Switching assembly for a switch

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching assembly (1) for a switch, comprising: a drive element (3) which can be connected to a motor element; an output element (5) which can be connected to a drive shaft of the switch, the output element (5) being rotatably mounted between a closed position and an open position, for driving the drive shaft; a locking element (9A, 9B) which is adapted for releasably locking the output element (5) in the closed position by means of a locking force; and two spring elements (11A, 11B) which are provided between the drive element (3) and the output element (5) and each of which is designed to bias the output element (5) in a respective rotational direction (D1, D2) relative to the drive element (3) from the closed position into the open position of the switch, release the locking element (9A, 9B) when a triggering force is exceeded, and transfer the output element (5) into the open position in the rotational direction (D1, D2).

Description

[0001] Switch assembly for a switch

[0002] The present invention relates to a switching assembly for a switch and a switch, in particular a switch for interrupting a current path in a motor vehicle, with such a switching assembly.

[0003] Such a switching assembly comprises a drive element that can be connected to a motor element; an output element that can be connected to a drive shaft of the switch, wherein the output element is rotatably mounted between a closed position and an open position, for driving the drive shaft; and a locking element that is adapted to releasably lock the output element in the closed position with a locking force.

[0004] In electric vehicles, such as motor vehicles, especially hybrid or electric vehicles equipped with a battery, such switching assemblies are used, for example, in switches for high-voltage applications of 400 V and higher voltages to switch currents of up to 2000 A. Therefore, such switches are often referred to as high-voltage (HV) switches. These switches perform a variety of functions, such as switching on and off, as well as quickly disconnecting in the event of a fault.

[0005] Switching assemblies are known in which contact elements are connected to one another by rotating a drive shaft about its own axis, forming a current path through the switch in a closed position and separating the contact elements in an open position to interrupt the current path. Typically, two contact elements are used, with a first contact element being spatially stationary and a second...

[0006] 2024P00113WO contact element is moved by the drive shaft between the closed position and the open position.

[0007] When switching off high currents, an arc can cause erosion on the contact elements and damage them. Furthermore, especially when switching direct currents, an arc can remain between the open contact elements of the switch, fail to extinguish, and potentially destroy the switch.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to enable rapid shutdown by means of a switching assembly in order to reduce the risk of sparking and thus also of contact erosion.

[0009] For example, EP 2317530 B1 describes a mechanism in which the contact elements are pre-tensioned by a spring and then quickly separated from each other by means of the spring force when the switch is moved to the open position.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a switching assembly and a switch with such a switching assembly which is compact in design and can open a switch in a simple and reliable manner in order to extinguish an arc and reduce burn-off.

[0011] This problem is solved by an object having the features of claim 1.

[0012] Accordingly, the switching assembly has two spring elements that are arranged between the drive element and the output element and that are designed to tension the output element in a direction of rotation relative to the drive element from the closed position to the open position of the switch, and when a release force is exceeded, to release the locking element and move the output element in the direction of rotation to the open position.

[0013] The drive shaft can be understood as a rotating, elongated element with a circular cross-section, which is rotatably mounted between a

[0014] 2024P00113WQ closed position and an open position of the switch. "Rotatably mounted" here can be understood as rotation about its own axis or a rotational axis. In one embodiment, the drive shaft is designed as a camshaft. When rotating about its own axis, contact elements can be brought into contact with each other to form a current path through the switch in a closed position and to separate the contact elements in an open position to interrupt the current path. In embodiments, the contact elements can be enclosed by the switching assembly or the switch, with at least one of the contact elements being movable by rotating the drive shaft.The contact elements can be made of an electrically conductive material and, when the contact elements are touched, close an electrical circuit or connect conductors that are arranged on the contact elements.

[0015] The output element may include a connecting element with a corresponding connection geometry for connecting to the drive shaft.

[0016] The locking element is designed to releasably lock the output element in the closed position. "Locking" in this context means preventing the output element from rotating about its axis of rotation, which runs axially through the output element. The switching assembly further comprises two spring elements arranged between the drive element and the output element. These spring elements are designed to clamp the output element in one direction of rotation relative to the drive element from the closed position to the open position of the switch. Upon exceeding a release force, the locking element is released, and the output element is moved in the direction of rotation to the open position.The release force can be transmitted to the output element by the motor element, another actuator element, a gearbox, or manually by the user, and denotes a torque in the direction of rotation to release the locking element.

[0017] 2024P00113WG The two spring elements are designed to tension the output element or the drive shaft, respectively, in one direction of rotation from the open position to the closed position. Furthermore, the two spring elements can also be designed to tension the output element or the drive shaft, respectively, in one direction of rotation from the closed position to the open position. For example, the spring elements can be connected to the output element at a first end and to the drive element at a second end.

[0018] In some configurations, the two spring elements can each be tensioned by a rotary movement of the drive element driven by the motor element.

[0019] In this process, kinetic energy is supplied to each spring, which is converted into potential energy. The drive element can be rotated manually or by means of the motor element, for example an electric motor.

[0020] When the locking element is released, the output element, or the drive shaft connected to it, is moved into the closed position in the direction of rotation by the spring force of one of the spring elements.

[0021] The switching assembly described herein enables rapid opening of the switch and thus rapid extinguishing of the arc. Furthermore, the switching assembly can be implemented with only a few components and can be operated with very little force.

[0022] In one embodiment, a first spring element of the two spring elements is adapted to clamp the output element in a first direction of rotation, and a second spring element of the two spring elements is adapted to clamp the output element in a second direction of rotation, the directions of rotation being opposite to each other.

[0023] Both spring elements are used to move the switching assembly back and forth between the open and closed positions. Thus

[0024] 2024P00113WO, for example, the first direction of rotation around the axis of rotation can be clockwise and the second direction of rotation can be counterclockwise, in the opposite direction to the first direction of rotation.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first and second spring elements are each adapted to tension the output element with a clamping force, wherein the locking force of the locking element is greater than the clamping force of one of the spring elements.

[0026] Both spring elements can be of the same design and have the same clamping force, or they can be of different designs and clamp the output element with different clamping forces, whereby the locking force of the locking element is greater than the clamping force of the spring elements, for releasable locking of the output element in the closed position.

[0027] For example, the locking force may be only minimally greater than the clamping force in order to move the switching assembly quickly and with minimal effort, for example by means of a torque from a motor, especially an electric motor, into the open position.

[0028] In one embodiment, the locking element is designed to engage resiliently in at least one recess on the output element when in the locked position; in particular, the switching assembly has a further locking element designed to engage in a further recess on the output element when in the locked position.

[0029] The locking element, also known as a detent element, can be a spherical or pin-shaped element that is pressed into a recess in the output element by means of a locking spring. This locking element, or the drive shaft, is held in the closed position of the output element or the switch. The locking force is determined by the spring force. The closed position can be understood here as a closed switch, and the open position as an open switch.

[0030] 2024P00113WO By means of such a locking element, a simple and reliable fixing of the output element, or the position of the drive shaft, can be achieved.

[0031] In one embodiment, the switching assembly has two locking elements designed to engage springily in a respective recess on the drive element in the locked position.

[0032] For example, the locking elements can be arranged opposite each other on the output element. Regardless of the direction of rotation, in the described embodiment one of the locking elements is engaged in one of the recesses, and another locking element is ready to engage.

[0033] Alternatively or in addition to the design as a locking element, the locking element can also have a spring clip to lock the output element.

[0034] In one embodiment, the spring elements are designed as a torsion spring or as a compression spring. The switching assembly can therefore be implemented with simply designed spring elements.

[0035] In one embodiment, the drive element is designed in two parts, comprising a connecting element for connecting to the motor element and a coupling element, wherein the connecting element and the coupling element are positively connected to each other.

[0036] The drive element, or elements of the drive element, can be circular or round, with the axis of rotation extending through a center point of the two elements.

[0037] In one embodiment, the coupling element has at least one retaining pin that extends in an axial direction, or along the axis of rotation, of the switching assembly and can be coupled to the connecting element so that a

[0038] 2024P00113WO Movement of the coupling element around the axis of rotation causes a rotational movement of the connecting element around the axis of rotation.

[0039] In one embodiment, the coupling element has a first drive element adapted for positioning a first end region of the two spring elements against the first drive element. "Positioning" here can be understood as the first end regions of the spring elements resting on the first drive element. The spring elements can press against the first drive element in the closed position.

[0040] In one embodiment, the output element has a second and a third drive element, each adapted to accommodate a second end region of the spring elements.

[0041] The second end section of the spring elements is opposite the first end section, and the spring elements exert their spring force against the first and second drive elements, or against the first and third drive elements, respectively. In one embodiment, the output element is designed as a sleeve and is adapted to accommodate at least part of the drive element.

[0042] For example, the output element can be cylindrical and have a diameter larger than the diameter of the drive element, in order to accommodate the drive element, at least partially, within the output element. This allows for a particularly space-saving design of the switching assembly.

[0043] In one embodiment, the drive element and the output element have complementary guide elements that are adapted to guide the output element relative to the drive element in the direction of rotation between the closed position and the open position.

[0044] For example, the guide elements can be designed as elements of a tenon-and-groove connection, and the groove can extend along a circular path between the two open positions in each direction of rotation. The guide elements

[0045] 2024P00113WOver prevent a rotational movement of the output element relative to the drive element beyond the defined endpoints of the open position.

[0046] In one embodiment, the drive shaft is designed as a camshaft carrying one or more contact elements. By rotating this camshaft, different contacts can be opened or closed. Multiple cam elements can be mounted on the camshaft, allowing it to simultaneously switch or toggle several pairs of contact elements within a switching matrix.

[0047] In one embodiment, the switching assembly has a gearbox that is arranged between the motor element and the drive element.

[0048] Furthermore, the invention relates to a switch, in particular a switch for interrupting a current path in a motor vehicle, comprising a switching assembly as described herein.

[0049] Brief description of the drawings

[0050] The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the drawings.

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a schematic exploded view of a switching assembly according to one embodiment;

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a schematic front view of the switching assembly shown in Figure 1 in the mounted position;

[0053] Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the switching assembly along the line AA shown in Figure 2;

[0054] Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the switching assembly along line CC shown in Figure 3; and

[0055] Fig. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of the switching assembly.

[0056] 2024P00113WG Along line BB shown in Figure 2.

[0057] Figure 1 shows a schematic exploded view of a switching assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown, the switching assembly 1 has a drive element 3 which can be connected to a motor element (not shown) for driving the switching assembly 1.

[0058] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the switching assembly 1 has an output element 5 that can be connected to a drive shaft of the switch (not shown). In the assembled position, the output element 5 is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation D between a closed position and an open position. The closed and open positions correspond to the position of the drive shaft and the switching state of the switch, respectively. For connection to the drive shaft, the switching assembly 1 has a flange element 7, which is positively connected to the output element 5 in the assembled position. In further embodiments, the output element 5 and the flange element 7 can also be formed together in a single component. The flange element 7 shown is inserted into the output element 5 in the assembled position and is positively connected to the output element 5.For the force-fit connection, the guide elements 55, 73 shown can be connected to the output element 5 and the flange element 7. In the assembled position, a connection area of ​​the flange element 7 extends through a central opening 59 in the material of the output element 5, as shown in Figure 5. The output element 5 is held releasably in the closed position by the locking elements 9A, 9B shown. The locking elements 9A, 9B are designed as detent elements.

[0059] In the embodiment shown, two spring elements 11 A, 11 B, are arranged between the drive element 3 and the output element 5, which are configured to rotate the output element 5 in one of the directions of rotation D1, D2 shown in Figure 2 relative to the drive element 3 from the closed position to the open position.

[0060] 2024P00113WO to clamp the switch position, and when a release force is exceeded, to release the locking elements 9A, 9B and to move the output element 5 in the direction of rotation D1, D2 into the open position.

[0061] The drive element 3 and the output element 5 have complementary guide elements 335, 55, which are adapted to guide the output element 5 relative to the drive element 3 in the direction of rotation D1, D2 about the axis of rotation D between the closed position and the open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide element 55 on the output element 5 is designed as a pin or disc, and the corresponding guide element 335 in the drive element 3 is designed as a groove or slot and extends on a circular path between the two open positions in each direction of rotation D1, D2. The illustrated guide elements 335, 55 prevent a rotational movement of the output element 5 relative to the drive element 3 beyond the defined endpoints of the open position.

[0062] The locking elements 9A, 9B, which can also be referred to as ratchet elements, each have a ball element 91A, 91B, which is pressed into a groove-like recess 57A of the output element 5 by means of a locking spring, thus locking the output element 5, or the drive shaft, in the closed position of the switch 1. The locking force is determined by the spring force of the spring. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking elements 9A, 9B each have a housing 95A, 95B, which, in the mounted position, are fixed relative to the output element 5 on a base. The illustrated drive element 3 is designed in two parts, comprising a connecting element 31 for connecting to the motor element and a coupling element 33, wherein the connecting element 31 and the coupling element 33 are positively connected to each other in the mounted position.For this purpose, the coupling element 33 has a retaining pin 333 that extends in the axial direction, or in a direction along the axis of rotation D. Furthermore.

[0063] 2024P00113WG The two spring elements 11 A, 11 B extend around the retaining pin 333 for a space-saving arrangement of the spring elements 11 A, 11 B.

[0064] As shown in Figure 1, the drive element 3, for example the coupling element 33, further comprises a first drive element 331 adapted for arranging a first end region 111 A, 111 B of the two spring elements 11 A, 11 B on the first drive element 331, such that the first end regions 111 A, 111 B of the spring elements 11 A, 11 B rest on the first drive element 331. The spring elements 11 A, 11 B can press against the first drive element 331 in the closed position.

[0065] The opposing second end regions 113A, 113B of the two spring elements 11 A, 11 B are arranged in the assembled position on second and third drive elements 51, 53, which are located on the output element 5.

[0066] Figure 2 shows a schematic front view of the switching assembly 1 according to the embodiment shown previously in Figure 1 in its assembled position. In the front view shown, the locking elements 9A, 9B are arranged in a fixed position relative to the drive element 3 and the output element 5, which are designed to rotate about the axis of rotation D.

[0067] Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the switching assembly 1 along line AA shown in Figure 2. The locking elements 9A, 9B each have a ball element 91A, 91B, which is pressed into a recess 57B of the output element 5 by means of a locking spring 93A, 93B, to lock the output element 5, or the drive shaft, in the closed position of the switch 1. The two spring elements 11A, 11B extend, as shown, around the retaining pin 333 of the drive element 3, which extends along the axis of rotation D. The second end regions 113A, 113B of the two spring elements 11A, 11B are arranged on the second and third drive elements 51, 53 of the drive element 5.

[0068] Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the switching assembly 1 along line CC shown in Figure 3. The first drive element 331 shown has...

[0069] 2024P00113WO The first end regions 111A, 111B of the two spring elements 11A, 11B are arranged, respectively, and press against the pin-shaped drive element 331 with their spring force. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring elements 11A, 11B are each designed as a torsion spring and extend section by section around the retaining pin 333. The two spring elements 11A, 11B each press with their second end regions 113A, 113B against the second drive element 51, or against the third drive element 53, for each direction of rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, three recesses 57A - 57C are arranged in the outer surface of the output element 5 for the ball elements 91A, 91B of the locking elements 9A, 9B.The three recesses 57A - 57C correspond to the closed position and the open position in the first direction of rotation and the open position in the second direction of rotation, which is opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0070] Figure 5 shows a schematic sectional view of the switching assembly 1 along line BB shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 illustrates the two-part structure of the drive element 3, in which the connecting element 31, designed for connection to the motor element, is frictionally connected to the coupling element 33. For this frictional connection, the end region of the first drive element 331 is also inserted into an opening 311 of the connecting element 31. The arrangement of the spring elements 11A and 11B, which extend around the retaining pin 333 of the coupling element 33 along the axis of rotation D, is also shown.

[0071] The flange element 7 is, as shown, inserted into the output element 5 and is positively connected to the output element 5. The connection area 71 of the flange element 7 extends through a central opening 59 in the material of the output element 5, through which the axis of rotation D extends.

[0072] 2024P00113WÖBezuqszeichenliste

[0073] 1 Switching assembly

[0074] 3 Drive element

[0075] 31 Connecting element

[0076] 311 Opening

[0077] 33 Coupling element

[0078] 331 First drive element

[0079] 333 retaining pins

[0080] 335 Guide element

[0081] 5 Output element

[0082] 51, 53 Second, Third drive element

[0083] 55 Guide element

[0084] 57A- 57C Recess

[0085] 59 Opening

[0086] 7 Flange element

[0087] 71 Connection area

[0088] 73 Guide element

[0089] 9A, 9B Locking element

[0090] 91 A, 91 B Spherical element

[0091] 93A, 93B Locking spring

[0092] 95A, 95B Housing

[0093] II A, 11 B Spring element

[0094] III A, 111 B First end area

[0095] 113A, 113B Second end range

[0096] D axis of rotation

[0097] D1, D2 Direction of rotation

[0098] AA, BB, CC section line

[0099] x x-axis (of a three-dimensional coordinate system) y y-axis (of a three-dimensional coordinate system) z-axis (of a three-dimensional coordinate system)

[0100] 2024P00113WO

Claims

Patent claims 1. Switching assembly (1 ) for a switch, comprising: a drive element (3) that can be connected to a motor element; an output element (5) that can be connected to a drive shaft of the switch, wherein the output element (5) is rotatably mounted between a closed position and an open position, for driving the drive shaft; and a locking element (9A, 9B) which is adapted to allow the output element (5) to be releasably locked in the closed position with a fixed force II, characterized by two spring elements (11 A, 11 B) which are arranged between the drive element (3) and the output element (5) and which are designed to tension the output element (5) in a direction of rotation (D1, D2) relative to the drive element (3) from the closed position to the open position of the switch, and when a release force is exceeded to release the locking element (9A, 9B) and to move the output element (5) in the direction of rotation (D1, D2) to the open position.

2. Switching assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a first spring element (11A) of the two spring elements (11 A, 11 B) is adapted to tension the output element (5) in a first direction of rotation (D1) and a second spring element (11 B) of the two spring elements (11 A, 11 B) is adapted to tension the output element (5) in a second direction of rotation (D2), wherein the directions of rotation (D1, D2) are opposite to each other. 2024P00113WO3. Switching assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first and the second spring element (11A, 11B) are each adapted to clamp the output element (5) with a clamping force, wherein the locking force of the locking element (9A, 9B) is greater than the clamping force of one of the spring elements (11A, 11B).

4. Switching assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (9A, 9B) is designed to engage resiliently in at least one recess (57A - 57C) on the output element (5) in a locked position, in particular the switching assembly (1) has a further locking element (9A, 9B) which is designed to engage in a further recess (57A- 57C) on the output element (5) in a locked position.

5. Switching assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (9A, 9B) has at least one spring clip.

6. Switching assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the spring elements (11 A, 11 B) is designed as a torsion spring or as a compression spring.

7. Switching assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive element (3) is formed in two parts, comprising a connecting element (31) for connecting to the motor element and a coupling element (33), wherein the connecting element (31) and the coupling element (33) are positively connected to each other. 2024P00113WO-16- 8. Switching assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the coupling element (33) has at least one retaining pin (333) which extends in an axial direction of the switching assembly and can be coupled to the connecting element (31).

9. Switching assembly (1) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the coupling element (33) has a first drive element (331) adapted for arranging a first end region (111 A, 111 B) of the two spring elements (11 A, 11 B) on the first drive element (331).

10. Switching assembly (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the output element (5) has a second and a third drive element (51, 53) which are each adapted to arrange a second end region (113A, 113B) of the spring elements (11 A, 11B).

11. Switching assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output element (5) is designed in a sleeve-like manner and is adapted for the at least partial reception of the drive element (3).

12. Switching assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive element (3) and the output element (5) have complementary guide elements (335, 55) which are adapted to guide the output element (5) relative to the drive element (3) in the direction of rotation (D1, D2) between the closed position and the open position.

13. Switching assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive shaft is designed as a camshaft and the motor element is designed as an electric motor. 2024P00113WO14. Switching assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a transmission arranged between the motor element and the output element (5).

15. Switch, in particular a switch for interrupting a current path in a motor vehicle, comprising a switching assembly (1) according to one of the preceding claims. 2024P00113WG

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