of the vehicle in the event of an accident. This may improve safety.

[0016] In the following specification, a method for operating a switch is described. The method is optionally a method for operating the switch of the first aspect. The method comprises: actuating an actuator; applying pressure by the actuator on a movable part aligned with a switch area of ​​a conductor, wherein the switch area extends between two sides of the conductor and the movable part is arranged to move toward the switch area in a first direction when the actuator is actuated (i.e., arranged to move in response to the pressure applied by the actuator); at least partially moving an inserted conductor with a first end of the movable part (when the movable part moves in the first direction), the inserted conductor being inserted into a hole of the conductor passing through the switch area; shearing at least one shearable portion of the switch area with a corresponding second end portion of the movable part, the at least one shearable portion being defined by the hole and the closest side of the two sides of the conductor, wherein the first end extends further in the first direction than the second end; opening a current conduction path defined along the length of the conductor via the inserted conductor and the at least one shearable portion by displacement of the inserted conductor and shearing of the at least one shearable portion.

[0017] Optionally, the actuator comprises a pyrotechnic actuator. In such an arrangement, actuating the actuator comprises igniting the pyrotechnic actuator to release gas into an ignition chamber; and the method comprises exerting pressure on the movable member in response to the released gas (to move the movable member and thereby indicate insertion of the conductor). Optionally, the movable member comprises a void that at least partially defines the ignition chamber.

[0018] It should be understood that any of the features described above with reference to the switch of the first aspect may be provided in any suitable combination. In addition, any such feature may be combined with any feature of the method of the second aspect, or vice versa, where appropriate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The following description refers to the following figures:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a switch according to an embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the switch is in a closed position and a current conduction path is defined through the switch;

[0021] Figure 2: Figure 2A Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the conductors of the switch, Figure 2B Shows Figure 2A Detailed perspective view of the conductor;

[0022] Figure 3: Figure 3A and 3B Other example arrangements of conductors of the switch of the first aspect are shown;

[0023] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the inside of the switch;

[0024] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the conductors and movable parts of the switch;

[0025] Figure 6: Fig. 6A shows a perspective view of a conductor when defining a current conducting path along the conductor, Figure 6B Shown in Figure 1 An intermediate perspective view of the conductors during switching operation, and Figure 6C shows a perspective view of a conductor when the current conducting path is broken;

[0026] Fig. 7A and 7B A vehicle comprising the switch of the first aspect is shown;

[0027] Figure 8 A method according to the second aspect is shown.

[0028] Figure 9: Fig.9A a schematic cross-sectional view showing a switch according to an embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the switch is in a closed position and a current conduction path is defined through the switch; and Fig. 9B a schematic cross-sectional view showing the switch in an open position wherein no current conduction path is defined through the switch; and

[0029] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9B A cross-sectional perspective view of a switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2( Figure 2A and 2B ), depicting a switch 100 for opening a current conducting path. The current conducting path is defined along a conductor 106, wherein the conductor 106 includes a body and one or more additional portions or regions disposed along the body, as described below.

[0031] The conductor 106 includes a body (made of a conductive material) having two ends and sides extending between the two ends. The conductor 106 described herein has connection contacts 106a, 106b formed at either end of the conductor 106, but the connection contacts of the conductor may appropriately include additional components electrically connected to the conductor 106. The body of the conductor has a length 116 extending between the two ends of the conductor 106 and a width 118 extending between the two sides of the conductor 106. In the embodiment described herein, the body of the conductor 106 is rectangular, but it should be understood that any suitable geometric shape may be used for the conductor 106. In reference to Figure 3A In one example described, the conductor may be L-shaped, with the length extending between the two ends of the L-shaped conductor (total length 116a and 116b), and the conductor width (or widths, as 118a and 118b may be the same or different) defined accordingly. Likewise, the conductor may be square, or may be, for example, elliptical (where the length may be defined as the extension of the conductor on the semi-major axis and the width may be defined as the extension of the conductor on the semi-minor axis, or vice versa, as the case may be). Prior to actuation of the switch, the current conduction path is defined along the length 116 of the conductor 106 and through the entire width 118 of the conductor 106.

[0032] The conductor 106 includes at least one switching region 108. In the following example, two switching regions 108a, 108b are described, but it should be understood that depending on the size of the switch 100 and the switching requirements (which may be based on, for example, the current carrying capacity of the conductor), only one switching region 108 may be provided, or more than two switching regions 108 may be provided. At least one switching region 108 is disposed between the connecting contacts 106a, 106b along the length 116 of the conductor 106. The switching regions 108 are separated relative to each other such that a portion of the conductor 106c is disposed between each respective switching region 108.

[0033] The switch 100 includes a housing 110 (here including a top or outer portion 110a and a bottom or inner portion 110b) that is arranged to surround at least one switch area 108 and at least a portion of the remainder of the conductor 106. Connection contacts 106a, 106b of the conductor 106 are arranged on the exterior of the housing 110 for connecting the switch 100 to one or more circuits.

[0034] 2, each switch region 108a, 108b of the conductor 106 extends between two sides of the conductor (i.e., extends through the entire width 118 of the body of the conductor 106). Each switch region 108 includes a hole 124 extending through the conductor 106 (see Figure 4 and 6B124) and an inserted conductor 120 (wherein the inserted conductor is made of a conductive material, optionally the same material as the conductor body) inserted into the hole. In some examples, the conductor 106 includes copper, but any other suitable conductive material can be used to form the conductor 106. The hole extends through the entire thickness of the conductor body, and the inserted conductor 120 here has the same thickness as the conductor body, so that the inserted inserted conductor 120 is substantially flush with the conductor body. The two inserted conductors 120a, 120b are each arranged to make electrical contact with the conductor 106 by being inserted into the corresponding hole, so that current can flow through the inserted conductors 120a, 120b along the length 116 and through the entire width 118 of the conductor. By replacing the portion of the conductor 106 removed by forming the hole 124 with an inserted conductor 120 of substantially the same size and shape, the current carrying capacity of the conductor 106 is not affected.

[0035] The inserted conductors 120a, 120b may be retained within the respective holes 124 by an interference fit (optionally, by a press fit). In other words, the inserted conductors 120 make physical contact with the edges of the holes 124 in order to achieve electrical contact with the body of the conductor 106. In other exemplary embodiments, the inserted conductors 120a, 120b may be retained within the respective holes 124 by using solder or a conductive adhesive. In other words, the inserted conductors 120 may not make direct physical contact with the edges of the holes 124, but still make electrical contact with the edges of the holes 124 in order to achieve the necessary electrical contact with the body of the conductor 106.

[0036] Each switch region 108 also includes at least one shearable portion 122. As used herein, shearable portions are portions of the conductor 106 that are configured to be separated from the remainder of the conductor body by shearing (i.e., by applying a shearing force). Specifically, the shearable portion is an area of ​​the conductor body between the hole 124 and the side of the conductor; as used herein, each shearable portion 122 is defined by the hole 124 and the closest of the two sides of the conductor, wherein the width 118 is defined between the two sides of the conductor. Figure 2B in this example, a cuttable portion 122b extends through the entire switch area, and a cuttable portion 122a is further defined by a notched portion 128 of the conductor 106, which will be described in more detail below.

[0037] In these exemplary embodiments, two shearable portions 122a, 122b are provided in each switch region 108a, 108b, one on each side of each hole 124. However, depending on the shape of the hole 124, there may be only one shearable portion 122, or there may be more than two shearable portions 122. Such other exemplary arrangements are Figure 3B, in which a portion of a conductor 106 is shown. A shearable portion 122 is bounded by a hole 124 and a proximal side of the conductor and is arranged such that a current conducting path is defined along the length 116 of the conductor and through at least one shearable portion 122 of the inserted conductor 120 and each switch region 108 such that the current conducting path may extend through the entire or substantially the entire width 118 of the conductor.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 , the switch 100 further includes a movable member 112 that is aligned with the at least one switch region 108 and is configured to move toward the at least one switch region 108 in a first direction 114 when actuated by the actuator 102 of the switch 100. Figure 4 and 5 As described, the movable part 112 includes one or more first ends 130 and one or more second ends 132. The one or more first ends 130 protrude further than the one or more second ends 132 in the direction 114, such that when the movable part 112 is actuated, the first ends contact the conductor 106 at the switch area before the second ends contact the conductor 106 at the switch area 108. In other words, the end of the movable part 112 closest to the conductor 106 can be configured to have a stepped arrangement so that different areas of at least one switch area are sequentially contacted by the movable part 112. Specifically, the movable part can be configured so that the middle portion 106c of the conductor 106 can be held and supported by the housing 110b when actuated, while the inserted conductor 120 and the shearable portion 122 are sequentially displaced by the movable part 112 toward the base 136 of the switch 100.

[0039] As described herein, when the conductor includes two switch regions 108a, 108b, the movable member 112 may include two extensions 112a, 112b. Each extension 112a, 112b is aligned with a respective one of the two switch regions 108a, 108b, and the first end and the second end are disposed at the end of each of the two extensions. Figure 4 It can be seen that the extensions of the movable member can be configured to be received within the bottom of the housing 110b so that when the movable member 112 is fully actuated, the ends of the two extensions 112a, 112b are located at or near the base 136 of the switch 100. In this example, the extensions of the movable member are separated from each other so that the middle portion 106c of the conductor can be retained between the two extensions.

[0040] As described herein, the actuator 102 can be any suitable type of actuator. In some examples, the actuator 102 is a pyrotechnic actuator, but another form of electrically actuated actuator or a manually operated actuator can be used to move the movable member 112. It should be understood that the type of actuator used can depend on the thickness of the conductor 106, because the thickness affects the force required to break the current conduction path, as described below.

[0041] When the actuator 102 is a pyrotechnic actuator, the actuation force is provided by releasing gas when the pyrotechnic actuator is ignited. Specifically, the pyrotechnic actuator 102 includes a connector pin 102a and an igniter 102b. Upon receiving an ignition signal, the connector pin 102a activates an electric charge inside the igniter 102b. The pyrotechnic actuator 102 is configured to discharge gas into the ignition chamber 104 when the electric charge is activated or ignited. In these exemplary embodiments, the movable member 112 is configured as a piston, which includes a cavity or void that at least partially defines the ignition chamber 104. However, it should be understood that the ignition chamber 104 can be set independently of the movable member (for example, it can be defined by a void set in the housing 110), and then the movable member can be indirectly actuated by the actuator 102.

[0042] The high pressure gas discharged into the ignition chamber 104 generates a driving force, which acts on the movable member 112 to move the movable member from the first position (eg Figure 1 The pyrotechnic actuator is configured to release gas into the ignition chamber 104 in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement 114 of the movable member to actuate the movable member 112. When another form of actuator is used, the actuator 102 may be configured to apply a linear force in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement 114, or any other suitable force in any other suitable direction, to actuate the movable member in the direction 114 toward the conductor 106.

[0043] Fig. 6A The conductor 106 is shown when the movable member 112 is in the first position. Specifically, the conductor 106 includes two inserted conductors 120a, 120b disposed in respective switch regions 108a, 108b, wherein four cuttable portions 122 are disposed between the edge of each hole 124 and the nearest respective side of the conductor. In this arrangement, a current conduction path is defined along the length 116 of the conductor by the inserted conductors and the cuttable portions of each switch region, and current can flow through the entire width 118 of the conductor.

[0044] Once actuator 102 is activated (by ignition or by other electrical or mechanical means, as the case may be), a force acts on movable member 112 to cause the movable portion to move in direction 114 toward conductor 106. Figure 6B As shown, when the movable member is actuated, the first end 130 (or multiple portions, depending on the configuration of the movable member) of the extension 112a, 112b of the movable member contacts the conductor 106 in the corresponding switch area 108a, 108b. Specifically, each of the first end 130 disposed at the end of each extension contacts the inserted conductor 120a, 120b and begins to move the corresponding inserted conductor 120 from the corresponding hole 124 when the movable member is actuated. In this arrangement, the current conduction path is still defined along the length 116 of the conductor through the cuttable portion of each switch area, but due to the presence of the hole 124 in the conductor 106, the current no longer flows through the entire width 118 of the conductor. Due to the small cross-sectional area of ​​the cuttable portion 122 compared to the conductor 106 as a whole, the resistance of the conductor 106 is increased in the switch area.

[0045] like Figure 6C As shown, once the inserted conductor through conductor 106 is at least partially displaced (optionally completely displaced) from the corresponding hole 124, the second end 132 (or multiple parts, depending on the configuration of the movable part) of the two extensions of the movable part 112 contacts the shearable portion 122 of the corresponding switch area 108a, 108b. In this embodiment, each extension includes two second ends 132, one in contact with each shearable portion 122 of each switch area 108. Continued actuation of the movable part causes a force to be applied to each shearable portion. Once the inserted conductor has been (at least partially) removed or displaced from the hole 124, the mechanical strength of the conductor 106 in the switch area is reduced (because the cross-sectional area of ​​the body of the conductor 106 is smaller in the switch area 108 than outside the switch area). A combination of a downward force in direction 114 from the movable member (optionally in combination with an upward force from portion 110b of the housing 110 that supports the conductor 106 in some arrangements) is used to shear the conductor 106 at the edge of the thinner (and therefore weaker) shearable portion 122; thus, the shearable portion can be disconnected from the body of the conductor by movement of the movable member 112 so as to disconnect the current conduction path so that no current can flow between the two ends of the conductor 106.

[0046] The bottom portion of the housing 110b described herein is configured to receive the movable member 112, as well as insert the conductor 120 and the (now cut / broken) cuttable portion 122. The housing 110b may include a cavity or open space, and the movable member 112 may be actuated until the end portion reaches the base 136 of the switch, wherein at least a portion of the movable member 112 is located within the cavity of the bottom or portion 110b of the housing. It should be understood that the depth of the cavity / void for accommodating the movable member and the size of the movable member itself will affect the size of the switch 100.

[0047] As the movable member 112 moves, it actuates the loose piece of conductor in direction 114 and may also act as a stop or stop to prevent insertion of the conductor 120 and subsequent movement of the disconnected shearable portion around the switch. In some examples, the housing and / or movable member may be configured such that the movable member 112 is retained within the bottom of the housing, such as by a snap mechanism. Fig.10 An example of such a snap mechanism can be seen in , where a portion of the snap mechanism is highlighted by circle 150. This approach can facilitate mounting the switch 100 in any suitable orientation.

[0048] In some arrangements, the at least one shearable portion 122 is further defined by one or more notched portions 128 of the conductor 106 that extend in a direction across the width 118 of the conductor. Figure 5 and 6A In the example shown (e.g., see the example notch or notch portion within the dashed circle), the notch portion 128 extends from one side of the conductor to the nearest edge of the hole 124 and defines the edge of the shearable portion. In other words, the shearable portion 122 is the conductor side, the edge of the hole 124, and the conductor area between the two notch portions 128 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 2B Since the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor 106 is thinner at the notch portion 128, the conductor is sheared at the notch portion 128 at the edge of the shearable portion 122, causing the shearable portion to fall off from the main body of the conductor 106.

[0049] For applications with higher current ratings, the conductor size (i.e., the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor) must be increased to provide the necessary current carrying capacity. This results in a greater force being required to shear or disconnect the conductor, and therefore a larger capacity pyrotechnic actuator (or other linear actuator) is required to provide the necessary shearing force. This also places higher demands on the structural strength of the switch, and therefore a larger size switch is required to safely withstand the greater forces generated. By shearing the conductor 106 at a location where the conductor cross-section is intentionally reduced (by introducing a hole 124 through the conductor), less force is required to disconnect (shear) the conductor compared to shearing a continuous conductor 106 (while still allowing for a suitable current carrying capacity to be achieved by using an inserted conductor). In some arrangements, the inserted conductor 120 is completely displaced from the corresponding hole 124 before starting to shear the edge of the shearable portion (i.e., before the second end contacts the corresponding shearable portion), which can further reduce the force required to shear the conductor 106. The use of the notched portion 128 can further reduce the shearing force.

[0050] Thus, by using the arrangement described herein, a smaller actuator and therefore a smaller switch may be provided.

[0051] When the current path is broken, the breaking of the temporary joint or connection between the conductor 106 and the inserted conductor 120 (with an over-press fit or solder / adhesive, as the case may be) and the subsequent shearing (or breaking) of the edge of the shearable portion 122 causes an arc to form between the body of the conductor 106 and the respective ends of the inserted conductor 120 and / or the shearable portion 122. An arc forms between the ends of the conductors whenever the conductors are physically separated from one another. The linear displacement of a portion of the conductor from the body itself can promote the reduction of the arc (or arc discharge) by rapidly stretching the arc, thereby increasing arc resistance. The increased arc resistance causes a corresponding increase in arc voltage and a reduction in arc current. Due to the dynamic nature of the force applied by the pyrotechnic actuator (or other type of actuator), the speed of the displacement that occurs can be used to increase the physical separation of the respective conductors more rapidly than previous linear methods, thereby causing more effective interruption of the arc.

[0052] In addition, by disconnecting the current-carrying conductor 106 at four locations in series, the linear displacement of the inserted conductor 120 and the shearable portion 122 relative to the body of the conductor 106 can result in the formation of four different arc columns (in this exemplary embodiment). By generating multiple arc columns, the arc voltage can be increased more quickly and the severity of each arc is reduced (because the discharge is distributed over different arc columns). A safer and more stable switch can be provided. It should be understood that by increasing or decreasing the number of switch areas and thereby increasing or decreasing the number of conductor inserts, the number of series conductor disconnections can be increased or decreased, thereby increasing or decreasing the effect on arc reduction. Taking into account the rating of the switch 100, the length of the extensions 112a, 112b can be configured to provide an appropriate arc suppression effect. Therefore, the switch 100 can adapt to a specific rated current.

[0053] Arc interruption or extinguishing may be further improved by using an arc extinguishing medium. In this arrangement, a reservoir of arc extinguishing medium may be provided in the gap around the movable part 112. As the movable part is displaced upon actuation of the actuator 102 (i.e., in response to the actuation), the medium is displaced accordingly to fill the gap vacated by the movable part. Alternatively, in other groups of embodiments, an arc extinguishing medium element may be provided, which is coupled to one or more inserted conductors 120 and is arranged to move into one or more holes 124 as the one or more inserted conductors are displaced. For example, the arc extinguishing medium element may be coupled to the surface of the inserted conductor closest to the movable part, and the movable part may indirectly contact the inserted conductor through the element. It should be understood that the arc extinguishing medium may be provided in any other suitable arrangement to facilitate interruption or extinguishing of the arc. In this group of embodiments, the arc extinguishing medium includes silicon dioxide. The silicon dioxide medium may be provided in any suitable form, such as as a liquid, powder or other solid, or as a thick viscous semi-solid liquid. However, it should be understood that the arc extinguishing medium may include silicon dioxide in any suitable form. Alternatively, any other suitable arc extinguishing medium may be used.

[0054] exist Fig.9A and 9B as well as Fig.10 An example arrangement with a single inserted conductor 120 can be seen in . The principles described above with respect to a switch 100 with two inserted conductors are equally applicable to a switch 100 with one inserted conductor, and it will be appreciated that three, or three or more inserted conductors may alternatively be provided as desired. Fig.9A The switch 100 is shown when the movable member is in a first position, in which a current conduction path is defined along the length of the conductor 106 (having the connecting contacts 106a, 106b). When the movable member 112 is in a second position (e.g., see Fig. 9B and 10), the current conduction path can be disconnected by removing the inserted conductor 120 from the conductor body and by shearing the one or more shearable portions 122, as described above. The movable part 112 can hold the inserted conductor 120 and the one or more shearable portions in the cavity at the bottom of the housing by a snap mechanism (see, for example Fig.10 The highlighted portion 150).

[0055] from Fig.10 1, the movable part 112 includes a single extension having one first end 130 and two second ends 132. However, it should be understood that more than one end 120 may be provided, and one or more second ends 132 may be provided, depending on the location and number of the shearable portions 122. The one or more first ends 130 protrude further in the direction 114 than the one or more second ends 132, such that when the movable part 112 is actuated, the first ends contact the conductor 106 at the switch region before the second ends contact the conductor 106 at the switch region of the conductor.

[0056] The actuator 102 actuates the movable member 112 to move it from a first position toward a second position in a movement direction 114 toward a base of the switch (wherein, in the second position, an extension of the movable member 112 switches at or near the base). The actuator 102 may be configured to apply a linear force in a direction substantially parallel to the movement direction 114, or any other suitable force in any other suitable direction, to move the movable component in the direction 114 from the first position. In some examples, the actuator is a pyrotechnic actuator configured to release gas into an ignition chamber (optionally formed by or at least partially defined by the movable component 112) in a direction substantially parallel to the movement direction 114 of the movable component to actuate the movable component 112.

[0057] Referring to FIG7 , an example use of the switch 100 is described. Fig. 7A In the example of , the switch 100a is included in the power system 220. Specifically, the power system 220 is the power system of the vehicle 300; with respect to a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle, a ship or boat, or an aircraft, etc.), the power system covers the main components that generate electricity and transmit it to a road surface, water or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shaft and drive wheels (or other drive mechanisms, such as propellers). For example, in an electric or hybrid vehicle, the power system 220 also includes a battery 230 and an electric motor. The switch 100 can be connected to an electrical circuit 250 within the vehicle 300 via the connecting contacts 106a, 108a of the first and second conductors, and the electrical circuit can optionally include a battery 230. Alternatively, in Figure 7B In the example of FIG. 1 , the switch 100 is used for another purpose within a vehicle 300 , which may be an electric vehicle.

[0058] exist Fig. 7A and 7B In the embodiment of the present invention, an ignition signal can be provided from a remote controller or remote power distribution unit 210 within the vehicle 300 to the connector pin 102a of the pyrotechnic actuator 102. This ignition signal can be issued in response to an external event. For example, when the switch 100 is connected to a battery 230 installed in the vehicle 300, an ignition signal can be sent to the pyrotechnic actuator 102 in response to a collision of the vehicle; the activation of the charge inside the igniter 102b can cause the insertion conductor and the shearable portion to separate from the conductor 106 so as to open the electrical circuit 250 and prevent current from flowing through the battery 230. This arrangement can improve safety in the event of a collision. Alternatively, the switch 100 and the remote controller 210 can form a system that is deployed in any other application that requires such a disconnection of the circuit.

[0059] refer to Figure 8 , a method 800 for opening a current conduction path using a switch 100 (eg, the switch 100 of the first aspect) is described.

[0060] In step 810, the method includes actuating an actuator, optionally in response to a collision or other external event that triggers a start signal. Actuating the actuator optionally includes igniting a pyrotechnic actuator, which ignition may be in response to a collision or other external event that triggers a start signal received by the pyrotechnic actuator. Depending on the application of the switch 100, any other trigger may be used to actuate the actuator.

[0061] In step 820, upon actuation of the actuator, pressure is applied (directly or indirectly) to the movable member 112. Optionally, the pressure is from high pressure gas released into the ignition chamber upon actuation of the pyrotechnic actuator. This released gas applies pressure (directly or indirectly) to the movable member. The movable member is aligned with the switch region (108) of the conductor (106) and is arranged to move toward the switch region in a first direction (114) upon actuation by the actuator (i.e., in response to the pressure applied in step 820). Optionally, the movable member is accelerated downwardly due to high pressure gas released by the pyrotechnic actuator or from another form of dynamic actuation, or may simply be pushed downwardly continuously by another form of (optionally linear) actuator.

[0062] In step 830, when the actuator 102 pushes the movable member in the direction 114, the first end (130) of the movable member begins to move the insertion conductor (120) inserted into the hole (124) through which the conductor at the switch region passes. After the insertion conductor is at least partially displaced, in step 840, the corresponding second end of the movable member (which protrudes less than the first end in the direction 114 so that it contacts the switch region later than the first end) contacts at least one shearable portion of the switch region, the at least one shearable portion being defined by the closest of the two sides of the hole and the conductor.

[0063] As the movable member is further pushed in direction 114, in step 840, the movable member 112 begins to shear the edge of at least one shearable portion of the switch region with the corresponding second end (132) of the movable member. When the edge of the at least one shearable portion is sheared, the one or more shearable portions are disconnected from the body of the conductor 106 due to the actuation force and thus detach from the body of the conductor. The inserted conductor and the shearable portion are correspondingly moved (i.e., displaced) away from the conductor 106 by the movable member; this displacement of the one or more inserted conductors and the subsequent shearing of the at least one shearable portion in step 840 in response to the pressure applied in step 820 causes the current conduction path to open (step 850).

[0064] Optionally, an arc is formed when the conductor is disconnected by shearing at least one shearable portion in step 860. The arc may be suppressed or interrupted, which interruption may be achieved simply by inserting the conductor and moving the shearable portion relative to the conductor 106, which prolongs the arc and divides it into multiple columns, thereby reducing its severity, or by releasing an arc-extinguishing medium (e.g., a medium containing silicon dioxide), which may be used to cool (and thus interrupt) the arc.

[0065] It is noted herein that although various examples of the disconnector of the first aspect are described above, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Indeed, there are several variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A switch (100), comprising: Actuator (102); A conductor (106) having a length (116) extending between two ends and a width (118) extending between two sides; the conductor having connection contacts (106a, 106b) at either end, and at least one switching area (108) arranged between the connection contacts, wherein each switching area extends between the two sides of the conductor and comprises: a hole (124) extending through the conductor; at least one shearable portion (122) defined by the hole and the nearest of the two sides of the conductor; and an insert conductor (120) inserted into the hole and in electrical contact with the conductor through the hole such that a current conduction path is defined along the length of the conductor through the insert conductor and the at least one shearable portion of each switch region; and a movable member (112) aligned with the at least one switch region and arranged to move in a first direction (114) towards the at least one switch region when actuated by the actuator, The movable part is configured to at least partially move the inserted conductor from the hole through a first end (130) of the movable part and then shear the at least one shearable portion of the conductor through a corresponding second end (132) of the movable part so as to disconnect the current conduction path when the movable part moves along the first direction, wherein the first end extends further in the first direction than the corresponding second end.

2. The switch of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a pyrotechnic actuator, and wherein the switch further comprises an ignition chamber (104), the pyrotechnic actuator being arranged to release gas into the ignition chamber upon ignition to actuate the movable member.

3. The switch of claim 2, wherein the movable member includes a void that at least partially defines the ignition chamber.

4. The switch of claim 1, wherein the movable member is configured such that the first end portion completely moves the inserted conductor from the corresponding hole before the second end portion contacts the at least one shearable portion of each switch region.

5. The switch of claim 1, wherein the at least one switching region comprises two switching regions (108a, 108b) separated from each other along the length of the conductor.

6. The switch according to claim 5, wherein the switch further comprises a housing (110a, 110b) arranged to surround at least the two switch areas, wherein a portion of the conductor between the two switch area components is supported by the housing (110b).

7. A switch according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the movable part comprises two extensions (112a, 112b), each extension being aligned with a respective one of the two switch areas, the first end and the second end being provided at the end of each of the two extensions.

8. The switch of claim 1, wherein the at least one shearable portion is further defined by one or more notched portions (128) of the conductor, the notched portions extending in a direction across a width of the conductor.

9. The switch of claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one shearable portion is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor outside of the at least one switch region.

10. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the at least one switch area comprises two shearable portions (122a, 122b) respectively located on both sides of the hole.

11. The switch of claim 1 , wherein the inserted conductors are retained in the corresponding holes by an interference fit.

12. The switch of claim 11, wherein the interference fit is a press fit.

13. The switch of claim 1, wherein the inserted conductors are held in the corresponding holes by solder and / or a conductive adhesive.

14. A system comprising: The switch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and A controller (210) is configured to provide a signal to the actuator.

15. A vehicle (500) comprising a switch (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or a system according to claim 14.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the vehicle is an electric vehicle.

17. A method (800) for operating a switch, comprising: actuating (810) the actuator (102); applying (820) pressure by the actuator on a movable part (112) aligned with a switch region (108) of a conductor (106), the switch region extending between two sides of the conductor, the movable part being arranged to move in a first direction (114) towards the switch region when actuated by the actuator; at least partially moving (830) an insertion conductor (120) through a first end (130) of the movable member, the insertion conductor being inserted into a hole (124) through the conductor in the switching region; shearing (840) at least one shearable portion of the switch region by a corresponding second end (132) of the movable member, the at least one shearable portion being defined by the hole and the nearest of the two sides of the conductor, wherein the first end extends further in the first direction than the second end; By displacement of the inserted conductor and shearing of the at least one shearable portion, a current conducting path defined along a length (116) of the conductor is opened (850) via the inserted conductor and the at least one shearable portion.

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