Electrical switching device for an energy storage system of an electric vehicle

Abstract

Electrical switching device (10) for arrangement between an energy storage device of an electric vehicle and an electric motor, comprising a housing (20) in which at least one switching section (30) with two input contacts (32a, 32b) and at least one output contact (34) is arranged, and a rotating component (40) which is rotatably mounted relative to the housing (20) between at least one off position (I), a pre-position position (II) and an on position (III) about a switching axis (42), wherein the rotating component (40) has at least one conductor (44) with at least two conductor contacts (44a, 44b) which, in the pre-position position (II), electrically connects the first input contact (32a) to the output contact (34) and, in the on position (III), the second input contact (32b) to the output contact (34) of the at least one switching section (30), wherein the output contact (34) is designed as a planar contact section for electrical contact by the conductor (44) in at least two rotational positions of the rotating component (40), wherein the first input contact (32a) is connected to a series resistor to limit the starting current of the electric motor, wherein the conductor contacts (44a, 44b), the input contacts (32a, 32b) and the at least one output contact (34) are located at different circumferential positions on a common circumferential line with respect to the switching axis of the rotating component (40).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical switching device for an energy storage device of an electric vehicle and to a method for switching a corresponding electrical switching device.

[0002] It is known that switching devices are used to switch the energy storage systems of electric vehicles on and off. Such an energy storage system can, for example, consist of a large number of battery cells. An electric motor is provided in an electric vehicle, which can supply its power via an electrical connection to the energy storage system. Particularly in crash situations, i.e., after serious accidents, it is necessary to disconnect the energy storage system from the electric motor as quickly and precisely as possible. Even in normal operating conditions, it is necessary to connect and disconnect the electric motor from the energy storage system between an on and off state. For this purpose, known electrical switching devices typically have various relays that can perform the switching operations.Since it is essential to prevent the full power of the energy storage system from being transferred to the electric motor immediately, especially during the start-up process, a so-called pre-charging circuit or pre-switching position is often necessary. In this pre-switching position, a high resistance is present within the developing circuit to effectively limit the current flow. Accordingly, known switching devices use individual relays for the pre-switching position, the start-up position, and all other switching positions. If additional functions are required in the switching device, such as an emergency stop or automatic emergency disconnection from the energy storage system, separate components are also provided for these functions. All of these components are typically housed in a so-called Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU).

[0003] A disadvantage of existing solutions is the high effort and complexity involved in assembly. The large number of components inherently creates numerous potential points of failure during assembly. This necessitates extensive testing procedures to ensure reliable functionality with minimal residual risk. Furthermore, the overall size of existing switching devices is relatively large due to the multitude of individual components. Finally, the manufacturing costs of these devices are also relatively high, as the large number of components negatively impacts the actual cost of the switching device.

[0004] Further switching devices are known from documents US 2014 / 0 131 179 A1, DE 10 2008 063 652 A1, US 2012 / 0 229 234 A1, KR 10 2004 0 040 311 A, DE 19 52 873 U and DE 19 69 656 U.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to reduce the space requirements, weight and / or cost of the switching device in a cost-effective and simple manner.

[0006] The foregoing problem is solved by an electrical switching device with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 17. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the switching device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure regarding the individual aspects of the invention always refers, or can refer, to each other.

[0007] An electrical switching device according to the invention for an energy storage device of an electric vehicle comprises a housing. At least one switching section with two input contacts and at least one output contact is arranged in this housing. Furthermore, a rotating component is located within the housing, which is rotatably mounted about a switching axis relative to the housing between at least one off position, a pre-position, and an on position. The rotating component comprises at least one conductor with at least two conductor contacts. The conductor contacts and the conductor are configured to electrically connect the first input contact to the output contact in the pre-position and the second input contact to the output contact of the at least one switching section in the on position.

[0008] In a switching device according to the invention, the rotating component thus ensures dual switching functionality in a single component. The rotating component can be rotated, and therefore the individual switching positions can be precisely distinguished from one another with respect to their differing angular positions, or assumed by the rotating component.

[0009] Compared to known switching devices, the number of input contacts now allows the corresponding number of individual switching relays to be reduced to a single component in the form of the rotary component. It is already evident here that a significant reduction in the complexity, weight, and dimensions of the switching device according to the invention can be achieved in this way.

[0010] The housing can directly form a corresponding Battery Disconnect Unit (BDU) or be part of such a BDU. Accordingly, the switching device is located between the energy storage device and the electric motor, and thus, so to speak, within the electric drive train. This allows the three positions for the rotating component to have the following different electrical functions. In the off position, the rotating component is in an electrically insulating position, so that the output contact is not electrically connected to any of the input contacts. This means that the circuit is broken and therefore the electric motor has no electrically conductive connection to the energy storage device. If the rotating component is moved further into the up-position, a conductive connection is created between the first input contact and the output contact.The first input contact is connected via its electrically conductive path to a series resistor, allowing the circuit to be closed from the energy storage device to the electric motor through this resistor. This means that the series resistor significantly limits the starting current of the electric motor during startup. Naturally, the resistor can also be a variable resistor to allow for vehicle-specific or even switching-situation-specific adjustments to this limit. In this position, the rotating component is therefore in the series resistor position.

[0011] If the rotating component continues to rotate, a complete electrically conductive connection is formed between the second input contact and the output contact. This is the normal operating condition, in which an electrically conductive connection exists between the energy storage device and the electric motor without any additional resistance. The series resistor can still be energized, but due to its high resistance, the majority of the current flows past the resistor and out of the second input contact.

[0012] The design according to the invention not only reduces the number of components and thus costs, space, and weight, but also offers an advantage in terms of switching reliability. This means that when switching on, the pre-position is automatically passed through by the rotational movement before the rotating component can assume the on position. This means that, due to mechanical or geometric correlation, skipping the pre-position is no longer possible, so that any damage to the electric motor and / or energy storage device caused by omitting the pre-position, as is the case with known switching devices, is completely eliminated. It is therefore evident that, in addition to the design advantages, increased functional reliability is also ensured by a switching device according to the invention.

[0013] It should also be noted that an energy storage device within the meaning of the present invention is, for example, configured as a plurality of battery cells. Of course, other energy storage devices, such as capacitors, recuperation systems, flywheels, or even electricity-generating fuel cells, can also be considered energy storage devices within the meaning of the present invention.

[0014] A further advantage of the rotating component according to the invention is the simplified control. In particular, a simpler drive method can be found for carrying out the rotational movement or even for fixing the rotating component in the respective switching position. As will be explained in more detail later, a magnetic drive and / or an electric motor drive can be used, for example.

[0015] The individual contacts—that is, the conductor contacts, the input contacts, and the at least one output contact—are located at correspondingly different circumferential positions on a common circumferential line relative to the switching axis of the rotating component. This ensures that, through sliding movement and the corresponding constant contact between the rotating component and a surrounding contact component, the appropriate electrical contact is always achieved according to the adopted switching position. This means that the contacts essentially rub against each other, thus providing an additional cleaning effect for the individual surfaces of the respective contacts. Furthermore, the rotary design of the rotating component according to the invention makes it possible to route the conductor between the conductor contacts in essentially any geometric direction along or within the rotating component.This allows for the creation of a free volume within the rotating component, particularly in its inner cavity, which can be used for other components. Such additional components for the interior or internal volume of the rotating component include, for example, a drive device, a return mechanism, or a gearbox, which will be explained in more detail later.

[0016] Metallic materials are primarily used as conductors. For cost reasons, copper wire is most commonly used, but other metallic and electrically conductive materials, such as aluminum or similar, can also be employed. Naturally, it is also possible for the rotating component to assume additional switching positions beyond the three described. For example, an emergency stop and / or crash stop switching situation can be provided, which in particular ensure additional conductive contacts with corresponding input and output contacts. This allows the rotating component to assume a very large number of switching positions, corresponding to different functions of the electrical circuit, without altering or increasing the complexity of the switching processes in any way.Particularly due to the fact that currents in the range of approximately 600 A flow through the electrical switching device according to the invention in a full load situation, a significant advantage is achieved through the rotary switching function and the corresponding reduction of components.

[0017] Additionally, it is advantageous that a rotational movement occurs when switching off from the "on" position, resulting in a lateral separation of the respective conductor contact and the respective input or output contact. When disconnecting under full load, as can occur in an emergency stop or crash situation, this separation often, or almost always, involves the formation of an arc. Because the rotational movement draws this arc into a narrow gap to the side of the respective contact, a reduced space is provided for the arc. This gap formation, and the drawing of the arc into it, keeps the arc small due to the limited space available, allowing it to extinguish quickly. The gap into which this arc is drawn can also be referred to as the quenching gap or arc gap within the meaning of the present invention.

[0018] It can be advantageous if an electrical switching device according to the present invention includes a drive device, in particular an electric motor, for rotating the rotating component. This means that, in addition to the possibility of manual rotation of the rotating component, an automated actuation and switching option is provided. By energizing the drive device, in particular the electric motor, the rotational movement is carried out, and a corresponding change in the switching position of the rotating component is enforced. A corresponding control system can be incorporated to monitor the drive device based on the desired or necessary switching position. Of course, an electric motor-driven drive device is only one possibility.Electromagnetic drive devices are also conceivable, as will be explained in more detail in the following paragraph. A major advantage is that the drive device is electrically powered, so that it is, in effect, connected to the electrical circuit or the fundamental presence of a power supply within the electric vehicle. This ensures, for example, that in conjunction with the reset device, which will be explained in more detail later, an automatic reset occurs from a mechanical perspective if the entire system can be de-energized or becomes de-energized due to a crash.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, in an electrical switching device according to the preceding paragraph, the drive device comprises a solenoid and a conversion device for converting a translational movement of the solenoid into a rotational movement of the rotating component. This is a particularly advantageous solution for the drive device because it is simple and cost-effective. A solenoid can preferably perform a translational movement, and the conversion device can, for example, have an inclined edge or a helical shaft design. This means that the translational movement is now guided by the conversion device, which converts this translational movement into a rotational movement of the rotating component.This allows for a cost-effective and simple design of the drive device, and in particular, a reduced holding force is ensured under standard operating conditions. For example, after movement into the "on" position, a simple and low holding force may suffice to hold the solenoid in the corresponding "on" position or the corresponding translational position, even against a strong return spring. Furthermore, the control of individual switching operations is also particularly simple and cost-effective with this design.

[0020] It is further advantageous that, in an electrical switching device according to the invention, the output contact, and preferably the conductor contacts and / or the input contacts, are designed as a planar contact section for electrical contact by the conductor in at least two rotational positions of the rotating component. This results in a larger transmission area for the electric current, thus reducing the overall contact resistance. Particularly for transmitting large amounts of current, correspondingly large planar contact sections are provided. The planar contact sections can be essentially cylindrical in shape. Of course, more complex, mantle-shaped sections, for example, the comb-shaped configurations of the planar contact sections described in more detail later, are also conceivable within the scope of the present invention.A rotating angular surface is provided in each case to clearly define and subsequently assume the respective contact in the different switching positions. Furthermore, the surface contact provides a corresponding frictional force during the switching movement. In other words, the surface contact sections of the individual contacts rub against each other during the switching movement, thus providing a kind of sliding motion. This also ensures a cleaning function to prevent or remove soot particles or similar signs of wear on the contact sections. The contact sections can either have complete surface contact or point contacts. Two-point contacts are preferred.Four-point contacts, whereby one point on the inside and one point on the outside, or two points on the inside and two points on the outside, establish the corresponding contact.

[0021] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if, in an electrical switching device according to the invention, the conductor contacts and / or the input contacts and / or the output contact have preloading means for a preloaded contact between the output contact and a conductor contact and / or between an input contact and a conductor contact. This preload means that the radial force acting radially towards or away from the switching axis allows a corresponding preload of the individual contact surfaces relative to each other. Active preloading means, for example, using spring devices, can be provided, which actively press the individual contacts against each other by means of a corresponding spring force. Geometric designs of corresponding preloading means, for example, by wedge-shaped design, are also possible within the scope of the present invention.In other words, the pretensioning device also provides a kind of readjustment or adjustment option, which ensures that the desired electrically conductive contact continues to be provided with a high degree of reliability even when the individual contact sections of the conductive contacts wear down.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if, in an electrical switching device according to the invention, the rotating component has a mechanical return mechanism, particularly in the form of a spring device, for applying a return force to the rotating component in the direction of the off position. Specifically, this is a spring force provided by the mechanical return mechanism. In other words, this means that without any additional force being applied, the return mechanism always moves the rotating component back towards the off position. In particular, a corresponding stop is provided which limits the return movement of the rotating component to the off position.This means that in a power-free situation, i.e., when no energized mechanical drive is holding or moving the rotating component in a different position, the mechanically designed return mechanism automatically and reliably moves the rotating component back to the off position. In emergency stop or crash situations, this provides additional functionality that increases the safety of the electrical switching device according to the invention. Such a return mechanism, particularly in the form of a spring, can, for example, be designed directly as a torsion spring to provide a rotational force for the return rotation of the rotating component. The support for the mechanical return mechanism to provide the corresponding return force is preferably provided on the housing of the switching device.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, in an electrical switching device according to the invention, at least two switching sections are arranged axially offset from one another in the housing along the switching axis. This can be advantageous if two or more switching sections provide increased switching reliability within a single circuit. It is also possible for a single rotating component to automatically switch multiple two or any number of separate circuits simultaneously. The individual switching sections can have identical and correlated switching positions. This means that when the first switching section moves into the up-position, the second switching section also moves into the up-position. The same applies to the further movement into the on position or the return movement to the off position.Of course, it is also conceivable that the switching sections control different loads, thus requiring a desired mechanically defined correlation between different switching positions. For example, by appropriately offsetting the corresponding contacts of the switching sections, it can be ensured that the first switching section can only be in the "on" position when the second switching section is in the "off" position, and vice versa. Besides further reducing the number of components, weight, and costs, this design also allows for the simple and cost-effective implementation of virtually any complexity in the individual switching phases.

[0024] It is further advantageous if an emergency switching device is provided in an electrical switching device according to the invention for a high-energy, in particular pyrotechnic, disconnection of the electrically conductive connection through the conductor by means of a movement of the rotating component, the direction of which movement preferably differs from a rotation about the switching axis. Particularly in an emergency or crash situation, it may be necessary to disconnect the circuit between the energy storage device and the consumer in the form of the electric motor as quickly and, above all, as safely as possible. A high-energy disconnection allows this to be done, in particular, in an irreversible, one-time manner, so that, for example, the emergency switching device moves the rotating component translationally along its switching axis by means of a pyrotechnic drive.This axial displacement in the translational direction automatically disengages the corresponding contacts from their conductive connection, thus ensuring a safe and effective disconnection of the circuits. Of course, the high-energy disconnection can also be achieved through other forms of movement, particularly a rotational movement, so that a high-energy return to the off position, especially pyrotechnical, can also be guaranteed. Besides pyrotechnic solutions, powerful spring devices or compressed air can also be used in accordance with this embodiment of the invention. This eliminates the need for an additional component, namely the separate emergency disconnect device in the form of the well-known so-called cable cutters, which pyrotechnically cut the circuit, thereby achieving further reductions in complexity and costs.

[0025] It is also advantageous if, in an electrical switching device according to the invention, an electrical coupling device is arranged between a drive device for the rotating component and the rotating component itself. This coupling device blocks movement of the rotating component towards the off position when energized and releases it when energized. Such a coupling device thus allows the drive device to automatically move towards the on position when energized. If the current fails, for example due to an emergency switch position or a crash situation, the coupling device opens and automatically releases the movement of the rotating component towards the off position.In normal operation, the coupling device maintains the selected switching position with minimal force. Without power, particularly in conjunction with a mechanical return mechanism, the return movement of the rotating component is automatically released by the lack of power. The power loss required by the electric coupling device to maintain the holding force during normal operation is significantly lower than it would be with full power, for example, from an electric motor, which would have to work against a mechanical return mechanism.

[0026] It is also advantageous if, in an electrical switching device according to the invention, the coupling device has a freewheeling device for the drive device, which transmits the drive force of the drive device for rotation in the direction of the "on" position and provides a freewheel for the drive device in the opposite direction. This leads to a further improvement, so that active movement into the "on" position is always possible. Switching off is then only possible via the reset device, in particular by switching off the current to the corresponding electrical coupling device. This further integrates part of the safety-relevant functionality into the mechanical function of the freewheel, thereby ensuring even greater independence from a control system.

[0027] A further advantage arises when, in an electrical switching device according to the invention, the coupling device includes a gearbox, particularly in the form of a planetary gearbox, for transmitting a drive force from the drive device to the rotating component. This gearbox allows, especially in an arrangement between a corresponding motor-driven device on the one hand and the rotating component on the other, the use of smaller motors and motors with higher or lower rotational speeds. Furthermore, the corresponding coupling can provide an axially and laterally offset blocking mechanism via an electromechanical magnetic device, which also results in a significant reduction of the holding force.

[0028] It is also advantageous if, in an electrical switching device according to the invention, the rotating component is formed at least partially from a conductive material, with the conductor contacts being formed by arranging electrically insulating material next to the conductor contacts. This leads to a reduction in manufacturing effort and costs. Electrically insulating material can, for example, be a plastic coating which, accordingly, provides the defined conductors or conductor contacts from a single piece of the rotating component. Various coating methods and coating materials can be used in accordance with the present invention. Subsequent insertion of the conductor into a corresponding insulator of the rotating component is also conceivable in this embodiment.

[0029] In an electrical switching device according to the invention, it may further be advantageous if the at least one switching section has at least a third input contact and / or at least a second output contact for an electrically conductive connection via the conductor to an arc-quenching electrical component, in particular one of the following: - Freewheeling diode - fuse - Resistance

[0030] The preceding list is not exhaustive. In an emergency stop situation, the previously described arc is generated when the contacts separate. To reduce the energy buildup caused by the arc and, in particular, to protect the connected electronic and electrical components, this arc-quenching electrical component can provide corresponding energy reduction. This can be achieved, for example, by melting the fuse, actively heating a resistor, or by using a diode to dissipate the energy.

[0031] In an electrical switching device according to the invention, it is further advantageous if the conductor is aligned at least partially, and in particular completely, along the circumferential direction of the rotating component between the conductor contacts. As already explained, according to the invention, the conductor can be positioned essentially freely within the rotating component. Along the circumferential direction, and in particular directly on the circumference of the rotating component, this design ensures that the conductor leaves the interior space, and thus the interior volume, of the rotating component free. Within this interior space, a variety of different components, for example, a drive device, the gearbox, the return mechanism, or similar items, can then be arranged.In particular, the contact is further improved by the conductor construction, which is fully developed around the circumference, as will be explained later with reference to the comb-like sections.

[0032] It can also be advantageous if, in an electrical switching device according to the invention, the conductor has a measuring section with a defined electrical resistance, and a measuring device is provided for determining the electric current in the measuring section. This allows, for example, the actual flow of electric current through the switching device to be determined by creating a specific thin section. A defined resistance in this thin section, given knowledge of its temperature dependence, can provide such a measuring section. This eliminates the need for separate measuring devices, thus also reducing costs and the number of components.

[0033] It is also advantageous if, in an electrical switching device according to the invention, the conductor contacts of the rotating component have at least a section of a comb-like structure which combs in contact with a comb-like structure of the input contacts and the at least one output contact. This comb-like structure can, for example, have a trapezoidal cross-section, so that inclined surfaces can be moved past each other in a combing and sliding manner along their circumferential direction. This results in a significantly larger total area of ​​an electrically conductive contact section being available between the contacts with respect to the axial extent.At the same time, it is ensured that even with numerous uses and the resulting wear between the individual components, a highly reliable electrically conductive contact between the individual contacts is maintained, particularly through a suitable preload device. For the assembly or manufacture of such a comb-like structure, axially successive discs with different radial extensions can be used, for example. Contact is preferably made only on the lateral comb surfaces, so that the base of each comb remains free and thus non-contacting.

[0034] Another object of the present invention is a method for switching an electrical switching device for an energy storage device of an electric vehicle, comprising the following steps: - Monitoring the activity status of the electric vehicle to detect normal, emergency, and crash states. - Moving a rotating component into an off position when an emergency or crash condition is detected

[0035] In a method according to the invention, the same advantages are therefore achieved as have been explained in detail with reference to a switching device according to the invention.

[0036] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings schematically show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a switching device according to the invention in the off position, Fig. 2 the embodiment of the Fig. 1 in pre-position, Fig. 3 the embodiment of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in the on position, Fig. 4 another embodiment of a switching device according to the invention, Fig. 5 the embodiment of the Fig. 4 in a different cross-section, Fig. 6 the embodiment of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 in a different cross-section, Fig. 7 one possibility of a drive device and Fig. 8 the embodiment of the drive device of the Fig. 7 in a different operating state.

[0037] The Fig. Figures 1 to 3 schematically show how a switching situation in an electrical switching device 10 within a housing 20 can be changed. In principle, an energy storage device in the form of a power source can be seen at the right end, while at the left end, with the two circuits, a load, for example in the form of an electric motor of an electric vehicle, is arranged. The switching device 10 is equipped here with a rotating component 40, which is located in Fig. 1 is in the off position I. This means that the rotating component 40 with its conductors 44, which are redundantly configured here at the top and bottom, is in a rotational position in which electrically insulating material 46 separates the corresponding conductor contacts 44a from the output contact 34 and the two input contacts 32a and 32b. This ensures that the circuit is always open.

[0038] If switching on is now desired, the rotating component 40 of the switching section 30 moves clockwise into a position according to Fig. 2. Here, the preliminary position II is shown. This means that the respective conductor contacts 44a and 44b of the lower conductor 44 are not yet in contact with the output contact 34. However, the right conductor contact 44a of the upper conductor 44 is already in electrically conductive contact with the first input contact 32a, so that the circuit is now in a first closed position via the large resistor at the top right. This resistor ensures that the current flow does not reach undesirable levels.

[0039] If the rotational movement of the rotating component 40 is continued, the on-position III is reached according to the Fig. 3 is reached. Here, both conductors 44 with both conductor contacts 44a and 44b are now in electrically conductive contact with the second input contact 32b and the output contact 34, so that the normal operating situation with a closed circuit is now represented.

[0040] The Fig. Figures 4 to 6 show a further embodiment of an electrical switching device 10, wherein two axially offset, parallel switching sections 30 are provided. These are provided with identical switching positions, so that parallel and thus simultaneous switching of the switching sections 30 is possible.

[0041] As can be clearly seen here, the respective conductor contacts 44a and 44b of conductor 44 have a comb-like structure which acts as a pretensioning element 60 and accordingly combs with a comb-like surface structure of the output contacts 34 and the input contacts 32a, as shown in the Fig. 5 can be seen. As can also be seen, the conductors 44 extend along the circumferential direction on the surface of the rotating component 40 so that the interior within the rotating component 40 remains free and is used here for the drive device 50 in the form of an electric motor.

[0042] If a switching movement is desired according to the invention, the drive device 50 is activated to rotate the rotating component 40 via a gearbox 94 of an electric clutch device 90. During movement towards the on position III, a corresponding mechanical resistance force in a mechanical return device 70 is overcome, which is then stored there as a return force. In an emergency stop situation, this mechanical return force can therefore be provided from the mechanical return device 70 to ensure the return rotation of the rotating component 40 about the switching axis 42.At the same time, a holding situation can be ensured in a simple manner and, above all, with low holding force via the electrical coupling device 90, without the drive device 50 having to completely prevent the return movement by the mechanical return device 70 by applying a corresponding counterforce over the entire operating period.

[0043] In the Fig. 6 is also a cross-section through the embodiment of the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows the component 42, which is designed in the direction of the switching axis. Here, two more preloading devices 60 in the form of springs are shown, which ensure radial adjustment and the application of a preload force to the output contact 34 and the input contact 32a. It can also be seen how the first input contact 32a is designed as an additional resistive bridge to enable a corresponding second switching position. Furthermore, the side view clearly shows how the conductor 40 is embedded in the electrically insulating material 46.

[0044] The Fig. 7 and Fig.Figure 8 schematically shows an alternative drive device 50. Here, a rotational movement of the rotating component 40 along the direction of rotation can be generated by means of a translational movement of a lifting magnet via a corresponding inclined ramp or helical design. Two emergency switching devices 80 are also shown. The emergency switching device 80 at the bottom right uses an engagement mechanism that directly provides a rotational movement, particularly through a pyrotechnic design. The emergency switching device 80 at the top left end can provide a translational movement, which allows for lateral displacement and thus lateral release of the contacts in an emergency.

[0045] The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Reference sign 10 Electrical switching device 20 cases 30 Switching section 32a Input contact 32b Input contact 34 Output contact 40 Rotating component 42 Shift axle 44 ladders 44a Ladder contact 44b Conductor contact 46 electrically insulating material 50 Drive device 60 Pre-tensioning devices 70 mechanical reset device 80 Emergency switching device 90 electric coupling device 94 gearboxes I Off position II Pre-position III An-Position

Claims

[1] Electrical switching device (10) for arrangement between an energy storage device of an electric vehicle and an electric motor, comprising a housing (20) in which at least one switching section (30) with two input contacts (32a, 32b) and at least one output contact (34) is arranged, and a rotating component (40) which is rotatably mounted relative to the housing (20) between at least one off position (I), one pre-position position (II) and one on position (III) about a switching axis (42), wherein the rotating component (40) has at least one conductor (44) with at least two conductor contacts (44a, 44b) which, in the pre-position position (II), electrically connects the first input contact (32a) to the output contact (34) and, in the on position (III), the second input contact (32b) to the output contact (34) of the at least one switching section (30), wherein the output contact (34) is designed as a planar contact section for electrical contact by the conductor (44) in at least two rotational positions of the rotating component (40), wherein the first input contact (32a) is connected to a series resistor to limit the starting current of the electric motor, wherein the conductor contacts (44a, 44b), the input contacts (32a, 32b) and the at least one output contact (34) are located at different circumferential positions on a common circumferential line with respect to the switching axis of the rotating component (40). [2] Electrical switching device (10) according to claim 1 characterized by , that a drive device (50), in particular comprising an electric motor, is provided for rotating the rotating component (40). [3] Electrical switching device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the drive device (50) has a lifting magnet and a conversion device for converting a translational movement of the lifting magnet into a rotational movement of the rotating component (40). [4] Electrical switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conductor contacts (44a, 44b) and / or the input contacts (32a, 32b) are designed as planar contact sections for electrical contacting by the conductor (44) in at least two rotational positions of the rotating component (40). [5] Electrical switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conductor contacts (44a, 44b) and / or the input contacts (32a, 32b) and / or the output contact (34) have pretensioning means (60) for a pretensioned contact between the output contact (34) and a conductor contact (44a, 44b) and / or between an input contact (32a, 32b) and a conductor contact (44a, 44b). [6] Electrical switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rotating component (40) has a mechanical return device (70), in particular in the form of a spring device, for applying a return force to the rotating component (40) in the direction of the off position (I). [7] Electrical switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the housing (20) at least two switching sections (30) are arranged axially offset from each other in the direction of the switching axis (42). [8] Electrical switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that an emergency switching device (80) is provided for a high-energy, in particular pyrotechnic, disconnection of the electrically conductive connection through the conductor (44) by means of a movement of the rotating component (40), the direction of movement of which preferably differs from a rotation about the switching axis (42). [9] Electrical switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an electrical coupling device (90) is arranged between a drive device (50) for the rotating component (40) and the rotating component (40), which blocks movement of the rotating component (40) in the direction of the off position (I) when energized and releases it when energized. [10] Electrical switching device (10) according to claim 9, characterized by, that the coupling device (90) has a freewheel device for the drive device (50) which transmits the drive force of the drive device (50) for a rotation in the direction of the on position (III) and provides a freewheel for the drive device (50) in the opposite direction. [11] Electrical switching device (10) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized by , that the coupling device (90) has a transmission (94), in particular in the form of a planetary gear, for the transmission of a drive force from the drive device (50) to the rotating component (40). [12] Electrical switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rotating component (40) is formed at least sectionally from a conductive material, wherein the conductor contacts (44a, 44b) are formed by arranging electrically insulating material (46) next to the conductor contacts (44a, 44b). [13] Electrical switching device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the at least one switching section (30) has at least one third input contact and / or at least one second output contact (34) for an electrically conductive connection via the conductor (44) with an arc-quenching electrical component, in particular one of the following: - Freewheeling diode - fuse - Resistance [14] Electrical switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conductor (44) is aligned at least sectionally, in particular completely, along the circumferential direction of the rotating component (40) between the conductor contacts (44a, 44b). [15] Electrical switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the conductor (44) has a measuring section with a defined electrical resistance, wherein a measuring device is provided for determining the electric current in the measuring section. [16] Electrical switching device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the conductor contacts (44a, 44b) of the rotating component (40) have at least sectionally a comb-like structure which comb in contact with a comb-like structure of the input contacts (32a, 32b) and the at least one output contact (34). [17] Method for switching an electrical switching device (10) with the features of any one of claims 1 to 16 for an energy storage device of an electric vehicle, comprising the following steps: - Monitoring the activity status of the electric vehicle to detect normal, emergency, and crash states. - Moving a rotating component (40) into an off position (I) when an emergency or crash condition is detected.

Images