Switch, switch combination and control circuit for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a switch for a vehicle, a switch combination and a control circuit for the vehicle. A switch according to some embodiments includes: at least two conductive contacts arranged in a predetermined direction and spaced apart by a predetermined distance, each of the at least two conductive contacts including an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface forming an inner side space; and a movable contact configured to be movable relative to the at least two conductive contacts, and when the movable contact is in contact with at least one part of the first inner surface of the first conductive contact of the at least two conductive contacts and at least one part of the second inner surface of the second conductive contact of the at least two conductive contacts, the first conductive contact is electrically connected with the second conductive contact; when the movable contact is not in contact with at least one of the first conductive contact and the second conductive contact, the first conductive contact is electrically disconnected from the second conductive contact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of control, and more particularly, to a switch, a switch combination, and a control circuit for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Switches are commonly used devices in circuits. In some cases, for example, when switching between some working modes of new energy vehicles, switches need to be able to withstand high currents and high voltages. Existing switch devices for high current and high voltage circuits have the problems of high cost, large size, and difficulty in coordinated operation. Summary of the invention

[0003] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a switch for a vehicle, the switch comprising: at least two conductive contacts, the at least two conductive contacts being arranged in a predetermined direction and spaced apart by a predetermined distance, each of the at least two conductive contacts comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface forming an inner space; and a movable contact, the movable contact being configured to be movable relative to the at least two conductive contacts, and when the movable contact is in contact with at least a portion of a first inner surface of a first conductive contact of the at least two conductive contacts and at least a portion of a second inner surface of a second conductive contact of the at least two conductive contacts, the first conductive contact is electrically connected to the second conductive contact; when the movable contact is not in contact with at least one of the first conductive contact and the second conductive contact, the first conductive contact is electrically disconnected from the second conductive contact.

[0004] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a switch combination, which includes two or more switches according to any embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a control circuit for a vehicle, wherein the control circuit includes a switch as described in any embodiment of the present disclosure or a switch combination as described in any embodiment of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In order to further illustrate the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the various embodiments of the present disclosure will be specifically presented with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings may only depict some embodiments of the present disclosure, and therefore will not be considered as limiting the scope of protection claimed by the present disclosure.

[0007] The drawings show the main connection relationships or relative positional relationships of the various components, rather than all of these relationships. The various components and connections in the drawings are not necessarily drawn according to the actual scale.

[0008] Figure 1A-Figure 1CSchematic diagrams showing switches in different states according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2A-2D A schematic diagram showing an exemplary conductive contact included in a switch according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 3A-3C Schematic diagrams of switches including non-conductive portions of conductive bars in different states are shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4A-4C Schematic diagrams of switches including non-conductive portions of conductive bars in different states are shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5A-5D Schematic diagrams showing switches in different states according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6A-6B Schematic diagrams of switches including non-conductive portions of conductive bars in different states are shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 7A-7C Schematic diagrams showing switches in different states according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 8A-B A schematic diagram of a switch in which the arrangement direction of the conductive contacts according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is different from that of the aforementioned embodiments is shown.

[0016] Figure 9A-9B A schematic diagram of a switch including multiple non-conductive portions of a conductive rod in different states is shown according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 10A-10B Schematic diagrams showing switch combinations in different states according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate some embodiments in which the claimed subject matter can be practiced by way of example. It should be understood that the following embodiments are intended to describe some examples for the purpose of explanation, but should not be understood as limitations of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art may make appropriate modifications and adjustments to the disclosed embodiments on the premise of fully understanding the subject matter of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, the terms used herein shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0020] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. in the description and claims of the present application do not imply any order, quantity or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components or features.

[0021] The embodiments of the present application are exemplary implementations or examples. References to "embodiment", "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "alternative embodiments" or "other embodiments" in the specification mean that the specific features and configurations described in conjunction with the embodiments are included in at least some embodiments of the present technology, but not necessarily all embodiments. Various occurrences of "embodiment", "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Elements or aspects from one embodiment may be combined with elements or aspects of another embodiment.

[0022] In the description of the present disclosure, the terms "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", etc. indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation of the present disclosure. In other embodiments where the placement direction of the device or component is opposite or different from the direction shown in the figure, these positional descriptions can be changed accordingly.

[0023] In the description of the present disclosure, the term "and / or" is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there may be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0024] In the description of the present disclosure, the term “connection” may include electrical connection and / or mechanical connection, and may include direct or indirect connection.

[0025] In some fields, such as the field of new energy vehicles, charging inverter system technology converts key electronic power components or assemblies such as motors and controllers for electric vehicles into high-power on-board chargers or DCDCs through a series of switch switches. This switching is all non-powered operation, but requires a switch system with high reliability, small size, low cost, high current, high voltage resistance and coordinated operation. The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a switch device or switch combination having at least one of these advantages, which is suitable for the field of new energy vehicles or any other suitable field.

[0026] Figure 1A-Figure 1C Schematic diagrams of a switch 10 in different states according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 1A , Figure 1B or Figure 1C As shown, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the switch 10 may include at least two conductive contacts 12, 14 and a movable contact 16. The at least two conductive contacts 12 and 14 are arranged along a predetermined direction and are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. In some embodiments, the at least two conductive contacts 12 and 14 may be arranged along, for example, Figure 1A-Figure 1C In other embodiments, the at least two conductive contacts 12 and 14 may be arranged in a direction different from that shown in the figure, for example, in a direction at an angle to the substantially vertical direction.

[0027] like Figure 1A-Figure 1C As shown, each of the at least two conductive contacts 12 and 14 may include an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface may form an inner space. The movable contact 16 may be movable relative to the first conductive contact 12 and the second conductive contact 14. In some exemplary embodiments, the movable contact 16 may be configured to be movable along the arrangement direction of the conductive contacts 12 and 14 (e.g., Figure 1A-Figure 1C The conductive contact 12 is moved in a substantially vertical direction (as shown) to electrically connect or disconnect the conductive contact 12 and the conductive contact 14. Figure 1A The two conductive contacts 12 and 14 of the switch 10 are shown in an electrically connected state via a movable contact 16 , wherein the movable contact 16 contacts at least a portion of both conductive contacts 12 and at least a portion of the conductive contact 14 . Figure 1B or Figure 1C The conductive contacts 12 and 14 are shown to be in an electrically disconnected state due to the position of the movable contact 10, wherein the movable contact 16 is not in contact with either the conductive contact 12 or the conductive contact 14. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the conductive contacts 12 and 14 are also in an electrically disconnected state when the movable contact 16 is not in contact with both the conductive contact 12 and the conductive contact 14.

[0028] Figure 2A-2D A schematic diagram of exemplary conductive contacts of a switch according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2A An electrically conductive contact having a hollow cylindrical or barrel shape is shown. Figure 2B An electrically conductive contact having a hollow elliptical cylindrical shape is shown. Figure 2C An electrically conductive contact having a generally C-shape or U-shape is shown. Figure 2D A conductive contact having a planar or substantially planar surface is shown. Figure 2A-2D In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive contact may include a curved or planar inner surface 122 and a curved or planar outer surface 124. The inner surface 122 may form an inner space 126. It should be understood that Figure 2A-2DThe conductive contacts shown are some exemplary embodiments. Some embodiments of the present disclosure may also include Figure 2A-2D Variations of the exemplary conductive contacts shown, or Figure 2A-2D Some suitable conductive contacts are not shown. For example, the curved surface of the conductive contact does not have to be limited to a regular circle or ellipse, but can also be a general curved surface. The plane surface of the conductive contact does not have to be limited to a strict plane, but can also be an approximate plane. In addition, the diameter or axis length of the conductive contact along different sections can be different, and can include shapes such as a truncated cone and an elliptical cone. These conductive contacts or any other suitable conductive contacts should be included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] Can be combined Figure 2A-2D Any of the conductive contact examples described is used for Figure 1A-Figure 1C The conductive contacts 12 and 14 are shown in FIG. In some embodiments, the conductive contacts 12 and 14 can be configured to be the same. For example, the conductive contacts 12 and 14 can be configured to both have a curved surface, or both have a flat surface, or for example, the conductive contacts 12 and 14 can both be configured to be Figure 2A The conductive contacts shown are Figure 2B The conductive contacts shown are Figure 2C The conductive contacts shown, or both are as Figure 2C In other embodiments, the conductive contacts 12 and 14 may be configured differently. For example, the conductive contacts 12 and 14 may be configured to have different shapes and / or sizes. Similarly, in embodiments where the switch includes more than two conductive contacts (such as, for example, three conductive contacts described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings), each conductive contact may be configured to be connected to or different from each other.

[0030] In some embodiments, the shape of the movable contact 16 can match the shape of the inner surface of the conductive contact 12 / 14. For example, in an embodiment where the conductive contact 12 / 14 has a curved surface, the movable contact 16 can also have a curved surface. In an embodiment where the conductive contact 12 / 14 has a flat surface, the movable contact 16 can also have a flat surface.

[0031] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the inner surface of the conductive contact 12 / 14 is in contact with the movable contact 16. In other embodiments, the entire inner surface of the conductive contact 12 / 14 is in contact with the movable contact 16.

[0032] The surface area of the conductive contact of the switch embodiment according to the present disclosure is large, which is beneficial to applications with large current and high voltage. While realizing applications with large current and high voltage, the switch embodiment of the present disclosure can also reduce the volume of the entire switch. In addition, the switch of the present disclosure achieves high reliability of switch control at a relatively low cost. On the other hand, as described in conjunction with Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B , the switch of the present disclosure is very convenient to be combined and used for cooperative operation, forming a highly reliable cooperative switch system with small volume, low cost but capable of passing large current and withstanding high voltage.

[0033] Continuing to refer to Figure 1A-Figure 1C , in some embodiments, the movable contact 16 can move relative to the conductive contacts 12 and 14 in the inner space 126 of the conductive contacts 12 and 14 along, for example, the illustrated axial direction or a substantially vertical direction, so as to electrically connect or disconnect the conductive contacts 12 and 14. In some embodiments, when the inner surfaces of both the conductive contacts 12 and 14 are in contact with the movable contact 16 (for example, Figure 1A the state shown), the conductive contacts 12 and 14 are electrically connected, and the switch 10 can be in a first state. When the movable contact 16 disengages from the inner surface of at least one of the conductive contacts 12 and 14, the conductive contacts 12 and 14 are disconnected (for example Figure 1B and Figure 1C the disconnected states shown), and the switch 10 can be in a second state. Thus, the switching between different states, functions or operations can be achieved based on the switch 10.

[0034] In some embodiments, for example, when the conductive contact includes a C-shaped, U-shaped or "匚"-shaped conductive contact as shown in 2C, the electrical connection and disconnection between the conductive contacts can also be achieved by moving the movable contact in other different directions. For example, the movable contact can be moved in the opening direction of the C-shaped, U-shaped or "匚"-shaped conductive contact, so that the movable contact does not contact the inner surface 122 of the C-shaped, U-shaped or "匚"-shaped conductive contact, thereby disconnecting the connection between the C-shaped, U-shaped or "匚"-shaped conductive contact and other conductive contacts.

[0035] In some embodiments, each of the conductive contacts 12 or 14 itself includes an integral conductive material, or the conductive contact body includes a conductive material and additional or other conductive materials are attached or adhered to the inner surface.

[0036] The movable contact 16 can be formed as Figure 1A-Figure 1CThe rod or bar shown in the elongated shape. At least a portion of the rod or bar comprises a conductive material. Thus, when the conductive portion of the movable contact 16 moves to contact both the inner surfaces of the conductive contacts 12 and 14, the conductive contacts 12 and 14 are in an electrically connected state, as Figure 1A shown. When the movable contact 16 moves to a position where it is at least not in contact with at least one of the conductive contacts 12 and 14, the conductive contacts 12 and 14 are in a disconnected electrical connection state.

[0037] In some other embodiments, the movable contact may also form a strip-shaped panel. In a generally C-shaped, U-shaped or "匚"-shaped conductive contact as Figure 2C shown, a movable contact having a strip-shaped panel can be used to contact at least a portion of the inner surface of the generally C-shaped, U-shaped or "匚"-shaped conductive contact.

[0038] As described above, at least a portion of the movable contact 16 and the conductive contacts 12 and 14 may comprise a conductive material. In some embodiments, the conductive material may include a metal or a metal alloy, including but not limited to copper, silver, nickel or their alloys. In other embodiments, the conductive material may also include a non-metallic conductive material. In some embodiments, the movable contact 16 may be an integral conductive material. In some other embodiments, the movable contact 16 may also be configured such that its outer surface includes (e.g., is coated with) a conductive material for the electrical connection of the conductive contact.

[0039] In some embodiments, the inner space 126 of one or more of at least two of the contacts 12 or 14 may include a torsion spring. The torsion spring can be fixed to the inner surface 122 by any suitable method or integrally formed with the inner surface 122. The torsion spring may be elastic such that when the movable contact 16 passes through the inner space 126, at least a portion of the movable contact 16 presses the torsion spring, causing the torsion spring to move in the direction of the outer space. Thus, the contact between the movable contact 16 and the conductive contact can be made more sufficient and in a relatively fixed state. When the movable contact 16 moves away from the inner space 126 of the conductive contact, the elasticity of the torsion spring can cause the torsion spring to return to its previous state, i.e., move towards the central position or near the central position of the inner space 126 of the conductive contact.

[0040] Continuing to refer to Figure 2A-2D . In some embodiments, each of at least two conductive contacts may include a connecting portion 128 for electrical connection with other elements, circuits or modules, etc. For example Figure 2A-2DAs shown, the outer surface 124 of the conductive contact may include a connection portion 128, which may be configured to be electrically connected to other components, circuits, modules, etc. The connection portion 128 may include the conductive material described above or any other suitable conductive material. The connection portion 128 may be formed integrally with the conductive contact or attached to the outer surface 124 of the conductive contact. It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the shape, size, and position of the connection portion 128 may not be limited to Figure 2A-2C The embodiment shown in the figure. The connection portion 128 can be provided as required.

[0041] In some embodiments, the connection portion of the conductive contact 12 can be connected to one node of the circuit, and the connection portion of the conductive contact 14 can be connected to another node of the circuit. Therefore, when the contact portions 12 and 14 are in an electrically connected state via the movable contact 16, the two nodes of the circuit are electrically connected. When the contact portions 12 and 14 are electrically disconnected, the two nodes of the circuit are also electrically disconnected accordingly. Therefore, in some embodiments, the switch according to the present disclosure can realize the control of the on and off of at least two nodes of the circuit.

[0042] Figure 3A-3C Schematic diagrams of a switch 30 including a non-conductive portion of a conductive rod in different states according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 1A-Figure 1C Compared with the embodiment, Figure 3A-3C The switch 30 shown differs mainly in that the movable contact 36 includes a conductive portion 362 (transparent portion) and a non-conductive portion 364 (shaded portion). Figure 1A-Figure 1C The features of the described embodiments may also be applied to Figure 3A-3C , I will not go into details here, but mainly describe the differences.

[0043] When the conductive contact 32 and / or 34 contacts the conductive portion 362, the conductive portion 362 is electrically connected to the conductive contact 32 and / or 34. When the conductive contact 32 and / or 34 contacts the non-conductive portion 362 but not the conductive portion 362, since the conductive contact 32 and / or 34 and the non-conductive portion 362 cannot be electrically connected, the conductive contacts 32 and / or 34 cannot be electrically connected to each other or other conductive contacts through the conductive rod 36.

[0044] For example, in Figure 3A In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , when the conductive portion 362 of the movable contact 36 is in contact with both the conductive contacts 32 and 34, the conductive contacts 32 and 34 are in an electrically connected state. Figure 3BIn the embodiment of FIG. 1 , when the conductive portion 362 of the movable contact 36 contacts only the conductive contact 32 and the non-conductive portion 364 of the movable contact 36 contacts the conductive contact 34, the contacts 32 and 34 are in an electrically disconnected state. Alternatively, as Figure 3C As shown, when the conductive portion 362 of the movable contact 36 contacts only the conductive contact 34 and no portion of the movable contact 36 contacts the conductive contact 32 , the contacts 32 and 34 are in an electrically disconnected state.

[0045] The conductive portion 362 of the movable contact 36 may include any suitable conductive material described above or any other suitable conductive material. The non-conductive portion 362 of the movable contact 36 may include any suitable non-conductive material such as, but not limited to, plastic, rubber or other polymers.

[0046] Some embodiments of the present disclosure use a combination of a non-conductive part and a conductive part to realize a movable contact, which can make the movement and control of the movable contact more convenient. In addition, although the non-conductive part of the movable contact does not generate an electrical connection when in contact with the conductive contact, the presence of the non-conductive part can guide the movement of the movable contact, thereby making the movable contact move more smoothly and conveniently in the process of moving toward the inner space of the conductive contact.

[0047] like Figure 3A-3C As shown, in some embodiments, the conductive portion 362 may include a generally cylindrical rod or bar. The non-conductive portion 364 may also include a generally cylindrical rod or bar. In some embodiments, the diameter or transverse dimension of the cylindrical rod of the conductive portion 362 may be set to be larger than the diameter or transverse dimension of the cylindrical rod of the non-conductive portion 364. Thus, the moving operation of the movable contact 36 can be more convenient, and at the same time, the conductive portion of the movable contact 36 is facilitated to contact and / or relatively fix with the conductive contact.

[0048] Figure 4A-4C Schematic diagrams of a switch 40 including a non-conductive portion of a conductive rod in different states according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 3A-3C Compared with the embodiment, Figure 4A-4C The difference of the switch 40 shown is mainly that the conductive part 462 (transparent part) and the non-conductive part 464 (shaded part) included in the movable contact 46 are located at different positions. Figure 4A-4C , I will not go into details here, but mainly describe the differences.

[0049] exist Figure 4AIn the embodiment of FIG. 4 , when the conductive portion 462 of the movable contact 46 is in contact with both the conductive contacts 42 and 44, the conductive contacts 42 and 44 are in an electrically connected state. Figure 4B In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , when the conductive portion 462 of the movable contact 46 contacts only the conductive contact 44 and the non-conductive portion 464 of the movable contact 46 contacts the conductive contact 42, the contacts 42 and 44 are in an electrically disconnected state. Alternatively, as Figure 4C As shown, when the conductive portion 462 of the movable contact 46 contacts only the conductive contact 42 and the movable contact 46 does not contact the conductive contact 44 , the conductive contacts 42 and 44 are in an electrically disconnected state.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in addition to or instead of Figure 3A-Figure 4C In the embodiment, the non-conductive portion of the movable contact may also be arranged at other positions (eg, a middle position of the rod or stick of the movable contact) or at multiple positions.

[0051] Figure 5A-5D Schematic diagrams of a switch 50 in different states according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 1A-Figure 1C Compared with the embodiment, Figure 5A-5D The switch 50 shown mainly differs in that it includes at least three conductive contacts 52, 53 and 54. Therefore, some features of the embodiments described above may also be applied to Figure 5A-5D , I will not go into details here, but mainly describe the differences.

[0052] exist Figure 5A In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , when the movable contact 56 is in contact with both the conductive contacts 52 and 53 , the conductive contacts 52 and 53 are in an electrically connected state. Figure 5B In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , when the movable contact 56 contacts both the conductive contacts 53 and 54 , the conductive contacts 53 and 54 are in an electrically connected state. Figure 5C or Figure 5D As shown, when the movable contact 56 contacts only the conductive contact 54 or only the conductive contact 52, the conductive contacts 52, 53 and 54 are in an electrically disconnected state from each other.

[0053] Figure 6A-6B Schematic diagrams of a switch 60 in different states according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 3A-Figure 4C Compared to the embodiment shown, Figure 6A-6B The switch 60 shown differs mainly in that it includes three conductive contacts 52, 53 and 54. Figure 5A-5D Compared with the embodiment, Figure 6A-6BThe switch 60 shown is different mainly in that the movable contact 66 includes a conductive portion 662 and a non-conductive portion 664. Therefore, some of the features described in conjunction with the above embodiment may also be applied to Figure 6A-6B , I will not go into details here, but mainly describe the differences.

[0054] exist Fig. 6A In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , when the conductive portion 662 of the movable contact 66 is in contact with both the conductive contacts 62 and 63 and the non-conductive portion 662 of the movable contact 66 is in contact with the conductive contact 64 , both the conductive contacts 62 and 63 are turned on and are in electrical connection. Figure 6B In the illustrated embodiment, for example, when the movable contact 66 moves downward so that the conductive portion 662 is in contact with both the conductive contacts 63 and 64, but not in contact with the conductive contact 62, the conductive contacts 63 and 64 are both turned on and electrically connected. Although not shown, some embodiments of the present disclosure may also include other states of the switch 60, such as a state where the conductive contacts 62, 63, and 64 are disconnected from each other by moving the movable contact 66 in one or more directions.

[0055] Fig. 6A , Figure 6B The non-conductive portion 664 is shown at one end of the movable contact 66 (ie, Fig. 6A and Figure 6B However, it should be understood that the non-conductive portion 664 can be located at one or more other positions of the movable contact 66, such as a middle position or a top position, to achieve different connection states of the conductive contacts 62, 63 and 64.

[0056] Figure 7A-7C Schematic diagrams of a switch 70 in different states according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 5A-5D Compared to the embodiment shown, Figure 7A-7C The difference of the switch 70 shown is mainly that the movable contact 70 is longer, so that at least three conductive contacts 72, 73 and 74 can be contacted simultaneously. Therefore, some of the features described in conjunction with the above embodiments are also applicable to Figure 7A-7C , I will not go into details here, but mainly describe the differences.

[0057] exist Fig. 7A In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , when the movable contact 76 is in contact with both the conductive contacts 72 and 73 , both the conductive contacts 72 and 73 are turned on and are electrically connected. Figure 7B In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the movable contact 76 is in contact with all three of the conductive contacts 72, 73, and 74, and the conductive contacts 72, 73, and 74 are electrically connected. Figure 7C In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the movable contact 76 continues to move downward to contact the conductive contacts 73 and 74, and the conductive contacts 73 and 74 are now electrically connected. Although not shown, some embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a second other state of the switch 70, such as by moving the movable contact 76 in one or more directions so that the contacts 72, 73, and 74 are all in a state of being electrically disconnected from each other.

[0058] Similarly, we can Figure 7A-7C The movable contact 76 shown is modified to include a non-conductive portion. For example, a non-conductive portion can be added to one or more of the top, middle or bottom of the movable contact 76 to achieve different electrical connection states of the contacts 72, 73 and 74.

[0059] Figure 8A-B FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a switch in which the conductive contacts of some embodiments of the present disclosure have an arrangement direction different from that of the previous embodiments. The conductive contacts 82, 83, 84 may be arranged in a non-axial direction. Figure 8A-B As shown, the conductive contacts 82, 83, 84 can be arranged along Fig. 8A The movable contact 86 includes rods 862 , 864 and 866 corresponding to the conductive contacts 82 , 83 and 84 , respectively, and a connecting portion 868 for connecting the rods 862 , 864 and 866 . Fig. 8A The conductive contacts 82 , 83 , 84 are shown to be in a separated state from the rods 862 , 864 , and 866 of the movable contact 86 , so that the conductive contacts 82 , 83 , 84 are not electrically connected. Figure 8B It is shown that the conductive contacts 82, 83, 84 are in contact with the rods 862, 864 and 866 of the movable contact 86, so the conductive contacts 82, 83, 84 are electrically connected.

[0060] As an example, Fig. 8A and Figure 8B An embodiment is shown that includes three conductive contacts 82, 83, 84 and three corresponding rods 862, 864 and 866. In some other embodiments, two or more than three conductive contacts and rods may be included.

[0061] In some embodiments, the conductive contacts 82, 83, 84 are not necessarily arranged along a straight line, and the conductive contacts 82, 83, 84 may be at three points on the same plane. In addition, in some embodiments, the conductive contacts 82, 83, 84 are not necessarily arranged along the same plane, but are in different planes. In the above embodiments, three corresponding rods 862, 864 and 866 and a connecting portion 868 may be provided accordingly.

[0062] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of rods 862, 864, and 866 comprises a conductive material. In other embodiments, one or more of the rods 862, 864, and 866 may also comprise a non-conductive material. In addition, at least a portion of the connecting portion 868 comprises a conductive material. In some embodiments, as Fig. 8A and Figure 8B As shown, the connecting portion 868 may include a generally flat plate. In other embodiments, the connecting portion 868 may also be in the form of an elongated rod or bar. The connecting portion 868 and the rods 862, 864 and 866 may be integrally formed or connected together by one or more connection methods.

[0063] Figure 9A-9B Schematic diagram of a switch 80 including multiple non-conductive portions of a conductive rod in different states according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B As shown, the movable contact 86 may include more than one non-conductive portion 862 and 863. Accordingly, the movable contact 86 includes conductive portions 864 and 865 separated by the non-conductive portions 862 and 863. Fig. 8A In the state shown, the conductive portion 865 of the movable contact 86 is in contact with the conductive contacts 93 and 94, so that the conductive contacts 93 and 94 are in electrical contact and connected, and the other conductive contacts are disconnected. Figure 8B In the state shown, the conductive portion 864 of the movable contact 86 contacts the conductive contacts 92 and 93, so the conductive contacts 92 and 93 are electrically connected and disconnected from the other conductive contacts; the conductive portion 865 of the movable contact 86 contacts the conductive contacts 94 and 95, so the conductive contacts 94 and 95 are electrically connected and disconnected from the other conductive contacts.

[0064] As an example, Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Four conductive contacts 92, 93, 94 and 95 are shown. However, this is not required. In other embodiments, more or fewer conductive contacts may be included. In addition, the movable contact 86 may include more than Figure 9A-9B More conductive parts and / or non-conductive parts are shown, and / or different numbers and positions of multiple non-conductive parts can be set to achieve more connection states. These embodiments not described in detail should also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 10A-10BSchematic diagrams of switch combinations 100 in different states according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. The switch combination 100 may include at least two switches, each of which may be a switch according to any embodiment of the present disclosure. The at least two switches may be the same or different from each other.

[0066] For example, by way of example and not limitation, Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The switch assembly 100 is shown to include five switches 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B In the embodiment shown, switches 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105 can be arranged along Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B In other embodiments, switches 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105 may also be arranged in the horizontal direction. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Arrange in any direction other than the one shown.

[0067] exist Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B In the exemplary embodiment shown, each of the switches 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 includes three conductive contacts. In other embodiments, the switches 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 may include other numbers of conductive contacts. In addition, the number of conductive contacts of the switches 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 may be the same or different. The movable contacts of the switches 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 may be the same or different.

[0068] In such Fig. 10A In the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact of each of the switches 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 can be connected to the actuator 106, for example, through one or more connectors or directly connected to the actuator 106. The actuator 106 can be configured to drive the movable contact to move. For example, from Fig. 10A Move to Fig. 10B The state shown, or moving from any state to any other state.

[0069] In such Fig. 10A , Fig. 10BIn the illustrated embodiment, one or more of switches 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 may be used in the same circuit or in different circuits. One or more of the three conductive contacts of each of switches 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 may be connected to different nodes of the same circuit or different nodes of different circuits. For example, switches 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 may be used to control the connection state of different nodes of the same circuit or the same circuit system. Some or all of switches 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 may also be used to control the connection state of different circuits or different circuit systems.

[0070] When the driver 106 drives the movable contact to move Fig. 10A 1, the switch assembly 100 is in the first state. For example, the upper conductive contact and the middle conductive contact in the switch 101 are in an electrically connected state, and at this time, the circuit node connected to the two conductive contacts is in an electrically connected state. The middle conductive contact and the lower conductive contact in the switch 102 are in an electrically connected state, and at this time, the circuit node connected to the two conductive contacts is in an electrically connected state. Similarly, the movable contacts respectively included in the switches 103, 104 and 105 can connect the corresponding conductive contacts, thereby making the circuit nodes corresponding to the conductive contacts in an electrically connected state.

[0071] Fig. 10A Each of switches 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 is shown with two contacts in electrical connection. However, in other embodiments, one or more of switches 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105 may include more contacts in connection, or no contacts in electrical connection with each other.

[0072] When the driver 106 drives the movable contact to move Fig. 10B , the switch assembly 100 is in the second state. For example, only the upper conductive contact and the conductive portion of the movable contact in the switch 101 are in contact. At this time, the conductive contacts of the switch 101 are not in an electrically connected state, and the corresponding circuit nodes are also not in an electrically connected state. The switch 102 becomes the upper conductive contact and the middle conductive contact in which are in an electrically connected state. At this time, the circuit nodes connected to these two conductive contacts are in an electrically connected state. Similarly, compared with the switches 103, 104 and 105, Fig. 10A The state shown also changes accordingly, thereby causing the connection state of the circuit node corresponding to the conductive contact to change.

[0073] like Figure 10A-Figure 1BThe switch combination 100 shown is very convenient for coordinated operation, and forms a small-sized, low-cost, high-reliability coordinated switch system that can pass large currents and withstand high voltages.

[0074] The embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing a driver 106 coupled to two or more switches, can realize simultaneous control of multiple switches by operating only a single driver 106 (for example, pushing or pulling the driver 106), thereby realizing simultaneous switching of the connection states of multiple circuit nodes, which is easier to operate and greatly improves work efficiency.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the driver 106 can use a mechanical structure to realize the movement control of the movable contact of the switch. In some embodiments, the driver 106 can be implemented as a driver that provides linear motion, including but not limited to a screw lifting motor, an oil hydraulic linear cylinder or a pneumatic linear cylinder, etc.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a switch or a switch combination may be at least partially placed in an insulating liquid. In some embodiments, the insulating liquid may include insulating oil. The insulating liquid may cool or reduce the temperature of the switch or the switch combination and improve the current carrying capacity of the switch or the switch combination. Insulating liquids may generally be used for cooling fixed devices. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, it is proposed to use insulating liquids for cooling in a switch or a switch combination having a movable part (e.g., the movable contact mentioned above), which can effectively reduce the temperature of the switch or the switch combination and maintain the stability of the switch or the switch combination.

[0077] Some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a control circuit for a vehicle. The control circuit may include a switch or a combination of switches according to any embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be configured to be in different working states or operating modes, such as a charging state or a traction state, via the control of the control circuit. For example, in some embodiments, a switch or a combination of switches according to any embodiment of the present disclosure may be used in a charging inverter system to switch electronic power components or assemblies such as motors and controllers for electric vehicles through switches to become high-power on-board chargers, or DCDC. The switch or switch combination disclosed in the present disclosure can be used for high-power charging, and has many advantages such as high reliability, small size, and low cost. In addition, the switch combination disclosed in the present disclosure can also realize efficient coordinated switch switching operations.

[0078] The vehicles or vehicles described in the present disclosure may include any suitable form, including private or public, vehicles or equipment that carry people or goods, travel on land, water or air, and are used for leisure and entertainment or for production.

[0079] Following are some examples of the present disclosure.

[0080] Example 1. A switch for a vehicle, the switch comprising:

[0081] At least two conductive contact members, the at least two conductive contact members being arranged along a predetermined direction and spaced apart by a predetermined distance, each of the at least two conductive contact members including an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface forming an inner space; and

[0082] A movable contact member configured to be movable relative to the at least two conductive contact members, and

[0083] When the movable contact member contacts at least a part of the first inner surface of the first conductive contact member among the at least two conductive contact members and at least a part of the second inner surface of the second conductive contact member among the at least two conductive contact members, the first conductive contact member is electrically connected to the second conductive contact member;

[0084] When the movable contact member is not in contact with at least one of the first conductive contact member and the second conductive contact member, the first conductive contact member is disconnected from the second conductive contact member.

[0085] Example 2. The switch according to Example 1, wherein

[0086] The shape of the movable contact member matches the shape of the inner surface.

[0087] Example 3. The switch according to any one of the above examples, wherein

[0088] The movable contact member is configured to contact the entire inner surface of each of the at least two conductive contact members.

[0089] Example 4. The switch according to any one of the above examples, wherein

[0090] The outer surface of the first conductive contact member among the at least two conductive contact members includes a first connection portion configured to be connected to a first node of a circuit;

[0091] The outer surface of the second conductive contact member among the at least two conductive contact members includes a second connection portion configured to be connected to a second node of the circuit.

[0092] Example 5. The switch according to any one of the above examples, wherein

[0093] Each of the at least two conductive contact members includes one of a cylindrical tube, an elliptical tube, a C-shaped tube, a U-shaped tube, and a "匚"-shaped tube.

[0094] Example 6. The switch according to any one of the above examples, wherein

[0095] The at least two conductive contacts are arranged along the axial direction, and the movable contact comprises a long strip shape extending along the axial direction; or

[0096] The at least two conductive contacts are arranged along a non-axial direction, and the movable contact comprises at least two long strip shapes correspondingly arranged along the non-axial direction and a third connecting portion for connecting the at least two long strip shapes.

[0097] Example 7. A switch as described in any of the above examples, wherein:

[0098] The movable contact includes a conductive portion and a non-conductive portion.

[0099] Example 8. A switch as described in any of the above examples, wherein:

[0100] The conductive portion comprises a first cylindrical rod, and the non-conductive portion comprises a second cylindrical rod,

[0101] The diameter of the first cylindrical rod is greater than the diameter of the second cylindrical rod.

[0102] Example 9. A switch as described in any of the above examples, wherein:

[0103] The inner surface of at least one of the at least two conductive contacts includes a torsion spring having elasticity and configured to move toward an outer space under pressure of at least a portion of the movable contact.

[0104] Example 10. A switch as described in any of the above examples, wherein the switch includes at least three conductive contacts, wherein:

[0105] A first conductive contact of the at least three conductive contacts is configured to connect to a first node of the circuit,

[0106] A second conductive contact of the at least three conductive contacts is configured to be connected to a second node of the circuit,

[0107] A third conductive contact of the at least three conductive contacts is configured to be connected to a third node of the circuit,

[0108] The circuit includes one or more of the following states:

[0109] When the conductive portion of the movable contact is in contact with the first conductive contact and the second conductive contact, the circuit is in a first connection state;

[0110] When the conductive portion of the movable contact is in contact with the first conductive contact and the third conductive contact, the circuit is in a second connection state;

[0111] When the conductive portion of the movable contact is in contact with the second conductive contact and the third conductive contact, the circuit is in a third connection state;

[0112] When the conductive portion of the movable contact is in contact with the first conductive contact, the second conductive contact, and the third conductive contact, the circuit is in a fourth state;

[0113] When the conductive portion of the movable contact is not in contact with any of the first conductive contact, the second conductive contact and the third conductive contact, or is in contact with only one of the conductive contacts, the circuit is in a fifth state.

[0114] Example 11. A switch as described in any of the above examples, wherein the switch is at least partially disposed in an insulating liquid.

[0115] Example 12. A switch combination, wherein the switch combination includes two or more switches as described in any of the above examples.

[0116] Example 13. The switch combination of Example 12, wherein the switch combination further comprises:

[0117] A driver is configured to be coupled to the movable contacts of at least two switches of the two or more switches to drive the movable contacts to move.

[0118] Example 14. A switch combination as described in any of the above examples, wherein the driver includes a driver that drives the movable contact to move linearly.

[0119] Example 15. A control circuit for a vehicle, the control circuit comprising a switch as described in any of the above examples or a combination of switches as described in any of the above examples.

[0120] Example 16. The control circuit of Example 15, wherein the vehicle is configured to be in a charging state or a traction state via control of the control circuit.

[0121] Therefore, without departing from the gist of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art may make appropriate modifications and adjustments to the embodiments specifically described above. Therefore, it is intended that the subject matter claimed for protection is not limited to the specific examples disclosed, and these subject matters claimed for protection may also include all implementations falling within the scope of the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A switch for a vehicle, characterized in that: The switch includes: At least two conductive contact members, which are arranged along a predetermined direction and spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Each of the at least two conductive contact members includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface forms an inner space; and A movable contact member, which is configured to be movable relative to the at least two conductive contact members, and When the movable contact member contacts at least a part of the first inner surface of the first conductive contact member among the at least two conductive contact members and at least a part of the second inner surface of the second conductive contact member among the at least two conductive contact members, the first conductive contact member is electrically connected to the second conductive contact member; When the movable contact member is not in contact with at least one of the first conductive contact member and the second conductive contact member, the first conductive contact member is disconnected from the second conductive contact member.

2. The switch according to claim 1, wherein The shape of the movable contact member matches the shape of the inner surface.

3. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The movable contact member is configured to contact the entire inner surface of each of the at least two conductive contact members.

4. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The outer surface of the first conductive contact member among the at least two conductive contact members includes a first connection portion, and the first connection portion is configured to be connected to the first node of the circuit; The outer surface of the second conductive contact member among the at least two conductive contact members includes a second connection portion, and the second connection portion is configured to be connected to the second node of the circuit.

5. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Each of the at least two conductive contact members includes one of a cylindrical tube, an elliptical tube, a C-shaped tube, a U-shaped tube, and a "匚"-shaped tube.

6. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The at least two conductive contact members are arranged along the axial direction, and the movable contact member includes an elongated shape along the axial direction; or The at least two conductive contact members are arranged along a non-axial direction, and the movable contact member includes at least two elongated shapes correspondingly arranged along the non-axial direction and a third connection portion for connecting the at least two elongated shapes.

7. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The movable contact member includes a conductive part and a non-conductive part.

8. The switch according to claim 7, wherein The conductive part includes a first cylindrical rod, and the non-conductive part includes a second cylindrical rod, The diameter of the first cylindrical rod is greater than the diameter of the second cylindrical rod.

9. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The inner surface of at least one of the at least two conductive contact members includes a torsion spring, and the torsion spring has elasticity and is configured to move towards the outer space under the extrusion of at least a part of the movable contact member.

10. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The switch includes at least three conductive contact members, wherein: A first conductive contact of the at least three conductive contacts is configured to connect to a first node of the circuit, A second conductive contact of the at least three conductive contacts is configured to be connected to a second node of the circuit, A third conductive contact of the at least three conductive contacts is configured to be connected to a third node of the circuit, The circuit includes one or more of the following states: When the conductive portion of the movable contact is in contact with the first conductive contact and the second conductive contact, the circuit is in a first connection state; When the conductive portion of the movable contact is in contact with the first conductive contact and the third conductive contact, the circuit is in a second connection state; When the conductive portion of the movable contact is in contact with the second conductive contact and the third conductive contact, the circuit is in a third connection state; When the conductive portion of the movable contact is in contact with the first conductive contact, the second conductive contact, and the third conductive contact, the circuit is in a fourth state; When the conductive portion of the movable contact is not in contact with any of the first conductive contact, the second conductive contact and the third conductive contact, or is in contact with only one of the conductive contacts, the circuit is in a fifth state.

11. The switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The switch is at least partially disposed in the insulating liquid.

12. A switch assembly, characterized in that: The switch combination comprises two or more switches according to any one of claims 1-11.

13. The switch assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that: The switch combination also includes: A driver is configured to be coupled to the movable contacts of at least two switches of the two or more switches to drive the movable contacts to move.

14. The switch assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that: The driver includes a driver for driving the movable contact to move linearly.

15. A control circuit for a vehicle, the control circuit comprising the switch according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or the switch combination according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. The control circuit according to claim 15, characterized in that: The vehicle is configured to be in a charging state or a traction state via control of the control circuit.

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