Switching device having main contact and at least two auxiliary contacts

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching device (100), comprising at least one fixed contact (1) and one movable contact (2) in a switch box (11), a contact element (4) outside the switch box, and a mechanical drive having a shaft (7), said mechanical drive being provided and designed to move the movable contact and the contact element, wherein at least two auxiliary contacts are provided outside the switch box on the side of the shaft facing away from the movable contact.

Description

[0001] The switching device is in particular designed as an electromagnetically-acting remote-controlled switch operable by a conductive current. The switching device can be activated via a control circuit and can switch a load circuit. In particular, the switching device can be designed as a relay or a contactor, in particular as a power contactor. Particularly preferably, the switching device can be designed as a gas-filled power contactor.

[0002] Possible applications of such switching devices, in particular power contactors, are, for example, the disconnection and separation of battery circuits in motor vehicles, such as electrically operated or partially electrically operated motor vehicles, or in applications in the field of recoverable energy.

[0003] For example, in their function as safety components, contactors are often additionally monitored, wherein contactor monitoring is regulated in accordance with the IEC 60947-5-1 guideline. For example, contactor monitoring should be used to detect the most common faults of contactors, relays and switches, namely so-called sticking, i.e. welding of the main contacts. This fault, also known as contactor adhesive, can be caused, for example, by an arc that forms between the contacts during a switching process under load and can cause high temperatures at the contact surfaces so that the contact surfaces are welded to each other. In addition, it is advantageous if other fault states can be detected, for example if the contacts are mechanically blocked in an open position or an intermediate state.

[0004] Typical contactors are constructed as so-called overtravel systems. This means that after the main contacts have been wired to one another via the switching bridge and thus electrically closed, the movement of the closing system continues, with the usually spring-loaded pressure of the switching bridge on the main contacts increasing. Although this overtravel is reduced again in the case of contactor adhesives, the switching bridge still remains adhered to at least one of the main contacts. The mechanical system is therefore in an intermediate state and is neither opened nor properly closed.

[0005] For example, monitoring or contactor bonding identification can be performed by means of voltage measurement via the main contacts of the contactor. If voltage is applied between the main contacts, it is concluded that the contactor is open. If no voltage is applied, it is concluded that the contactor is short-circuited and thus closed. Although this method is very safe, it is also expensive in application because the lines carrying the high voltage potential must be laid and isolated accordingly. Monitoring is usually performed by a superordinate system, for example by an analog-to-digital converter controlled by a microcontroller.

[0006] For example, it is also known that a micro switch is used in the switch box of the contactor, which is operated by a small suspension rod at the switch bridge. Shortly before the switch bridge is pressed against the main contact, the suspension rod operates the switch. Here, the switch can be constructed as a normally open contact (closed when pressed) or a normally closed contact (opened when pressed). Thus, the signal of the micro switch can also be designed inversely compared to the switching state of the contactor. The disadvantage of this solution is that the micro switch must be placed in the switch box close to the main contact. This may sometimes affect arc extinguishing or bring insulation disadvantages. In addition, the monitoring contact composed of the suspension rod and the micro switch must be constructed as a leading type. This means that before the main contact is closed, the monitoring contact changes its state. This is because when the overtravel has been used up during bonding, the micro switch still has to display the state "closed". Thus, the intermediate state or obstruction cannot be identified. Another disadvantage is the service life of the common micro switch, which can be only hundreds of thousands of switching cycles according to the implementation scheme. In addition, the lead wire must be laid to the switch, which limits the use of the ceramic discharge space that is completely airtight and sealed.

[0007] In addition, for example, an auxiliary switch is known from the publication WO 2008 / 033349 A2, which is operated via a suspension rod at the switch bridge, wherein, for example, two overlapping contacts can be pressed against each other. Although this solution is simple, cost-effective and almost wear-free. However, the solution has the disadvantage that the overlapping contacts are arranged between the main contacts, and insulation problems may occur as a result. In addition, the leads must be placed to the auxiliary switch, which limits or makes it impossible to use a completely gas-tight sealed ceramic discharge space. The switching behavior is also the same as that of a microswitch.

[0008] In order to avoid the disadvantages described, it is also known to place a magnet at the lower part of the movable system and in particular outside the switch box, which magnet can open and close the reed switch, such as described in the publication JP 2013-008621A. The detection is thus carried out away from the main contact and the detection can also be carried out through non-magnetic materials. In addition, this solution can be used simply in combination with a hermetically sealed ceramic discharge space. The switching behavior is similar to the two systems described above, but the difficulty of correctly setting the overlapping area is obtained, because the indication is carried out in a magnetic way and hysteresis effects can also be taken into account. Another disadvantage is the sensitivity of the reed switch to magnetic interference fields and mechanical shocks.

[0009] As an improvement on this, it is known to use Hall sensors instead of reed switches, so that the magnetic detection is not carried out via mechanical switches, but via semiconductor components. As a result, magnetic interference fields no longer play a role and there is no vibration dependency. However, the switching behavior is similar to that of a reed switch.

[0010] All four monitoring switch solutions have a so-called "normally open" characteristic, i.e. the monitoring switch largely reflects the state of the main contact. However, the reversal signal does not produce a "normally closed", but only a "not normally open". All four principles have in common that none of these solutions can reliably signal that the monitored contactor has been safely and completely disconnected. However, such a requirement is also expressed in the guideline IEC 60947-4-1, which requires that the monitoring contact is closed only in the rest position of the contactor or that the detection of the closed monitoring contact ("normally closed") is displayed. In the case of gas-filled contactors, such a solution is unknown to date.

[0011] In the publications EP 2 843 683 A1 and EP 3 471 127 A1, it is proposed to provide an additional intermediate chamber with monitoring contacts between the switch housing and the area with the switch drive, through which the options "normally open" and "normally closed" can be freely selected. The disadvantage of this variant is the higher space requirement due to the intermediate chamber, which can have a negative impact on the weight, size and costs of the contactor. The arrangement of monitoring contacts in the switch housing, which then have to be led out of the switch housing and protected from arcs, for example by plastic shielding, can lead to a greater space requirement in order to maintain the necessary insulation path between the high-voltage part and the low-voltage part.

[0012] At least one object of certain specific embodiments is to specify a switching device.

[0013] This object is achieved by the subject matter according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the subject matter are indicated in the dependent claims and are also apparent from the following description and the drawings.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment, the switching device has at least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact. At least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact are provided and are set up for switching on and off a load circuit that can be connected to the switching device. Particularly preferably, the switching device has at least two fixed contacts, which are set up and arranged together with the movable contact for switching on and off a load circuit that can be connected to the switching device and in particular can be connected to at least two fixed contacts. Below, the switching device is mostly described with two fixed contacts. However, the number of fixed contacts in the following embodiments and with respect to the features described below differs from the specifically mentioned number.

[0015] The movable contact is movable between the non-engaged state and the engaged state of the switching device in the switching device, so that the movable contact is spaced apart from at least one or at least two fixed contacts in the non-engaged state of the switching device and thus is electrically isolated, and has mechanical contact with at least one or at least two fixed contacts in the engaged state, and is thus electrically connected to the fixed contacts. In the engaged state, the movable contact thus contacts at least one or at least two fixed contacts. In the case of at least two fixed contacts, the fixed contacts are thus arranged separately from each other in the switching device, and can be electrically connected or electrically separated from each other by the movable contacts according to the state of the movable contacts. In the engaged state, the movable contact contacts at least one contact surface with at least one contact surface of each of the fixed contacts. In the non-engaged and thus separated state, the distance between the movable contact, especially the contact surface of the movable contact and the fixed contact, especially the contact surface of the fixed contact, is also referred to as the switch gap or switch path here and below, and describes the maximum movement margin of the movable contact, and therefore describes the maximum achievable distance between the fixed contact and the movable contact and especially its contact surfaces.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the switching device has a switch box, in which a movable contact and at least one or at least two fixed contacts are arranged. The movable contact can be arranged completely in the switch box. The arrangement of the fixed contact in the switch box can especially mean that at least one contact area of ​​the fixed contact is arranged in the switch box, which contact area is in mechanical contact with the movable contact in the engaged state. In order to connect the leads of the circuit to be switched by the switching device, the fixed contacts arranged in the switch box can be electrically contacted from the outside, that is, from outside the switch box. For this purpose, the fixed contacts arranged in the switch box can protrude from the switch box with a part and have a connection possibility for the leads outside the switch box. Therefore, the switch box preferably has an opening, through which the fixed contacts extend into the switch box. The fixed contacts are, for example, welded to the opening of the switch box and both extend into the inner space of the switch box and protrude from the switch box.

[0017] The switch box can have, in particular, an interior space enclosed by a switch box wall. For this purpose, the switch box can have, for example, a switch box cover and a switch box bottom, which can preferably completely enclose the interior. This includes the case where there are openings in the switch box cover and / or in the switch box bottom, through which elements such as fixed contacts protrude into the switch box and thus into the interior space.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the switching device has at least two auxiliary contact pieces arranged outside the switch chamber. Arranging the auxiliary contact pieces outside the switch chamber can in particular mean that the auxiliary contact pieces are arranged outside the interior of the switch chamber and therefore do not protrude into the switch chamber.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the switching device has at least one contact element arranged outside the switch chamber. In other words, the contact element is arranged outside the interior of the switch chamber, just like the auxiliary contact piece.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the contact element can be moved together with the movable contact. Particularly preferably, the contact element and the movable contact can be moved together using the same mechanical drive, which is further described below. At least two auxiliary contacts are preferably arranged outside the switch box on the side of the mechanical drive facing away from the movable contact.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the contact element contacts at least two auxiliary contacts in the first switching state of the switching device. In other words, in this case, the contact element is in mechanical contact with at least two auxiliary contacts in the first switching state and is therefore also in electrical contact with at least two auxiliary contacts. At least two auxiliary contacts are preferably electrically connected to each other by the contact element and are therefore short-circuited. In addition, in the second switching state, the contact element can be arranged spaced apart from the auxiliary contacts. The first switching state can be particularly preferably the above-mentioned non-engaged switching state of the switching device, and the second switching state can be the above-mentioned engaged state. In other words, if the movable contact is spaced apart from at least one fixed contact, the contact element can contact the auxiliary contact in this case, and when the movable contact of the switching device contacts at least one fixed contact, the contact element is spaced apart from at least two auxiliary contacts. Therefore, if electrical contact between the auxiliary contacts is detected in this case, this means that the switching device is in a non-engaged state. In this case, the monitoring contact formed by the auxiliary contact and the contact element thus has the above-mentioned "normally closed" characteristic.

[0022] Alternatively, it is also possible that the first switching state can also be an engaged switching state, while the second switching state is a non-connected switching state. In this case, the functional mode of detecting the state of the switching device by the auxiliary contact is constructed opposite to the following description and corresponds to the "normally open" embodiment. In addition, it is possible that in the first switching state of the switching device, the contact element is arranged spaced apart from the auxiliary contact, wherein the first switching state is the non-engaged state of the switching device, and the contact element contacts the auxiliary contact in the second switching state of the switching device, and the second switching device is then the engaged state of the switching device. In the case of this design, the contact element therefore contacts at least two auxiliary contacts in the second switching state of the switching device. In other words, the contact element therefore contacts mechanically with at least two auxiliary contacts in the second switching state and therefore also contacts electrically with at least two auxiliary contacts. Therefore, in this design, when the movable contact is spaced apart from at least one fixed contact, the contact element is spaced apart from at least two auxiliary contacts, and when the movable contact of the switching device contacts at least one fixed contact, the contact element can contact the auxiliary contact. Therefore, if electrical contact is detected between the auxiliary contacts, this means that the switching device is in an engaged state in this design. The monitoring contact consisting of the auxiliary contact and the contact element reflects the state of the switch contact and has a "normally open" characteristic.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the switch device has a housing, in which a movable contact, a fixed contact, an auxiliary contact and a contact element are arranged. In addition, the switch box is located in the housing. The fixed contact is arranged in the housing and can especially mean that at least one contact area of ​​the fixed contact is arranged in the housing, and the contact area is in mechanical contact with the movable contact in the engaged state. In order to connect the leads of the circuit to be switched by the switch device, the fixed contact arranged in the housing can be electrically contacted from the outside, that is, from outside the housing. For this purpose, the fixed contact arranged in the housing can protrude from the housing with a part and have a connection possibility for the lead outside the housing. In particular, this can be applied to each fixed switch contact. The movable contact can be arranged completely in the housing in particular. In addition, the auxiliary contact can also be preferably arranged completely in the housing. The auxiliary contact can be contacted from the outside via a lead, for example, conductively connected to an external electrical terminal at the housing, within the housing. Alternatively, an electrical component such as a microcontroller or another electrical device for contacting and / or reading out the auxiliary contact can be present in the housing, which is connected to the auxiliary contact via an electrical lead. The electrical components can in turn be contacted from the outside via suitable connections on the housing.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the contact is arranged in the atmosphere in the housing. The atmosphere can be enclosed in the gas-tight area of ​​the switching device in particular. The movable contact and the contact element can each be arranged completely in the atmosphere in the housing, while parts of the fixed contact, such as the contact area of ​​the fixed contact, and parts of the auxiliary contact, such as the contact area of ​​the auxiliary contact, are arranged in the atmosphere in the housing. Accordingly, at least two auxiliary contacts are arranged partially in the gas-tight area and partially outside the gas-tight area.

[0025] Part of the atmosphere is located inside the switch box. Another part of the atmosphere can be located outside the switch box. Therefore, the switch box can be part of a gas-tight area, i.e., an area in which the gas is completely enclosed. Accordingly, the switch device can particularly preferably be a gas-filled switch device, such as a gas-filled contactor. The gas-tight area preferably has a wall, which can be multi-part and can have wall areas made of different materials. For example, a part of the switch box, such as a switch box cover, can constitute a part of the wall of the gas-tight area. In this case, the switch box cover can particularly preferably be made of a gas-tight material, such as a ceramic material. In addition, the wall of the gas-tight area can have a wall area made of, for example, stainless steel. This wall area made of or made of stainless steel can be welded or soldered to the switch box cover in a gas-tight manner, for example.

[0026] In addition, at least two auxiliary contacts can be arranged in the ceramic element and protrude through the ceramic element. For this purpose, the ceramic element can have an opening, wherein the auxiliary contact is arranged in each opening and is particularly preferably brazed with the edge of the opening. For this purpose, each of the auxiliary contacts can have a flange, the flange having a fastening area, with which the auxiliary contact is welded to the edge area of ​​the opening surrounding the ceramic element. Here and below, the solder having a melting point greater than or equal to 600°C is referred to as a hard solder. For example, a solder based on silver and / or copper can be used as a hard solder, such as a silver-copper alloy, such as Ag72Cu28. The ceramic element can constitute a part of the wall of the airtight area and be connected to the wall area, which has stainless steel or another non-magnetic or slightly magnetic alloy or is made of stainless steel or another non-magnetic or slightly magnetic alloy. Such a wall area having stainless steel or made of stainless steel can be welded or soldered at the ceramic element, for example, in an airtight manner. The ceramic element and the wall area connected thereto can together form a cup shape. In particular, the ceramic element can form the bottom of the cup shape, and the wall region connected to the ceramic element has at least one cylindrical portion forming a side wall of the cup shape. In particular, the magnetic core can be guided in the cup formed by the cup shape.

[0027] The atmosphere can in particular promote the extinguishing of arcs that may form during the switching process. The gas of the atmosphere can, for example, contain or can be a gas containing hydrogen and / or nitrogen, in particular at high pressure. The gas can preferably have a content of at least 50% H2. In addition to hydrogen, the gas can also contain an inert gas, particularly preferably N2 and / or one or more rare gases.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the movable contact and the contact element can be moved by means of a mechanical drive. This can in particular mean that the contact element is arranged and in particular fastened at an element of the mechanical drive that causes the switching movement of the movable contact. The mechanical drive can be, for example, a lifting drive or a rotation drive. Thus, the switching movement of the movable contact from the first switching state to the second switching state and back can be a linear movement or a rotational movement. Accordingly, the contact element can also perform such a movement during the transition from the first switching state to the second switching state and vice versa.

[0029] The mechanical drive device can have a shaft in particular. The auxiliary contact can be particularly preferably arranged on the side of the shaft facing away from the movable contact. In other words, the shaft can have a first end and a second end, the movable contact is arranged and particularly preferably directly or indirectly mounted at the first end, and the auxiliary contact is arranged at the side of the second end. Therefore, the contact element can be directly or indirectly mounted at the second end of the shaft. Thereby, the contact element and the movable contact can be arranged at the opposite ends of the shaft. The shaft can in particular extend into the switch box through an opening in the switch box. For example, the switch box can have a switch box bottom, the switch box bottom having an opening, and the shaft protrudes through the opening.

[0030] For example, the mechanical drive can be configured as a rotary drive and have a stepper motor, by which a rotation around a defined angle, preferably around a rotation axis defined by an axis, can be caused in increasing steps. For example, the axis can be part of the motor. In addition, the drive unit can have a magnetic drive having a rotatable armature, which can be rotated by a magnetic circuit in order to cause the previously described switching process. For this purpose, the magnetic circuit can have a yoke. The rotatable armature can in particular have a shaft. In addition, the armature can have a magnetic core, which is configured as a magnetic rotating core, which can be fastened at the end of the shaft opposite to the movable contact and is part of the magnetic circuit. A magnetic field can be generated in the magnetic circuit by a coil that can be connected to a control circuit, by which the armature is rotated.

[0031] Furthermore, the mechanical drive can be designed as a lifting drive, which can bring about a linear lifting movement, in particular along the shaft. In this case, the mechanical drive particularly preferably has an armature, which can be linearly moved by the magnetic circuit in order to bring about the previously described switching process. For this purpose, the magnetic circuit can have a yoke, which has an opening, through which the shaft of the armature protrudes. In the case of a switched magnetic circuit, the armature, in particular the magnetic core of the armature, can be pulled toward the yoke. The magnetic core can be fastened, in particular, at the end of the shaft opposite the movable contact piece and is part of the magnetic circuit.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the auxiliary contact and / or the contact element has a material with copper or a copper alloy. The material is particularly preferably a material with good electrical conductivity and poor soldering tendency. The material is particularly preferably selected from CuBe, CuSn4 and CuSn6. In addition, for example, the auxiliary contact can have the same material as the fixed contact and / or the movable contact.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the contact element is at least partially elastic. In other words, the contact element has elastic and retractable properties. Particularly preferably, the contact element or at least a portion thereof consists of a spring plate, i.e. an at least partially plate-shaped and / or strip-shaped plate, which can be bent by the action of a force and can return to its original shape in the absence of the force.

[0034] The contact element is particularly preferably constructed in one piece, that is to say at least partially, for example, in the form of a metal strip or a metal strip, particularly preferably at least partially or completely in the form of a spring strip. In particular, the contact element can have a contact web or a contact ring, at least two connecting webs extending away from the contact web or the contact ring, and a contact plate at each of the connecting webs. The contact plate is preferably arranged and set up to be able to mechanically contact the auxiliary contact piece. The connecting web can particularly preferably extend away from the contact web or the contact ring at an angle of substantially 90°. In the case of a contact web, the connecting web can, for example, have the same width as the contact web.

[0035] The connecting web, the contact plate and the contact web or the contact ring can preferably consist of a one-piece metal part. The one-piece metal part can be designed as a metal strip, which has the contact web, the connecting web and the contact plate as interconnected parts and which, for example, has a uniform width and can be bent in the shape of a rectangular U. Alternatively, the one-piece metal part can have a contact ring, which has at least two strips rising from the contact ring, which are bent away from the main extension plane of the contact ring and preferably form an angle of 90° or at least substantially 90° with the main extension plane of the contact ring.

[0036] Each connecting web can have a contact plate at the end facing away from the contact web or the contact ring, which can be inclined relative to the connecting web and can be enclosed with the connecting web at an angle of, for example, greater than or equal to 90° or greater than or equal to 100° and less than or equal to 160° or less than or equal to 140° or less than or equal to 135°. The contact plate can have a width greater than or equal to the width of the connecting web. For example, the contact plate can be configured semicircularly, for example semicircularly. In particular, the contact plates can face each other.

[0037] Furthermore, the contact plates can have a distance from one another that is smaller than the width of the auxiliary contact piece. The width of the auxiliary contact piece is in particular the width of the contact surface of the auxiliary contact piece and can be measured in the direction in which the distance of the contact plates is also measured. Thus, the contact plates can preferably cover an area that is as large as possible, for example essentially circular, except for the gap having a width corresponding to the aforementioned distance.

[0038] Furthermore, the contact element can have a plurality of connecting webs which can be arranged circumferentially at the contact ring, separated by grooves, and extend away from the contact ring, wherein a contact plate is arranged at each of the connecting webs. The connecting webs can be arranged at the outer edge of the contact ring or at the inner edge of the contact ring.

[0039] For example, the contact element can be fastened directly to the shaft. If the mechanical drive has a magnetic core as described above, the contact element can be fastened particularly preferably to the magnetic core. In this case, the contact element is particularly preferably fastened directly to the magnetic core. In particular, the contact web or the contact ring can be fastened to the magnetic core. Preferably, the contact element, that is to say particularly preferably the contact web or the contact ring, can be welded to the magnetic core. The magnetic core can have a recess in which a part of the contact element, in particular the contact web or the contact ring, is arranged. The connecting web can protrude from the recess.

[0040] If the mechanical drive is designed as a magnetic drive, the contact element can be surrounded by a coil of the magnetic drive. In addition, at least two auxiliary contacts can also be surrounded by the coil. In other words, the coil can be arranged, for example, around a cylindrical through-opening in which the contact element and / or the at least two auxiliary contacts are arranged.

[0041] In the case of a mechanical drive device configured as a lifting drive device, the mechanical drive device can have a return spring which, in the case of a de-energized electromagnet, can cause or at least support the movement of the armature from the second switching position back to the first switching position. The return spring can have a return spring force RFK and the contact element can have a spring force FK, where FK < RFK applies, such that the spring force of the contact element is less than the force exerted by the return spring on the armature. Particularly preferably, FK / RFK ≤ 0.2 applies, such that the switching movement is not restricted by the contact element. The return spring and the contact element can exert forces on the armature in the same direction or in opposite directions, where in both cases preferably FK / RFK < 0.2 applies.

[0042] Furthermore, the movable contact can pass through the switching path SW when transitioning from the first switching state to the second switching state in order to close the switching gap. The mechanical drive device and thus preferably the armature can close the magnetic gap MS when transitioning from the first switching state to the second switching state, i.e., pass through a path having a length MS, where MS is at least equal to SW and particularly preferably MS > SW applies. The path that the contact element must pass through for the contact element to lose or acquire mechanical contact with at least two auxiliary contacts can be referred to as the contact path KW. The contact path KW is preferably less than the switching path SW and less than the magnetic gap MS. Thus, KW < SW and KW < MS particularly preferably apply. The mechanical drive device and thus preferably the armature can also pass through the path MS when transitioning from the second switching state to the first switching state, where the contact element preferably loses mechanical contact with at least two auxiliary contacts after a path that is less than or equal to 0.2 × MS or less than or equal to 0.1 × MS for the case where the contact element contacts the auxiliary contacts in the second switching state of the switching device.

[0043] In the case of the switching device described here, it is possible to achieve that at least two auxiliary contacts are electrically connected to each other by the contact element in the first switching state and are electrically separated from each other in the second switching state. By measuring the resistance between the auxiliary contacts, the first switching state can thus be safely determined, which particularly preferably corresponds to the non-engaged switching state. The described embodiment of the switching device also enables, in dependence on IEC 60947-5-1, the detection of the fault state "the switching device cannot close", i.e., the state in which the switching device is blocked in the open position. Furthermore, even in the case of damage to the upper part of the switching device, in which the switch cabinet is arranged in the upper part, it is also detected whether the switching device is in the non-engaged state and whether the switch contacts have thus been disconnected.

[0044] Alternatively, in the case of the above-mentioned opposite embodiment, it can be achieved that at least two auxiliary contacts with contact elements mirror the switching state of the main contact, i.e. the movable contact and at least one fixed contact. In this case, the state of the auxiliary contacts, i.e. electrically connected to each other or electrically disconnected from each other, therefore preferably always corresponds to the state of the main contact.

[0045] The switching device described here can also be manufactured at very low cost, i.e. without significant additional costs, since no additional electronic components, for example in the form of additional wiring and / or ICs, are required. In addition, magnetic influences on the monitoring contact, which is composed of an auxiliary contact and a contact element, are not possible, as may be possible, for example, in the case of a reed switch or a Hall switch. In addition, it can also be achieved that the mechanical influence of vibrations on the monitoring contact follows the characteristics of the movable system, i.e. the monitoring contact will also correctly display the state "not completely disconnected" here after being lifted due to acceleration. Since the auxiliary contact is not located in the switch box, the arc formed there does not damage the device that constitutes the monitoring contact. On the other hand, the components used have no negative influence on the fire extinguishing behavior in the switch box.

[0046] Further advantages, advantageous embodiments and improvements result from the exemplary embodiments described below in conjunction with the figures.

[0047] Figures 1A to 1H A schematic diagram showing a switching device and parts of the switching device according to an embodiment,

[0048] Figures 2A to 2D A schematic diagram showing a portion of a switch device according to other embodiments,

[0049] Figure 3A and 3B Show Figures 1A to 1H Schematic diagram of the switch device in the intermediate state,

[0050] Figures 4A to 4F shows a schematic diagram of a switch device and parts of the switch device according to another embodiment,

[0051] Figure 5A and 5B A schematic diagram showing an auxiliary contact of a switch device according to other embodiments;

[0052] Figures 6A to 6C A schematic diagram shows a portion of a switching device according to another embodiment.

[0053] In the embodiments and figures, identical, similar or identically functioning elements may be provided with the same reference numerals. The elements shown and their size ratios to each other should not be considered as drawn in correct proportions, but rather, individual elements such as layers, components, devices and regions may be shown exaggeratedly for better representation and / or for better understanding.

[0054] exist Figures 1A to 1H An embodiment of a switching device 100 is shown in FIG. 1 , which can be used, for example, for switching high currents and / or high voltages and can be a relay or a contactor, in particular a power contactor. Figure 1A and 1F , the switching device 100 is shown in different switching states in sectional views with vertical sections. Figure 1B and 1G In FIG. 1 , the switching device 100 in a corresponding switching state is shown in a fragment of a sectional view along another vertical cross section perpendicular thereto. Figure 1C and 1H Shown in Figure 1A and 1F A fragment of the diagram shown in . Figure 1D and 1E 2 shows a view of a portion of the gas-tight region of a switching device 100. The shown geometries are to be understood only as exemplary and non-restrictive and may also be designed alternatively.

[0055] The switch device 100 has two fixed contacts 1 and a movable contact 2 in a housing (not shown). The movable contact 2 is constructed as a contact plate. The fixed contact 1 and the movable contact 2 together constitute the switch contact of the switch device 100, which can also be called a main contact, and through which the load circuit connected to the fixed contact 1 can be opened and closed. Instead of the shown number of switch contacts, other numbers of fixed and / or movable contacts may also be possible. In addition, the switch contacts and especially the illustrated embodiments of their geometric shapes should only be understood as purely exemplary and not restrictive. Alternatively, the switch contacts may also be constructed in different ways.

[0056] The housing (not shown) in which all the illustrated components of the switch device 100 are arranged, preferably except for the upper part of the respective fixed contact 1, serves primarily as a contact protection device for the components arranged in the interior and has or is made of plastic, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or glass-fiber-filled PBT. The fixed contact 1 and / or the movable contact 2 can, for example, be made of or be made of Cu, a Cu alloy, one or more high-melting metals, such as Wo, Ni and / or Cr, or a mixture of the materials mentioned, such as copper and at least one other metal, such as Wo, Ni and / or Cr.

[0057] exist Figures 1A to 1C In the figure, the switching device 100 is shown in a stationary state, wherein the movable contact 2 is spaced apart from the fixed contact 1, so that the contacts 1, 2 are galvanically isolated from each other. The stationary state is also referred to below as the first switching state, which is a non-engaged state of the switching device 100. Therefore, the load circuit connected to the fixed contact 1 of the switching device 100 will be disconnected in this switching state. Figures 1F to 1H , the switching device 100 is shown in a second switching state, which is an engaged state of the switching device 100. In the second switching state, the fixed contact 1 and the movable contact 2 are in mechanical contact with each other and are thus galvanically connected, so that the load circuit connected to the switching device 100 will be closed.

[0058] In order to perform the switching movement, the switching device 100 has a mechanical drive, which is purely exemplarily configured as a lifting drive in the illustrated embodiment, so that the movable contact 2 performs a linear movement when changing from the first switching state to the second switching state and vice versa, respectively, which extends along the vertical direction 91 in the illustrated embodiment. In particular, the mechanical drive is configured as a magnetic drive and has a movable armature 5, which basically performs the switching movement. The armature 5 has a magnetic core 6, for example, or is made of a ferromagnetic material. In addition, the armature 5 has a shaft 7, which is guided through the magnetic core 6 and is firmly connected to the magnetic core 6 at one shaft end. At the other shaft end opposite to the magnetic core 6, the armature 5 has a movable contact 2, which is placed by a contact spring 70 and is also connected to the shaft 7. The shaft 7 can preferably be made of or made of stainless steel. In order to electrically insulate the movable contact 2 from the shaft 7, an electrically insulating contact holder 71 can be arranged between them, which can also be called a bridge insulator.

[0059] The magnetic core 6 is surrounded by a coil 8, which forms the basic part of the electromagnet. The flow of current in the coil 8, which can be connected from the outside by a control circuit, produces a movement of the magnetic core 6 and therefore the entire armature 5 in the axial direction, i.e. along the main extension direction of the shaft 7 and thus in the vertical direction 91, so that the movable contact 2 is in contact with the fixed contact 1. In the illustration shown, the armature 5 moves upward. Thus, the armature 5 moves from a first position, which corresponds to the static state shown and at the same time corresponds to a separated, i.e. non-engaged and thus switched-off switching state, to a second position, which corresponds to an activated, i.e. engaged and thus switched-on switching state of the switching device 100.

[0060] In order to guide the shaft 7 and thus the armature 5 and to form a magnetic circuit with the magnetic core 6 and the coil 8, the switching device 100 also has a yoke 9, which can have pure iron or a low-doped iron alloy or be made of the pure iron or low-doped iron alloy, and the yoke 9 forms a part of the magnetic circuit. The yoke 9 has an opening in which the shaft 7 is guided. In addition, a sleeve or bushing, for example made of plastic material, for guiding the shaft 7 can also be arranged in the opening of the yoke 9. If the current flow in the coil 8 is interrupted, the armature 5 is moved to the first position again by the return spring 10. In the illustrated diagram, the armature 5 is therefore moved downward again. Then the switching device 100 is again in a static state in which the contacts 1 and 2 are open. Instead of only one return spring 10, there can also be multiple return springs, which can act like an effective return spring with an effective return spring force.

[0061] The direction of movement of the armature 5 and thus the movable contact 2 is, as described, a direction referred to as the vertical direction 91. As long as no further explanation is given, names such as "above" or "below" refer to the vertical direction 91. In this sense, the armature 5 and thus the movable contact 2 move upward when the first switching state of the switching device 100 is changed to the second switching state and move downward again when the second switching state is changed to the first switching state. The plane perpendicular to the vertical direction 91 is referred to as the lateral plane. The direction perpendicular to the vertical direction 91 can generally be referred to as the lateral direction, wherein the lateral direction along which the fixed contact 1 is arranged is also referred to as the longitudinal direction 92. The lateral direction perpendicular to the vertical direction 91 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 92 is also referred to as the lateral direction 93. The directions 91, 92 and 93 applicable to the switching motion described are also indicated in the figure for facilitating orientation.

[0062] For example, when the contacts 1 and 2 are disconnected, at least one arc may be formed, which may damage the contact surfaces of the switch contacts 1 and 2. As a result, there may be a risk that the switch contacts 1 and 2 remain "adhered" to each other due to the welding caused by the arc and are no longer separated from each other. As a result, the switching device 100 continues to be in the switched-on state, although the current in the coil 8 is cut off and the load circuit must be disconnected. In order to prevent the formation of such an arc or to at least support the extinguishing of the arc that occurs, the switch contacts 1 and 2 can be arranged in the atmosphere so that the switching device 100 can be constructed as a gas-filled relay or a gas-filled contactor. For this purpose, the contact 1 is arranged in a switch box 11 composed of a switch box cover 12 and a switch box bottom 13, which is part of a gas-tight area 20 composed of a sealed closure part. The gas-tight area 14 is basically composed of parts of the switch box 11 and the yoke 9 and additional wall areas 21 and 22. The gas-tight area 20 completely surrounds the armature 5 and the contact pieces 1 and 2, except for the part of the fixed contact piece 1 provided for external connection. The gastight area 20 and therefore the interior space 14 of the switch box 11 are also filled with gas. The gas that can be filled into the gastight area 14 during the production of the switchgear 100, for example via a gas filling connection in the switch box cover 12, can particularly preferably be hydrogen-containing, for example with 20% or more H2 or even 100% H2 in an inert gas, since hydrogen-containing gases can promote the extinction of the arc.

[0063] Additionally, for example, permanent magnets (not shown), so-called quenching magnets, which are provided and designed to deflect the arc, may be present inside or outside the switch chamber 11. In particular, the quenching magnets cause the arc gap to lengthen and thus can improve the quenching of the arc.

[0064] The switch box cover 12 can be made of, for example, a ceramic material, for example a metal oxide, such as Al2O3. In the embodiment shown, the switch box bottom 13 is formed by a flange 15, in which the yoke 9 is arranged and which forms part of the magnetic circuit. The flange 15 can be made of, for example, iron or steel. Alternatively, as described further below, the switch box bottom 13 can also be formed by an additional component between the switch box cover 12 and the flange 15.

[0065] Furthermore, the switching device 100 has at least two auxiliary contact pieces 3, which are arranged outside the switch box 11. In particular, the at least two auxiliary contact pieces 3 are arranged outside the switch box 11 on the side of the mechanical drive and thus the shaft 7 facing away from the movable contact piece 2. As an alternative to the illustrated embodiment with two auxiliary contact pieces 3, the switching device 100 can also have more than two auxiliary contact pieces 3, to which the following description applies accordingly. Figures 1A to 1HAs shown in , the auxiliary contact piece 3 can be arranged along the longitudinal direction 92 like the fixed contact piece 1. Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange the auxiliary contact piece 3 along another lateral direction, for example along the transverse direction 93 or along a direction between the longitudinal direction 92 and the transverse direction 93.

[0066] The switching device 100 further comprises at least one contact element 4, which is arranged outside the switch housing 11. In particular, the contact element 4 is arranged outside the switch housing 11 on the side of the mechanical drive and thus the shaft 7 facing away from the movable contact piece 2. The contact element 4 can be moved together with the movable contact piece 2. According to the above description, the contact element 4 and the movable contact piece 2 can be moved together, in particular, using the same mechanical drive. The contact element 4 is arranged within the gastight area 20.

[0067] The gas-tight region 20 essentially has an upper region 28, which is formed by the switch housing 11 above the flange 15, and a lower region 29, which is arranged below the flange 15 and in which the magnetic core 6 of the armature 5 is arranged. The auxiliary contact piece 3 and the contact element 4 are therefore arranged in the lower region 29 of the gas-tight region 20.

[0068] As in Figures 1A to 1C As can be seen in FIG. 1 , in the first switching state of the switching device 100, the contact element 4 contacts at least two auxiliary contacts 3. Thus, in the first switching state, the contact element 4 is in mechanical contact with at least two auxiliary contacts 3 and is therefore also in electrical contact. In the second switching state, Figures 1F to 1H As can be seen in the figure, the contact element 4 is arranged spaced apart from the auxiliary contacts 3. Therefore, if the switch device 100 is in a stationary state and the movable contact 2 is spaced apart from the fixed contact 1, the contact element 4 can contact the auxiliary contacts 3, and if the movable contact 2 of the switch device 100 contacts the fixed contact 1 and the switch device 100 is in an engaged state, the contact element 4 is spaced apart from at least two auxiliary contacts 3.

[0069] At least two auxiliary contacts 2 are electrically connected to each other through the contact element 4 and are therefore short-circuited. Therefore, if electrical contact is detected between the auxiliary contacts 3, this means that the switching device 100 is in a non-engaged state. A monitoring contact with a "normally closed" characteristic is thus formed by the auxiliary contacts 3 and the contact element 4. Alternatively, it may also be possible that the first switching state is also an engaged switching state, while the second switching state is a non-engaged switching state. In this case, the functional mode of detecting the state of the switching device possible through the auxiliary contacts is constructed in the opposite way and corresponds to the "normally open" embodiment.

[0070] The auxiliary contact 3 is arranged in the ceramic element 30 and protrudes through the ceramic element 30. For this purpose, the ceramic element 30 has openings, wherein the auxiliary contact 3 is arranged in each opening, which is particularly preferably hard-welded to the edge of the corresponding opening 39. The auxiliary contact 3 can, for example, have a flange with a fastening area, which is fastened to the ceramic element 30, for example by welding, such as hard welding. The auxiliary contacts 3 are electrically insulated from each other by means of the ceramic element 30. The ceramic element 30 can, for example, be made of a metal oxide such as Al2O3.

[0071] The ceramic element 30 is in particular a part of the wall forming the gas-tight region 20. Adjacent to the ceramic element 30, the gas-tight region 20 has a wall region 22, which has stainless steel or is made of stainless steel and which is welded or soldered to the ceramic element 30 in a gas-tight manner by means of hard solder. For this purpose, the wall region 22 can, for example, have nickel-plated stainless steel or be made of nickel-plated stainless steel. The ceramic element 30 is designed, for example, as a ceramic plate, that is to say, for example, as a ceramic disk with a circular cross-section in a lateral plane. In order to fasten the auxiliary contact 30 and the wall region 22, the ceramic element can each have a mounting region, for example, consisting of a raised surrounding surface region, such as in Figure 1C and 1H It can be seen in.

[0072] The auxiliary contact 3 and / or the contact element 4 can have a material containing copper or a copper alloy or be made of a material containing copper or a copper alloy. The material is particularly preferably a material with good electrical conductivity and poor soldering tendency. The material is particularly preferably selected from CuBe, CuSn4 and CuSn6. In addition, for example, the auxiliary contact 3 can have the same material as the fixed contact 1 and / or the movable contact 2.

[0073] In the embodiment shown, the ceramic element 30 and the wall region 22 connected thereto together form a cup shape, wherein the ceramic element 30 is essentially disk-shaped as described above and forms the bottom of the cup shape, and the wall region 22 connected to the ceramic element 30 has a cylindrical portion forming the side wall of the cup shape. In particular, the magnetic core 6 can be guided in the cup formed by the cup shape.

[0074] As described, the ceramic element 30 is provided and is designed to seal the gas space formed by the gastight area 20 downwards in a gastight and sealed manner, and to electrically insulate the auxiliary contacts 30 from each other and from any other potential in the switching device 100. The auxiliary contact 3 is penetrated into the gastight area 20 by means of a gastight and particularly preferably brazed connection from the wall area 22, which can also be referred to as a tank, to the ceramic element 30 and from the ceramic element 30 to the auxiliary contact 3. The described welded connection can be performed in a common process step. Then, the tank formed by the wall area 22 with the ceramic element 30 and the auxiliary contact 3 can then be welded at the flange 15, for example by means of laser welding, so as to form the lower area 29 of the gastight area 20.

[0075] The contact element 4 is particularly preferably constructed in one piece. As can be seen from the figure, the contact element 4 can be constructed, for example, in the form of a metal strip or metal strip, particularly preferably in the form of a spring metal strip. In particular, the contact element 4 has a contact web 40, two connecting webs 41 extending away from the contact web 40, and a contact plate 42 at each of the connecting webs 41. The connecting web 41 can particularly preferably extend away from the contact web 40 at an angle of substantially 90° and, for example, have the same width as the contact web 40. The connecting web 41 and the contact web 40 can therefore be composed of a metal strip or metal strip having a uniform width and bent in the shape of a rectangular U. Each connecting web 41 has a contact plate 42 at the end facing away from the contact web 40, the contact plate 42 is particularly preferably inclined relative to the corresponding connecting web 41, and can, for example, be clamped at an angle greater than or equal to 90° or greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 160° or less than or equal to 140° or less than or equal to 135° with the connecting web 41. For example, each contact plate can be at an angle of 110° to the connecting web on which it is arranged. The contact plate 42 provided and established for mechanical contact with the auxiliary contact piece 3 in the first switching state preferably has a width that is greater than or equal to the width of the connecting web 41. As shown, the contact plate 42 can particularly preferably be constructed in a semicircular manner, so that as large an area as possible of the contact element 30 can be covered by the contact plates 42 without the contact plates 42 being in direct mechanical contact with each other. In particular, the contact plates 42 face each other and have a gap with a distance A between them, which is smaller than the width B of the auxiliary contact piece 3, i.e. in particular smaller than the width of the contact surface of the auxiliary contact piece 3, which contacts the contact element 4. The width B of the auxiliary contact piece 3 is preferably measured here in the direction along which the distance A of the contact plate 42 is also measured, i.e. in the direction of the contact element 3. Figures 1A to 1H The direction shown is measured along the longitudinal direction 92 .

[0076] The contact element 4 can, for example, be fastened directly at the shaft 7. The contact element 4 is preferably fastened at the magnetic core 6. In this case, the contact element 4 is particularly preferably fastened directly at the magnetic core 6. For example, the contact element 4 can be welded, for example by laser welding or resistance welding, at the shaft 7 or preferably at the magnetic core 6. In particular, the contact element 4 can be welded to the contact web 40. As shown, the magnetic core 6 can have a recess 60 in which a part of the contact element 4, in particular the contact web 40, is arranged. The connecting web 41 can project from the recess 60.

[0077] Due to the above-described construction of the mechanical drive, the coil 8 has a cylindrical through-opening which forms a cavity in which the magnetic core 6 is arranged. In particular, the above-mentioned cup is arranged in such a way that it is pushed into the coil 8. Thus, the contact element 4 and the auxiliary contact 3 are also arranged in the cylindrical through-opening and are surrounded by the coil 8. For the monitoring contact consisting of the auxiliary contact 3 and the contact element 4, the cavity which is determined by the construction and exists in the coil 8 can thus be used without the need for additional space. Thus, the small structural space which exists below the switch cabinet 11 in the coil opening can be optimally utilized.

[0078] The contact element 4 is at least partially elastically constructed and thus has elastic and thus telescopic properties. Since the contact element 4 is composed of a spring plate at least in the region of the connecting web 41 and / or the contact plate 42 and thus also of a plate-shaped and / or strip-shaped plate, the contact element can be bent by the action of a force and return to its original shape again in the absence of this force. Due to the above-mentioned gap with the distance A, the contact plate 42 can be pressed in the direction of the contact web 40 and thus deflected when placed on the auxiliary contact 3. Thus, in the first switch state, the contact element 4 exerts a force on the auxiliary contact 3 by means of spring pressure, by which a safe mechanical contact is achieved which can be maintained even during vibrations or shocks.

[0079] As described above, the mechanical drive constructed as a lifting drive has a return spring 10 which, in the case of a de-energized electromagnet, i.e. when the coil 8 is switched off, causes the armature 5 to move back from the second switch position to the first switch position. The return spring 10 has a return spring force RFK. If there are a plurality of return springs, these can be regarded as a return spring with an effective return spring force RFK. In order for the armature 5 to be able to return completely to the rest position, it is necessary for the contact element to have a spring force FK which is less than the return spring force RFK of the return spring, such that FK < RFK applies. The spring force of the contact element 4 is preferably significantly lower than the return spring force of the return spring 10, such that for example FK / RFK < 0.5 applies and the switching movement is not restricted by the contact element. Particularly preferably, FK / RFK ≤ 0.2 applies.

[0080] As in Figure 1D , 1E As can be seen in FIGS. 2A to 2D , the described essentially rotationally symmetrical design of the contact plates 42 with a small distance A from one another makes it possible to achieve that the positioning of the auxiliary contact piece 3 relative to the contact element 4 has no effect, since it is ensured that the auxiliary contact piece 3 can be short-circuited by the contact element 4 at any relative rotation of the contact element 4 relative to the auxiliary contact piece 3 about a vertical axis. Figure 1C and 1D In FIG. 4 , the contact element 4 is shown in an untwisted arrangement relative to the auxiliary contact piece 3 , while in FIG. Figure 2A and 2B 45° twist is shown relative to the untwisted arrangement and in Figure 2C and 2D 90° twist is shown in FIG. Even when twisted 90°, as Figure 2D As shown in, since the width B of the auxiliary contact piece 3 is less than the distance A of the contact plate 42, the auxiliary contact pieces 3 are also electrically connected to each other safely through the contact element 4. This makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the components of the switching device 100, because the changing end position of the armature 6 can be considered. Therefore, the mechanical drive device can also be, for example, a rotary drive device, rather than the described lifting drive device. Such a rotary drive device is described in the publication DE 102019126351A1, and the disclosure of the publication is incorporated by reference as a whole. Instead of the auxiliary contact piece in the switch box described in the publication DE 10 2019126351A1, the auxiliary contact piece described here and the contact element outside the switch box, for example, at the lower end of the shaft, can be used. Even in such an embodiment, the semicircularly shaped contact plate 42 composed of the contact spring plate is also important, because the contact plate can always establish contact with the auxiliary contact piece 3 regardless of the rotation of the armature.

[0081] like Figure 1A As indicated in FIG. 1 , the movable contact piece 2 must pass through the switching path SW when changing from the first switching state to the second switching state in order to close the switching gap. The path that the armature 5 passes through here is given by the magnetic gap MS between the magnetic core 6 and the magnetic yoke 9 in the rest position, as shown in FIG. Figure 1B The path that the armature 5 and thus the contact element 4 must travel in order for the contact element 4 to lose mechanical contact with the at least two auxiliary contacts 3 can be referred to as the contact path KW and is Figure 1HThe more strongly the contact element 4 is deformed in the first switching state of the switching device 100, the greater the contact path KW. Only after the contact element 4 has completely recovered to the non-deflected state can the contact element 4 reliably lose contact with the auxiliary contact piece 3. The contact path KW is preferably significantly smaller than the switching path SW and smaller than the magnetic gap MS in the static position. This makes it possible to minimize the path that the movable system must travel before the contact between the auxiliary contact piece and the contact element is interrupted. KW / SW<0.2 is particularly preferably applicable.

[0082] Figures 1A to 1H The armature with movable contact 2 shown in is an overtravel system, wherein movable contact 2 is arranged displaceably at contact holder 71. When movable contact 2 strikes fixed contact 1 and thus when the switching gap is completely closed, contact spring 70 can be deflected and armature 5 can move further, until, for example, core 6 abuts against yoke 9 and Figure 1B The magnetic gap MS indicated in is completely closed. For example, the magnetic core 6 can move upward in the vertical direction 91 by a distance that is less than or equal to 1 mm and particularly preferably about 0.5 mm farther than the movable contact 2. By deflecting the contact spring 70 due to the overtravel, the pressing pressure of the movable contact 2 at the fixed contact 1 can be increased, and a certain insensitivity to vibrations and mechanical shocks can be achieved. It is therefore also preferably applicable that KW / MS≤≤0.2, where MS here represents the magnetic gap in the first switching state.

[0083] If the switching device 100 should be transferred back to the first switching state in the second switching state and there is adhesion of the contacts 1 and 2, the movable contact 2 is welded to at least one of the fixed contacts 1, which can also be called "tack welding", and although the coil 8 is cut off, the movable contact 2 remains in the engaged switching state. The overtravel can only be reduced by the return spring 10, so that a small magnetic gap MSK is generated between the magnetic core 6 and the yoke 9, and the switching gap remains closed. This state is Figure 3A and 3B Corresponding to Figure 1A and 1BThe armature 5 remains suspended in this state thus formed in the intermediate state. Due to the small contact path of the contact element 4 mentioned above, the auxiliary contact piece 3 is still spaced apart from the contact element 4, so that it can be safely detected at the auxiliary contact piece 3: the first switching state has not yet been reached. In this way, malfunctions of the switching device 100 can be reliably determined. Therefore, the described switching device 100 meets the above-mentioned requirements according to the standard for identifying the state "safe disconnection" using a simple mechanism for detecting and leading a signal from the airtight sealed gas space in the lower area 29 of the switching device 100. Here, the auxiliary contact piece 3 is protected from flashovers through the arc in the upper area 28, i.e., the switch box 11.

[0084] exist Figures 4A to 4F Another embodiment of the switch device 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 4A 1 shows the switching device 100 in a sectional view with a vertical section. In this illustration, the switching device 100 is in a first switching state. Figure 4B , the switching device 100 is shown in the second switching state. Figure 4C and 4D Detailed descriptions of the switching device 100 are shown in sectional views in each case in a first switching state and in a second switching state. Figure 4E and 4F The auxiliary contact piece 3 and the contact element 4 of the switching device 100 are shown. The following description also relates to Figures 4A to 4F , wherein mainly the differences from the previous embodiment are described. Features and components not described below can be constructed according to the previous description.

[0085] Figures 4A to 4F The switching device 100 shown in FIG. 1 has, like the switching device 100 according to the previous description, two fixed contacts 1 and a movable contact 2 as switch contacts in a housing indicated by reference numeral 19, which is designed as a contact plate. The housing 19, in which all other shown components of the switching device 100 are arranged, preferably except for the upper parts of the fixed contacts 1, serves primarily as a contact protection device for the components arranged in the interior and can be designed as described further above.

[0086] exist Figure 4A and 4C In FIG. 1 , the switch device 100 is shown in a stationary state, wherein the movable contact 2 is spaced apart from the fixed contact 1 , which is also referred to as the first switching state in this embodiment, which is a non-engaged state of the switch device 100 . Figure 4B and 4D , the switching device 100 is in the second switching state, which is the engaged state of the switching device 100.

[0087] Compared to the previous embodiment, the switch box bottom 13 is designed as an additional element and is arranged on the flange 15, in which the yoke 9 is arranged. Compared to the previously described switching device 100, the switch box bottom 13 can therefore be composed of a component between the switch box cover 12 and the flange 15, as shown, which preferably covers the flange 15 and has an opening through which the shaft 7 protrudes. Ceramic materials or, in particular, plastics with sufficiently high thermal stability, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE) and / or glass-fiber-filled PBT are suitable for such a switch box bottom. Alternatively or additionally, the switch box 11, in particular the switch box bottom, can also at least partially have polyoxymethylene (POM), in particular with a structure (CH2O) n Such plastics can be characterized by a relatively low carbon content and a very low tendency to form graphite. n In the case of the same carbon and oxygen content, in the case of thermal and especially arc-induced decomposition, mainly gaseous CO and H2 can occur. Additional hydrogen can enhance arc extinguishing.

[0088] Furthermore, as described in conjunction with the previous embodiments, the switch device 100 has at least two auxiliary contacts 3 and at least one contact element 4, which are arranged outside the switch box 11. As described previously, the auxiliary contacts 3 are arranged in the openings 39 in the ceramic element 30 and protrude through the ceramic element 30. The auxiliary contact 3 is arranged in each opening 39, and the auxiliary contact is particularly preferably brazed with the edge of the corresponding opening 39. Figure 4E As shown in the schematic diagram according to the auxiliary contact piece 3, the auxiliary contact piece 3 has a flange 35 with a fastening area 36, ​​which is fastened to the ceramic element 30. Therefore, the fastening area 36 of each of the auxiliary contacts 3 is welded to the ceramic element 30 at the edge area around the corresponding opening 39.

[0089] In addition, if Figures 4A to 4D As indicated in , in the ceramic element 30, there may be other openings in which the gas filling interface 18 is arranged and particularly preferably welded and through which the gastight region 20 may be filled with gas as described above during the production of the switching device 100. The gas filling interface 18 may be closed after filling, for example by welding or pressing.

[0090] As described in conjunction with the preceding embodiments, the contact element 4 is particularly preferably constructed in one piece. Figure 4F As can be seen in Figures 4A to 4FThe contact element 4 of the embodiment of the embodiment can have a contact ring 43 instead of the above-mentioned contact web. In addition, as in the previous embodiment, the contact element 4 has at least two connecting webs 41 and a contact plate 42 at each of the connecting webs 41. The connecting webs 41 extend away from the contact ring 43. Even if the contact element 4 is always described here and below with a contact ring 43, instead of the contact ring 43, for example, there can also be a contact web as described above that connects the connecting webs 41 in a straight line or a contact plate that is configured as a disk, for example. In particular, the features described below for the contact ring 43 can also be applied to the contact web or the contact plate.

[0091] At least parts of the contact element 4, such as the connecting web 41 and the contact plate 42 or the entire contact element 4, can be formed from a spring plate as described above. The contact ring 43 is preferably designed to be flat and can have a main extension plane. The connecting web 41 can particularly preferably extend away from the main extension plane and thus away from the contact ring 43 at an angle of substantially 90°. Therefore, the connecting web 41 and the contact ring 43 can be formed by a metal part, which has a contact ring 43, which has at least two strips rising from the contact ring 43, which strips are bent away from the main extension plane of the contact ring 43 and preferably form an angle of 90° or at least substantially 90° with the main extension plane of the contact ring 43. Each connecting web 41 has a contact plate 42 at the end facing away from the contact ring 43, which contact plate 42 is particularly preferably inclined relative to the corresponding connecting web 41 and can form an angle with the connecting web that is greater than or equal to 90° or greater than or equal to 100° and less than or equal to 160° or less than or equal to 140° or less than or equal to 135°. For example, each contact plate can be arranged at an angle of 110° to the connecting web on which it is arranged. The contact plate 42 provided and set up for mechanical contact with the auxiliary contact piece 3 in the second switching state preferably has a width greater than or equal to the width of the connecting web 41. As shown, the contact plates 42 can be particularly preferably configured as semicircular. In particular, the contact plates 42 face each other.

[0092] As in the case of the previous embodiment, the contact element 4 is fastened to the magnetic core 6. In particular, the contact element 4 can be welded to the magnetic core 6, for example together with a contact ring 43. As shown, the magnetic core 6 can have an annular raised area, on which the contact ring 43 is arranged and fastened.

[0093] Unlike in the previous embodiment, Figure 4A and 4CAs can be seen in FIG. 1 , the contact element 4 does not contact the at least two auxiliary contacts 3 in the first switching state of the switching device 100 and is therefore spaced apart from the auxiliary contacts 3. Therefore, in the first switching state, the contact element 4 does not mechanically contact the at least two auxiliary contacts 3 and therefore does not electrically contact the at least two auxiliary contacts 3. In the second switching state, as Figure 4B and 4D As can be seen in the figure, the contact element 4 contacts the auxiliary contact 3 and is therefore in mechanical and electrical contact with the auxiliary contact 3. Therefore, when the switching device 100 is in a stationary state and the movable contact 2 is spaced apart from the fixed contact 1, the contact element 4 is spaced apart from at least two auxiliary contacts 3, and when the movable contact 2 of the switching device 100 contacts the fixed contact 1 and the switching device 100 is in an engaged state, the contact element 4 can contact the auxiliary contact 3. At least two auxiliary contacts 2 can be electrically connected to each other and thus short-circuited by the contact element 4. Therefore, if electrical contact between the auxiliary contacts 3 is detected, this means that the switching device 100 is in an engaged state in the illustrated embodiment. A monitoring contact is thus formed by the auxiliary contact 3 and the contact element 4, which has a "normally open" characteristic and maps the state of the main contacts 1, 2.

[0094] As especially Figure 4C and 4D As can be seen in the figure, in the first switching state of the switching device 100, at least a portion of the contact element 4 is arranged laterally next to at least two auxiliary contacts 3. In particular, at least a portion of the contact plate 42 and the connecting web 41 can be arranged laterally next to the auxiliary contact 3. Each of the at least two auxiliary contacts 3 has an upper end section 31 facing the axis 7, wherein the contact plate 42 is arranged below the upper end section 31 as seen from the axis 7, regardless of the switching state of the switching device 100, i.e. not only in the first switching state but also in the second switching state. In other words, the upper end section 31 of each of the auxiliary contacts 3 is arranged above the contact plate 42 in the vertical direction 91. As shown Figure 4E As indicated in , each of the auxiliary contact pieces 3 has a contact region 32. The contact regions 32 of the auxiliary contact pieces 3 are arranged in the upper end section 31 and are respectively mechanically contacted and thus also electrically contacted by the contact plates 42 of the contact elements 4 in the second switching state of the switching device 100, as in Figure 4B and 4D At least in the second switching state of the switching device 100, each of the contact regions 32 is arranged between a contact ring 43 and a contact plate 42 that mechanically contacts the contact region 32. Since the contact plate 42 is arranged below the upper end section 31, the contact region 32 of the auxiliary contact piece 3 points downward and is therefore away from the shaft 7.

[0095] As in Figures 4A to 4E As can be seen in FIG, the contact region 32 of the auxiliary contact piece 3 can be configured in the form of a conical surface. Due to the above-mentioned inclined arrangement of the contact plate 42 relative to the connecting web 41, good mechanical contact and thus also electrical contact can be achieved between the auxiliary contact piece 3 and the contact element 4.

[0096] On the side opposite to the upper end section 31, each auxiliary contact piece 3 has a lower end section 33, which adjoins the flange 35 and has a connection area 34, by which each of the auxiliary contact pieces 3 can be connected via a lead line outside the gas-tight area 20. The distance of the contact area 32 of each auxiliary contact piece 3 from the ceramic element 30 is essentially determined by the length of the connection area 37 between the upper end section 31 and the lower end section 33. During the switching process of the switching device 100, the contact plate 42 moves along the connection area 37 of the auxiliary contact piece 3 until it respectively touches the contact area 32.

[0097] As described in conjunction with the aforementioned embodiment, the contact element 4 is constructed to be at least partially elastic and thus has elastic and therefore retractable properties. Since the contact element 4 is composed of a spring plate at least in the region of the connecting web 41 and / or the contact plate 42 and therefore also of a plate-shaped and / or strip-shaped plate, the contact element can be bent by the action of a force and restore to its original shape again in the absence of the force. When the first switching state of the switching device 100 is changed to the second switching state, the contact plate 42 can be pushed away from the contact ring 43 when it is placed on the auxiliary contact piece 3, that is, in particular on the contact area 32 of the auxiliary contact piece 3 and when the contact element 4 moves further. As a result, the contact plate 42 and / or the connecting web 41 can be bent retractably so that the contact plate 42 is pressed against the contact area 32. Therefore, in the second switching state, the contact element 4 applies a force to the auxiliary contact piece 3 by means of spring pressure, and a safe mechanical contact is achieved by the force, which can be maintained even in the case of vibration or impact.

[0098] As described above, the mechanical drive device configured as a lifting drive device has a return spring 10 with a return elastic force RFK, which causes the armature 5 to move back from the second switch position to the first switch position in the case of a de-energized electromagnet. The contact element 4 can have an elastic force FK. Preferably, FK < RFK applies and particularly preferably FK / RFK < 0.2, such that the switching movement is not or at least not significantly affected by the contact element, and the elastic force of the contact element does not resist the force action of the mechanical drive device in an interfering manner when transitioning from the first switching process to the second switching process. Thereby, it may be possible to optimally design the return spring 10 and the mechanical drive device regardless of whether the auxiliary contact 3 and the contact element 4 are installed in the switch device 100.

[0099] As described above in connection with the foregoing embodiments and also in Figure 4A As shown in, the movable contact 2 must pass through the switching path SW when transitioning from the first switch state to the second switch state in order to close the switch gap, as Figure 4B shown in. The path passed by the armature 5 is given by the magnetic gap MS between the magnetic core 6 and the magnetic yoke 9 in the rest position, as Figure 1C shown in. The path that the armature 5 and thus the contact element 4 must pass through so that the contact element 4 makes mechanical contact with at least two auxiliary contacts 3 can also be referred to as the contact path KW in this embodiment and is also Figure 4C shown in. The contact path KW is preferably smaller than the switching path SW and smaller than the magnetic gap MS in the rest position. Thereby, it can be achieved that the movable system further moves after contact has been established between the auxiliary contact 3 and the contact element 4, and thus the contact plate 42 is pressed against the contact area 32 of the auxiliary contact 3 as described above. KW < SW and KW < MS particularly preferably apply. Even when transitioning from the second switch state to the first switch state, the mechanical drive device and thus preferably the armature 5 can pass through the path MS, where the contact element 4 can preferably lose mechanical contact with at least two auxiliary contacts 3 after a path of less than or equal to 0.2×MS or less than or equal to 0.1×MS.

[0100] The armature 5 with the movable contact 2 is also an overtravel system in the case of this embodiment, where the movable contact 2 is displaceably arranged at the contact holder 71. When the movable contact 2 strikes the fixed contact 1 and thus when the switch gap is completely closed, as already described in connection with the foregoing embodiments, the contact spring 70 can be deflected and the armature 5 can move further until, for example, the magnetic core 6 abuts against the magnetic yoke 9 and Figure 4B as shown in, the magnetic gap MS is completely closed, as in Figure 4DAs shown. Particularly preferably, the magnetic core 6 can be moved upward in the vertical direction 91 by a section that is much less than or equal to 1 mm and particularly preferably approximately 0.5 mm farther than the movable contact 2, so that the deflection of the contact spring 70 due to overtravel can increase the pressing force of the movable contact 2 against the stationary contact 1, and a certain insensitivity to vibration and mechanical shock can be achieved.

[0101] If the switching device 100 should be transferred back to the first switching state in the second switching state and there is adhesion of the contacts 1, 2, then as described above, only the overtravel can be reduced, so that during the period when the switching gap remains closed and the armature 5 remains suspended in this intermediate state, only a small magnetic gap MSK appears between the magnetic core 6 and the yoke 9. Due to the above-mentioned contact path KW of the contact element 4, which is smaller than the size of the magnetic gap MS in the first switching state, the auxiliary contact 3 is preferably still contacted by the contact element 4, so that it can be safely detected at the auxiliary contact 3 that the second switching state still exists and the first switching state has not been reached. Since when the armature 5 moves downward, i.e., in the direction from the second switching state to the first switching state, the contact element 4 only loses mechanical contact with the auxiliary contact 3 after the section MS-KW passed by the magnetic core 6, it is particularly preferably applicable that MSK < MS-KW. Thereby, the malfunction of the switching device 100 can be reliably determined.

[0102] As in the previous embodiment, in combination with Figures 4A to 4F The described switching device 100 has a simple mechanism for detecting the switching state and for leading out signals from the airtight sealed gas space in the lower region 29 of the switching device 100. In this embodiment, the auxiliary contact 3 is also protected from flashovers caused by electric arcs in the upper region 28, i.e., in the switch cabinet 11.

[0103] As in Figure 5A and 5B shown, as long as the upper end region 31 with the contact surface 32 forms a cantilever, which is arranged in the movement path of the assigned contact plate of the contact element such that the contact plate can move past the connection region 37 of the auxiliary contact 3 and impact the contact surface 32 after passing through the contact path KW, the contact region 32 of each of the auxiliary contacts 3 can have a shape different from the conical surface shape described in the embodiment in combination with Figures 4A to 4F For example, the contact surface 32 can be configured to be horizontal, as shown in Figure 5A such that when cutting through the auxiliary contact 3 in a vertical section, the connection region 37 with the upper end region 31 can have a T-shaped cross-section. In addition, as shown in Figure 5B even when cutting through the auxiliary contact 3 in a vertical section, the contact surface 32 can have a circular cross-section and can be configured, for example, as a part of a spherical surface.

[0104] Combination Figures 4A to 4F The auxiliary contact piece 3 and the contact element 4 of the described embodiment must be installed in the switching device 100 in the correct orientation relative to each other so that the contact plate 42 is in the correct position relative to the auxiliary contact piece 3 and the auxiliary contact piece can be contacted in the second switching state of the switching device 100. Figures 6A to 6C , showing another embodiment of the switch device 100, the switch device and Figures 4A to 4F In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 1 with contact element 4 , no attention has to be paid to the correct orientation. Fig. 6A and 6B The view corresponds to Figure 4C and 4D A view of the switching device 100 shown in FIG. Figure 6C The contact element 4 is shown. The following description is again limited to the differences from the previous description. Features not explained can preferably be configured as previously described.

[0105] Figures 6A to 6C The contact element 4 shown in FIG. 1 has a plurality of connecting webs 41 which are arranged circumferentially at a contact ring 43 in a manner separated by grooves 44 and extend away from the contact ring 43. A contact plate 42 is arranged at each of the connecting webs 41. In addition, in combination with Figures 4A to 4F Compared to the contact element 4 of the described embodiment in which the connecting webs 41 were arranged at the outer edge of the contact ring 43, the connecting webs 41 are now arranged at the inner edge of the contact ring 43. Alternatively, however, other arrangements are also possible in each case in both embodiments.

[0106] As described above, each connecting element 41 with the contact plate 42 arranged thereon is designed to be elastic, so that the above-mentioned functionality of the contact element 4 is also guaranteed in this case. The groove 44 has a width that is smaller than the width of the contact area of ​​the auxiliary contact piece, so that in the case of any rotation of the contact element 4 about the axis 91, that is, in the case of any rotation about the axis 7, either one contact plate 42 or two adjacent contact plates 42 can always contact the auxiliary contact piece 3 in the second switching state of the switching device 100. By means of the circumferentially designed contact plates 42 separated only by the grooves 44, an almost continuous but still elastic contact surface can thus be formed on the contact element 4. The contact plate 42 can have a curved shape as shown, or alternatively can also be combined as shown. Figures 4A to 4F Constructed as described.

[0107] Features and embodiments described in conjunction with the figures can be combined with one another according to other embodiments, even if not all combinations are explicitly described. Furthermore, the embodiments described in conjunction with the figures can alternatively or additionally have further features according to the description in the general part.

[0108] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments by the description based on the exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention includes every new feature and every combination of features, which in particular includes every combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or this combination itself is not explicitly described in the patent claims or exemplary embodiments.

[0109] Reference numerals list

[0110] 1 Fixed contact

[0111] 2 movable contacts

[0112] 3 Auxiliary contact

[0113] 4 Contact elements

[0114] 5 Armature

[0115] 6 Magnetic core

[0116] 7 Axis

[0117] 8 Coil

[0118] 9 Yoke

[0119] 10 Return spring

[0120] 11 Switch Box

[0121] 12 Switch box cover

[0122] 13 Switch box bottom

[0123] 14. Internal Space

[0124] 15 Flange

[0125] 18 Gas filling interface

[0126] 19 Housing

[0127] 20 Airtight Area

[0128] 21 Wall area

[0129] 22 Wall Area

[0130] 28 Upper area

[0131] 29 Lower area

[0132] 30 Ceramic components

[0133] 31 Upper end section

[0134] 32 Contact area

[0135] 33 Lower end section

[0136] 34 Connection area

[0137] 35 Flange

[0138] 36 Fastening area

[0139] 37 Connection Area

[0140] 39 Opening

[0141] 40 Contact with the belly plate

[0142] 41 Connecting web

[0143] 42 Contact plate

[0144] 60 recess

[0145] 43 Contact ring

[0146] 44 slots

[0147] 70 Contact spring

[0148] 71 Contact retainer

[0149] 91 vertical direction

[0150] 92 Vertical direction

[0151] 93 Horizontal direction

[0152] 100 Switchgear

[0153] A Distance

[0154] B Width

[0155] MS Magnetic Gap

[0156] MSK Magnetic gap during switch bonding

[0157] KW contact path

[0158] SW switch path.

Claims

1. A switch device (100), comprising: - at least one fixed contact (1) and a movable contact (2) in a switch box (11), - contact elements (4) outside the switch box, - a mechanical drive having a shaft (7), wherein the mechanical drive is arranged and configured to move the movable contact piece and the contact element, and at least two auxiliary contacts outside the switch housing on the side of the shaft facing away from the movable contact piece, in the contact element contacts at least two auxiliary contacts in a first switching state of the switching device and is spaced apart from the at least two auxiliary contacts in a second switching state of the switching device or is spaced apart from the at least two auxiliary contacts in the first switching state of the switching device and contacts at least two auxiliary contacts in the second switching state of the switching device, and In a first switching state of the switching device, the movable contact is spaced apart from at least one fixed contact, and in a second switching state of the switching device, the movable contact contacts at least one fixed contact.

2. The switching device according to the preceding claim, wherein the contact element is at least partially designed to be elastic. 3 . The switching device according to claim 1 , wherein the contact element is constructed in one piece.

4. A switching device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device has an airtight area (20), the contact element is arranged in the airtight area, and the at least two auxiliary contacts are partially arranged in the airtight area and partially arranged outside the airtight area.

5. The switching device according to claim 4, wherein the at least two auxiliary contacts protrude through an opening (39) in a ceramic element (30), and the ceramic element forms part of a wall of the gas-tight region. 6 . The switching device according to claim 5 , wherein the ceramic component is connected to a wall region ( 22 ) comprising stainless steel, and the ceramic component and the wall region together form a cup shape.

7. A switching device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element has a contact web (40) or a contact ring (43), at least two connecting webs (41) extending away from the contact web or contact ring, and a contact plate (42) at each of the connecting webs. The switch device according to claim 7 , wherein the contact plates face each other.

9. The switch device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein - The contact element is arranged at an element of the mechanical drive device that causes the switching movement of the movable contact, - The mechanical drive device has an armature (5) with a shaft and a magnetic core (6), and the contact element is directly fastened to the magnetic core, and - The contact element or the contact ring is welded to the magnetic core.

10. The switching device according to claim 9, wherein the magnetic core has a recess (60), and a part of the contact element is arranged in the recess (60).

11. The switching device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in a first switching state of the switching device, at least a part of the contact element is laterally arranged beside the at least two auxiliary contacts.

12. The switching device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element has a plurality of connecting webs, which are arranged around the contact ring in a circumferential manner separated by gaps and extend away from the contact ring, and contact plates are arranged at each of the contact webs.

13. The switching device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least two auxiliary contacts has an upper end section facing the shaft, and viewed from the shaft, the contact plates of the contact element are arranged below the upper end section regardless of the switching state of the switching device.

14. The switching device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least two auxiliary contacts has a contact area facing away from the shaft, and in a second switching state of the switching device, each of the contact areas is mechanically contacted by a contact plate.

15. The switching device according to claim 14, wherein at least in the second switching state of the switching device, each of the contact areas is arranged between the contact ring and the contact plate that mechanically contacts the contact area.

16. The switching device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein each of the contact areas is configured in the form of a conical surface.

17. The switching device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical drive device passes through a path MS when transitioning from the first switching state to the second switching state, and the contact element achieves mechanical contact with the at least two auxiliary contacts after a contact path KW, where KW < MS applies.

18. A switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the movable contact passes through a switching path SW when changing from the first switching state to the second switching state, and the contact element loses mechanical contact with the at least two auxiliary contacts after the switching path SW, wherein KW / SW<0.

2.

19. The switch device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the contact plates face each other and have a distance A therebetween, the distance A being smaller than a width B of the auxiliary contact piece.

20. The switching device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanical drive has a return spring (10) with a return spring force RFK, and the contact element has a spring force FK, wherein FK / RFK≤0.2.

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