Switching device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching device (10) for a motor vehicle with at least one first switching element (12) by means of which switching states of the switching device (10) can be changed depending on the temperature by changing its shape, wherein at least one second switching element (14) connected to the first switching element (12) is arranged, wherein the first switching element (12) and the second switching element (14) are effective in changing their shape in different temperature ranges.

Description

The invention relates to a switching device for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1. In current technology, temperature control is often achieved using switching elements that react either mechanically or electrically to temperature changes. These switching elements are frequently made of shape-memory materials or bimetallic materials, which are switchable within a single temperature range. A typical example of such a device is the use of thermostatic valves, which regulate the flow rate in a fluid circuit via temperature changes. However, this technology has limitations regarding the number of switching states and their control precision. The object of the invention is to provide a switching device that is designed to efficiently generate several switching states depending on the temperature, even in very compact designs. This problem is solved by means of a switching device with the features of claim 1. Furthermore, advantageous embodiments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures. One aspect of the invention relates to a switching device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one first switching element by means of which the switching states of the switching device can be changed by means of a temperature-dependent change in shape. At least one second switching element connected to the first switching element is arranged according to the invention, wherein the first switching element and the second switching element are effective in changing their shape in different temperature ranges. This enables finer control of the switching states by combining several switching elements with different temperature ranges. According to the invention, the first switching element and the second switching element work together to reliably control the switching processes. In other words, the switching device is designed to utilize the technical properties of shape memory materials and bimetallic materials, which change their shape when certain temperature limits are reached. These material properties make it possible to generate temperature-dependent switching states without the need for external drives or complex control mechanisms. Shape memory materials such as nickel-titanium (Nitinol) can change their shape and thereby generate mechanical movements. By combining switching elements from different temperature ranges, multiple, independent switching states can be created. A technical advantage of this invention is the energy and space savings achieved by eliminating the need for external mechanisms. The temperature change itself initiates the desired movement, resulting in a simplified design that is particularly space- and weight-saving.This switching device is therefore particularly suitable for compact applications, such as in motor vehicles, where precise temperature-controlled operation is essential, for example, to regulate coolant pressure in an engine control system. The use of shape memory materials and bimetallic alloys ensures a durable, reliable, and low-maintenance solution. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the switching elements is made of a shape memory material. Shape memory materials offer the ability to assume a predefined shape after a temperature change, which makes the switching processes particularly reliable and precise. A further advantage of using shape memory materials is that these materials reduce the need for mechanical drives, thus reducing complexity and maintenance requirements. Another aspect of the invention relates to the manufacture of switching elements from different bimetallic materials. Bimetallic materials are, in particular, materials consisting of two different metals bonded together, which undergo a change in shape due to differing coefficients of thermal expansion when exposed to temperature changes. Bimetallic materials are therefore suitable for reliably changing shape in response to temperature changes, which can be used for temperature-dependent control of switching states. These materials are particularly advantageous when a precise mechanical conversion of temperature changes into movement is required. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the switching elements are manufactured using helical springs or helical sections of helical springs. This design enables a compact construction and offers high accuracy in converting temperature changes into mechanical movements. A helical spring is particularly well-suited for energy absorption and release, thereby increasing, for example, the reliability of the switching device. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two switching elements together form a helical spring in the form of a circular layered structure, in which the layers forming the switching elements surround each other concentrically. This arrangement particularly increases the stability of the switching device and enables a uniform distribution of the forces that occur during switching operations, which in turn extends the service life of the switching device. Finally, in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the switching device is integrated into the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle for regulating the coolant pressure. This integration enables the desired control of the cooling circuit, since the switching device reacts directly to temperature changes and thus allows controlled cooling of the engine without requiring additional external control mechanisms. In other words, the switching device is designed to comprise multiple interconnected switching elements that operate across different temperature ranges to generate a variety of switching states. This configuration enables precise, stable, and reliable control of switching operations, even in very compact designs, and offers high application flexibility through the combination of various materials such as shape memory alloys and bimetallic alloys. Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the single figure alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Figure 1 shows a diagram illustrating a switching device with two shape-changing switching elements in three different configurations. In the figure, identical and functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols. Fig. 1 shows a diagram illustrating a switching device 10 with two shape-changing switching elements 12, 14, which are shown in three different combinations. In a first possibility A, the switching elements 12 and 14 are represented in spring form, with each switching element 12, 14 being made of different materials 12a and 14a. These materials are combined in the form of an alloy which, due to its specific material properties, deforms when exposed to temperature changes and thus influences the switching state of the switching device 10. In a second possibility B, the switching elements 12 and 14 are also shown, but with a different material combination. Here, two springs are connected in series, each spring consisting of materials 12a and 14a. This arrangement allows for a controlled, sequential change in the shape of the springs in response to temperature changes, thus ensuring particularly precise control of the switching processes. Finally, a third possibility, C, shows a material combination in the form of a bimetal, arranged in parallel but with a force-fit connection. Here, the switching elements 12 and 14 are each made of materials 12a and 14a in a parallel but mechanically connected arrangement. This design utilizes the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the two metals to enable a reliable and particularly precise switching function. In summary, the invention proposes heat-dependent coil springs for a switching device 10. Reference symbol list 10 Switching device 12 Switching element 12a Material 14 Switching element 14a Material A Option B Option C Option

Claims

Switching device (10) for a motor vehicle with at least one first switching element (12) by means of which switching states of the switching device (10) can be changed depending on the temperature by changing its shape, characterized in that at least one second switching element (14) connected to the first switching element (12) is arranged, wherein the first switching element (12) and the second switching element (14) are effective in changing their shape in different temperature ranges. Switching device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the switching elements (12, 14) is made of a shape memory material. Switching device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two switching elements (12, 14) are made of different shape memory materials. Switching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two switching elements (12, 14) are made of different bi-metal materials. Switching device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two switching elements (12, 14) are made by helical springs or helical sections of helical springs. Switching device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the two switching elements (12, 14) together form a helical spring in the form of a circular layer structure, in which the layers forming the switching elements (12, 14) surround each other concentrically.

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