Patent Description:
Electric vehicles such as electric cars can comprise high voltage circuits which connect the high-voltage components of the electric powertrain of the vehicle in order to operate the electric vehicle (for example, the high voltage circuit which connects the individual cells of an electric vehicle battery). However, such high voltage circuits must be broken in order to isolate the components they run through for servicing or testing. For example, the electrical output of an electric vehicle battery must be isolated by breaking the high voltage circuit which connects the battery cells within the battery in order to service or test the battery.

Known products for isolating the battery (sometimes referred to as manual service disconnect products) can be large and heavy, as the products both carry and break the high voltage circuit. Such isolation mechanisms can therefore require large and heavy conductors, due to the high voltages and currents involved. For such applications, it is therefore desirable to provide a product for breaking the high voltage circuit within the battery system which can be smaller and lighter than traditional products. It is also desirable to provide a product which facilitates isolation of the battery in a simple and intuitive manner, whilst ensuring the safety of the user.

Such a product which facilitates isolation of electrical components in an electrical circuit in a simple and intuitive manner is also desirable in any application where one or more components need to be isolated from an electric circuit in order to safely service and/or test said components.

<CIT> discloses a test switch which includes a switch lever, a test port configured to directly couple to a standard connector, a relay port, a field port, and an insulated frame configured to electrically insulate at least some electrically conductive portions of the test port, the relay connector, and the field connector from contact by a user. A user may actuate the switch lever in order to reconfigure the electrical test switch from a first configuration to a second configuration. In the first configuration, the test port contact is electrically isolated from the relay connector and the field connector is electrically connected to the relay connector. In the second configuration, the test port contact is electrically connected to the relay connector and the relay connector is electrically isolated from the field connector.

In a first aspect, an apparatus is provided as defined in the appended independent apparatus claim, with optional features defined in the appended dependent claims. In a second aspect, a method comprising operating the apparatus of the first aspect is provided. An electric powertrain comprising the apparatus of the first aspect and an electric vehicle comprising the apparatus of the first aspect are also provided.

In the following description, an isolating switch for a circuit is described. The isolating switch comprises: a switching mechanism movable between an open position in which the circuit is open and a closed position in which the circuit is closed; and a housing. The housing comprises: a first housing component coupled to and enclosing the switching mechanism; a second housing component coupled to the switching mechanism and movable with respect to the first housing component to move the switching mechanism between the open position and the closed position; at least one aperture; and at least one test point electrically connected to the circuit. The second housing component is movable with respect to the first housing component between at least: a first relative position in which the switching mechanism is in the closed position and the at least one test point is not exposed; a second relative position in which the switching mechanism is in the open position and the at least one test point is not exposed; and a third relative position in which the switching mechanism is in either the closed or the open position and the at least one test point is exposed through the at least one aperture.

This switching architecture can advantageously facilitate disconnection of a voltage within a circuit system (i.e. breaking of the circuit) in a simple manner. In particular, by providing a second housing component which is movable between three relative positions with respect to a first housing component, electrical isolation of components forming part of the circuit can be achieved in an intuitive manner. This arrangement can also provide for testing of the components through the at least one test point, whilst preventing access to the test point(s) when the isolating switch is in a non-testing configuration, which can facilitate an increase in user safety. Moreover, the above arrangement can facilitate location of the isolating switch in a location remote from other components connected to the circuit, which can provide ease of access to an end-user or service person.

In applications such as electric vehicles, the isolating switch can also be smaller and lighter than traditional manual service disconnect products, since the isolating switch can be used to switch a high voltage interlock loop (HVIL), a low-voltage circuit which runs through the high voltage components of the electric vehicle, rather than the high voltage circuit of the electrical system itself. If the HVIL is broken, all the high-voltage components the HVIL runs through will be isolated from their associated high voltage circuits and discharged, without requiring physical switching of the high voltage circuit. For example, breaking of the HVIL may trigger a shut-off program to shut down the high voltage circuit. Alternatively, a relay mechanism may be used. The HVIL is a much lower voltage circuit than the high voltage circuit which powers the battery, and therefore the isolating switch used to break the circuit can utilise smaller conductors than would be needed with known products, which traditionally are arranged to carry and switch the high voltage circuit. Alternatively, the isolating switch could be arranged to switch the high voltage circuit itself.

Advantageously, the at least one aperture is arranged in one of the first or second housing components of the housing. The at least one test point is then arranged in the other of the first or second housing components of the housing, i.e. the housing component which does not comprise the at least one aperture. In some embodiments, the at least one aperture is arranged in the second housing component and the at least one test point is arranged in the first housing component. In other embodiments, the at least one aperture is arranged in the first housing component and the at least one test point is arranged in the second housing component. In these arrangements, the at least one test point can be exposed and accessed via an overlap of the at least one aperture with the at least one test point. This architecture can facilitate the provision of a smaller and more compact isolating switch, since it can enable the first and second housing component to be nested (or otherwise located one inside the other).

Optionally, the second housing component is movable with respect to the first housing component between four relative positions, wherein in the third relative position the switching mechanism is in the open position and the at least one test point is exposed through the at least one aperture and in a fourth relative position the switching mechanism is in the closed position and the at least one test point is exposed through the at least one aperture. This arrangement can facilitate a broad range of circuit connections via movement of the switching mechanism, and can enable servicing and/or testing of the circuit and its associated components in both an open and closed arrangement (i.e. when the components are either live or not live, or dead). As used herein, "live" refers to electrically live.

Optionally, the at least one test point exposed in the third relative position is the same at least one test point as that exposed in the fourth relative position. Since fewer electrical components may be required in order for the isolating switch to operate effectively, this can facilitate the provision of an isolating switch which is simpler, and requires less material, to manufacture. Alternatively, the at least one test point exposed in the third relative position is a different at least one test point to that exposed in the fourth relative position. This can facilitate a broader range of geometries of the isolating switch housing, which can allow the isolating switch to be used in a greater range of applications.

In a first group of embodiments, the second housing component is rotatable with respect to the first housing component. Optionally, the switching mechanism comprises a rotary switch, optionally a rotary cam switch. A rotational isolating switch arrangement can facilitate the provision of a more compact isolating switch, since the second housing component can rotate relative to the first housing component without requiring additional space around the isolating switch. As such, a rotational isolating switch arrangement may be beneficial in applications where space is particularly limited.

In a second group of embodiments, the second housing component is movable in a linear direction with respect to the first housing component, i.e. the second housing component can be translated with respect to the first housing component. Optionally, the switching mechanism comprises a rotary switch arranged to convert translational movement of the second housing component into rotational movement of the switching mechanism. Alternatively, the switching mechanism comprises a linear switch. Such a linear isolating switch arrangement can facilitate the provision of a greater range of isolating switch housing geometries, which can provide for a greater range of applications said isolating switch. Moreover, the switching mechanism can be smaller than in some rotational applications, which can provide for a smaller housing overall.

Optionally, the first and second housing components each comprise at least one opening arranged such that, when the switching mechanism is in the open position, an opening of the first housing component and an opening of the second housing component overlap. Optionally, the openings are for receiving a shackle or pin of a locking mechanism. The ability to use or apply a locking mechanism to the isolating switch when the switch is in the open position can improve the safety of an end-user or service person. In particular, the openings can facilitate locking off the isolating switch when the switching mechanism is in one, or both, of the open positions (i.e. when the circuit is broken and the components are electrically isolated); this can improve user safety whilst the components are being serviced. Additionally or alternatively, the openings may be arranged such that they overlap when the switching mechanism is in one or both of the closed positions.

Optionally, the isolating switch is for a high voltage interlock loop (HVIL) circuit of an electric vehicle. Optionally, there is provided an electric vehicle comprising said isolating switch. In some arrangements, there is provided an electric vehicle comprising an isolating switch of any of the above described arrangements, the electric vehicle further comprising an HVIL circuit; and a battery pack connected to the HVIL circuit, wherein when the second housing component is in the first or the fourth relative positions, the battery pack is live, and when the second housing component is in the second or the third relative positions, the battery pack is not live.

The isolating switch can be advantageous in such an application, since it can facilitate a simple and intuitive isolation of the electric vehicle battery for sensing and/or testing. The isolating switch can also be located remotely from the battery pack for ease of access. The above described isolating switch can also be smaller in size and lighter in weight than traditional manual service disconnect products for the servicing of batteries of electric vehicles, which switch the high voltage circuit that powers the battery, since the isolating switch can be applied to the low-voltage HVIL circuit associated with the battery (i.e. smaller components are needed due to the lower voltages involved).

Optionally, there is provided a powertrain for an electric vehicle comprising an isolating switch of any of the above described arrangements. Optionally, there is provided an electric vehicle comprising said powertrain.

The following description is with reference to the following Figures:.

With reference to <FIG>, embodiments of a housing of an isolating switch <NUM> are described. Switch <NUM> comprises a housing, said housing comprising first housing component <NUM> and second housing component <NUM>. Second housing component <NUM> is movable with respect to the first housing component <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, said movement can be rotational. With reference to <FIG>, said movement can be linear, or translational. Alternatively, any other suitable movement of the second housing component relative to the first housing component can be employed in order to operate the isolating switch <NUM>, which operation will be described below.

The isolating switch <NUM> also comprises a switching mechanism <NUM> (shown in <FIG> within the dashed box). In particular, the first housing component <NUM> is coupled to and encloses the switching mechanism. The switching mechanism is movable between an open position in which a circuit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to which the switching mechanism is connected is open, and a closed position in which the circuit <NUM> is closed. Operation of the switching mechanism is facilitated by movement of the second housing component <NUM> relative to the first housing component <NUM>. This arrangement will be described in more detail below with reference to <FIG>.

The housing of the isolating switch <NUM> further comprises at least one aperture <NUM>. The at least one aperture is shown in <FIG> as three separate apertures, but it will be understood that a single aperture, two apertures, or more than three apertures may be provided as appropriate. The at least one aperture is advantageously provided in one of the first or second housing components <NUM>, <NUM>. As can be seen from <FIG>, the at least one aperture <NUM> can be provided in the second housing component <NUM>. Alternatively, as can be seen from <FIG>, the at least one aperture <NUM> can be provided in the first housing component <NUM>.

The housing of the isolating switch <NUM> further comprises at least one test point <NUM>. The at least one aperture <NUM> is advantageously arranged such that, in some relative positions of the first and second housing components <NUM>, <NUM>, the at least one test point <NUM> of the housing is exposed. In order to facilitate this arrangement, the at least one aperture <NUM> can be arranged in one of the first <NUM> or second <NUM> housing components, and the at least one test point <NUM> can be arranged in the other of the first or second housing components <NUM>, <NUM>. The at least one test point <NUM> allows application of one or more external electrical devices, such as a multi-meter, to components connected to circuit <NUM> to facilitate testing of said components.

The housing optionally further comprises means for locking the isolating switch. The means for locking can be any means suitable for preventing or obstructing movement of the second housing component relative to the first housing component. For example, the locking means can be a physical locking mechanism, a click fit mechanism, protrusions and/or openings on the first and/or second housing components which facilitate locking of the isolating switch, or any other suitable mechanism. The use of a locking means can facilitate the safer servicing of components electrically connected to a circuit by way of the switching mechanism of the isolating switch by helping to prevent the isolating switch from being operated during servicing by a user.

The means for locking can optionally comprise one or more openings arranged to receive a lock. In the first and second groups of embodiments described herein, the first and second housing components <NUM>, <NUM> each comprise at least one opening <NUM> arranged to receive a shackle or pin of a locking mechanism. In some (or all) relative positions of the first and second housing components, the openings <NUM> overlap. The openings thus facilitate use of a locking mechanism in order to lock the isolating switch <NUM> when the second housing component <NUM> is in one or more specific positions with respect to the first housing component <NUM>. For example, a lock can be passed through the openings <NUM> when the at least one test point <NUM> is exposed, as shown in <FIG>, in order that the second housing component <NUM> cannot be moved relative to the first housing component <NUM>. This arrangement can facilitate safer servicing of components to which the isolating switch is operatively coupled.

With reference to <FIG>, the switching mechanism <NUM> of the isolating switch <NUM> is described. <FIG> describes the switching arrangement when the second housing <NUM> is movable in a rotational manner with respect to the first housing component <NUM> (first group of embodiments), and <FIG> describes the switching arrangement when the second housing component <NUM> is movable in a linear direction with respect to the first housing component <NUM> (second group of embodiments). <FIG> illustrates the arrangement of the isolating switch <NUM> (in particular the at least one test point <NUM> and switching mechanism <NUM>) with respect to circuit <NUM>.

Switching mechanism <NUM> in <FIG> is a rotary cam mechanism, but any other suitable rotary or linear switching mechanism can be used. First housing component <NUM> encloses and is coupled to the switching mechanism <NUM>. Second housing component <NUM> is coupled to switching mechanism <NUM> at a coupling point <NUM>, such that rotation of the second housing component <NUM> relative to the first housing component <NUM> moves the switching mechanism <NUM> between an open position in which the circuit <NUM> is open and a closed position in which the circuit <NUM> is closed. In particular, rotation of second housing component <NUM> causes rotation of cam member 112a relative to resilient members 112b. Cam member 112a is arranged such that, in some positions, the cam member 112a exerts a force on the resilient members 112b in order to close the circuit, and in other positions no force is exerted on the resilient members 112b by cam member 112a and the circuit is open.

In other words, rotation of the second housing component <NUM> relative to the first housing component <NUM> causes circuit <NUM> to be opened and closed by way of switching mechanism <NUM>. Second housing component <NUM> is movable between four positions relative to first housing component <NUM> in the embodiment shown in <FIG> and, as such, cam member 112a is also movable between four positions due to the coupling between the cam member 112a and the second housing component <NUM>. Such coupling may be direct or indirect. However, due to the offset positions of resilient members 112b and the geometry of cam member 112a, the overall switching mechanism <NUM> is movable only between two positions - an open position in which circuit <NUM> is open, and a closed position in which circuit <NUM> is closed.

Switching mechanism <NUM> in <FIG> is a linear switch mechanism, but any other suitable rotary or linear switching mechanism can be used. First housing component <NUM> encloses and is coupled to the switching mechanism <NUM>. Second housing component <NUM> is coupled to switching mechanism <NUM> at a coupling point <NUM> such that translation of the second housing component <NUM> relative to the first housing component <NUM> moves member 112a relative to resilient members 112b to open and close circuit <NUM>. In particular, the geometry of member 112a provides two different positions for switching mechanism <NUM> - a closed position in which member 112a exerts a force on resilient members 112b in order to close circuit <NUM>, and an open position in which no force is exerted on resilient members 112b by member 112a and circuit <NUM> is open.

Second housing component <NUM> is movable between four positions relative to first housing component <NUM> in <FIG> and, as such, member 112a is also movable between four positions due to the coupling between the member 112a and the second housing component <NUM>. Such coupling may be direct or indirect. The geometry of member 112a of switching mechanism <NUM> however provides for the overall switching mechanism <NUM> to be movable only between the open and the closed positions.

With reference to <FIG>, the position and operation of the isolating switch <NUM> is described. The isolating switch <NUM> allows components connected to circuit <NUM> to be isolated for servicing. In arrangements where circuit <NUM> is a high voltage interlock loop (HVIL) circuit, which runs through components of an electric vehicle such as battery pack <NUM>, switching the HVIL indirectly isolates the battery <NUM>. In addition, operation of the isolating switch <NUM> can expose one or more test points <NUM>, which test point(s) are electrically connected to said components, for use in said servicing. When switching mechanism <NUM> (shown within the dashed box) of isolating switch <NUM> is in the open position, the HVIL circuit is open and the battery <NUM> is off, or not live. When switching mechanism <NUM> is in the closed position, the HVIL circuit is closed and the battery <NUM> is live.

At least three, and advantageously four, arrangements of the second housing component <NUM> relative to the first housing component <NUM> are envisaged in order to facilitate normal operation of the circuit <NUM> and testing of component(s) electrically connected to said circuit. In a first relative position, switching mechanism <NUM> is in the closed position such that circuit <NUM> is closed and battery <NUM> is live, and the at least one test point <NUM> is not exposed. In a second relative position, switching mechanism <NUM> is in the open position such that circuit <NUM> is open and battery <NUM> is not live, and the at least one test point <NUM> is not exposed. In a third relative position, the at least one test point <NUM> is exposed and the switching mechanism <NUM> is in either the open or the closed position. This can facilitate testing of the battery <NUM> in a simple and effective manner.

When four arrangements of the second housing component relative to the first housing component are provided, in the third relative position the at least one test point <NUM> is exposed and the switching mechanism <NUM> is in the open position. In a fourth relative position, switching mechanism <NUM> is in the closed position and the at least one test point <NUM> is exposed. Exposure of the at least one test point <NUM> when the circuit <NUM> is in both the open and the closed positions can provide the ability to service and/or test the components connected to circuit <NUM>, such as battery <NUM>, through the at least one test point <NUM> in a flexible manner. In particular, this arrangement can provide a user with a safer servicing facility, since the components electrically connected to circuit <NUM> can be quickly and easily isolated, and then tested in a simple manner through the exposed test point(s). Moreover, provision of the first and second relative positions, in which the at least one test point is not exposed, can facilitate the safe isolation of components such as battery <NUM> from the circuit <NUM>, since the user is not exposed to live terminals during said isolation procedure.

The four relative positions of the second housing component <NUM> relative to the first housing component <NUM> are described below in more detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In particular, <FIG> describe these four relative positions with respect to the first group of, rotational, embodiments, and <FIG> describe these four positions with respect to the second group of, translational (or linear), embodiments. In each of these Figures, the left drawing is a perspective view of the isolating switch <NUM> and the right drawing is a top (first group of embodiments) or side (second group of embodiments) view of the isolating switch <NUM>.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, second housing component <NUM> is in a first position <NUM> relative to first housing component <NUM>. In the first position <NUM>, switching mechanism <NUM> is in the closed position and circuit <NUM> is closed. Components connected to the circuit <NUM>, such as a battery, are live. This arrangement can be communicated to a user in a simple and easy manner by symbol <NUM>. In other words, symbol <NUM> is representative, or is a visual representation, of the current relative position of the first and second housing components. The at least one test point <NUM> is covered by the second housing component <NUM> - in other words, the at least one aperture <NUM> does not align with the at least one test point <NUM> and the at least one test point <NUM> is not exposed.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, second housing component <NUM> is in a second position <NUM> relative to the first housing component <NUM>. In the second relative position <NUM>, switching mechanism <NUM> is in the open position and circuit <NUM> is open. Components connected to the circuit <NUM>, such as a battery, are not live (i.e. no current is running through them). Again, this relative position can be communicated to a user with symbol <NUM>. As with the first relative position <NUM>, the at least one test point <NUM> is covered by the second housing component <NUM> - in other words, the at least one aperture <NUM> does not align with the at least one test point <NUM> and the at least one test point <NUM> is not exposed.

In the second relative position <NUM>, openings <NUM> in the first and second housing components <NUM>, <NUM> are aligned such that a locking mechanism can be applied to the isolating switch <NUM>. To achieve this, the openings <NUM> are advantageously suitable for receiving a shackle or pin of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can prevent the second housing component being moved relative to the first housing component in order that the isolating switch <NUM> can be 'locked off'. Alternatively, any other suitable means of locking can be applied instead of, or as well as, openings <NUM>.

Locking the isolating switch off when it is in an open position can prevent accidental movement of the switching mechanism to a closed position (i.e. a position where the circuit is live) whilst servicing is being conducted. The openings <NUM> therefore represent an advantageous safety feature which can prevent a user being exposed to live, potentially high current, components accidentally.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, second housing component <NUM> is in a third position <NUM> relative to the first housing component <NUM>. In the third relative position <NUM>, switching mechanism <NUM> is in the open position and circuit <NUM> is open. Components connected to the circuit <NUM>, such as a battery, are not live (i.e. no power is running through them). However, in contrast to the second relative position <NUM>, the at least one test point <NUM> is exposed through the at least one aperture <NUM>. In <FIG>, the at least one test point <NUM> is arranged in the first housing component <NUM> and the at least one aperture <NUM> is arranged in the second housing component <NUM>; the at least one aperture overlaps with, or aligns with, the at least one test point <NUM> in order to expose said test point(s). In <FIG>, the at least one test point <NUM> is arranged in the second housing component <NUM> and the at least one aperture <NUM> is arranged in the first housing component <NUM>; the at least one aperture overlaps with, or aligns with, the at least one test point <NUM> in order to expose said test point(s).

As with the second relative position <NUM>, in this third relative position <NUM> openings <NUM>, provided in the first and second housing components <NUM>, <NUM>, are aligned such that a locking mechanism can be applied to the isolating switch <NUM>. This locking mechanism can prevent the second housing component being moved relative to the first housing component and thereby can facilitate locking off of the isolating switch <NUM>. It will be understood that the openings <NUM> may be arranged such that the isolating switch <NUM> can be locked off in only one of the second and third relative positions (i.e. not both). For example, the openings <NUM> may be arranged such that the isolating switch <NUM> can only be locked off when the at least one test point is exposed (i.e. in the third relative position <NUM>), in order that the user servicing a device incorporating the isolating switch is not at risk of being exposed to live electrics whilst using the at least one test point <NUM>.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, second housing component <NUM> is in a fourth position <NUM> relative to the first housing component <NUM>. In the fourth relative position <NUM>, switching mechanism <NUM> is in the closed position and circuit <NUM> is closed. Components connected to the circuit <NUM>, such as a battery, are live (i.e. current is running through them), as in the first relative position <NUM>. However, in contrast to the first relative position <NUM>, the at least one test point <NUM> is exposed through the at least one aperture <NUM>. In <FIG>, the at least one test point <NUM> is arranged in the first housing component <NUM> and the at least one aperture <NUM> is arranged in the second housing component <NUM>; the at least one aperture overlaps with, or aligns with, the at least one test point <NUM> in order to expose said test point(s). In <FIG>, the at least one test point <NUM> is arranged in the second housing component <NUM> and the at least one aperture <NUM> is arranged in the first housing component <NUM>; the at least one aperture overlaps with, or aligns with, the at least one test point <NUM> in order to expose said test point(s).

In <FIG>, opening <NUM> in second housing component <NUM> does not overlap with a corresponding opening in the first housing component <NUM>, and thus no locking mechanism can be applied in the arrangement shown. However, it will be understood that, although not illustrated, openings <NUM> in the first and second housing components <NUM>, <NUM> can be aligned in one or both of the first and fourth relative positions in order to lock the isolating switch in a closed position. This may be additionally or alternatively to locking the isolating switch in an open position, as described above with respect to the second and third relative positions. Alternatively, any other suitable means for locking can be applied instead of, or as well as, openings <NUM>.

Any of the feature(s) described with reference to the first group of embodiments can, where not inconsistent, be combined with any feature(s) described with reference to the second group of embodiments.

More generally, the isolating switch of the first aspect is suitable for use with any circuits involved in energy storage applications, such as HVIL, a power wall or grid level storage, or machine building and panel builder applications. The switching mechanism can be any suitable switching mechanism for opening and closing a circuit. The switching mechanism may comprise resilient members, as described above, but any other suitable form of switching mechanism may be used. The switching mechanism can have any suitable number of poles or throws, provided the desired functionality (of opening and closing the circuit where the at least one test point is not exposed, and at least one of opening and closing the circuit where the at least one test point is exposed) is achieved. For example, the switching mechanism can be a one-way switch (single pole, single throw), a two-way switch (single pole, double throw), a double pole switch (double pole, single throw), or any other suitable switch architecture. Actuation of said switching mechanism can be linear, rotary, or any other suitable method of actuation.

More generally, the first housing component encloses and is coupled to the switching mechanism and the second housing component is coupled to the switching mechanism and movable with respect to the first housing component such that relative movement of the first and second housing components operates the switching mechanism. It will be understood that both the first and second housing components can be moved in order to operate the switching mechanism, or only one of the first and second housing components can be moved in order to operate the switching mechanism. In other words, the first and second housing components should be arranged such that both housing components are coupled to the switching mechanism in such a way that movement of one housing component with respect to the other opens and closes the circuit. This movement can be rotational or linear, as described above with reference to the first and second groups of embodiments, or any other suitable relative movement of the housing components.

Advantageously, the first and second housing components are formed of an electrically insulating material, for example plastic, which can reduce the risk of electrocution of a user. Alternatively, the housing may be formed of any other suitable material, for example aluminium, which can reduce the weight of the switch compared to some other materials.

More generally, the at least one aperture can comprise one aperture, two apertures, three apertures (as illustrated above with respect to the first and second groups of embodiments), or more than three apertures. The housing may further comprise a cover which covers the at least one aperture and needs to be opened or removed in order to expose the at least one test point through the at least one aperture. The at least one test point is electrically connected to the circuit, i.e. is electrically connected to one or more components forming the circuit. This arrangement can facilitate testing of said component(s). The at least one test point can comprise any suitable number of test points, i.e. one test point, two test points, three test points (as illustrated above with respect to the first and second groups of embodiments), or more than three test points. There may be the same number of aperture as test points, or a different number. For example, three test points may be exposed through a single aperture or through three smaller apertures.

With reference to <FIG>, a powertrain <NUM> comprising isolating switch <NUM> is described. In particular, powertrain <NUM> can be a powertrain for an electric vehicle <NUM>. In regard to a vehicle (e.g. a motor vehicle, a ship or boat, or a plane, etc.), a powertrain encompasses the main components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, and the drive wheels (or other drive mechanism, such as a propeller).

In an electric or hybrid vehicle, the powertrain <NUM> also includes battery <NUM> and an electric motor, for example. For example, the powertrain <NUM> comprises a high voltage interlock loop (HVIL) (the low-voltage circuit which runs through the high voltage components of the electric/hybrid vehicle but is separate to the high voltage circuit which supplies power to the battery and other powertrain components) and the isolating switch <NUM>, where battery <NUM> is indirectly connected to the HVIL circuit (such that breaking of the HVIL breaks the high voltage circuit which supplies power to the battery and isolates the battery). In this arrangement, when the second housing component is in the first or the fourth relative positions, the battery <NUM> is live, and when the second housing component is in the second or the third relative positions, the battery <NUM> is not live.

Alternatively, electric vehicle <NUM> can comprise isolating switch <NUM> in the absence of powertrain <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Claim 1:
An isolating switch (<NUM>) for isolating a component of a circuit (<NUM>), the switch comprising:
a switching mechanism (<NUM>) movable between an open position in which the circuit is open and a closed position in which the circuit is closed; and
a housing comprising:
a first housing component (<NUM>) coupled to and enclosing the switching mechanism,
a second housing component (<NUM>) coupled to the switching mechanism and movable with respect to the first housing component to move the switching mechanism between the open position and the closed position,
at least one aperture (<NUM>) arranged in one of the first or second housing components, and
at least one test point (<NUM>) which is configured to be electrically connected to the component of the circuit the closed position and arranged in the other of the first or second housing components;
wherein the second housing component is movable with respect to the first housing component between at least:
a first relative position (<NUM>) in which the switching mechanism is in the closed position and the at least one test point is not exposed through the at least one aperture,
a second relative position (<NUM>) in which the switching mechanism is in the open position and the at least one test point is not exposed through the at least one aperture, and
a third relative position (<NUM>) in which the switching mechanism is in either the closed or the open position and the at least one test point is exposed through the at least one aperture, characterized in that the at least one test point (<NUM>) is configured to be electrically connected to the component of the circuit in both the open and the close positions.