Quick-switching bistable relay and motor vehicle having a bistable relay

Abstract

The invention relates to a bistable relay (1) having a rotatable lever element (2) and a guide element (7) which is rotatably mounted about an axis (9). The guide element (7) has a guide slot (8) in which a protrusion (10) of the lever element (2) is guided. The relay (1) also has a spring (11) which is connected to the axis (9) and to one end (14) of the lever element (2). On rotation of the guide element (7), the protrusion (10) can be suddenly pulled into different positions as a result of the spring load of the lever element (2), respectively. As a result of this, an actuating element (4) which is connected to the other end (6) of the lever element (2) can be moved into a closed position or an open position in order to establish or interrupt an electrical connection. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle (20) having such a bistable relay (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a bistable relay for switchably establishing and disconnecting electrical connections. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such a bistable relay. Background Technology

[0002] In a variety of technological applications, there is a need to establish and interrupt electrical connections in a switchable or controllable manner. Different types of relays can be used for this purpose. Traditional monostable relays typically require a continuous energy or voltage supply to maintain a specific switching state during operation. However, in many applications, such as in automotive technology, the overall energy requirement should be reduced. Bistable relays can be used for this purpose, requiring energy only when switching states. However, even such bistable relays present challenges. For example, during switching, the relay can experience significant wear due to arcing or sparking. Similarly, there are challenges, such as achieving the highest possible switching speed and / or a specific minimum force between electrical contacts, avoiding excessive manufacturing and cost expenditures, and / or achieving specific safety levels, such as those related to contact safety, operational safety, or functional safety. In this context, several different solutions have emerged.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2017 122 008 B4 describes an electrical switch for interrupting a current path. In this switch, an electrically insulating isolating element can be translated by an actuator unit. This isolating element is configured to separate and maintain two contacts from each other and to act as an insulator between the respective contact surfaces.

[0004] As an alternative, DE 10 2016 107 980 A1 describes a bistable electromagnetic actuator device having an armature unit that can move between first and second current-free stable adjustment positions in response to energizing a fixed coil device with a supply voltage signal. Here, the coil device is associated with a fault control device designed to generate, in particular, pulsed fault energizing signals to move the armature unit to one of predetermined rest positions.

[0005] DE 10 2023 208 606 A1 describes a protective switch comprising: a busbar with a fixed contact connected thereto; a movablely supported contact bridge with a moving contact connected thereto; an electric actuator that drives the contact bridge by means of the electric actuator; a magnetic yoke disposed around the busbar; and a movablely supported slider with an armature connected thereto. When the current guided through the busbar exceeds a first limit value, the slider moves due to the magnetic interaction between the armature and the magnetic yoke, thereby operating a switching element electrically connected in series with the electric actuator by means of the slider. This protective switch shall provide improved operational safety.

[0006] Despite the existence of these and other solutions, there is still a need and room for improvement and optimization. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this invention is to achieve efficient and safe switching of high-voltage electrical connections.

[0008] This task is addressed by the subject matter of the main claim and the parallel claims, or independent claims. Other possible embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features, advantages, and possible embodiments set forth within the scope of the description as the subject matter of one of the independent claims are at least similarly considered as the corresponding subject matter of the other independent claims, as well as the features, advantages, and possible embodiments of any possible combination of the subject matter of the independent claims (and, where necessary, one or more dependent claims).

[0009] The bistable relay of the present invention can be used for switchably mechanically establishing (i.e., closing) and mechanically disengaging (i.e., opening) electrical connections or contacts. As a central element, the relay has a lever or lever element rotatably supported about a lever axis at a pivot point. Here, the pivot point is located in the intermediate region of the lever element between a first end and a second end. Also in the intermediate region, but particularly spaced apart from the pivot point, the lever element has a protrusion projecting axially along the lever axis. This protrusion, for example, a pin, bolt, journal, or cam, projects laterally from the main component or body of the lever element. For example, the protrusion may extend longitudinally parallel to the lever axis. The connection points of the first end, the second end, and the protrusion on the remainder of the lever element (i.e., on the main component or body of the lever element) may be arranged in the same plane. The protrusion may then extend from the remainder of the lever element or from the main component or body of the lever element in a direction perpendicular to this plane, i.e., at least partially protruding from the main component or body.

[0010] Furthermore, the relay of the present invention includes a movably supported actuating element that can move from an open position or open state to a closed position or closed state to establish an electrical connection and from a closed position to an open position to disconnect the electrical connection. The actuating element is mechanically connected or coupled to a first end of a lever element for this purpose, specifically allowing relative movement between the lever element and the actuating element. The actuating element may, for example, be at least partially conductive, thus forming part of the electrical connection in the closed position. Similarly, the actuating element may, for example, be mechanically connected to a corresponding conductive element that forms part of the electrical connection in the closed position. In the latter case, the actuating element may be electrically insulated, particularly from, the conductive element. This avoids the situation where, during the intended use of the relay, other components of the relay are also subjected to current or voltage when the actuating element is in the closed position. Instead, the actuating element itself can be optimized or designed for its function as a point of force application for the lever element and for transmitting or conveying the corresponding force for establishing or disconnecting the electrical connection.

[0011] The relay of the present invention also includes a guide element or guide disc, which is rotatable about a rotational axis or shaft arranged parallel to the lever axis, i.e., rotatably supported in two opposite directions of rotation. The shaft and the guide element can be non-rotatably connected to each other, integrally formed, or as a single piece. The rotational axis or shaft, i.e., its axial direction, can here be particularly perpendicular to the main extension plane of the guide element and, in particular, also perpendicular to the main extension plane of the lever element. The guide element has a guide groove on its side facing the lever element, which is particularly non-circular and extends around a slender guide rib that is partially curved around the axis. The guide groove and guide rib can be particularly radially spaced from the axis. The protrusion of the lever element is here guided in the guide groove so that it can move in the guide groove when the guide element rotates about the axis (particularly when the relay is switched or triggered). Here, the movement of the protrusion in the guide groove is limited on the one hand by the guide rib and on the other hand by the outer wall of the groove that is opposite to or spaced at a certain distance from the guide rib.

[0012] To enable the guiding element to rotate about the shaft, the bistable relay has a corresponding driver, particularly an electric motor. This electric motor can therefore be mechanically coupled to the shaft or the guiding element. In particular, the shaft can be the rotor shaft of the electric motor. This allows for the particularly simple and compact structure of the relay of the present invention.

[0013] Furthermore, the relay of the present invention includes a spring element or spring, the first end of which is non-rotatably connected to the shaft, and the second end of which is connected to or fixed to the second end of the lever element. Therefore, the spring can be tensioned when the guide element is rotated about the shaft by means of a motor while the lever element is fixed.

[0014] The components of the relay described in this invention are designed and cooperate in such a manner that, after the guide element has rotated sufficiently far in a first direction of rotation, the lever element is pulled or moved by the spring tensioned therein, i.e., by its spring force, such that the protrusion is pulled past the first end of the guide rib with the spring partially or completely released, thereby moving the actuating element to the closed position by means of the lever element. After the guide element subsequently rotates sufficiently far in the opposite second direction of rotation (during which the protrusion moves toward the second end of the guide rib and the spring is tensioned again, particularly in the opposite direction), the lever element is pulled or moved such that the protrusion is pulled past the second end of the guide rib by the spring force with the spring partially or completely released again, thereby moving the actuating element to the open position by means of the lever element. During the rotation of the guide element, relative movement may exist between the guide rib and the protrusion of the lever element. In particular, the protrusion may slide or roll at least partially along the outer wall of the guide rib and / or the guide groove. Here, the spring can function like a dead-point spring, and depending on the situation or the switching or operating position of the relay, the lever element and therefore the protrusion can be pulled in different directions by the spring.

[0015] As the protrusion passes the corresponding end of the guide rib, it can suddenly move towards the opposite outer wall of the guide groove or accelerate past the guide rib due to the spring force or action of the spring. The actuating element also moves suddenly or abruptly due to the corresponding sudden movement of the lever element. Therefore, the relay can be used as a quick-acting switch. This allows for particularly rapid establishment or disconnection of electrical connections, i.e., the relay of the present invention has a particularly short switching time or a particularly high response speed. This, in turn, can—especially when the relay is used to switch relatively high voltages and / or currents—improve safety and reduce wear or erosion of electrical contacts and / or surrounding components (e.g., due to arcs or sparks). Through the elongated guide rib and the correspondingly elongated, for example, generally kidney-shaped guide groove, as well as the precise controllability of the motor, the protrusion can be positioned accordingly flexibly and precisely within the guide groove. This allows for optimization of the switching or triggering behavior of the relay of the present invention, i.e., adjustment according to the specific requirements of the case. For example, by setting, parameterizing, or controlling, the time from applying a first control or switching pulse or signal to the relay to actually establishing or disconnecting the electrical connection can be minimized, and / or, for example, the robustness of the relay against false triggering (e.g., due to shock or vibration). The actuating element can move, for example, alongside the rest of the relay components (i.e., alongside the guide element and motor) via the actual switching motion transmitted by the lever element. Overall, this allows for a particularly compact structure of the relay of the present invention, i.e., a particularly small installation space requirement.

[0016] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the first end of the spring is fixed to the shaft, either directly or indirectly. Thus, a particularly large spring length or a particularly large spring force can still be achieved within a particularly compact relay structure. This, in turn, can contribute to achieving a particularly short switching time for the relay.

[0017] In another possible embodiment of the invention, the spring is a helical spring, i.e., constructed as a helical spring wound around an axis. Depending on the direction of rotation of the axis, the helical spring can be tensioned in a first direction, where the turns of the helical spring can contract, or tensioned in a second direction, where the turns of the helical spring can expand. Accordingly, spring forces acting in different directions can be established. By using the helical spring as presented herein, spring force can be established particularly simply and directly by means of the rotation of the electric motor. Furthermore, by using a helical spring, especially for a predetermined spring force, a particularly compact structure of the relay can be achieved.

[0018] In another possible embodiment of the invention, the relay is configured to, after each switching process—that is, after each establishment and each discontinuation of electrical connection—rotate the guide element in opposite directions sufficiently by means of a motor, until the protrusion is located at or near the end of the guide rib, the end of which the protrusion is pulled past in the next opposite switching process of the relay. Thus, the protrusion may be adjacent to or close to the corresponding end of the guide rib or located in the corresponding end region, but at least at the corresponding half of the guide rib. For example, to establish an electrical connection, the guide element may rotate in a first rotational direction until the protrusion has moved past the first end of the guide rib. Subsequently, the guide element may move sufficiently in the opposite rotational direction until the protrusion is located next to or at the second end of the guide rib, but has not yet been pulled past the second end. The motor may then stop until the next switching process, which necessarily involves discontinuing the electrical connection.

[0019] In principle, the rotation of the guide element in the opposite direction after the switching process, as described herein, could also be performed only at the beginning of the corresponding subsequent switching process. However, by performing the rotation in the opposite direction immediately after the switching process, as proposed herein, the response time of the relay to the next switching process can be reduced, because only a slight further rotation of the guide element is needed to move the protrusion past the corresponding end of the guide rib, thereby triggering or executing the corresponding switching process.

[0020] However, the remaining distance—even if relatively small—from the corresponding end of the guide rib can be useful in order to improve or ensure the relay's robustness against accidental switching or triggering (e.g., due to shock or vibration). As presented here, in the additional or further rotation of the guide element in the corresponding opposite direction after a particular switching process, the spring is also pre-tensioned for the next switching process. Therefore, the energy required for that next switching process can also be reduced. This can be useful, for example, when the relay is used for safety or emergency switching after a failure of the primary energy or voltage supply. This is explained in more detail elsewhere.

[0021] In another possible embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is moved linearly or translationally during the establishment and disconnection of the electrical connection, i.e., during the switching process of the relay. In other words, during the switching process, the rotational motion of the lever element can be converted into a pure translational, i.e., non-rotational motion of the actuating element through a mechanical connection or coupling between the lever element and the actuating element. For this purpose, the relay may, for example, have a corresponding guide for the actuating element. Through linear or translational motion, wear that may occur or be exacerbated, such as wear caused by the movement of an electric arc on a rotating conductor element, can be avoided or reduced if necessary.

[0022] In another possible embodiment of the invention, the relay has an electrical energy storage unit with a capacitance or energy content sufficient to establish or disconnect an electrical connection once. Sufficient energy can be stored in this energy storage unit to perform at least one switching process of the relay, such as controlling or operating a motor to rotate a sufficiently far distance. Thus, even in the event of a failure of the primary or conventional energy or voltage supply to the relay, at least one switching process can still be performed. Therefore, in such cases, for example, a predetermined switching state or predetermined position of the relay can be safely and reliably set. This can be advantageous, depending on the application, for example, in terms of contact safety or functional safety.

[0023] In one possible extension of the invention, the relay is configured to automatically disconnect the electrical connection by means of energy stored in an energy storage unit when the operating voltage supply device (i.e., the primary or conventional electrical energy or voltage or current supply device of the relay) fails. In other words, the energy stored in the energy storage unit can then be used to supply or operate the motor accordingly, causing the guiding element to rotate to a corresponding rotational position, thereby causing the actuating element to enter the open position. Furthermore, the relay may include corresponding microelectronic components or circuits or logic circuits, for example, for triggering or switching the relay when or after the operating voltage supply fails, or also for monitoring the operating voltage supply. Here, depending on the application or requirements, the timing of using the energy stored in the energy storage unit to switch the relay, particularly for disconnecting the electrical connection, can be more precisely specified, for example, by corresponding predetermined triggering or fault conditions. For example, it can be specified that this has already occurred when the conventional operating voltage supply drops below a predetermined threshold, and / or only occurs when the conventional operating voltage supply device fails or has failed for at least a predetermined period of time.

[0024] Conventionally, monostable relays can be used to achieve a safe disconnection of electrical connections in the event of a fault. However, monostable relays have a higher energy requirement than bistable relays during normal operation. If conventional bistable relays are used to avoid this consistently higher energy requirement, additional complex measures may be required to ensure the corresponding functional safety level of the conventional or primary energy or operating voltage supply. The extended embodiments of the present invention can at least partially save this additional expense or related costs.

[0025] According to one possible extension of the invention, the energy storage unit is or includes a capacitor. Using such a capacitor, the energy stored therein can be provided particularly quickly for switching relays. Furthermore, compared to a battery, for example, the capacitor can have a particularly low self-discharge. Thus, it can be reliably ensured for a correspondingly long period that the relay can be switched to a predetermined switching state in the event of failure of the conventional energy or operating voltage supply.

[0026] Alternatively, batteries can be used as energy storage units. This allows for the storage of more energy when necessary, enabling multiple switching processes of relays to be performed in the event of a failure of the operating voltage supply.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with at least one bistable relay of the present invention.

[0028] In one possible extension of the invention, the motor vehicle has a high-voltage energy storage device, i.e., a traction battery, and at least one electrical appliance electrically connected to the traction battery for power supply. The bistable relay of the invention is thus configured to switchably open and close a circuit or current path through which the at least one electrical appliance can be powered by the traction battery. Therefore, the relay can be integrated into this circuit or current path. This circuit or current path can be the electrical connection mentioned in connection with the relay of the invention. The relay can, for example, be arranged between the traction battery and the at least one electrical appliance or integrated into the traction battery. By switching the relay, for example, the high-voltage supply for driving the motor vehicle or the main energy supply of the motor vehicle can be switched (i.e., established and disconnected).

[0029] Other features of the invention can be derived from the claims, drawings, and description of the drawings. The features and combinations thereof mentioned above in the specification, as well as the features and combinations thereof shown separately in the description and / or drawings below, may be used not only in the given combinations, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0030] In the attached diagram:

[0031] Figure 1 A partial schematic perspective view of a bistable relay is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 A partial schematic perspective view is shown, with other components omitted for illustrative purposes;

[0033] Figure 3 A partial schematic side view of the relay immediately following closure is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 A partial schematic side view of the relay is shown at the end of the switching process used to close the relay;

[0035] Figure 5 A partial schematic side view of the relay immediately following its activation is shown; and

[0036] Figure 6 A partial schematic illustration of a motor vehicle equipped with the relay is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] In the accompanying drawings, identical and functionally identical elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0038] Figure 1A partial schematic perspective view of a mechanical or electromechanical bistable relay 1 is shown. The relay 1 includes a lever 2, which is rotatably supported about a lever axis 3. Movement of the lever 2 causes movement of an actuating element 4, which is fixed to a contact element 5, causing the contact element to move accordingly, for example, together with or relative to the contact element 5. This ultimately establishes or disconnects an electrical connection. To transmit the corresponding movement of the lever 2 to the actuating element 4, a first lever end 6 of the lever 2 is coupled to the actuating element 4. Here, the rotational movement of the lever 2 about the lever axis 3 can be converted into a linear translational movement of the actuating element 4. For this purpose, the lever 2 is engaged with its first lever end 6 about an axis of the actuating element 4.

[0039] To further control or determine the movement of lever 2, relay 1 also has a generally disc-shaped or flat cylindrical guide element 7. This guide element is located on the side of lever shaft 3 opposite to actuating element 4 and adjacent to lever 2. On its side facing lever 2, guide element 7 has a guide groove 8 that opens towards lever 2. Furthermore, guide element 7 is rotatably supported about an axis 9 that extends parallel to lever shaft 3. Lever 2 also has a protrusion or pin 10 on the side facing guide element 7 (see...). Figures 3 to 5 The pin 10 acts on and is guided in the guide groove 8. Therefore, the pin 10 can only move in the guide groove 8, thereby limiting the possible or actual movement of the lever 2.

[0040] To support the movement of lever 2 or accelerate the movement when relay 1 switches, relay 1 also has a helical spring 11. The helical spring 11 has its inner spring end 12 (see...) Figure 2 The helical spring 11 is directly or indirectly fixed to the shaft 9, while the outer spring end 13 of the helical spring 11 is fixed to the second lever end 14 of the lever 2. To now cause the corresponding movement of the aforementioned components for switching the relay 1, the relay 1 also has a motor 15. This motor 15 can rotate or drive the shaft 9. Here, the guide element 7, which is non-rotatably connected to the shaft 9, is also rotated about the shaft 9. Furthermore, the helical spring 11 can be tensioned here. The relay also includes a bracket 16 as a support or stop for fixing or holding the various components of the relay 1. The bracket 16 can, for example, provide a fixing point and / or support point (e.g., for the lever shaft 3, shaft 9, or motor 15), and / or serve as a housing and / or for fixing the relay 1 to other components.

[0041] To further illustrate the structure of relay 1, Figure 2 A partial schematic perspective view of relay 1 is shown, in which various components are omitted, particularly lever 2, guide element 7, and bracket 16. Accordingly, helical spring 11, wound around shaft 9, can be seen here. Furthermore, the inner spring end 12 and its arrangement or fixation on shaft 9 can be seen here.

[0042] Figure 3 To illustrate the working principle of relay 1, a partial schematic side view of relay 1 in its state or position immediately after the electrical connection is established (i.e., after the actuating element 4 has moved from the open position to the closed position) is shown. The movement of the actuating element 4, which has already been completed, is indicated by a vertical straight arrow. Shortly before this state is shown, the guide element 7 rotates counterclockwise, which is indicated by a corresponding curved arrow. This rotation of the guide element 7 by means of the motor 15 causes the lever 2 to also move counterclockwise about the lever axis 3 due to the spring force of the helical spring 11 acting on the second lever end 14, thereby pressing the actuating element 4 downward into the closed position.

[0043] During the movement of lever 2, pin 10 moves within guide groove 8. A guide rib 17 is located at the center of guide groove 8. In other words, guide groove 8 extends around guide rib 17. Guide rib 17 is elongated and partially curved around shaft 9 with a radial distance from it. Before the guide element 7 is about to perform the counterclockwise rotation, pin 10 is located radially outside of guide rib 17 in guide groove 8, i.e., in the radially outer region of guide groove 8, and is prevented from moving by guide rib 17, i.e., prevented from yielding to or following the spring force of coil spring 11. However, by the rotation of guide element 7, guide rib 17 moves so far relative to pin 10 that the pin can be pulled by the spring force of coil spring 11 past the first guide rib end 18 of guide rib 17 into the radially inner region of guide groove 8 or to the radially inner side of guide rib 17. This at least partial or at least most of the radially extending movement of pin 10 relative to shaft 9 causes lever 2 to rotate about lever axis 3.

[0044] exist Figure 3 After the state shown, the guide element 7 can be rotated in the opposite direction, i.e., clockwise, by means of the motor 15, until the pin 10—still located on the radially inner side of the guide rib 17 or in the radially inner region of the guide groove 8—is located at or beside the second guide rib end 19 of the guide rib 17. Figure 4 A partial schematic side view of relay 1 in this state is shown. Figure 3 The state shown and Figure 4 During the rotation of the guide element 7 between the indicated states, the pin 10 moves along the guide rib 17 from its first guide rib end 18 to its second guide rib end 19 in the radially inner region or portion of the guide groove 8. However, this should be understood, in particular, only as the relative movement between the pin 10 and the guide element 7 or the guide groove 8, and is here achieved at least primarily or entirely by the rotation of the guide element 7. During this period, the lever 2 can therefore remain at least substantially fixed in position (e.g., relative to the bracket 16 or the surrounding environment). Accordingly, the actuating element 4 also remains in its position. Figure 3The position or state shown in the diagram ensures that the switching state of relay 1 remains unchanged.

[0045] To trigger or execute the next switching process of relay 1, i.e., to move actuating element 4 to its open position and thereby disconnect the electrical connection, the guide element 7 can be rotated slightly further clockwise by means of motor 15. This further clockwise rotation of guide element 7 can be particularly less than or shorter than the previous clockwise movement of guide element 7, by which the pin 10 was brought from the region of the first guide rib end 18 to the region of the second guide rib end 19. Due to the further rotation of guide element 7, the spring force of helical spring 11 can then pull pin 10 radially outward past the second guide rib end 19. This means that lever 2 rotates clockwise about lever axis 3. As a result, actuating element 4 is moved linearly or translationally upward to the open position, which is indicated here by the corresponding straight arrow.

[0046] Next, the guide element 7 can be rotated, for example, in the opposite direction to the switching process just performed (i.e., counterclockwise) by means of the motor 15, until the pin 10 is located near the first guide rib end 18 in the radially outer region of the guide groove 8. From there, it can then be re-established by further slightly rotating the guide element 7 counterclockwise. Figure 3 The state shown is that the actuator 4 moves to its closed position, thereby re-establishing the electrical connection.

[0047] In order to operate the motor 15 to achieve the rotational movement of the described guide element 7, the motor 15 can be connected to or be connected to a corresponding external electrical energy or voltage supply device. Similarly, the relay 1 can have an energy storage unit, such as a capacitor or battery, thereby providing energy to the motor 15 for at least one switching process.

[0048] Relay 1 can be used, for example, in the automotive field. Therefore, Figure 6 A partial schematic illustration of a motor vehicle 20 is shown. The motor vehicle 20 is an electric vehicle and accordingly has a traction battery 21 and an electric drive. The electric drive is schematically represented here by a traction motor 22 and power electronics 23. The power electronics 23 may include, for example, a voltage converter to convert the voltage supplied by the traction battery 21 into an operating voltage for the traction motor 22. A relay 1 is schematically integrated here into the electrical connection between the traction battery 21 and the electric drive. Therefore, the power supply from the traction battery 21 to the drive can be interrupted and restored by means of the relay 1. In particular, the relay 1 can be integrated into the low-voltage on-board electrical network of the motor vehicle 20 during normal, i.e., trouble-free operation. If the external energy or operating voltage supply to this low-voltage on-board electrical network, i.e., the relay 1, fails, the relay 1 is powered by a local energy storage unit and automatically disconnects the electrical connection, i.e., moves the actuating element 4 to the open position.

[0049] In summary, the described examples demonstrate how a bistable relay 1 can be implemented and used as a fast-acting switch, and, when necessary, has an automatic disconnection function independent of external energy or voltage supply.

[0050] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0051] 1. Relay

[0052] 2. Leverage

[0053] 3. Lever axis

[0054] 4 Actuating elements

[0055] 5. Contact elements

[0056] 6 First lever end

[0057] 7. Guiding element

[0058] 8 guide slots

[0059] 9-axis

[0060] 10 sales

[0061] 11. Coil spring

[0062] 12 Inner Spring End

[0063] 13. Outer spring end

[0064] 14 Second Lever End

[0065] 15 Electric motors

[0066] 16 brackets

[0067] 17. Guide ribs

[0068] 18 First guide rib end

[0069] 19 Second guide rib end

[0070] 20 Motor vehicles

[0071] 21 Traction Battery

[0072] 22 Traction Machine

[0073] 23 Power electronic devices.

Claims

1. A bistable relay (1) for switchably mechanically establishing and disconnecting an electrical connection, the bistable relay comprising: - A lever element (2) that is rotatably supported at a pivot point in the intermediate region between the first end (6) and the second end (14) of the lever element (2) and also has a protrusion (10) protruding in the axial direction of the lever axis (3) in the intermediate region. - A movable actuating element (4) that can move from an open position to a closed position to establish the electrical connection and from a closed position to an open position to disconnect the electrical connection, and that the actuating element is mechanically coupled to the first end (6) of the lever element (2). - A guide element (7) is rotatably supported about an axis parallel to the lever axis (3), and the guide element has a guide groove on its side facing the lever element (2), the guide groove extending around an elongated guide rib (17) that is partially bent around the axis, and the protrusion (10) is guided in the guide groove such that the protrusion can move in the guide groove (8) when the guide element (7) rotates about the axis. - An electric motor (15) enables the guide element (7) to rotate about the shaft. - A spring (11), the first end (12) of which is non-rotatably connected to the shaft (9), and the second end (13) of which is connected to the second end (14) of the lever element (2). After the guide element (7) rotates in the first rotation direction, the protrusion (10) is pulled past the first end (18) of the guide rib (17) by the spring (11) which is tensioned therein, and thereby the actuator (4) is moved to the closed position by means of the lever element (2). During the subsequent rotation of the guide element (7) in the opposite second rotation direction, the protrusion (10) moves toward the second end (19) of the guide rib (17) and the spring (11) is tensioned again. After this subsequent rotation of the guide element, the protrusion (10) is pulled past the second end (19) of the guide rib (17) by the spring (11) which is tensioned therein, and thereby the actuator (4) is moved to the open position by means of the lever element (2).

2. The bistable relay (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end (12) of the spring (11) is fixed on the shaft (9).

3. The bistable relay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The spring (11) is a helical spring (11) which is wound around the shaft (9).

4. The bistable relay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The relay (1) is configured to, after a switching process, rotate the guide element (7) in opposite directions by means of a motor (15) until the protrusion (10) is located at the end (18; 19) of the guide rib (17), and the protrusion (10) is pulled past that end during the next switching process.

5. The bistable relay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The actuating element (4) moves purely translationally when establishing and disconnecting the electrical connection.

6. The bistable relay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The relay (1) has an electrical energy storage unit with a capacity at least sufficient to establish or disconnect the electrical connection once.

7. The bistable relay (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The relay (1) is configured to automatically disconnect the electrical connection by means of energy stored in the energy storage unit when the operating voltage supply device of the relay (1) fails.

8. The bistable relay (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The energy storage unit includes a capacitor.

9. A motor vehicle (20) having a bistable relay (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. The motor vehicle (20) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The motor vehicle (20) has a traction battery (21) and at least one electrical appliance (22, 23) electrically connected to the traction battery for power supply, and a bistable relay (1) is configured to switchably open and close an electrical current path through which the at least one electrical appliance (22, 23) can be powered by the traction battery (21).

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