DE102006016657A1 - Electrical consumer load switching device for motor vehicle, has actuator unit attached to switches, where unit is designed such that it executes movements independent from each other to switch switches between two different conditions - Google Patents

Abstract

The switching device (1) has an actuator unit (3) attached to a set of electromechanical bistable switches (2). The actuator unit is designed in such a manner that it executes two movements independent from each other to switch each of the bistable switches between two different switching conditions. A control unit is arranged for controlling the actuator unit depending on an external control signal.

Description

STATE OF TECHNOLOGY

The The present invention relates to a switching device suitable for remote control of electrical consumers.

In Motor vehicles are generally covered by one or two and relay boxes for often too switching or for used small to medium load currents. Often such fuse and relay boxes are the same called Smart Junction boxes, which have an additional electronics and partial also have semiconductor switch.

A corresponding switching device is for example from the EP 0 181 534 B1 known. Such a switching device with a variety of relays and fuses to hedge is structurally relatively complex and has due to their many fuses, relays and connectors only limited reliability. Furthermore, a relatively high power loss is generated during operation, since each fuse, each relay coil, each relay contact and each plug contact generates a power loss. Since the pluggable fuses must be replaced after the failure to be hedged (for example, an overcurrent or a short circuit), the entire switching device in the vehicle must be installed so that it is accessible for maintenance.

Out the prior art are already maintenance-free switching devices known, the semiconductor switches for switching the electrical load deploy. However, high current switching transistors are at such switching devices are used, very expensive. Bimetallic switching elements could prove to be overloading and short-circuit protection elements do not prevail because they are systemic Disadvantages that are not general in a motor vehicle Allow use.

From the EP 1 033 288 A1 a backup system is known in which several lines can be reversibly separated by remote control using a motor-driven actuator. However, this backup system only allows a fixed turn-on or turn-off sequence of the consumer lines. An independent inclusion or shutdown of the various consumers is not possible with this backup system using the one actuator. Due to the motor separation of the contacts, moreover, only a creeping contact separation is achieved, which can lead to a high contact wear and thus to a shortened service life of the contacts due to long arc life, especially in the case of short-circuit currents.

Here uses the present invention.

The The object underlying the present invention is that a switching device for remote control circuit electrical Consumers or consumer groups available compared to conventional fuse and relay boxes has a much lower continuous power loss and beyond has a space-saving, robust and cost-effective design and whose overcurrent and short-circuit protection elements are re-engageable, whereby a Installation of the switching device in less accessible Areas of the motor vehicle possible becomes.

ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION

The The object underlying the present invention is achieved by a switching device of the type mentioned above with the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments of the invention.

• – eine Mehrzahl elektromechanischer bistabiler Schalter, wobei jeder der bistabilen Schalter zwischen einem ersten Schaltzustand und mindestens einem zweiten Schaltzustand umschaltbar ist;
• – mindestens ein Aktuatormittel, welches den bistabilen Schaltern zugeordnet ist, geeignet, die bistabilen Schalter selektiv zwischen den beiden Schaltzuständen umzuschalten.

According to claim 1, a switching device according to the invention which is suitable for the remote-controllable circuit of electrical consumers comprises:

• A plurality of electromechanical bistable switches, each of the bistable switches being switchable between a first switching state and at least a second switching state;
• - At least one actuator means, which is associated with the bistable switches, suitable to selectively switch the bistable switches between the two switching states.

The switching device according to the invention, which is particularly suitable for use in a motor vehicle, has in comparison to the known from the prior art fuse and relay boxes a relatively simple, robust and cost-effective design. The switching device uses to switch off overcurrents and short circuits again switchable switches that do not need to be replaced after securing. The switching device can thus be installed in relatively difficult to access areas of a motor vehicle. The use of the switching device as a replacement for a conventional fuse and relay box or as a module within an intelligent fuse and relay box can reduce the space and material requirements required to switch the electrical loads and protect the wires there, as well as the bulk of the module. The electromechanical bistable switches may include, for example, a movable switch contact carrier to which at least one electrical switch contact is attached and at least one fixed switch contact carrier to which at least one switching contact is attached, have. The movable switch contact carrier may be, for example, a flexible switch contact spring. In a closed switching position of the bistable switch, the switching contacts touch with a corresponding contact force, so that a current flow is possible. In an open switching position, the switching contacts have a predetermined minimum contact spacing, so that the current flow is interrupted. The design of the switches as a bistable switch consumers or buses that are usually permanently connected to the electrical system of the motor vehicle, in certain vehicle states, such as long-term parking, a shipment of the motor vehicle, at low charge states of the vehicle battery or the like, selectively from the electrical system be separated without the need to use a separate bistable electrical relay or a separate semiconductor switch for each of these consumers.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment is proposed in that the at least one actuator means is designed such that it can perform at least two independent movements, to toggle each of the bistable switches between the two switching states. The bistable switches of the switching device can, for example, in one Row next to each other or arranged in a circle. It For example, there is also the option to arrange the bistable switches in several levels one above the other. The at least one actuator means of the switching device is designed to that each of the bistable switches by means of a translational movement, a rotational movement or a combined translation and Rotation movement can be selectively controlled.

It can in a preferred embodiment be provided that the switching device is an electronic control unit includes that for a control of the at least one actuator means in dependence is set up by external control signals. The electronic Control unit can, for example, over at least one communication interface with the electrical system of Be connected to motor vehicle. In one via the communication interface incoming request to turn on or off one of the bistable Switch, the actuator means to the corresponding bistable Switch led become. The bistable switch is actuated and transferred to the desired switching position.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment is proposed in that the at least one actuator means for contactless switching over bistable switch is set up.

Preferably the at least one actuator means has at least one activating agent and at least one positioning device for the at least one activating agent on.

Preferably the bistable switches comprise at least one actuating means, that for an engagement with the at least one activating means of the actuator means suitable is. For example, the actuating means, an actuating portion which is integral with the movable switch contact carrier of the bistable switch can be formed.

Around a non-contact Activation of the bistable switches can be provided, the at least one activating agent is an electromagnet. An electromagnet allows a reliable contactless Switching the bistable switches of the switching device when their actuating means by means of a magnetic force (for example ferromagnetic or permanent magnetic) is switchable.

Around a recording of the operating conditions the bistable switch or during operation of the switching device to make it possible for connected consumers to exist in a special way advantageous embodiment the possibility, that the switching device comprises sensor means, suitable, the temperature the bistable switch and / or the current flowing through the bistable switches capture.

For example can the sensor means be integrated in the bistable switch. By the preferably electronic detection of the currents can after exceeding of allowable currents specifiable current / time characteristics and short circuits detected be interrupted and by means of the actuator means. Consequently can the current / time turn-off characteristic to the permissible current / time characteristic of the connected loads, cables or other components be adapted in or on the load path. By detecting load currents can the switching device further information about the load currents to a parent Transmit electrical system of the motor vehicle, for example, quiescent power management, energy consumption management or to support other energy management functions. The Switching device thus forms an intelligent, feedback-capable mechatronic System.

In order to prevent damage to the bistable switches or the electrical consumers which are connected to the bistable switches, it is proposed in a particularly advantageous embodiment that at least ei nigen of bistable switches include a protective device, suitable to turn off the bistable switch when a maximum temperature and / or a maximum current is exceeded. By integrating a fuse function and a relay function in the bistable switch the cost of providing these functions and the otherwise required effort for corresponding electrical connections is reduced.

For example For example, the protection device may comprise a bimetallic actuator which is within the bistable Switch or directly attached to the bistable switch. A bimetallic actuator can be relatively easy to integrate in the bistable switch and allows one reliable Shutdown on exceeding a critical temperature within the bistable switch.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment is proposed in that the switching device comprises means for detecting an ambient temperature the bistable switch and means for detecting a vehicle electrical system voltage a motor vehicle, which is connected to the electronic control unit are connected. Through these measures, the evaluation the electric currents further clarified and be improved. The preferably with the help of one or more Temperature sensors measured ambient temperatures of the bistable Switch and the measured vehicle electrical system voltage are in the electronic Control unit read and processed there.

DRAWINGS

Further Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures. Show in it

1 a schematic representation of a switching device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

2 a schematic representation of the switching device according to 1 with an electronic control unit;

3 a schematic representation of a switching device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

4a a side view of a first embodiment of a bistable switch for a switching device in an open state;

4b a side view of the bistable switch according to 4a in a closed state;

4c a plan view of the bistable switch according to 4a and 4b ;

5a a side view of a second embodiment of a bistable switch for a switching device in an open state;

5b a side view of the bistable switch according to 5a in a closed state;

5c a plan view of the bistable switch according to 5a and 5b ;

6a a side view of a third embodiment of a bistable switch for a switching device in an open state;

6b a side view of the bistable switch according to 6a in a closed state;

6c a plan view of the bistable switch according to 6a and 6b ;

7a a side view of a fourth embodiment of a bistable switch for a switching device in an open state;

7b a side view of the bistable switch according to 7a in a closed state;

7c a plan view of the bistable switch according to 7a and 7b ,

DESCRIPTION THE EMBODIMENTS

In 1 is a switching device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention shown schematically greatly simplified in order to explain the basic principle of the invention in more detail. The switching device 1 , which is particularly suitable for integration into a motor vehicle, comprises a plurality of bistable switches 2 , which can be switched in each case between two different switching states and thereby to the remote-controlled circuit and in particular for the remote-controlled switching on and off of electrical consumers, which after mounting to the bistable switch 2 are connected, are suitable. Furthermore, the switching device comprises 1 an actuator means 3 , which is suitable for each of the bistable switches 2 selectively put into one of its two switching states.

The actuator means 3 includes in this off example of an activating agent 31 for the bistable switches 2 which is an electromagnet in this embodiment. Furthermore, the actuator means comprises 3 a positioning device 30 for the activating agent 31 , The positioning device 30 in this embodiment comprises a motor for positioning the activating means 31 , The positioning device 30 to which the activating agent 31 is connected in this embodiment is designed so that it has a translational movement of the activating agent 31 can cause. The possible directions of translation of the activator 31 are in 1 indicated by a double arrow.

With the help of the positioning device 30 may be the activating agent 31 selective to each of the bistable switches 2 to be moved. The activating agent 31 then selects the selected and appropriately driven bistable switch 2 actuate and thereby convert from a first switching state to a second switching state or from the second switching state to the first switching state. Switching the bistable switches 2 takes place in this embodiment, contactless with the aid of the activating means designed as an electromagnet 31 ,

According to an alternative, although not explicitly shown embodiment, it can be provided that the activating agent 31 is operable in such a way that in one of its possible switching states, a mechanical action between the positioning device 30 and one of the bistable switches 2 can convey. To toggle the corresponding bistable switch 2 required force is then from the positioning device 30 applied. The activating agent 31 can itself to the selected bistable switch 2 be moved to switch this. Alternatively, there is also the possibility that an actuating element, which of the positioning device 30 is adjusted by the activating agent 31 (optionally by means of a further actuating element) is actuated to the corresponding bistable switch 2 to press.

In further, also not explicitly shown here, alternative embodiments of the switching device 1 there is a possibility that the bistable switch 2 are arranged in two or more parallel and optionally also opposite rows and that the actuator means 3 and in particular the activating agent 31 is designed so that the different rows with bistable switches 2 selectively from the actuator means 3 can be controlled.

In 2 is the in 1 illustrated and already described in detail switching device 1 with an electronic control unit 4 shown. It can be seen that the control unit 4 with the actuator means 3 or with multiple actuator means 3 connected is. The electronic control unit 4 includes drivers 40 for the actuator (s) 3 as well as processing means in this embodiment 41 for sensor and sensor signals. Sensor signals, for example, from a sensor means 5 inside the bistable switch 2 can be detected, become the electronic control unit 4 transferred and using the processing means 41 processed. The electronic control unit 4 is in this embodiment also via at least one communication interface 42 connected to an electrical system of the motor vehicle. In one via the communication interface 42 incoming request to turn on or off one of the bistable switches 2 , leads the control unit 4 with the help of the driver 40 the positioning device 30 to the corresponding bistable switch 2 which is to be switched. Then, then the bistable switch 2 with the help of the activating agent 31 and optionally with the further assistance of the positioning device 30 actuated and transferred to the desired switching position. The electronic control unit 4 can be designed so that they by means of existing sensor signals from the bistable switches 2 and optionally further signals of the sensor means 5 which, for example, the temperature inside the bistable switch 2 , which can detect ambient temperatures, vehicle electrical system voltages or the like, special operating cases or malfunctions of the bistable switches 2 and / or the lines or consumers connected thereto and, depending on the method, the electronic circuit unit 4 are programmed, the one or more relevant bistable switch 2 on. Such accidents can be, for example, short circuits, overloads, undervoltages, arcing faults or the like. The electronic control unit 4 In particular, it can also be programmed in such a way that it causes such incidents via the communication interface 42 reports to the electrical system of the motor vehicle. The sensor means 5 can be inside or outside the control unit 4 or inside or outside the bistable switch 2 be arranged. For example, the sensor means 5 on an actuating element 25 of the bistable switch 2 that, for example, in 4c can be seen arranged. Furthermore, the control unit 4 be programmed with strategies for the treatment of special operating situations, such as the vehicle start, the shutdown of the vehicle or the like. By detecting the load current, the electronic control unit 4 For example, also transmit information about the load currents to a higher-level onboard power management system of the motor vehicle.

In 3 is a switching device 1 according to a second embodiment shown schematically greatly simplified. On a representation of the electronic control unit has been omitted here for simplicity. It can be seen that in this embodiment a plurality of bistable switches 2 is arranged concentrically in a circle. The actuator means 3 includes in this embodiment a positioning device 30 or at least one to the positioning device 30 coupled actuator, which inside, outside, above or below the bistable switch 2 can be arranged. Furthermore, the actuator means comprises 3 , as already explained in connection with the first embodiment, at least one activating agent 31 which is suitable for the bistable switches 2 the switching device 1 to selectively switch between their switching states. It can be seen that in this embodiment, both a rotational and a translational movement of the activating agent 31 is possible. The corresponding directions of movement are again indicated by arrows.

As a positioning device 30 For example, in the embodiments described herein, a linear motor or a rotary motor may be used in a linear arrangement of the bistable switches 2 is combined with a linear converter, as well as a Tauchspul- or Tauchankermagnet be used. The linear converter may in particular comprise a traction mechanism, a screw gear or the like. The in the switching devices described here 1 used motors can be designed as a servo drive or as a stepper drive.

The motors can with the control device 4 , the above in connection with the first embodiment of the switching device 1 has already been explained, or alternatively be controlled by means of a position sensor and a control device.

As activating agent 31 can in the embodiments shown here, the switching device 1 a suitably designed drive or a single or multi-coil electromagnet (optionally together with a permanent magnet) an electrothermal, piezoelectric or other, electrically controllable drive can be used. As actuating means for the bistable switches 2 For example, levers, articulated linear guides, snap springs, pins or the like can be used.

A first embodiment of a bistable switch 2 , who in the presented here switching devices 1 can be used is in 4a to 4c shown. In 4a is the bistable switch 2 in an open switching state and in 4b shown in a closed switching state. The bistable switch 2 includes a movable switch contact carrier 20 , which is designed in this embodiment as a flexible switch contact spring, and at least one fixed switch contact carrier 22 , It consists in alternative embodiments of the bistable switch shown here 2 also the possibility of providing one or more contact bridges or one or more rigid contact carriers, which can interact with one or more resilient elements in such a way that the bistable switch 2 can hold both the open and the closed switching position without an externally attacking operation.

On the movable switch contact carrier 20 is at least one electrical switching contact 21 attached. Furthermore, on the fixed switch contact carrier 22 also at least one electrical switching contact 23 attached. The switching contacts 21 . 23 For example, they may comprise riveted or welded-on contact pieces or other surfaces suitable as switching contacts. For example, as switching contacts 21 . 23 also specially coated areas of the surfaces of the switch contact carrier 20 . 22 serve.

The bistable switch 2 further comprises a housing 24 , It can be seen that the bistable switch 2 a holder 26 for the movable switch contact carrier 20 has, as well as the fixed switch contact carrier 22 partially from the housing 24 protrudes. There is also the possibility that the holder 26 even a part of the case 24 forms. In the closed switching position, the in 4b is shown, the switch contacts touch 21 . 23 with a contact force, so that a current flow can take place. In the in 4a shown open switching position have the switching contacts 21 . 23 a predetermined minimum distance from each other.

The movable switch contact carrier 20 or on this engaging resilient elements comprise at least one actuating means, by the actuation of the bistable switch 2 can be switched from one switching position to the other switching position and so for example from in the 4b shown closed position in the in 4a shown opened position can be transferred. The actuating means is an actuating portion in this embodiment 25 integral with the movable switch contact carrier 20 is trained. With reference to 4c you can see that the operating section 25 through an opening (without reference numeral) of the housing 24 is accessible from the outside. There is basically also the possibility probability of a force coupling, which can be mediated for example by a ferromagnetic actuating means in cooperation with an externally acting magnetic force.

The switch contact spring, in this embodiment, the movable switch contact carrier 20 forms, has at least two resilient sections 201 . 202 on and is in itself by means of a bead 203 or shortening of at least one of the resilient sections 201 . 202 longitudinally, transversely or obliquely clamped to the spring direction, so that the switch contact spring 20 the tension in two possible stable positions can at least partially dodge. These two stable positions of the movable switch contact carrier 20 form as in 4a and 4b to recognize the open or the closed switching position of the bistable switch 2 , The switch contact spring may alternatively obtain a bistable characteristic even with only one resilient portion and a deformation in itself (for example, a dome).

The two switch contact carriers 20 . 22 or the holder 26 The movable switch contact carrier may be integral or multi-piece with terminals 27 . 28 be educated. There is the possibility of simplifying the installation, all or at least make several contact parts of a common punched grid and separate in the assembly process.

In addition to the connections 27 . 28 , which are used to guide the current of the load current to the switch contact carriers 20 . 22 can provide additional connections for a low-noise electrical detection of the operating state of the bistable switch 2 (In particular, a measurement of the load current) may be provided. Such an embodiment of a bistable switch 2 is in 5a to 5c shown. An essential difference to the embodiment described above is that two additional connections 50 . 51 are provided from the housing 24 of the bistable switch 2 led out.

The bistable switches 2 the switching device 1 may be at least partially equipped with a protective device which, when exceeding an allowable temperature or when exceeding a maximum allowable current flow within the respective bistable switch 2 can open it again automatically to interrupt the flow of current. In 6a to 6c is a bistable switch 2 shown with such a protective device. The bistable switch 2 includes in this embodiment an additional thermo-bimetallic triggering element 204 on the holder 26 the movable switch contact carrier 20 is mounted and substantially parallel to the movable switch contact carrier 20 extends. The thermo-bimetallic triggering element 204 is formed in such a way that, in the case of excessive heating, the movable switching contact carrier embodied as a switching contact spring 20 touched and thereby trigger and thereby the bistable switch 2 transferred to the open switching position. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the protection device may also include a permanent magnet connected to the movable switch contact carrier 20 can be coupled, wherein the magnetic field of the permanent magnet is oriented in such a way that it is repelled by the magnetic field of an excessively high load current, whereby the permanent magnet (optionally with the aid of an additional trigger) on the movable switch contact carrier 20 generates acting tripping force and this transferred to the open switching position.

Another embodiment of a bistable switch 2 , which is suitable for one of the switching devices presented here, is in 7a to 7c shown. It can be seen that the bistable switch 2 a spring element 6 comprising, on an inner wall of the housing 24 is attached and to a free end of the movable switch contact carrier 20 which in turn is designed as a switch contact spring extends and is engaged with this. The spring element 6 can, as in

7a to 7c shown to be a tortuous spring or alternatively a flat or wireform spring.

The outgoing connections 27 . 28 . 50 . 51 the switch contact carrier 20 . 22 are in the embodiments of the bistable switch described herein 2 designed as a flat plug connections. However, it is also possible to form these as solder connections, press-in connections or blade receptacles or the like. The directions in which the connections 27 . 28 . 50 . 51 from the case 24 can extend, can be arbitrary.

Claims (11)

Switching device ( 1 ) suitable for the remote-controllable switching of electrical consumers, comprising: - a plurality of electromechanical bistable switches ( 2 ), each of the bistable switches ( 2 ) is switchable between a first switching state and at least one second switching state; At least one actuator means ( 3 ), which the bistable switches ( 2 ), each of the bistable switches ( 2 ) selectively switch between the two switching states. Switching device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one actuator means ( 3 ) is adapted to perform at least two mutually independent movements around each of the bistable switches ( 2 ) to switch between the two switching states. Switching device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching device ( 1 ) an electronic control unit ( 4 ) for controlling the at least one actuator means ( 3 ) is established in response to external control signals. Switching device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one actuator means ( 3 ) for a non-contact switching of the bistable switches ( 2 ) is set up. Switching device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one actuator means ( 3 ) at least one activating agent ( 31 ) and at least one positioning device ( 30 ) for the at least one activating agent ( 31 ) having. Switching device ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the bistable switches ( 2 ) comprise at least one actuating means which is suitable for engagement with the at least one activation means ( 31 ) of the actuator means ( 3 ) suitable is. Switching device ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the at least one activating agent ( 31 ) is an electromagnet. Switching device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the switching device ( 1 ) Sensor means ( 5 ), the temperature of the bistable switches ( 2 ) and / or through the bistable switches ( 2 ) to detect flowing current. Switching device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least some of the bistable switches ( 2 ) comprise a protective device suitable for switching the bistable switch ( 2 ) when a maximum temperature and / or a maximum current is exceeded. Switching device ( 1 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the protective device comprises a bimetallic actuator which is inside the bistable switch ( 2 ) or directly at the bistable switch ( 2 ) is attached. Switching device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the switching device ( 1 ) Means for detecting an ambient temperature of the bistable switches ( 2 ) and means for detecting a vehicle electrical system voltage of a motor vehicle, which to the electronic control unit ( 4 ) are connected.