MSU - multistable switching unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a multistable switch unit comprising a lift mechanism a coding revolver and a locking and kinetic rotating mechanism. The coding revolver encodes switch states of the switches of the switch unit. Unlocking and Lifting the coding revolver from a locked and switched state allows to rotate the coding revolver to another position encoding a different switch configuration. Lowering the coding revolver by the lifting mechanism engages the selected switch configuration and switches the switches accordingly. The locking mechanism subsequently locks the coding revolver in the switched state thereby locking the state of the switch unit.

Description

[0001] Hamburg, 29 January 2026

[0002] Our Ref.: PH 1937-03WO RBU / ath

[0003] Applicant: Panasonic Industrial Devices Europe GmbH

[0004] Serial Number: New Application

[0005] Panasonic Industrial Devices Europe GmbH

[0006] ZeppelinstraBe 19, 21337 Luneburg,

[0007] Germany

[0008] MSU - MULTISTABLE SWITCHING UNIT

[0009] Field of the invention

[0010] The present disclosure relates to the field of automotive switches, specifically those used for switching batteries from parallel to serial configurations. Automotive battery systems often require efficient and reliable switching mechanisms to man- age different voltage levels and configurations. The ability to switch between parallel and serial connections is advantageous for optimizing battery performance and ensuring the safety and longevity of the battery systems. For example, switching battery modules in series may allow for fast high voltage charging, e.g. at 900 V. Switching battery modules in parallel may on the other hand allows slower charging at lower voltages, e.g. 450 V. Switching battery modules from a serial to parallel connections allows high voltage charging and similarly discharging at lower voltages. High voltage charging reduces the current with respect to lower voltage charging, which allows to increase safety, charging speed and longevity of the batteries. Automotive switches are essential components in managing the electrical systems of vehicles, especially in the context of electric vehicles where efficient battery management is crucial.

[0011] *20260086601*Background

[0012] In the current technological landscape, existing solutions for switching batteries between parallel and serial configurations are often complex and consume significant power. These systems typically utilize multiple relays and electronic components that require constant power to maintain their state, leading to inefficiencies and increased energy consumption an undesirable trait in automotive applications where energy efficiency is crucial. Additionally, the complexity of these systems can drive up costs and increase the likelihood of failure, potentially compromising the reliability and safety of the battery management system. A disadvantage of using relays is their mechanical instability; they may fail to maintain their switched state under shock or high acceleration, making traditional relay switches unsuitable for automotive applications, especially in scenarios such as accidents or sudden impacts.

[0013] Another limitation of the current solutions is the need for active components that must be powered continuously to maintain the desired battery configuration. This not only increases the overall power consumption but also introduces additional points of failure. In the event of a component failure, the system may be unable to maintain the correct battery configuration, potentially leading to unsafe operating conditions. Additionally, the reliance on multiple active components can complicate the design and increase the size and weight of the battery management system, which is a significant drawback in automotive applications where space and weight are critical factors.

[0014] Moreover, the existing systems often lack the ability to provide a passive solution that only consumes power during the switching process, but secures the switched state passively. This means that even when the battery configuration does not need to be changed, the system continues to draw power, leading to unnecessary energy consumption. This is particularly problematic in electric vehicles, where maximizing the efficiency of the battery system is crucial for extending the vehicle's range and improving overall performance. The need for a more efficient and reliable solution that addresses these limitations is evident.It is therefore an objective of the present disclosure to provide a more secure solution for switching batteries from parallel to serial configurations that overcomes the above limitations at least in part. The proposed solution aims to consume power only during the switching process, thereby improving energy efficiency and reducing the overall power consumption of the battery management system. By addressing the limitations of the current state of technology, the present disclosure seeks to enhance the reliability, safety, and performance of automotive battery systems.

[0015] Description of the invention

[0016] The present invention relates to a switch unit, in particular a multi-stable switch unit and a method for switching the switch unit according to the appended claims.

[0017] A first aspect of the invention provides a switch unit comprising a lift mechanism comprising a lift actuator and a piston, wherein the lift actuator is configured to move the piston axially from a first position to a second position along a first axis (A) in the longitudinal direction of the piston. The switch unit further comprising a coding revolver mounted on the piston, wherein the coding revolver is in a first axial position when the piston is arranged in the first position and in a second axial position when the piston is arranged in the second position, and wherein the coding revolver is configured to rotate about a rotational axis of the coding revolver on the longitudinal axis of the piston. When the coding revolver is arranged in the second axial position, a locking and kinetic rotating mechanism comprising a locking and rotating actuator is configured to move an actuation part of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism from a first actuation part position to a second actuation part position, wherein the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is configured to block the axial motion of the coding revolver along the rotational axis of the coding revolver in a locked state. When the coding revolver is at the first axial position and the actuation part of the locking and kinetic rotation mechanism is in the first actuation part position, wherein the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is configured to rotate the coding revolver in a rotating state when the coding revolver is at the second axial position by moving the actuation part from the secondactuation part position to the first actuation part position, the switch unit further comprising a first switch comprising a switching lever, wherein the switching lever is configured to actuate the switch, and wherein the coding revolver comprises a guide channel, wherein the guide channel comprises a first transition guide channel part arranged in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver and at least a first activation guide channel part connected to the transition guide channel part and at least a first deactivation guide channel part connected to the transition guide channel part, wherein the guide channel is configured to allow relative motion between the coding revolver and the switching lever along a path defined by the guide channel, wherein in the second axial state of the coding revolver the first transition guide channel part is arranged in a plane with the switching lever, wherein the switching lever and the first transition guide channel part are arranged to move relatively to one another along the path defined by the first transition guide channel part when the coding revolver rotates in the second axial position of the coding revolver, wherein the switch is in an open position when the switching lever is guided by the first transition guide channel part, wherein in a first switching position the coding revolver is at the second axial position and the switching lever of the first switch is aligned with the connection of the first activation guide channel part and the transition guide channel part, in particular, allowing the coding revolver to move from the second axial position to the first axial position while the switching lever moves along a path defined by the activation guide channel part, and wherein moving the coding revolver in the first switching position from the second axial state to the first axial state along the activation guide channel part moves the switching lever of the first switch along a path defined by the first activation guide channel part causing the switching lever to close the switch, wherein in a second switching position the coding revolver is at the second axial position and the switching lever is aligned with the connection of the first deactivation guide channel part and the transition guide channel part, in particular allowing the coding revolver to move from the second axial position to the first axial position, wherein moving the coding revolver in the second switching position from the second axial state to the first axial state along the activation guide channel part moves the switching lever of the first switch along a path defined by the first deactivation guide channel part causing the switching lever to maintain the switch in the open position.The switch unit of the first aspect may comprise a housing. The housing may have a top and a bottom side. The rotational axis of the coding revolver may extend along a direction from the bottom to the top side of the housing. Accordingly, the longitudinal axis of the piston is oriented in a direction from the bottom to the top side of the housing.

[0018] The coding revolver comprises a guide channel configured to guide switching levers to particular positions. The coding revolver of the switch unit may have a first bottom axial position and a second top axial position. The coding revolver may rotate in the second top axial position.

[0019] The switching lever actuating the switch is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver. The switching lever may be mechanically coupled to an armature, which moves to open or close inner contacts of the switch. The switching lever comprises an engagement part that engages with the guide channel. The guide channel acts as a receptacle for the engagement part of the guide channel. The engagement part may be a ball part engaging with a round groove formed by the guide channel of the coding revolver. By means of the guide channel, the coding revolver defines the switch’s position. To that end, the guide channel allows motion of the engagement part of the switching level only along the path defined by the guide channel. As such the guide channel engages with the switching lever in a forced-locked manner.

[0020] Preferably, the switching lever comprises an arm acting as a force transmitter coupled to an armature of the switch. A force along the longitudinal direction of the arm causes the armature to move into an open or closed position of the switch. Changing the position of the coding revolver forces the switching lever along a path defined by the guide channel, thereby allowing the position of the coding revolver to define the state of the switch.

[0021] The switch unit may comprise two or three switches, each actuated by a respective switching lever. By changing the position of the coding revolver, different switch configurations may be achieved. The switch unit may be configured in several states. In a switched state, the coding revolver is at the first bottom axial po-sition, and engagement parts of the switches are located in activation or deactivation guide channel parts. The respective switch positions are defined by whether the engagement part of a switching lever actuating the switch is engaged with an activation guide channel part or a deactivation guide channel part. For example, a switch whose switching lever engages an activation guide is closed when the coding revolver is at the first bottom axial position, and a switch whose switching lever engages a deactivation guide is open when the coding revolver is at the first bottom axial position.

[0022] The housing may comprise outer contacts coupled to inner contacts, which may be electrically connected by switching the switch, in particular by closing the switch.

[0023] Preferably, the lift actuator is an electromagnetic actuator comprising a relay coil. The coil of the relay may be wrapped around the end of the piston. The relay coil may be driven by a driver circuit. The end of the piston that engages with the actuator may be configured as an actuator anchor; for example, the end of the piston may be a magnet. Energizing the relay coil, i.e., running current through the coil, pushes the piston upwards in the direction of the top side of the housing of the switch unit. The piston engages with the coding revolver. The coding revolver may comprise a bore. The end of the piston opposite to the end that engages with the actuator may fit into the bore and engage with it to transfer force to the coding revolver. Preferably, the piston may comprise a protrusion that engages with the bottom side of the coding revolver, wherein the bottom side of the coding revolver faces the bottom side of the housing. When the piston moves upwards, the protrusion, which extends beyond the bore diameter, engages the bottom side of the coding revolver, pushing the coding revolver from the first bottom axial position to a second top axial position. A coil spring may be mounted on top of the coding revolver, coupling the coding revolver and the top part of the housing. The coil pushes the coding revolver downward, i.e., to the bottom of the housing of the switch unit.

[0024] The ends of the activation or deactivation guide channel parts, i.e. the ends not connected to the transition guide channel part, are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver. In the first bottom axial positionthe plane at which these end points of the activation or deactivation guide channel parts are arranged is aligned or the same as the plane in which the switching levers are arranged. In the second top axial position of the coding revolver, the plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver and in which the transition guide channel part is arranged is aligned with or the same as the plane in which the switching levers are arranged.

[0025] In a first implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect of the invention, the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is configured to release the coding revolver from the locked state by moving the actuation part from the first actuation part position to the second actuation part position. In particular, an engagement part of an actuation part of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism may engage the transition guide channel portion in a first actuation part position of the actuation part and disengage the transition guide channel part in a second position of the actuation part. Therefore, in the second position of the actuation part, the axial motion of the coding revolver is free, wherein the axial motion of the coding revolver is blocked when the coding revolver is in the first bottom axial position and the actuation part of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is in the first actuation part position engaging the transition guide channel part. The engagement part of the actuation part may be a claw engaging with the groove formed by the transition guide channel part.

[0026] In the locked state when the coding revolver is in the first bottom axial position and when the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism engages the coding revolver to block the axial motion of the coding revolver, the coding revolver may neither rotate nor change its axial position. In this state neither the lifting mechanism nor the locking and rotating mechanism consumes power, the states of the lifting mechanism and the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism are secured passively. For example, spring coils may fix the state of the mechanism. Further, magnet may fix the state of the mechanisms. Thereby, the switch unit does not rely on power to maintain a switched position. Further, passively securing the lifting mechanism and / or the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism in the switched state provides two independent means to secure the switch unit in the switched state.By providing a coding revolver that determines the position of the switch or switches of the switch unit, the invention provides an electro mechanic solution that allows to switch all state combinations that can be achieved by the switch or switches of the switch unit. In particular, the present invention allows switching between all possible states, i.e. states that can be configured with the coding revolver, with two actuators locking the rotational and the axial position of the coding revolver for all possible states of the switch unit. Therefore, instead of typical mechanical switches that require one relay or one actuator for each switch, the present invention allows to switch one or more switches with only two actuators. In particular, one actuator rotates the rotational position of the coding revolver and locks the axial state, while the other actuator changes the axial state of the coding revolver and accordingly the positions of the switches.

[0027] In a further implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect, the coding revolver comprises a rotation mechanism part in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver, wherein the actuation part of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism engages with the rotation mechanism part.

[0028] In a further implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect, the coding revolver comprises a gear wheel in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver, wherein, when the coding revolver is in the second axial position, the actuation part of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism engages with the tooth of the gear wheel so as to form a ratchet mechanism. The actuation part of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism comprises a claw engaging the teeth of the gear wheel. The claw of the actuation part and the gear wheel forming a ratchet mechanism only transferring a force in one rotational direction.

[0029] In a further implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect of the invention, the actuator of the lift mechanism is an electromagnetic actuator including a relay coil and a spring. Energizing the coil moves the piston from the first position to the second position. The spring coil is coupled to the coding revolver and the switch unit housing, and the spring coil is pre-loaded in the second axial state of the coding revolver. The spring coil may be configured to move the coding revolver back from the second axial state to the first axial state when the relay coilis de-energized. The actuator of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is also an electromagnetic actuator, including a relay coil and a spring coil. Energizing the relay coil moves the actuating part from the first position to the second position, the spring is pre-loaded in the second position of the actuating part, and configured to move the actuating part back from the second position to the first position when the relay coil is de-energized. Providing coil springs to force the actuator in a particular position ensures that the actuator is forced to that state if de-energized and also secures the actuator in that position when de-energized and locked. The actuator in a state of the actuator corresponding to the actuation part being in the first position may further be locked in this position by a magnet applying a force to the moving part of the actuator, in particular holding the actuator in a state corresponding to the actuation part being in the first actuation part position. Therefore, the actuator of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism may be mechanically locked when the actuation part is in the first actuation part position by the spring coil and optionally also be a magnet holding the actuator in position.

[0030] In a further implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect of the invention, the axes of the relay coils are oriented at an angle with respect to each other. In case of shock, for example in case of a crash of an electric vehicle, arranging the axes of the relay coils not in parallel ensures that momentum induces by a linear shock acts differently on both relay coils. This provides a more secure switch unit, since even in case shock actuates one of the actuators driven by one of the relay coils will not actuate the actuator actuated by the other relay coil. The invention therefore suggests to provide actuators for the lifting and the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism, wherein, for example, a linear motion of the actuator is not parallel.

[0031] In another implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect of the invention, the axes of the relay coils are perpendicular to one another. This configuration separates the motional degrees of freedom of the actuators, further preventing that shock may accidentally actuate both actuators simultaneously.

[0032] In a further implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect, the switch unit further comprises an axis guide mechanism including at least a guide groove and a protrusion configured to engage with the guide groove. The axisguide mechanism is designed such that the protrusion can engage with the guide groove when the coding revolver, in the second axial position, is rotated to a switching position. The engagement of the protrusion with the guide groove allows the coding revolver to move from the second axial state to the first axial state. The guide grooves may be part of the revolver, and the protrusion may be part of the piston or the housing of the switch unit. Alternatively, the protrusion may be part of the revolver, and the guide groove may be part of the piston or the housing of the switch unit. There may be a guide groove and / or a protrusion for each switching position.

[0033] The axis guide mechanism prevents the coding revolver from transitioning from the second top axial position to the first bottom axial position when the coding revolver is not in a switching position. Therefore, the axis guide mechanism ensures that the coding revolver may only transition back to the first bottom axial position when in a switching state. Furthermore, the axis guide mechanism may also prevent the coding revolver from transitioning back to the first bottom axial position even if the coding revolver is in a switching position, i.e., all engagement parts of the switching levers are aligned with either an activation or deactivation guide channel part.

[0034] In a further implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect, the guide groove is an extrusion on the bottom side of the coding revolver, and at the switching position, the extrusion is aligned with a protrusion forming a counterpart. In particular, the protrusion may be a cone, and the extrusion is a cone configured to engage with the protrusion.

[0035] The guide grooves may be part of the revolver, and the protrusion may be part of the piston or the housing of the switch unit. Alternatively, the protrusion may be part of the revolver, and the guide groove may be part of the piston or the housing of the switch unit.

[0036] In a further implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect, the switch unit comprises at least one diagnostic contact, which is configured to detect one of the following:

[0037] the rotational position of the coding revolver, or,the axial position of the coding revolver, or

[0038] whether the switch is opened or closed, or

[0039] the position of the actuation part of the locking and kinetic rotation mechanism.

[0040] Detecting the rotational position of the coding revolver allows for determining the exact rotational position of the coding revolver. The locking and kinetic rotating mechanism may rotate the coding revolver based on the detected rotational position. Detecting the axial position allows for determining whether the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism locks the axial motion of the coding revolver or whether it rotates the coding revolver. Determining the switch position enables checking the switch position independently of the rotational state of the coding revolver.

[0041] In a further implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect, the switch is configured to switch a high voltage, and the diagnostic contacts operate at a voltage level of 0-60V, preferably at 0-24V and are isolated from the high voltage circuitry. For example, the switch unit may switch a drive battery of an electric vehicle. The diagnostic contacts operate on the low voltage supply voltage of the electric vehicle, thereby separating the diagnostic contacts from the high voltage system. Thus, in the event of a failure in the high voltage system, the diagnostic system may still diagnose the switch unit, avoiding false switching. In particular, the low voltage system may switch the switch unit to an open position, wherein all switches are open to disconnect the high voltage system.

[0042] In a further implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect, the lifting mechanism and the locking and kinetic rotation mechanism are configured to operate independently, in particular wherein two independent drivers drive the actuators. Providing independent drivers provides a more reliable solution, since a driver failure does not affect the other actuator thereby avoiding accidental switching due to driver failure.

[0043] In a further implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect, the switch unit comprises a second switch with a second switching lever for actuatingthe second switch. The guide channel includes a second activation guide channel part and a second deactivation guide channel part. In a switching state, when the coding revolver is at the second axial position, each switching lever is aligned with an activation guide channel part or deactivation guide channel part, allowing the coding revolver to move from the second axial position to the first axial position. Moving the coding revolver in the switching position from the second axial state to the first axial state moves the switching levers along the paths defined by the activation or deactivation guide channel parts with which the switching levers are aligned, causing the switching levers to actuate the switches depending on whether the switching levers move along a path defined by an activation or deactivation guide channel part. Therefore, in the first bottom axial position, the switch unit is in a switched state corresponding to the switching state from which the coding revolver transitioned to the first bottom axial position. The activation and deactivation guide channel parts define switching states from which the coding revolver may transition from the second top axial position to the first bottom axial position. During this transition, the switches are actuated in accordance with whether the switching levers are guided by an activation guide channel part, in which case the switches are in a closed position, or whether the switching levers are guided by a deactivation guide channel part, in which case the switches remain open. A switch unit comprising two switches may be configured to switch to parallel contact, i.e. , acting as two parallel relays. However, any circuit configuration may be provided by the present invention.

[0044] In another implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect, the switch unit comprises at least three switches, each with a switching lever to actuate the respective switch. The switches and the switching levers are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver. The guide channel of the coding revolver comprises at least four activation or deactivation guide channel parts. The coding revolver is configured such that in a switching position, when the coding revolver is in the second axial state, each switching lever is aligned with at least one activation or deactivation guide channel part of the guide channel. Moving the coding revolver in a switching state from the second axial position to the first axial position causes the switching levers to actuate theswitches depending on whether the guide channel part guiding the switching lever is an activation or deactivation guide channel part.

[0045] In a further implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect, the guide channel of the coding revolver comprises three activation guide channel parts and three deactivation guide channel parts. The coding revolver is configured such that the activation and deactivation guide channel parts form a pattern that allows the points connecting the activation or deactivation guide channel parts to the transition guide channel part to align with the position of the switching levers when rotating the coding revolver in the second axial position. The pattern may comprise five configurations that align the positions of the switching levers, providing five different switching positions.

[0046] In another implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect, moving the coding revolver from the second axial position to the first axial position in the first switching state forces the first switch to the closed position and the second and third switches to the open position. Moving the coding revolver from the second axial position to the first axial position in the second switching state forces the second switch to the closed position and the first and third switches to the open position. Moving the coding revolver from the second axial position to the first axial position in the third switching state forces the third switch to the closed position and the first and second switches to the open position. Moving the coding revolver from the second axial position to the first axial position in the fourth switching state forces the first switch and the second switch to the closed position and the third switch to the open position. Moving the coding revolver from the second axial position to the first axial position in the fifth switching state forces all switches to the open position.

[0047] In a further implementation of the switch unit according to the first aspect, the switch unit comprises four outer contacts and wherein the first switch connects the fourth and the second outer contact, the second switch connects the first and third outer contact, and the third switch connects the first and third outer contact, wherein in case the plus pole of a first battery is connected to the second outer contact and the minus pole of the first battery is connected to the first outer contact and a plus pole of a second battery is connected to the fourth outer contact andthe minus pole of the second battery is connected to the third outer contact, the switch unit couples the batteries in series in parallel when the revolver is in the third switching state and in the first axial position and wherein the switch unit couples the batteries in series when the coding revolver is in the fourth switching state and in the first axial position.

[0048] In a second aspect of the invention a method for switching a switch unit is suggested.

[0049] The methods according to the second aspect of the invention can be performed by the switch unit according to the first aspect of the invention. Further features or implementations of the method according to the second aspect of the invention can perform the functionality of the switch unit according to the first aspect of the invention and its different implementation forms.

[0050] In a further implementation of the method of the second aspect, the method according to the second aspect comprises guiding a switching lever actuating a switch by means of a guide channel of a coding revolver, releasing the coding revolver at a first axial position from a locked state by switching an actuation part of a locking and kinetic rotating mechanism from a first actuation part position to the second actuation part position; lifting by the lift mechanism the coding revolver from the first axial position to the second axial position; rotating, by switching the position of the actuating part of the locking and rotating mechanism from the second actuation part position to the first actuation part position, the coding revolver to a switching position, wherein the switching lever is aligned with an activation or deactivation guide of the guide channel part; switching the actuation part of a locking and kinetic rotating mechanism from a first actuation part position to the second actuation part position allowing the motion of the coding revolver from the second axial state to the first axial state; deactivating the lift mechanism when the coding revolver is at the second axial position and rotated to a switching position causing the coding revolver to move from the second axial position to the first axial position and causing actuation of the switch in dependence on the guide aligned with the switching lever of the switch in the switching position; switching the actuation part of a locking and kinetic rotating mechanism from a second actuationpart position to the first actuation part position locking the coding revolver in the desired state.

[0051] The implementations of the switch unit according to the first aspect and the above described features of the switch unit are as well possible implementations of the method according to the second aspect of the invention. Accordingly, features of the switch unit described in the implementations of the first aspect can be combined with the features of the method according to the second aspect and vice versa.

[0052] The method operates the switch unit as described in the context of the first aspect of the invention. Aspects of the following detailed description of the figures that are described in relation to the switch unit are also applied to the corresponding method for switching the switch unit.

[0053] A further aspect of the invention refers to a computer-readable storage medium storing a program code, the program code comprising instructions that when executed by a processor carry out the method of the second aspect or one of the implementations of the second aspect.

[0054] Brief description of the drawings

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a circuit diagram for connecting batteries to a charging unit and for connecting the batteries to a load by means of a switch unit.

[0056] Fig. 2a shows the housing of a switch unit.

[0057] Fig. 2b is a cross sectional view through the switch unit.

[0058] Fig. 3a is a cross sectional view of the lifting mechanism in the initial state.

[0059] Fig. 3b shows a cross sectional view of the axial movement by magnetic power where the spring is compressed.Fig. 4a is a constructional drawing of a switch unit.

[0060] Fig. 4b is a cross sectional view of a switch unit.

[0061] Fig. 5a is a drawing of the coding revolver and the engagement part of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism, where the axial movement of the coding revolver is blocked.

[0062] Fig. 5b is a drawing of the coding revolver and the engagement part of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism, where the locking and rotating mechanism rotates the coding revolver.

[0063] Fig. 6 is a representation of the relative path between the switching levers coupled to the coding revolver and the coding revolver.

[0064] Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view through the activation guide channel part and the deactivation guide channel part, wherein Fig. 7a shows the deactivation channel and Fig. 7b shows the activation channel.

[0065] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of the axis guide mechanism.

[0066] Fig. 9 is a drawing of the coding revolver and a diagnostic contact, wherein Fig. 9a shows the diagnostic contact open, Fig. 9b shows the diagnostic contact closed when the coding revolver is in a first bottom axial position and Fig. 9c shows the diagnostic contact closed when the coding revolver is in a second top axial position.

[0067] Fig. 10 is a schematic drawing of a diagnostic contact of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism.

[0068] Fig. 11 shows five switched positions of a switch unit comprising three switches.

[0069] Fig. 12 shows a method for switching a switch unit.In automotive applications, for example, applications regarding electric vehicles, a charging circuit must be connected to one or more batteries, and the batteries are likewise connected to a drive circuit for driving the vehicle. The main battery may, for example, operate with a voltage of 900V and may comprise two battery modules, BAT 1 and BAT2, each operating at a voltage of 450V. The drive circuit may be operated with a voltage of 900V or at the voltage of 450V. Thus, the drive circuit may still be supplied by a battery in case one of the battery modules fails.

[0070] Fig. 1 shows a circuit diagram for connecting and charging a 900V battery system comprising two battery modules operating at 450V. A switch unit 100 in accordance with the present invention may comprise three switches, S1, S2, and S3, configured to connect the battery modules in series or in parallel. In particular, the switch unit 100 is configured to connect the battery modules in series or in parallel to a charging circuit 200 and a drive circuit 300. The switch unit 100 may further connect each of the battery modules, BAT 1 and BAT2, to the charging circuit 200 or the drive circuit 300 individually, i.e. , one battery module is connected to the charging circuit 200 and / or the drive circuit 300, and the other is not. This allows to either charge only one battery module or both modules. Further, in case of a failure of one of the battery modules, the system can switch to the other module and operate the drive circuit 300 by the intact module. The described circuitry allows to disconnect the faulty battery module form the drive circuitry.

[0071] The switch unit 100 comprises four outer contacts, 01, 02, 03, and 04, which connect the switch unit 100 to the battery modules BAT 1 and BAT2, and allows to connect the switch unit 100 to the positive and negative supply rails 203 and 204 connected to the charging circuit 200 and the drive circuit 300. The first outer contact 01 is connected to the negative pole of the second battery module BAT2. The second outer contact 02 is connected to the positive supply rail 203. The positive pole of the second battery module BAT2 is also connected to the positive supply rail 203. The third outer contact 03 is connected to the negative supply rail 204. The negative pole of the first battery module BAT 1 is also connected to the negative supply rail 204.

[0072] A charging circuit 200 may be connected to the supply rails by means of a switchable relay or by a switch unit 100 comprising two switches. In particular, one relayor switch may connect a positive lead of the charging circuit 200 to the positive supply rail 203, and the other relay or switch may connect a negative lead of the charging circuit 200 to the negative supply rail 204.

[0073] Similarly, a drive circuit 300 may be connected to the supply rails by means of a switchable relay or by a switch unit 100 according to the present invention comprising two switches. In particular, one relay or switch may connect a positive lead of the drive circuit 300 to the positive supply rail 203, and the other relay or switch may connect a negative lead of the drive circuit 300 to the negative supply rail 204.

[0074] It is to be understood that the description refers to positive and negative supply rails as typical for DC circuits. However, the switch unit 100 may also be used in AC applications, wherein one of the supply rails, for example, corresponds to the phase and the other to the neutral conductor. In particular, when a DC-DC converter or rectifier is used in the circuitry.

[0075] The three switches within the switch unit 100 internally connect the outer contacts to which the switches are connected. Thus, the switching allows configuring the internal electrical connections between the outer contacts of the switch unit 100.

[0076] The first switch S1 internally connects the second outer contact 02 and the fourth outer contact 04 when the first switch S1 is in a closed position. When the first switch S1 is in an open position, the outer contacts 02 and 04 are not internally connected within the switch unit 100.

[0077] The second switch S2 internally connects the first outer contact, 01 , and the third outer contact 03 within the switch unit 100 when the second switch S2 is in a closed position. When the second switch S2 is in an open position, the outer contacts 01 and 03 are not internally connected within the switch unit 100.

[0078] The third switch S3 internally connects the first outer contact 1 and the fourth outer contact 04 within the switch unit 100 when the third switch S3 is in a closed position. When the third switch S3 is in an open position, the outer contacts 01 and 04 are not internally connected within the switch unit 100.In a first switched position, the switch S1 is closed, and the second and third switches, S2 and S3, are open. In this case, the negative pole of the second battery module BAT2 is not connected; the closed first switch S1 connects the second and fourth outer contacts of the switch unit 100. Therefore, the positive pole of the first battery module BAT 1 is connected to the positive supply rail 203. Accordingly, the charging circuit 200 connected to the positive and negative supply rails may charge the first battery module BAT 1. Likewise, the first battery module BAT 1 may supply the drive circuit 300 via the positive and negative supply rails.

[0079] In a second switched position, the second switch S2 is closed and switches S1 and S3 are open. In this case, the second switch S2 connects the first outer contact 01 and the third outer contact 03 of the switch unit 100. Therefore, the negative pole of the second battery module BAT2 is connected to the negative supply rail 204. Accordingly, the charging circuit 200 may charge the second battery module BAT2 via the supply rails. Likewise, the second battery module BAT2 may supply power to the drive circuit 300 via the supply rails.

[0080] In a third switched position, the first switch S1 and the second switch S2 are closed and the switch S3 is open. In this case, the switches S1 and S2 connect the outer contacts 02 and 04, and the outer contacts 01 and 03, respectively. The positive pole of the first battery module BAT 1 is connected to the positive supply rail 203 via the first switch S1, and the negative pole of the second battery module BAT2 is connected to the negative supply rail 204. Accordingly, the battery modules are connected in parallel. Thus, the battery modules can be charged by the charging circuit 200 in parallel and can supply power to the drive circuit 300 in parallel.

[0081] In a fourth switched position, the third switch S3 is closed and the switches S1 and S2 are open. In this case, the third switch S3 connects the first and fourth outer contacts, thereby connecting the first and second battery modules, BAT1 and BAT2, in series. The positive pole of the first battery module BAT 1 is connected to the positive supply rail 203, and the negative pole of the second battery module BAT2 is connected to the negative supply rail 204. The switch S3 connects the negative pole of the second battery module BAT2 with the positive pole of the first battery module BATI. Therefore, the charging circuit 200 can charge the batterymodules in series, and the battery modules connected in series can supply power to the drive circuit 300.

[0082] In a fifth switched position, all switches are in an open state. Accordingly, the outer contacts 01, 02, 03 and 04 of the switch unit 100 are not internally connected. Therefore, the negative pole of the second battery module BAT2 is not connected, and the positive pole of the first battery module BAT 1 is not connected. Therefore, the battery modules are neither connected to the charging circuit 200 nor the drive circuit 300 in such a way that a closed circuit would allow charging or driving.

[0083] The present invention provides a switch unit 100, allowing the switching of one or more switches, in particular, three switches as described with respect to Fig. 1. In particular, the switch unit 100 according to the invention provides a configuration in which only switching the internal states consumes power, but in the switched states no power is consumed. Furthermore, the switch states are mechanically locked and cannot be changed without applying power to release the switch unit 100 from the locked state and switch the state. In particular, two separate mechanisms using separate drives must be activated in order to release the switch unit 100 from the locked state and to allow the switch unit 100 to transition to a switching state.

[0084] Fig. 2a shows a housing of a switch unit according to the invention. The housing has a top side 101 and a lower side 102. Furthermore, the housing comprises four side walls 103. The housing of the switch unit 100 includes feedthroughs for outer contacts. The four outer contacts 01, 02, 03 and 04, are connected to the switches S1, S2 and S3 as described with respect to Fig. 1.

[0085] Fig. 2b shows a cross-sectional view of the switch unit. The switch unit comprises switches having armatures 104 configured to open or close inner contacts of the switches. Each of the switches is actuated by a switching lever 105. The switching lever 105 comprises a connection part 105b, for example, a connection rod, and an engagement part 105a, for example, a ball part. The switching levers 105 of the switch unit extend in the same plane which is parallel to the top and bottom sides of the housing of the switch unit 100. The connection parts or rods 105b of the switching levers 105 are arranged in the same plane, i.e., the longitudinal axis ofall rods lies in the same plane. The plane in which the switching levers 105 are arranged, is therefore also perpendicular to a rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. Motion perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver of the switching levers 105 opens or closes the switches S1, S2 and S3 by moving an armature 104 of the switch from an open to a closed configuration or vice versa. In other words, when the radial distance of the switching levers within the plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver to the rotational axis of the coding revolver changes, in particular by the stroke of the switch lever, the switch is actuated. The armature 104 is configured to pivot about a hinge. The armature may be flexible and fixed at a first end coupled to an inner contact of the switch and flexibly couple to another second end connected to another inner contact of the switch, The flexible armature is positioned by the switching lever, in an open position the armature is not connected to the second end and in a closed position the armature is connected to the second end. The flexible armature allows to provide a switch mechanism without a hinge. The rotational axis of the armature 104 is parallel to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. The armature 104 in the closed state couples to inner contacts of the switches S1, S2 and S3. The armature 104 in the open state does not couple to inner contacts of the switches S1 , S2 and S3.

[0086] The coding revolver 106 comprises a guide channel 107. The guide channel 107 forms an extrusion on the surface of the coding revolver 106. The engagement part 105a, for example a ball end 105a, of the switching lever 105 engages with the guide channel 107. In particular, the guide channel 107 defines a path for the engagement part 105a of the switching lever 105, along which the engagement part 105a of the switching lever 105 may move through the guide channel. Preferably, a ball end 105a of the switching lever 105 engages with the guide channel in a force-locked manner, i.e. , the ball end 105a can only move along the guide channel 107. In other words, in case the ball end 105a of the switching lever 105 is engaged with the guide channel 107, the guide channel 107 guides the ball end 105a along the path defined by the guide channel 107. In a sectional view, perpendicular to the direction of the path defined by the guide channel 107, the guide channel 107 is circular with a sectional cutout, which is configured to let the rod 105b of the switching lever 105, which is connected to the ball end 105a, pass through cutout.Thus, the switching lever 105 may be guided by the guide channel 107 while connected to the switch. The guide channel 107, for example, forms a tube in which a ball end 105a can move relative to the coding revolver 106 along the path defined by the guide channel 107, while the rod 105b of the switching lever 105 extends to the outside of the coding revolver 106 and the guide channel 107 and connects the ball part 105a to the armature 104 of the switching lever 105. The rod 105b of the switching lever 105 is arranged within a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. The guide channel 107 is configured to fit the ball part 105a of the switching lever 105 such that the switching lever 105 is forced to move relative to the coding channel along the path defined by the guide channel 107. In addition, because the switches S1, S2 and S3, and in particular the armature 104 of the switch, rotating about an axis parallel to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106, it restricts the motion of the switching levers 105 to the plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106 in which the switching levers 105 are arranged. The guide channel 107 fixes the position of the switching lever 105 when the coding revolver’s 106 position is fixed, since relative motion between the coding revolver 106 and the switching lever 105 is limited to the path defined by the guide channel 107.

[0087] Furthermore, the switches are configured to only change state, i.e., from an open state to a closed state, when the switching levers 105 change the radial distance to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106.

[0088] The guide channel 107 comprises a transition guide channel part 107a in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis A of the coding revolver 106. The transition guide channel part 107a defines a circular path, i.e., each point of the path has the same radial distance to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. The transition guide channel part 107a is configured such that when the switching levers 105 are guided by the transition guide channel part 107a, the switch connected to and switched by the switching lever 105 is in an open position.

[0089] The guide channel 107 further comprises deactivation guide channel parts 107b that are connected to the transition guide channel part 107a at connection points. The connection points allow the ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105 to transit from the transition guide channel part 107a to the deactivation guide channel parts107b, which define a path parallel to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. The deactivation guide channel parts 107b extend the guide channel 107 in a direction towards the top side of the coding revolver 106. In particular, the end points of the deactivation guide channel parts 107b are all in the same plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. Similarly, the coding revolver 106 may also comprise activation guide channel parts 107c. While moving along a path defined by the deactivation guide channel parts 107b, the radial distance to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106 does not change. Therefore, a switching lever 105 guided by a deactivation guide channel part 107b is in the open position and remains in the open position. In contrast, as will be further explained below, an activation guide channel part 107c differs from the deactivation guide channel part 107b in that the radial distance of the path defined by the activation guide channel part 107c to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106 changes. In particular, an activation guide channel part 107c is configured to change the radial distance by an amount corresponding to the stroke of the switching lever 105 necessary to close the switch. Therefore, when a switching lever 105 is guided from the transition guide channel part 107a to the activation guide channel part 107c and along the path defined by the activation guide channel part 107c, the switch connected to that switching lever 105 transitions from the open to the closed position, whereas a switch coupled to a switching lever 105 following the path defined by a deactivation guide channel part 107b remains in the open position.

[0090] In Fig. 2b the coding revolver 106 is in a first bottom axial position. In this first bottom axial position, each ball end 105a of each of the shown switching levers 105 is located at one end of the deactivation guide channel parts 107b. It is to be understood that in the first bottom axial position, the switching lever 105 could also be arranged in an activation guide channel part 107c (not shown). For example, a switching lever 105 of a third switch could be located at the end of an activation guide channel part 107c, accordingly configuring the switching lever 105 in a closed position. In particular, the ball ends 105a are located at the uppermost end, i.e. , the end of the deactivation guide channel part 107b that is closest to the top side of the coding revolver 106, which faces the top side of the housing of the switch unit 100. In other words, the uppermost position of the ball ends 105a in the activation or deactivation guide channel parts 107c, 107b are in plane with theswitching levers 105. In this first bottom axial position of the coding revolver 106, the position of the switching levers 105 is fixed by the activation or deactivation guide channel parts 107c, 107b. Movement of the switching levers 105 in the plane at which they are arranged is prohibited. The coding revolver 106 cannot rotate about its rotational axis since the activation and / or deactivation guide channel parts 107c, 107b are configured to engage with the ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105 and therefore prevent rotation of the coding revolver 106. In the first bottom axial position of the coding revolver, the deactivation guide channel parts are configured to allow motion of the coding revolver from the first bottom axial position to the second top axial position, i.e. the path defined by the deactivation guide channel parts limits relative motion between the engagement part of the switch lever, for example a ball end, and the coding revolver limited to motion parallel to the rotational axis of the coding revolver. In the first bottom axial position of the coding revolver 106 motion of the engagement parts of the switching lever along a path is limited to the downward direction, i.e., in the first bottom axial position motion in plane perpendicular to the rational axis is prevented.

[0091] The coding revolver 106 is mounted on a piston 108. The coding revolver 106 comprises a bore. The piston 108 is arranged along the rotational axis A of the coding revolver 106. The piston 108 may fit the bore of the coding revolver 106. Therefore, the longitudinal axis of the piston 108 is aligned with the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. The switch unit 100 comprises a lifting mechanism comprising an actuator 109 that moves the piston 108 axially. The actuator 109 may be a relay coil. An upper end of the piston 108 in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the end pointing towards the top side of the housing 101, engages with the coding revolver 106. For example, the piston 108 comprises a protrusion 110 engaging with the bottom side of the coding revolver 106, facing the bottom (lower) side of the housing 102. Motion of the piston 108 in the upward direction, i.e., along the rotational axis A of the coding revolver 106 towards the top side of the housing 101, pushes the coding revolver 106 in the upward direction.

[0092] A lower end of the piston 108 in longitudinal direction engages with the actuator 109. For example, the lower end of the piston 108 comprises an anchor, for example, a magnet that is forced in an upward direction along an axis A aligned with therotational axis of the coding revolver 106 when the relay coil of the actuator 109 is energized, i.e., when a current runs through the relay coil. The current may be provided by a respective driver. The coil of the relay coil may be wound about the longitudinal direction of the piston 108, in particular, the coil may be wound about the lower end of the piston 108, when the piston 108 is at a first position. Energizing the relay coil exerts an upward force on the piston, which transfers the force to the coding revolver 106. Accordingly, energizing the actuator 109 pushes the coding revolver 106 in the upward direction. The activation or deactivation guide channel parts 107c, 107b, guiding the ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105, are configured to allow the coding revolver 106 to move in the upward direction when all switching levers 105 are aligned with an activation or deactivation guide channel part 107c, 107b. In particular, while moving in the upward direction into a second axial position, the relative motion between the switching levers 105 and the coding revolver 106 moves the ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105 along the path defined by the activation or deactivation guide channel parts 107c, 107b until the ball ends 105a reach the connection points between the activation or deactivation guide channel parts 107c, 107b and the transition guide channel parts 107a. When the ball ends 105a reach the transition guide channel part 107a, no further axial motion of the coding revolver 106 is allowed, since the transition guide channel part 107a only allows relative motion between the coding revolver 106 and the ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105 within a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. When the ball ends 105a have reached the transition guide channel part 107a, the coding revolver 106 is at a second top axial position. In this position, the transition guide channel part 107a is in plane with the switching levers 105. Therefore, the coding revolver 106 can rotate about its rotational axis A, since the transition guide channel part 107a allows relative motion between the coding revolver 106 and the switching levers 105 along the path defined by the transition guide channel part 107a within the plane of the switching levers 105.

[0093] The lifting mechanism, in particular the relay coil as an actuator 109, moves the coding revolver 106 from a first bottom axial position to a second top axial position by energizing the relay coil. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2b, a spring coil 111 is mounted on the top side of the coding revolver 106. The spring coil 111 is mountedbetween the top side of the coding revolver 106 and the upper side of the housing 101.

[0094] In the second axial position of the coding revolver 106, the spring coil 111 is in a compressed state. In the first bottom axial position, the spring coil 111 is in a decompressed state. Nonetheless, in the first bottom axial position, the spring coil 111 still exerts a force in the downward direction onto the coding revolver 106. In particular, the force holds the coding revolver 106 in place, i.e., in the first bottom position. The force may be high enough to prohibit vibrations to cause axial motion of the coding revolver 106. The actuator 109 of the lifting mechanism overcomes the force of the spring coil 111 when energized.

[0095] The two axial states of the coding revolver 106 are also shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3a shows the coding revolver 106 in the first bottom state. Further, each switching lever 105 is located at the end of a path defined by either an activation guide channel part 107c or a deactivation guide channel part 107b. Therefore, the states of the switches switched by the switching levers 105 are in a well-defined position, i.e. open or closed. The coding revolver 106 is therefore in a switched position defining a state of the switch unit 100 corresponding to a particular combination of states of the switches of the switch unit 100. In this state, the relay coil of the lifting mechanism is de-energized. Thus, no power is consumed. Fig. 3b shows the second axial state in which the relay coil is energized and generates a magnetic field that pushes the piston 108 in an upward direction away from the actuator 109 to the second axial top state. As shown in Fig. 3b, the spring coil 111 is more compressed in the second axial top state.

[0096] Fig. 4 shows a semi-transparent view of the switch unit 100 according to the invention. Fig. 4a shows the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism further explained below and Fig. 4b is a perspective view of the cross section shown in Fig. 2b. The coding revolver 106 is in the first bottom axial position, i.e. the switches are all in defined states. The switch unit 100 comprises three switches, S1, S2 and S3, having respective switch levers 105. Fig. 4, in addition to the deactivation guide channel parts 107b of Fig. 3, also shows activation guide channel parts 107c. The activation guide channel parts 107c define a path from a connection point with the transition guide channel part 107a in an upward direction with respect to the codingrevolver 106. In addition, the path defined by the activation guide channel increases the radial distance to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106 along the upward direction.

[0097] In case the activation guide channel parts 107c define a path that varies with respect to the radial distance from the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106, the switching levers 105 are forced to move in the radial direction towards the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106 or away from the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106 when following this path. Thus, the position of the switching levers 105 is changed in accordance with the activation guide channel. The switching levers 105 actuate the switches by moving the armature 104 of the switch from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. That is, the radial distance along the path defined by an activation guide channel path 107c changes about the stroke of the switching lever 105.

[0098] For example, in the switch unit 100 shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the switches are in the open position when the ball end 105a of the switching levers 105 is on a path defined by the transition guide channel part 107a or a deactivation guide channel part 107b. However, the variation in radial distance towards the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106 forces the switching lever 105 to change its radial distance with respect to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. Accordingly, the position of the armature 104 of the switch also changes. At the connection point between the activation guide channel part 107c and the transition guide channel part 107a, the switch is open. While moving along the path defined by the activation guide channel part 107c, the switching lever 105 changes the switch’s position from open to closed. When the ball end parts 105a of the switching lever 105 are at the upper end of the activation guide, i.e., the end closest to the top side of the coding revolver 106 and opposite to the connection point with the transition guide channel part 107a, the switch is closed.

[0099] Therefore, relative motion between the coding revolver 106 and a switching lever 105, wherein the ball end 105a of the switching lever 105 follows a path along the activation guide channel, moves the switching lever 105 within the plane in which the switching levers 105 are arranged, in particular, the radial distance towards therotational axis of the coding revolver 106 changes. As shown in Fig. 4a, the activation guide channel part defines a path that moves radially outward while moving upward. Therefore, a switching lever 105 whose ball end 105a follows this path is pushed radially outward within the plane defined by the switching levers 105. Therefore, the armature 104 of the switch is forced away from the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. The switch is configured so that the motion of the armature 104, caused by the switching lever 105 closes the switch when the ball end 105b of the switching lever 105 follows the path defined by the activation guide channel 107c to the top end of the path with respect to the coding revolver 106.

[0100] The coding revolver 106 may comprise several deactivation guide channel parts 107b and several activation guide channel parts 107c. Preferably, the coding revolver 106 comprises three activation guide channel parts 107c and three deactivation guide channel parts 107b. However, the coding revolver 106 may comprise a plurality of activation and deactivation guide channel parts 107c, 107b. The switch unit 100 may for example comprise two switches and two activation guide channel parts 107c and three deactivation guide channel parts 107b.

[0101] As explained above, when the coding revolver 106 is in the second top axial state, the coding revolver 106 may rotate about its rotational axis, since the transition guide channel part 107a is in plane with the ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105 of the three switches. The coding revolver 106 can only move back into the first bottom axial position when each ball end 105a of the switching levers 105 of each of the, for example, three switches, is aligned with a connection point of an activation guide channel part 107c or a deactivation guide channel part 107b. Only in this case is relative motion between all ball end parts, which are fixed within the plane of the switching levers 105, and the coding revolver 106 allowed, because moving the coding revolver 106 axially in this case, allows the ball end parts of the switching levers 105 to follow the paths defined by the activation and deactivation guide channel parts 107c, 107b, with which they are aligned. In other words, the activation and deactivation guide channel parts form a pattern that may be aligned with the engagement parts of the switching levers 105 at the second top axial position, wherein the activation and deactivation guide channel parts are configuredto allow the motion of the coding revolver 106 from the second top axial position to the first bottom axial position and vice versa.

[0102] The coding revolver 106 is configured such that the connection points of the deactivation guide channel parts 107b and the activation guide channel parts 107c with the transition guide channel part 107a form a pattern that allows aligning the connection points with the ball ends of the switching levers 105 by rotating the coding revolver 106 in the second top axial state, i.e., when the ball ends 105a are guided by the transition guide channel part 107a. Only in case the pattern is aligned, i.e., each ball end part is aligned with one connection point, the coding revolver 106 can axially move to the first bottom axial position. The activation guide channel parts 107c and the deactivation guide channel parts 107b are configured to allow relative motion between the engagement part of a switch lever 105 and the coding revolver 106 parallel to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. Thus, the pattern formed by the connection points defines switching states from which the coding revolver 106 can transition from the second top axial position to a switched state in the first bottom axial position. In all other rotational states of the coding revolver 106 in the second top axial position, axial motion is inherently impossible, since at least one ball end 105a is not aligned with a connection point of a deactivation guide channel part 107b or an activation guide channel part 107c. Therefore, the motion of this at least one ball end 105a is limited to the path defined by the transition guide channel part 107a, allowing only rotational relative motion between the coding revolver 106 and the ball end 105a. Thus, only in a switching state in which the ball ends 105a are all aligned with one of the activation or deactivation guide channel parts 107c, 107b is axial motion of the coding revolver 106 from the second top axial position to the first bottom axial position possible. In particular, because contrary to the transition guide channel part 107a, the activation and deactivation guide channel parts 107c, 107b define a path that allows relative motion between the ball ends 105a and the coding revolver 106 in the axial direction of the coding revolver 106.

[0103] Fig. 4a further shows a locking and kinetic rotating mechanism comprising an actuator 112 and an actuation part 113. The actuation part 113 further comprises an engagement part that is configured to engage with the coding revolver 106. Theactuator 109 is a linear actuator. The linear movement of the actuator 112 is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. However, the invention is not limited to the perpendicular configuration; the linear motion of the actuator 112 can be aligned to comprise an angle different to zero with respect to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. Preferably, the angle between the actuation axis of the lifting mechanism, i.e. the rotational axis of the coding revolver, and the actuation axis of the actuator of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is between 45° and 135°. An angle between 45° and 135° ensures sufficient decoupling in order to avoid unintentional or accidental switching. The linear motion of the actuator 112 is translated by means of a joint 115 into a motion of the actuation part 113, in particular, a motion of the engagement part 114 of the actuation part 113. Preferably, the actuator 112 of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism moves the actuation part 113 from a first actuation part position (shown in Fig. 4a, Fig. 5a) to a second actuation part position (shown in Fig. 5b). The actuator 112 may be a relay coil 112a. Energizing the relay coil 112a of the actuator 112 of the locking and rotating mechanism moves the actuation part 113 from the first actuation part position to the second actuation part position. De-energizing the relay coil 112a causes the actuation part 113 to move from the second actuation part position back to the first actuation part position. To that end, the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism may comprise a spring coil 112b forcing the actuation part 113 back to the first actuation part position when the relay coil 112a is de-ener-gized. The actuator 112 of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism may further comprise a magnet 112c securing the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism in the first position of the actuation part 113. For example, the magnet secures the moving part of the actuator in a position corresponding to the first actuation part position. The force of the magnet is overcome by energizing the magnet.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 5a, when the coding revolver 106 is in the first bottom axial position, the actuation part 113, in particular the engagement part 114, is configured to engage with the transition guide channel part 107a when the actuation part 113 is in the first actuation part position. By engaging with the transition guide channel part 107a, the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism blocks the axial motion of the coding revolver 106. Therefore, when the coding revolver 106 is in the first bottom axial position and the actuation part 113 of the locking and kinetic rotatingmechanism is in the first actuation part position, axial motion of the coding revolver 106 is prohibited. The coding revolver 106 is in a locked state. In this locked state configuration, the relay coil of the lifting mechanism as well as the relay coil of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is de-energized. The spring coil 112b and / or the magnet 112c of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism locks the actuation part 113 in the first actuation part position, which locks the coding revolver 106 in the first bottom axial position. The locking and kinetic rotating mechanism therefore passively secures the actuation part 113 in the first position, locking the axial motion of the coding revolver 106. In addition, the spring coil 111 of the lifting mechanism also holds the coding revolver 106 in the first bottom axial position and adds a further passive means to secure the coding revolver 106 in the first bottom axial position.

[0105] The coding revolver 106 may be released from the locked state by energizing the relay coil 112a of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism. Energizing the relay coil 112a moves the actuation part 113 to the second actuation part position in which the actuation part 113, in particular, the engagement part 114 of the actuation part 113, disengages from the transition guide channel part 107a, thereby releasing the axial motion of the coding revolver 106, since the axial motion is not blocked anymore. Energizing the relay coil 109 of the lifting mechanism may subsequently move the coding revolver 106 to the second top axial position as explained above. While transitioning from the first bottom axial position to the second axial position of the coding revolver 106, the ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105 are guided along the activation and deactivation guide channel parts 107c, 107b at which upper end the ball ends 105a were located in the first bottom axial position of the coding revolver 106. The top axial position of the coding revolver 106 corresponds to the rotation state in which the coding revolver 106 can be rotated, in particular the coding revolver 106 can be rotated to a switching position in which the switching levers 105 are aligned with activation and / or deactivation guide channel parts 107c, 10b, from which the coding revolver 106 may transition back to the first bottom axial position.

[0106] As shown in Fig. 5b, the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism rotates the coding revolver 106 when the coding revolver 106 is in the second top axial position bychanging the position of the actuation part 113 from the second actuation part position to the first actuation part position. As shown in Fig. 5b, in the second top axial position, a rotational engagement part 116 of the coding revolver 106 is aligned with the engagement part 114 of the actuation part 113 of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism, i.e., the engagement part 116 of the coding revolver 106 is in the same plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106 as the engagement part 114 of the actuation part 113.

[0107] This configuration corresponds to a rotation state in which the coding revolver 106 is rotated. As shown in Fig. 5b, when the actuator 112 of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is energized, the actuation part 113, in particular, the engagement part 114, disengages from the engagement part 116 of the coding revolver 106. Switching the position of the actuation part 113 back from the second actuation part position to the first actuation part position causes the engagement part 114 of the actuation part 113 to engage the rotational engagement part 116. In this way, a force is transferred to the rotational engagement part 116, which is translated into a rotational motion of the coding revolver 106. When the actuation part once again changes position from the first position of the actuation part 113 to the second position of the actuation part 113, the engagement part 114 disengages the rotational engagement part 116, no force is transferred, and the coding revolver 106 does not rotate, i.e. the rotational engagement part 116 is configured such that a force is only transferred in one rotational direction when the engagement part 114 engages the rotational engagement part 116 of the coding revolver 106.

[0108] For example, the rotational engagement part 116 of the coding revolver 106 is a gear wheel. The gear wheel may be arranged at the bottom part of the coding revolver 106. The gearwheel is arranged perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106. In particular, the gearwheel is arranged below the transition guide channel part 107a. When the coding revolver 106 is in the second top axial position, as shown in Fig. 5b, an engagement part 114 of the actuation part 113 may engage with the teeth of the gearwheel. In the second actuation part position, the actuation part 113, in particular, the engagement part 114, does not engage the gearwheel. However, when the actuation part 113 moves back to the first actuation part position, the engagement part 114 engages a tooth of the gear wheel116 and pushes the tooth of the gear wheel and accordingly the gear wheel along with the motion to the first actuation part position. For example, the actuation part may move in a plane parallel to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106 and tangential to the gear wheel 116 of the coding revolver 106. For example, in the second actuation part position, the engagement part 114 is positioned in a plane tangential to the cylinder defined by the gear wheel, but not engaging with the gear wheel. While moving to the first actuation part position, the engagement part of the actuation part engages with the gear wheel and rotates the gear wheel in a rotational direction parallel to the movement of the actuation part from the second actuation part position to the first actuation part position in a plane tangential to the cylinder defined by the gear wheel. The gear wheel, in particular, the teeth of the gear wheel, are configured such that the engagement part only transfers a substantial force causing movement when the actuation part moves from the second actuation part position to the first actuation part position. Moving the actuation part from the first actuation part position to the second actuation part position does not transfer any substantial force to the gear wheel. As such, the actuation part and the gear wheel form a ratchet mechanism, wherein the coding revolver is only rotated in one direction when the actuation part changes its position from the second actuation part position to the first actuation part position. Preferably, in order to allow axial motion of the coding revolver from the top axial position to the bottom axial position, the actuation part of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism must disengage from the gear wheel, i.e., the actuation part must be in the second actuation part position.

[0109] As explained above, subsequently to lifting the coding revolver 106 to the second top axial state by disengaging the locking mechanism by energizing the actuator of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism to move the actuation part to the second actuation part position to disengage the actuation part from the transition guide channel 107a and activating the lifting mechanism, the locking and kinetic rotation mechanism may rotate the coding revolver by switching the position of the actuation part from the second actuation part position to the first actuation part position. The coding revolver 106 is rotated until a switching position is reached, i.e., until all ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105 are aligned with one activa-tion or deactivation guide channel part, allowing the coding revolver 106 to translate from the second top axial position to the first bottom axial position while guiding the ball ends 105a of the switching levers along the paths of the activation and deactivation guide channel parts with which they were aligned at the switching position. To that end, at the switching position, the actuator of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is energized to disengage the actuation part from the coding revolver 106. Subsequently, the actuator of the lifting mechanism is de-energized, causing the spring coil 111 to force the coding revolver 106 downwards while guiding the ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105 along the path of the activation and deactivation guide channel parts with which they were aligned at the switching position. At the first bottom axial position of the coding revolver 106, the ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105 have reached the end of the respective activation 107c or deactivation 107b guide channel part, switching the switches depending on whether the respective guide channel part is an activation guide channel part 107c or a deactivation guide channel part 107b, i.e. , in case the ball end 105a of a switching lever 105 in the first bottom axial position is located at the end of an activation guide channel part 107c, the switch is closed, whereas in case the ball end 105a of a switching lever 105 in the first bottom axial position is located at the end of the deactivation guide channel part 107b, the switch is open. Accordingly, at the first bottom axial position, the coding revolver 106 is in a switched position corresponding to a particular configuration of the states of the switches defined by the activation 107c and deactivation guide channel parts 107c, 107b with which the ball ends 105a of the switching lever 105 of the switches are engaged.

[0110] Subsequently to the transition of the coding revolver 106 to the first bottom axial state, the actuator 112 of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is de-ener-gized, causing the actuation part 113 to transition from the second actuation part position and the engagement part 114 of the actuation part 113 to engage the transition guide channel part 107a, locking the axial position of the coding revolver 106 in a locked state.

[0111] Fig. 6 shows the relative motion between the coding revolver and the switching lever during rotation and axial motion of the coding revolver 106. As explained above, the position of the switching levers is fixed in a plane perpendicular to therotational axis of the coding revolver 106. The relative motion between the switching levers 105 and the coding revolver 106 is caused by the rotational and axial motion of the coding revolver. The motion of the switching levers is limited within the plane in which the switching levers are arranged. A further boundary condition is provided by the motion of the armature of the switch to which the switching lever is connected. Typically, the switching levers are restricted to a curved motion within the plane in which they are arranged. Fig. 6 shows different relative motions between the switching levers and the coding revolver. Switching lever A moves along a path of an activation guide. In the rotational state in which the coding revolver is in the second axial position, wherein the transition guide channel part is aligned with the plane of the switching lever, the coding revolver may rotate, causing a relative motion between the switching lever and the coding revolver. As shown for switching lever B, the ball part of switching lever B is guided by the transition guide part, allowing the rotation of the coding revolver in the second top axial state. In this state, the coding revolver 106 may be rotated until the ball end part 105a is aligned with the connection point connecting the transition guide channel part 107a and the activation guide channel part 107c. At this connection point, the switching lever forces the switch armature into an open position. In general, the switch is open as long as the ball end part 105a of the respective switching lever 105 is within the transition guide channel part 107a of the guide channel 107. The coding revolver 106 can transition to the first bottom axial state, since the ball end 105a can move along the path of the activation guide channel part 107c when the coding revolver moves axially. The activation guide is configured to allow the axial motion of the coding revolver from this position, in particular the activation guide channel part 107c is configured to allow axial motion without rotation. As shown in the figures, the activation guide channel part may not only extend upward and outward but is spiral-shaped, i.e. , from a top view, the projection of the path of the activation guide channel corresponds to the curved path of the ball end 105a of the switching lever 105 within the plane of the switching lever. As explained, for example, a switch armature that rotates / pivots about a hinge having a rotational axis parallel to the rotational axis of the coding revolver causes the ball end 105a to perform a curved motion when the armature transitions from the closed switch position to the open switch position and vice versa. On the other hand, in a cross-sectional viewthrough the rotational axis of the coding revolver and the activation guide, a projection of the path of the activation guide increases its radial distance to the rotational axis while moving along the path in the upward direction towards the top side of the coding revolver 106. From the connection point between the transition guide channel part and the activation guide channel part to the upper end of the activation guide channel part, the radial distance of the path increases, forcing the ball end 105a and accordingly the switching lever 105 radially outwards. The axial motion of the coding revolver causes the switching lever to follow the path of the activation guide and therefore pushes the switching lever towards the outside when moving from the second top axial position to the first bottom axial position and similarly pulls the switching lever towards the rotational axis of the coding revolver when the coding revolver moves from the first bottom axial position to the second top axial position. By pushing the switching lever outwards with respect to the rotational axis of the switching lever, the switch is closed. By pulling the switching lever inwards, the switch is opened.

[0112] In the rotational state, the coding revolver can also be rotated in order to align the deactivation guide channel part 107b with the switching lever as shown in Fig. 6 with respect to switching lever C. If the ball end of switching lever C is aligned with the deactivation guide channel in the rotational state and there is only one switching lever present, the coding revolver is in a switching state when the ball end is aligned with the deactivation guide channel part. The deactivation guide channel part is configured to allow the coding revolver to perform axial motion. The deactivation guide channel part provides a path for the ball end parallel to the rotational axis of the coding revolver. Thus, the radial distance between the ball end and the rotational axis does not change when the ball end moves along the path defined by the deactivation guide channel part when the coding revolver moves from the first bottom axial position to the second top axial position. Rotational motion of the coding revolver is prohibited, when the switching lever moves relatively to the coding revolver along a path defined by the deactivation guide channel part. The radial distance between the rotational axis of the coding revolver and the ball end of the switching lever does not change. In fact, the radial distance is equal to the case when the ball end transitions along the transition guide channel part. At the radialposition defined by the deactivation guide channel part 107b and the transition guide channel part 107a, the switching lever holds the switch in the open position.

[0113] Fig. 7 shows trajectories of the ball end of the switching lever along the deactivation guide channel part, Fig. 7a, or along an activation guide channel part, Fig. 7b, in a sectional view. As can be seen in Fig. 7a, moving along the deactivation guide channel part causes a motion parallel to the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106; therefore, the switch remains open. As shown in Fig. 7b, when the coding revolver 106 transitions from the second top axial position 2, in which the switch is open, to the first bottom axial position 1 , in which the switch is closed, the radial distance between the ball end 105a and the rotational axis of the coding revolver 106 increases, pushing the switching lever outwards, closing the switch. Vice versa, transitioning from the first bottom axial position 1 to the second axial position 2 opens the switch as the radial distance between the ball end and the rotational axis of the coding revolver decreases, pulling the switching lever inwards, opening the switch.

[0114] Fig. 8 shows a coding pin. The coding pin 117 may be a conical-shaped protrusion that extends inside the coding revolver 106 from the bottom side of the coding revolver 106 when the coding revolver 106 is in the first bottom axial position. To allow the coding revolver 106 to be in the first bottom axial position, the coding revolver comprises extrusions 118 that can engage with the protrusion in order to allow the coding revolver to reach the first bottom axial position when the protrusion 117 is aligned with one of the extrusions 118. Otherwise, the bottom side of the coding revolver 106 hits the protrusion prior to reaching the first bottom axial position. Thus, in case the protrusion is not aligned with an extrusion 118, the coding revolver 106 is blocked from switching to the first bottom axial position. The protrusion 117 and the extrusion 118 define switching states in which the coding revolver can axially move to the first bottom axial position. Without alignment, the axial motion of the coding revolver 106 is blocked. The extrusions 118 at the bottom side of the coding revolver are configured to align with the protrusion in a switching state in which all ball ends 105a of all switching levers 105 of the switch unit are aligned with an activation or deactivation guide channel part. The extrusion may be a bore or a drill hole.Fig. 9 shows a diagnostic contact in accordance with the present invention. The diagnostic contact system is designed to indicate whether a specific switch, such as the first switch in a switch unit, is open. It consists of two metal contacts 119, 120, which may be metal sheets, positioned parallel to the rotational axis of the coding revolver along its side wall. A protrusion 121 on the coding revolver 106 can push these metal contacts 119, 120 together, establishing electrical contact. This closed state is detected by measuring current, voltage, or resistance in the circuit. The protrusion 121 aligns with the metal contacts when an activation guide channel part 107c or a deactivation guide channel part 107b is aligned with the ball end 105a of the switching lever 105 which position the diagnostic contact detects. Thus, the diagnostic contact confirms the switch's status based on the alignment with the activation or deactivation guide channel part. If the protrusion 121 aligns with the contacts when the ball end 105a is on an activation guide channel 107c, the closed contacts indicate the switch is closed as the coding revolver 106 moves to the first bottom axial position. Conversely, if aligned with a deactivation guide channel 107b, the closed contacts indicate the switch remains open during this transition.

[0115] Fig. 10 illustrates a diagnostic contact system designed to detect the state of the actuator in the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism. The detection circuit includes three electrical contacts. When the actuation part is in the second actuation position (Fig. 10a), contacts 122a and 122b close the circuit, indicating this position. When the actuation part moves to the first actuation position, contacts 122b and 122c close the circuit. This closed circuit can be detected by measuring current, voltage, or resistance. The actuation part has two protrusions (123). In the second actuation position, protrusion 123b pushes contact 122b towards 122a, closing the circuit. In the first actuation position (Fig. 10c), protrusion 123a pushes contact 122b towards 122c, closing that circuit. By identifying which contacts form a closed circuit, the state of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism can be determined.

[0116] Fig. 11 shows a top view of a switch unit according to the invention. The switch unit comprises three switches, S1 , S2, and S3. The switch unit comprises four outer contacts that are connected to the switches as discussed above with respectto Fig. 1. The first switch internally connects the second outer contact 02 and the fourth outer contact 04. The second switch internally connects the first outer contact, 1, and the third outer contact, 03. The third switch internally connects the first outer contact, 01 , and the fourth outer contact, 4. Fig. 11 shows a plan top view of the coding revolver in five switched states, i.e. , states in which the switches are in well-defined and secured switch positions, either in an open or closed position, and the coding revolver is in the first bottom axial position securing the engagement parts 105a of the switching levers 105 of the switches at the upper ends of either activation 107c or deactivation guide channel parts 107b. The coding revolver 106 is locked in the bottom axial position by the engagement part 114 of the actuation part 113 of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism engaging with the transition guide channel part 107a, i.e., the actuation part 113 of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is in the first actuation part position. The functionalities of the coding revolver, the lifting mechanism and the locking a kinetic rotating mechanism have been described above.

[0117] The coding revolver 106 comprises a guide channel 107 guiding the engagement parts 105a of the switching levers of the three switches. The guide channel 107 comprises three activation guide channel parts 107c and three deactivation guide channel parts 107b.

[0118] In Fig. 11a, the coding revolver 106 is in the first bottom axial position, the switching levers 105 of all three switches are in one of the three deactivation guide channel parts 107b, i.e. the engagement parts 105a of each switching lever 105 is located at the upper most end of one of the three deactivation guide channel parts 107b. Accordingly, the switches are all in the open position. This configuration corresponds to a switched position in which all switches are open. The locking and kinetic rotating mechanism locks the axial position of the coding revolver. In addition the spring coil of the lifting mechanism pushes the coding revolver 106 into the first axial bottom position. The coding revolver 106 may abut against an abutment defining the first bottom axial position. The coding revolver 106 cannot rotate, in particular since the forced-locked coupling between the guide channel 107 and the ball ends 105a does notallow rotational movement, since the ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105 are not free to move along a circle about the rotational axis ofthe coding revolver 105. In this first switched position, the switches S1 , S2, S3 are all open and the state of the coding revolver 160 is secured, i.e. locked.

[0119] The switch unit may switch to another switch state, as shown in Fig. 11b, c, d, and e. The actuator 112 of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is energized, forcing the actuation part 113 from the first actuation part position, which locks the axial motion of the coding revolver 106, to the second actuation part position. Subsequently, the lifting mechanism is energized, for example, by running a current through the actuator 109 of the lifting mechanism, pushing the coding revolver 106 upwards. The deactivation guide channel parts 107b allow relative axial movement between the switching levers 105 and the coding revolver 106. Thus, the coding revolver 106 is moved upward to the second top axial position into a first switching state in which all engagement parts of the switching levers are located within the transition guide channel part at points connecting the transition guide channel part with the three deactivation guide channel parts. The second axial position may be defined by an abutment that abuts the coding revolver 106; in particular, the abutment may contact the upper side of the coding revolver 106 to prevent movement beyond the second upper axial position in the upward direction. In the second axial position, the transition guide channel part is in plane with the switching levers, particularly the engagement parts of the switching levers, allowing a rotation of the coding revolver 106. The coding revolver 106 may be rotated by the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism as described above. The coding revolver 106 may be rotated until a switching position is reached, i.e., a position in which each of the engagement parts 105a of the switching levers 150 is aligned with a connection point between an activation guide channel part and the transition guide channel part or with a connection point between a deactivation guide channel part and the transition guide channel 107a. The guide channel 107 is configured to form a pattern of connection points between the transition guide channel part 107a and the activation or deactivation guide channel parts 107b,c that may be aligned with the engagement parts 105a of the switching levers as described herein.

[0120] For example, the coding revolver 106 in the top axial position may be rotated to a second switching state that allows transitioning to the switched state shown in Fig.11b. The coding revolver 106 is rotated until the engagement part of the switching lever of the third switch, S3, is aligned with a connection point to an activation guide channel part 107c, and the ball ends 105a of the first and second switches, S1 and S2, are aligned with connection points of deactivation guide channel parts 107c. The coding revolver 106 is configured to provide a pattern that allows the switching levers 105 to align in the above way. After rotation into this switching state, the lifting mechanism is de-energized, and the spring coil 111 pushes the coding revolver 106 downward into the first bottom axial position. The ball ends 105a of the switching levers follow the path defined by the activation or deactivation guide channel part 107b,c with which they were aligned in the switching state, i.e., the switching lever 105 of the third switch follows the path defined by the activation guide channel part, switching the third switch to the closed position when the coding revolver 106 deactivations to the first bottom axial position, and the switching levers of the first and second switches follow the path defined by two of the deactivation guide channel parts, keeping the switches in the open position. Subsequently, the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism may be de-energized, causing the actuation part 113 to transition to the first actuation part position, engaging the transition guide channel part 107a and locking the axial position of the coding revolver 106. Switch three S3 is now in a closed position, and switches one S1 and two S2 are in the open position, with the axial and rotational motion of the coding revolver 106 blocked. The coding revolver 106 is in the second switched position as shown in Fig. 11b.

[0121] Similarly, the switch unit may be switched to the third, fourth, or fifth switched positions as shown in Figs. 11c, d, and e, or back to the first switched position as shown in Fig. 11a. It is to be understood that for each switched position when the coding revolver 106 is in the first bottom axial state, a corresponding switching position exists when the coding revolver 106 is in the second top axial state. Rotating the coding revolver 106 allows transitioning from one switching position to another. De-energizing the lifting mechanism subsequently pushes the coding revolver 106 downward to the first bottom axial position from the switching position to the switched position while the ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105 are guided by the activation or deactivation guide channel parts with which they arealigned in the switching state. In this state the coding revolver 106 may then be locked by the locking mechanism.

[0122] Fig. 11a shows a first switched state when the coding revolver 106 is in the first bottom axial position in which all switches are open. Accordingly, the ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105 of all three switches S1, S2, S3 are located within one of the three deactivation guide channel parts 107b. In the corresponding first switching state when the coding revolver 106 is in the second top axial state, each of the ball ends 105a of the switching levers 105 is aligned with one of the connection points between the transition guide channel part 107a and the three deactivation guide channel parts 107b.

[0123] Fig. 11b shows a second switched state when the coding revolver 106 is in the first bottom axial position in which switches one, S1, and two, S2, are open and switch three, S3, is closed. Accordingly, the ball end 105a of switch three, S3, is located within an activation guide channel part 107c, and the engagement parts of switches one, S1, and two, S2, are located within a deactivation guide channel part 107b. In the corresponding second switching state when the coding revolver 106 is in the second top axial state, the ball end 105a of switch three, S3, is aligned with an activation guide channel part 107c, and the engagement parts 105a of switches one, S1, and two, S2, are aligned with deactivation guide channel parts 107b.

[0124] Fig. 11c shows a third switched state when the coding revolver 106 is in the first bottom axial position in which switches one, S1 , and two, S2, are closed and switch three, S3, is open. Accordingly, the ball end 105a of switch three, S3, is located within a deactivation guide channel part, and the ball end of switches one, S1, and two, S2, are located within activation guide channel parts. In the corresponding third switching state when the coding revolver 106 is in the second top axial state, the engagement part of switch three, S3, is aligned with a deactivation guide channel part, and the engagement parts of switches one, S1, and two, S2, are aligned with activation guide channel parts.

[0125] Fig. 11 d shows a fourth switched state when the coding revolver 106 is in the first bottom axial position in which switches two, S2, and three, S3, are open and switch one, S1, is closed. Accordingly, the engagement part of switch one, S1, is locatedwithin an activation guide channel part, and the engagement parts of switches two, S2, and three, S3, are located within a deactivation guide channel part. In the corresponding fourth switching state when the coding revolver 106 is in the second top axial state, the engagement part of switch one, S1 , is aligned with an activation guide channel part, and the engagement parts of switches two, S2, and three, S3, are aligned with deactivation guide channel parts.

[0126] Fig. 11e shows a fifth switched state when the coding revolver 106 is in the first bottom axial position in which switches one, S1 , and three, S3, are open and switch two, S2, is closed. Accordingly, the engagement part of switch two, S2, is located within an activation guide channel part, and the engagement parts of switches one, S1, and three, S3, are located within a deactivation guide channel part. In the corresponding fifth switching state when the coding revolver 106 is in the second top axial state, the engagement part of switch two, S2, is aligned with an activation guide channel part, and the engagement parts of switches one, S1, and three, S3, are aligned with deactivation guide channel parts.

[0127] To transition from one switched state to another, the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism must release the axial degree of freedom of the coding revolver 106. The lifting mechanism then moves the coding revolver 106 to the second top axial position in which the coding revolver 106 is in the switching position corresponding to the initial switched position. The locking and kinetic rotating mechanism may rotate the coding revolver 106 to another switching position. In the new switching position, the lifting mechanism may be deactivated, causing the coding revolver 106 to transition back to the first bottom axial position in a new switched state corresponding to the new switching state. In this position, the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism may lock the axial degree of freedom of the coding revolver 106.

[0128] The five switched positions allow switching the circuitry as described with respect to Fig. 1. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to a particular number of switches; Fig. 11 only shows an exemplary switch unit comprising three switches. A switch unit may also have two, four, five, or a plurality of switches. The coding revolver 106, in particular, the guide channel, must be configured such that at least one switching position, preferably two switching positions, exist. That is,the connection points between the transition guide channel and the activation or deactivation guide channel parts form a pattern to align with the engagement parts of the switching levers in at least one, or preferably two, rotational positions of the coding revolver 106 when the coding revolver 106 is at the second top axial position.

[0129] Fig. 12 shows a method for switching a switch unit according to the invention. The method begins with step 1 in the initial state where the coding revolver 106 of the switch unit is in the first bottom axial position, where all switches (S1 , S2, and S3) are in a well-defined switched state in accordance with the switched state defined by the coding revolver 106 is in the first bottom axial position. The engagement parts of the switching levers are located within the activation or deactivation guide channel parts in accordance with the switched state, preventing rotational movement of the coding revolver 106. In step 1 , the coding revolver is in a locked state further locked by the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism.

[0130] In step 2, the method releases the coding revolver 106 from the locked state by means of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism: The method energizes the actuator of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism to move the actuation part from the first actuation part position to the second actuation part position. This releases the axial degree of freedom of the coding revolver 106.

[0131] In step 3, the method lifts the coding revolver 106: Energize the lifting mechanism to move the coding revolver 106 upwards to the second top axial position in which the transition guide channel part is in plane with the ball ends of the switching levers engaging the transition guide channel part. The activation and deactivation guide channel parts allow relative axial movement between the switching levers and the coding revolver 106. At the end of step 3, the coding revolver is in a rotational state allowing rotation between the switching states.

[0132] In step 4, the method rotates the coding revolver 106 to a switching position by using the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism until a switching position is reached. Preferably, the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is repeatedly activated in order to rotate the coding revolver 106 until the switching position isreached. In such a switching position, each engagement part of the switching levers aligns with a connection point between the transition guide channel part and either an activation or deactivation guide channel part.

[0133] In step 5, subsequent to the rotation to a switching state, the method de-energizes the lifting mechanism: De-energizing the lifting mechanism allows the spring coil 111 to push the coding revolver 106 downward into the first bottom axial position. The ball ends of the switching levers follow the paths defined by the activation or deactivation guide channel parts with which they were aligned in the switching position. The method causes the switch unit to transition from the switching state wherein the coding revolver 106 is in the top axial position to a switched state, wherein the coding revolver 106 is in the first bottom axial position, corresponding to the switching state. Depending on the alignment with the activation or deactivation guide channel parts, the switching levers either close or open the switches. For example, if the ball end of a switching lever follows an activation guide channel part, the corresponding switch transitions to the closed position. If it follows a deactivation guide channel part, the switch remains open.

[0134] In step 6, the method locks the axial motion of the coding revolver 106 by deenergizing the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism, causing the actuation part to transition back to the first actuation part position. The engagement part of the actuation part engages the transition guide channel part, locking the axial position of the coding revolver 106 and securing the switch state. The coding revolver 106 is now back in the first bottom axial position and in a locked state in which axial motion as well as rotational motion is blocked.

[0135] The method may for example be performed by a processor or controller controlling the actuator of the lifting mechanism and the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism. For example, a controller may control the respective drivers of the actuator of the lifting mechanism and the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism.

[0136] Individual components or functionalities of the present invention are described in the embodiment and respective examples as software or hardware solutions. However, this does not mean that a functionality described as a software solution cannot also be implemented in hardware and vice versa. Similarly, mixed solutions arealso conceivable for a person skilled in the art, in which components and functionalities are simultaneously partially realized in software and hardware.

[0137] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plurality.

[0138] A single unit or device may perform the functions of multiple elements recited in the claims. The fact that individual functions and elements are recited in different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of those functions and elements could not advantageously be used.

Claims

- M -Claims1. A switch unit (100) comprising:a lift mechanism comprising an lift actuator (109) and a piston (108), wherein the lift actuator (109) is configured to move the piston (108) axially from a first position to a second position along a first axis (A) in the longitudinal direction of the piston (108),a coding revolver (106) mounted on the piston (108), wherein the coding revolver (106) is in a first axial position when the piston (108) is arranged in the first position and in a second axial position when the piston is (108) arranged in the second position, and wherein the coding revolver is configured to rotate about a rotational axis of the coding revolver on the longitudinal axis of the piston when the coding revolver is arranged in the second axial position,a locking and kinetic rotating mechanism comprising a locking and rotating actuator (112) configured to move an actuation part (113) of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism from a first actuation part position to a second actuation part position,wherein the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is configured to block the axial motion of the coding revolver (106) along the rotational axis of the coding revolver (106) in a locked state when the coding revolver (106) is at the first axial position and the actuation part of the locking and kinetic rotation mechanism is in the first actuation part position,wherein the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is configured to rotate the coding revolver (106) in a rotating state when the coding revolver (106) is at the second axial position by moving the actuation part from the second actuation part position to the first actuation part position,the switch unit (100) further comprising:- 48 -- a first switch (S1) comprising a switching lever (105), wherein the switching lever (105) is configured to actuate the switch, andwherein the coding revolver (106) comprises a guide channel (107), wherein the guide channel (107) comprise a first transition guide channel part (107a) arranged in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver (106) and at least a first activation guide channel part (107c) connected to the transition guide channel part (107a) and at least a first deactivation guide channel part (107b) connected to the transition guide channel part (107a),wherein the guide channel (107) is configured to allow relative motion between the coding revolver (106) and the switching lever (105) along a path defined by the guide channel,wherein in the second axial state of the coding revolver (106) the first transition guide channel part (107a) is arranged in a plane with the switching lever (105),wherein the switching lever (105) and the first transition guide channel part (107a) are arranged to move relatively to one another along the path defined by the first transition guide channel part (107a) when the coding revolver (106) rotates in the second axial position of the coding revolver (106), wherein the switch is in an open position when the switching lever (105) is guided by the first transition guide channel part (107),wherein in a first switching position the coding revolver (106) is at the second axial position and the switching lever (105) of the first switch is aligned with the connection of first activation guide channel part (107c) and the transition guide channel part (107a),wherein moving the coding revolver (106) in the first switching position from the second axial state to the first axial state along the activation guide channel part (107c )moves the switching lever (105) of the first switch along a path defined by the first activation guide channel part (107c) causing the switching lever (105) to close the switch,- 49 -wherein in a second switching position the coding revolver (106) is at the second axial position and the switching lever (105) is aligned with the connection of the first deactivation guide channel part (107b) and the transition guide channel part (107a),wherein moving the coding revolver (106) in the second switching position from the second axial state to the first axial state along the activation guide channel part (107c) moves the switching lever of (105) the first switch along a path defined by the first deactivation guide channel part (107b) causing the switching lever (105) to maintain the switch in the open position.

2. The switch unit of claim 1 , whereinthe locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is configured to release the coding revolver (106) from the locked state by moving the actuation part (113) from the first actuation part position to the second actuation part position.

3. The switch unit of claim 1 or claim 2, whereinthe actuator of the lift mechanism is an electromagnetic actuator including a relay coil and a spring (111), wherein energizing the relay coil moves piston (108) from the first position to the second position, wherein the spring is coupled to the coding revolver (106) and the switch unit (100) housing, wherein the spring coil (111) is pre-loaded in the second axial state of the coding revolver (106) and configured to move the coding revolver back from the second axial state to the first axial state when the relay coil is de-energized, and whereinthe actuator of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism is an electromagnetic actuator including a relay coil and a spring coil (111), wherein energizing the relay coil moves the actuating part (113) from the first position to the second position and wherein the spring (111) is pre-loaded in the- 50 -second position of the actuating part and configured to move the actuating part (113) back from the second position to the first position when the relay coil is de-energized.

4. The switch unit (100) of claim 3, where in the axes of the relay coils are oriented at an angle with respect to each other.

5. The switch unit (100) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising an axis guide mechanism comprising at least a guide groove and a protrusion (117) configured to engage with the guide groove (118),wherein the axis guide mechanism is configured such that the protrusion can engage with the guide groove when the coding revolver (106) in the second axial position is rotated to a switching position and wherein engagement of the protrusion with the guide groove allows the coding revolver (106) to move from the second axial state to the first axial state.

6. The switch unit (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the switch unit (100) comprises:at least one diagnostic contact, wherein the diagnostic contact is at least configured to detect one of:the rotational position of the coding revolver, or,the axial position of the coding revolver, orwhether the switch is opened or closed, orthe position of the actuation part of the locking and kinetic rotation mechanism.

7. The switch unit (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting mechanism and the locking and kinetic rotation mechanism are configured to operate independently, in particular wherein two independent drivers drive the actuators.

8. The switch unit (100) of any of the preceding claims, whereinthe coding revolver (106) comprises a gear wheel (116) in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver, wherein,when the coding revolver (106) is in the second axial position,the actuation part of the locking and kinetic rotating mechanism engages with the tooth of the gear wheel (116) so as to form a ratchet mechanism.

9. The switch unit (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the switch unit comprises:a second switch (S2) comprising a second switching lever (105) for actuating the second switch, and wherein the guide channel (107) comprises a second activation guide channel part (107c) and a second deactivation guide channel part (107b),wherein in a switching state when the coding revolver (106) is at the second axial position each switching lever is aligned with an activation guide channel part (107c) or deactivation guide channel part (107b) wherein moving the coding revolver (106) in the switching position from the second axial state to the first axial state moves the switching levers (105) along the paths of the activation or deactivation guide channel parts with which the switching levers (105) are aligned and causes the switching levers (105) to actuate the switches depending on whether the switching levers (105) move along a path defined by a activation guide channel part (107c) or deactivation guide channel part (107c).

10. The switch unit (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the switch unit comprises at least three switches (S1 , S2, S3) each comprising a switching lever (105) to actuate the respective switch, wherein the switches and the switching levers (105) are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis of the coding revolver (106),wherein the guide channel (107) of the coding revolver (107) comprises at least four activation or deactivation guide channel parts (107b,1007c), wherein the coding revolver (106) is configured such that in a switching position when the coding revolver (106) is in the second axial state each switching lever (105) is aligned with at least a activation or deactivation guide channel part (107b, 107c) of the guide channel, wherein moving the coding revolver in a switching state from the second axial position to the first axial position causes switching to actuate the switches depending on whether the guide channel part guiding the switching lever is a activation or deactivation guide channel part.

11. The switch unit (100) of claim 10, wherein the guide channel (107) of the coding revolver (106) comprises three activation guide channel parts and three deactivation guide channel parts, wherein the coding revolver (106) is configured such that the activation and deactivation guide channel parts form a pattern that allows to align the points connecting the activation or deactivation guide channel parts (107b, 107c) to the transition guide channel part (107a) with the position of switching levers (105) when rotating the coding revolver (106) in the second axial position, in particular the pattern may comprise five configurations that align the positions of the switching levers providing five different switching positions.

12. The switch unit (100) of claim 11,wherein moving the coding revolver (106) from the second axial position to the first axial position in the first switching state forces the first switch to the closed position and the second and third switch to the open position,wherein moving the coding revolver (106) from the second axial position to the first axial position in the second switching state forces the second switch to the closed position and the first and third switch to the open position,wherein moving the coding revolver (106) from the second axial position to the first axial position in the third switching state forces the third switch to the closed position and the first and second switch to the open position,- 53 -wherein moving the coding revolver (106) from the second axial position to the first axial position in the fourth switching state forces the first switch and the second switch to the closed position and the third switch to the open position,wherein moving the coding revolver (106) from the second axial position to the first axial position in the fifth switching state forces all switches to the open position.

13. The switch unit (100) of claims 10 to 12, wherein the switch unit comprises four outer contacts (01, 02, 03, 04) and wherein the first switch connects the fourth and the second outer contact, the second switch connects the first and third outer contact, and the third switch connects the first and third outer contact,wherein in case the plus pole of a first battery is connected to the second outer contact and the minus pole of the first battery is connected to the first outer contact and a plus pole of a second battery is connected to the fourth outer contact and the minus pole of the second battery is connected to the third outer contact, the switch unit couples the batteries in series in parallel when the revolver is in the third switching state and in the first axial position and wherein the switch unit couples the batteries in series when the coding revolver is in the fourth switching state and in the first axial position.

14. A method for switching a switch unit (100) according to claim 1,wherein the method comprises:- guiding a switching lever (105) actuating a switch by means of a guide channel (107) of a coding revolver (106);- releasing the coding revolver (106) at a first axial position from a locked state by switching an actuation part (113) of a locking and kinetic rotating mechanism from a first actuation part position to the second actuation part position;- lifting by the lift mechanism the coding revolver (106) from the first axial position to the second axial position;- 54 -- rotating, by switching the position of the actuating part (113) of the locking and rotating mechanism from the second actuation part position to the first actuation part position, the coding revolver (106) to a switching position, wherein the switching lever is aligned with an activation or deactivation guide of the guide;- switching the actuation part (113) of a locking and kinetic rotating mechanism from a first actuation part position to the second actuation part position allowing the motion of the coding revolver (106) from the second axial state to the first axial state;- deactivating the lift mechanism when the coding revolver (106) is at the second axial position and rotated to a switching position causing the coding revolver (106) to move from the second axial position to the first axial position and causing actuation of switch in dependence on the guide aligned with the switching lever (105) of the switch in the switching position;- switching the actuation part (113) of a locking and kinetic rotating mechanism from a second actuation part position to the first actuation part position locking the coding revolver (106) in the desired state.

15. A computer program product that, when executed on a processing unit, performs the method of claim 14.

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