Switching device

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching device (100) having two fixed contacts (2, 3) in a switching chamber (11) in a gas-tight region (16) containing H2 and a rotary contact bridge (4) which can be rotated about an axis of rotation (99) and via which the fixed contacts are electrically conductively connected in a first switching state and via which the fixed contacts are electrically conductively connected in a second switching state, and in the second switching state, the rotary contact bridge is twisted around the rotation axis relative to the first switching state, and the fixed contacts are electrically separated from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A switching device is described. Background Art

[0002] The switching device is designed in particular as an electromagnetic core-actuated 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 circuit breaker, in particular a circuit breaker. Particularly preferably, the switching device can be designed as a gas-filled circuit breaker.

[0003] A possible application of such a switching device, in particular a power circuit breaker, is to disconnect and separate a battery circuit, for example in a motor vehicle, such as an electrically or partially electrically operated motor vehicle. These may be, for example, purely battery-operated vehicles (BEV: battery electric vehicle), hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV: plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV: hybrid electric vehicle) that can be charged via a socket or a charging station. In this case, usually both the positive contact and the negative contact of the battery are separated by means of the power circuit breaker. This separation takes place in normal operation, for example when the vehicle is stationary, and also in the event of a disturbance, such as, for example, an accident, etc. In this case, the task of the power circuit breaker is to switch the vehicle to a voltage-free state and interrupt the current flow.

[0004] In a conventional protector, a movable contact bridge is lifted and lowered for switching and is thus conductively connected to or separated from a fixed main contact by linear displacement. The load circuit can be connected to the main contact. In particular, in the case of disconnecting the contacts under load, a switching arc is usually constructed between the fixed contact and the contact bridge. In order to prevent damage and the so-called adhesion of the contacts, that is, the permanent adhesion of the contact bridge to one or two fixed contacts, it is important to avoid the switching arc that occurs in the case of opening and closing the contacts or at least to extinguish it as quickly as possible. The decisive factor here is the switching power of the switching device: the higher the voltage present and the higher the current flowing, the more difficult it is to extinguish the switching arc that occurs. The larger the disconnection gap between the contact bridge and the fixed contact when the contact bridge is lowered, the easier it is to extinguish the switching arc. Therefore, the disconnection gap cannot be selected to be arbitrarily small, which, for example, is accompanied by a limit on the reduction of the structural size of the protector. Summary of the invention

[0005] At least one object of certain specific embodiments is to specify a switching device.

[0006] This object is achieved by the subject matter according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the subject matter are identified in the dependent claims and are also derived from the following description and the drawings.

[0007] According to at least one embodiment, the switching device has at least one fixed contact and at least one rotating contact bridge. The at least one fixed contact and the at least one rotating contact bridge are provided and designed 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 arranged separately from one another in the switching device and can be connected to the load circuit. Fixed contacts and rotating contact bridges can be summarized in the following, similarly briefly, with the term "contact" or "switch contact".

[0008] The rotating contact bridge can rotate around the rotation axis and is therefore configured as a rotatable contact. The rotating contact bridge can be rotated in the switching device so that the rotating contact bridge can alternate between a first switching state and a second switching state. In the first switching state, which is the state of the switching device being connected, the fixed contacts are electrically connected to each other through the rotating contact bridge, so that the current of the connected load circuit can flow through the switching device and in particular through the fixed contacts and the rotating contact bridge. For example, a pair of two fixed contacts can be electrically connected to each other in this way. However, it is also possible that more than two fixed contacts are electrically connected to each other in the first switching state. In the second switching state, which is the state of the switching device not being connected and in which the rotating contact bridge is twisted around the rotation axis for the first switching state, the fixed contacts are electrically separated from each other. The first and second switching states can then be referred to as the first and second states in the same brief manner. Particularly preferably, the fixed contact is in mechanical contact with the rotating contact bridge in the first state and is therefore electrically connected to it, while the fixed contact is mechanically and thus also electrically separated from the rotating contact bridge in the second state. In particular, the contact bridge can be rotated by an angle greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 170°, for example 90°, to alternate between the first and the second switching state.

[0009] According to another embodiment, the rotary contact bridge has a conductive element, which in a first switching state assumes a current-conducting position and contacts the fixed contacts and thereby establishes an electrical connection between the fixed contacts. The conductive element has a contact piece on the side facing away from the axis of rotation in the radial direction for contacting each of the fixed contacts. In the first switching state, each of the contact pieces of the conductive element is in mechanical contact with the contact surface of the contact area of ​​the fixed contact. In the second switching state, the rotary contact bridge is twisted relative to the first switching state so that the contact piece is galvanically separated from the fixed contact.

[0010] The at least one fixed contact and / or at least the conducting element of the rotary contact bridge may, for example, contain or consist of copper, a copper alloy, one or more high-melting-point metals (such as, for example, tungsten, nickel and / or chromium), or a mixture of the materials, for example a mixture of copper with at least one further metal (such as tungsten, nickel and / or chromium). Composite materials are also conceivable, which have metal oxide particles in a metal matrix. Particularly preferably, such a composite material has or consists of aluminum oxide particles in a copper matrix.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the switching device has a housing in which a rotating contact bridge and the at least one fixed contact or at least two fixed contacts are arranged. The rotating contact bridge can be arranged in particular completely in the housing. The arrangement of the fixed contact in the housing can in particular mean that at least one contact area of ​​the fixed contact and in particular the contact surface of the contact area, which is in mechanical contact with the rotating contact bridge in the switched-on state, are arranged in the housing. In order to connect the power supply line of the load circuit switchable by the switching device, the fixed contact arranged in the housing can be electrically contacted from the outside, i.e. from the outside of the housing. For this purpose, the fixed contact arranged in the housing can extend out of the housing in part and have a connection possibility for the power supply line outside the housing.

[0012] According to another embodiment, the switching device has a switching chamber, in which a rotating contact bridge and the at least one fixed contact or the at least two fixed contacts are arranged. The switching chamber can be arranged in particular in a housing. The rotating contact bridge can particularly preferably be arranged completely in the switching chamber. The arrangement of the fixed contact in the switching chamber can particularly mean that at least one contact area of ​​the fixed contact and in particular the contact surface of the contact area (which is in mechanical contact with the rotating contact bridge in the switched-on state) are arranged in the switching chamber. In order to connect the power supply line of the load circuit that can be switched by the switching device, the fixed contact arranged in the switching chamber can be electrically contacted from the outside, that is, from the outside of the switching chamber. For this purpose, the fixed contact arranged in the switching chamber can extend out of the switching chamber in part and have a connection possibility for the power supply line outside the switching chamber.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the switching device has a drive unit, by means of which the rotary contact bridge can be rotated for changing the switching state. The switching device can have a shaft, which is connected to the rotary contact bridge at one end so that the rotary contact bridge can be moved by means of the shaft, that is, it is also rotated by it when the shaft rotates. The shaft thus particularly preferably defines the axis of rotation of the rotary contact bridge, so that the concept "shaft" can also mean "axis of rotation" later. The rotary contact bridge is particularly preferably fixed to the shaft. In particular, the rotary contact bridge can be fixed to the shaft in an electrically insulating manner. For example, an electrically insulating material can be arranged between the shaft and the conductive part of the rotary contact bridge. The shaft can extend into the switch chamber, in particular, through an opening in the switch chamber. In particular, the switch chamber can have a switch chamber bottom, which has an opening, through which the shaft extends. The drive unit is preferably arranged outside the switch chamber and is provided and established for rotating the shaft and the rotary contact bridge connected to the shaft. The drive unit and at least a part of the shaft or also the entire shaft can thus form a drive system for rotating the rotary contact bridge.

[0014] For example, the drive unit can have a stepper motor, by which a rotation by a defined angle can be brought about with increasing step lengths. In addition, the drive unit can have a magnetic drive with a rotatable magnetic armature, which can be rotated by a magnetic circuit in order to bring about the switching process described above. For this purpose, the magnetic circuit can have a yoke. The rotatable magnetic armature can be connected to the shaft. For this purpose, the magnetic armature can have a magnetic rotating core or be designed as a magnetic rotating core, which can be fixed at the end of the shaft opposite the rotating contact bridge 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 magnetic armature is rotated.

[0015] The switching device can be switched, for example, from the second switching state to the first switching state by means of the drive unit. The rotational movement of the rotary contact bridge for switching from the first switching state to the second switching state can also be caused by the drive unit or preferably alternatively or additionally also by means of a return spring. It can thereby be achieved that when the control current for switching the switching device to the first switching state is terminated, the switching device automatically switches to the second switching state and thus interrupts the load circuit.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the drive system is further rotated by a predetermined angle after reaching the first switching state. This means that the drive unit or at least a part of the drive unit and the shaft or also the drive unit and the shaft can be further rotated by a predetermined angle in the case of switching to the first switching state after reaching the first switching state, i.e. when the conductive element of the rotating contact bridge is in conductive contact with the fixed contact. The predetermined angle can be particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1° and less than or equal to 15°. For example, the rotating contact bridge can be fixed to the shaft with corresponding rotational play or elastic fixing, so that the shaft can be rotated further than the rotating contact bridge. In other words, the drive system can "over-rotate" when switching to the first state. It can be achieved that before the rotating contact bridge and in particular the conductive element of the rotating contact bridge start to rotate, the drive system, i.e. the drive unit or at least a part of the drive unit and the shaft or also the drive unit and the shaft, can already perform a rotational movement when starting to switch to the second operating state. As a result, the drive system can receive speed and can generate angular momentum, which can achieve that the fixed contacts can be electrically separated from each other more quickly after transferring this angular momentum to the rotating contact bridge.

[0017] The shaft can preferably comprise stainless steel or consist thereof. The switch chamber, ie in particular the switch chamber wall and / or the switch chamber bottom, can at least partially preferably comprise a metal oxide ceramic such as, for example, aluminum oxide or a plastic or consist thereof. Suitable plastics are in particular plastics that are sufficiently temperature resistant. For example, the switch chamber can comprise polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyethylene (PE) and / or glass-filled polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as plastic. Furthermore, the switch chamber can also at least partially comprise polyoxymethylene (POM), in particular with a structure (CH2O) n .

[0018] According to another embodiment, the contacts are arranged in a gas atmosphere. This may in particular mean that the rotating contact bridge is completely arranged in a gas atmosphere and in addition at least a part of the at least one fixed contact, for example the contact area of ​​the at least one fixed contact, is arranged in a gas atmosphere. The switching device may have a gas-tight region for this purpose, in which the gas atmosphere is kept hermetically sealed relative to the surrounding environment and in which the described components may be arranged. The gas-tight region may be formed by parts of the housing and / or by additional walls and / or by components in the housing. For example, the gas-tight region may be formed by parts of the switching chamber wall and, if possible, of the yoke and in combination with additional wall components, for example with or consisting of pure iron, aluminum or stainless steel. In particular, the switching chamber may be arranged in the gas-tight region of the switching device or form a part thereof. In addition, the drive unit may also be arranged partially or preferably completely in the gas-tight region. The switching device may accordingly be particularly preferably a gas-filled switching device such as, for example, a gas-filled protector. The gas atmosphere may be promoted by increasing the arc burning voltage, in particular extinguishing an arc that may occur between the contacts during the switching process. The gas of the gas atmosphere can preferably contain H2 and particularly preferably have a proportion of at least 50% H2. In addition to hydrogen, the gas can contain an inert gas, particularly preferably N2 and / or one or more noble gases. Furthermore, the gas, ie at least a part of the gas atmosphere, can be located in particular in the switch chamber.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the switch chamber has a cylindrical switch chamber wall and the fixed contact extends into the switch chamber through the switch chamber wall. The cylindrical switch chamber wall can especially mean that the shape of the switch chamber wall has a cylindrical peripheral shape or at least is derived from a cylindrical peripheral shape, wherein the cylindrical peripheral surface has a circular cross-section. In particular, the cylindrical peripheral shape has a cylindrical axis, which overlaps with the rotation axis. The switch chamber wall can additionally have a recess and / or a protrusion in or at the inner wall facing the rotating contact bridge and / or the outer wall facing away from the inner wall. Particularly preferably, the fixed contact can be radially oriented relative to the rotation axis in the switch chamber wall, wherein two fixed contacts that can be interconnected by a rotating contact bridge are preferably arranged opposite to each other in a radial direction. The fixed contacts can each have a contact area with a contact surface facing the rotating contact bridge. At least a portion of the contact area or at least a portion of the contact surface of each of the fixed contacts can extend beyond the inner wall.

[0020] According to another embodiment, each of the fixed contacts has a contact surface that is beveled toward the rotary contact bridge. A "beveled contact surface" can particularly mean that the contact surface is not tangential to the rotational movement of the rotary contact bridge and is therefore not tangential to the internal arrangement of the switch chamber wall. In this case, the contact surface can be beveled on one side or on multiple sides. By beveling the contact surface, the mechanical contact with the rotary contact bridge can be improved. In addition, the contact surface can be beveled in such a way that the contact surface reacts to the rotational movement of the rotary contact bridge in a direction, thereby preventing the rotary contact bridge from rotating further past the first state when rotating from the second state into the first state.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the rotating contact bridge is spaced apart from the inner wall of the switch chamber wall. Particularly preferably, the rotating contact bridge is spaced apart from the inner wall of the switch chamber wall in each switching state and also during the switch from the first switching state to the second switching state and vice versa. For example, the inner wall of the switch chamber wall may have a diameter that is greater than the maximum dimension of the rotating contact bridge perpendicular to the axis of rotation. For example, the inner wall of the switch chamber wall may have an increased diameter at least in the region of the rotating contact bridge. Particularly preferably, the fixed contact may be arranged in a groove in the inner wall that at least partially surrounds the rotating contact bridge. As a result, there may be a gap between the rotating contact bridge and the inner wall of the switch chamber wall at least in the radial direction. The narrower the gap, the easier it is to extinguish the switching arc that occurs during switching, because there is less space for the switching arc to propagate.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the rotary contact bridge has a resiliently supported contact piece. In particular, the rotary contact bridge may have an intermediate part fixed to the shaft. There, a contact piece with an elastic element arranged therebetween may be arranged. The intermediate part, the elastic element and the contact piece may be constructed in a single piece or formed by separately manufactured parts, which are joined together to form a conductive element. In the case of contact between the contact surface of the fixed contact when switching to the first switching state, the resiliently supported contact piece may be squeezed in the direction of the axis of rotation, so that an increased pressing pressure can be achieved by the elastic element. It is thus possible to achieve reliable and lasting contact between the contact piece and the fixed contact in the first switching state. When switching from the first switching state to the second switching state, the elastic element may be further decompressed and the contact piece may be squeezed away from the intermediate part in the radial direction. Particularly preferably, the contact piece always has a spacing from the inner wall of the switch chamber wall in the decompressed state of the elastic element.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the rotary contact bridge has at least one insulating element, which has an electrically insulating material or consists of it. The conductive element of the rotary contact bridge is preferably at least partially surrounded by the insulating element. For example, the insulating element can form part of a disk. There can also be a plurality of insulating elements. The rotary contact bridge can thus be designed, for example, essentially as a disk by means of the conductive element and the at least one insulating element, wherein the contact piece can extend from the disk in a radial direction. Particularly preferably, the conductive element is surrounded by the at least one insulating element except for a part of the contact piece, so that the conductive element is embedded in the at least one insulating element.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the switching device has two auxiliary contacts in the form of auxiliary contacts, which are electrically connected to each other via a rotating contact bridge in the second switching state. In the first switching state, on the contrary, the auxiliary contacts are electrically separated from each other. For example, by measuring the resistance, voltage drop or auxiliary current flow through the auxiliary contacts, it can be determined whether the switching device is in the second switching state or whether, for example, adhesion of the contacts has occurred and the rotating contact bridge can no longer be rotated from the first state to the second state. In addition, it is also possible that another conductive element, which can also be called a conductive auxiliary element, is present in the rotating contact bridge, through which the auxiliary contacts are conductively connected to each other either in the first switching state or in the second switching state. For example, the auxiliary contacts can thus be connected simultaneously with the fixed contacts and therefore in parallel with them. The features described before and after for the conductive elements can also apply to the conductive auxiliary elements. In addition, the features described before and after for the fixed contacts can also apply to the auxiliary contacts. In particular, the auxiliary contacts can be designed smaller than the fixed contacts, because the auxiliary contacts do not have to have the same current carrying capacity as the fixed contacts.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the switching device has a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet, on each of the fixed contacts in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The magnet is preferably arranged outside the switching chamber, for example on or at the outer side of the switching chamber. By means of the magnet acting as a so-called demagnetizer, a magnetic field can be generated in the region of the fixed contacts, which magnetic field leads to a prolongation of the switching arc due to the Lorentz force and to the discharge of the switching arc from the region between the contact surface of the fixed contact and the contact piece of the rotating contact bridge, which can simplify the extinguishing of the switching arc.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the switching device has a plurality of fixed contact pairs, which can be interconnected with each other in a rotary contact bridge via associated conductive elements. It is thus possible to interconnect or electrically disconnect a plurality of fixed contact pairs simultaneously with a single rotational movement of the rotary contact bridge. If the rotary contact bridge has a plurality of conductive elements, these are preferably arranged in the rotary contact bridge so as to be electrically insulated from each other via one or more insulating elements.

[0027] In the switching device described here, the switching process is accomplished by means of a rotational movement instead of the usual linear movement in the prior art, which can be effected, for example, by a stepper motor or a magnetic drive with a magnetic circuit with a coil drive as a drive unit. In the case of a stepper motor as a drive unit, it can have a higher torque, so that even a greater restoring force, for example by a stronger restoring spring, can be overcome. On the other hand, a magnetic drive can, for example, be more cost-effective.

[0028] In particular, it has been shown that the switching device described here in the form of a gas-filled power circuit breaker with a combination of a rotating contact bridge and a gas filling (i.e. a gas atmosphere that facilitates the extinguishing of the arc) is advantageous in a switching chamber, wherein the switching chamber has or consists of a ceramic material or the plastic material described above. Particularly preferably, the switching device also has a demagnetizing body.

[0029] The rotating contact bridge can be particularly preferably configured so that it fills the switching chamber as completely as possible, so that there is only a gap as narrow as possible between the inner wall of the switching chamber wall and the rotating contact bridge. Together with the wider disconnection path determined by the rotation angle between the first switching state and the second switching state, it can be beneficial to quickly extinguish the switching arc. In view of the typical order of magnitude of power protection devices, for example, the spacing between the conductive parts of 1 mm in the case of a rotation of 90° can be increased by, for example, 10 mm or even several tens of mm, for example more than 20 mm per fixed contact. Very high insulation voltages can be achieved thereby.

[0030] The switching device described here also has the advantage that wear or deposits caused by the separation process in the case of higher voltage and higher current are deposited on the opposite sides of the housing. The reduction in the insulation resistance in terms of service life is thus less than in the case of a conventional protector with linear movement. The arrangement of the contacts with the main connection part, i.e. the fixed contacts, in the radial direction at the sides prevents contact suspension (Kontaktlevitation), because there is no change in the direction of the current flow when passing through the switch. The construction of the switching device described here is also further unaffected by external vibration influences. In particular, there is no shaft in which the excitation can cause accidental opening or closing of the contacts. Parallel contacts, i.e., auxiliary contacts or other fixed contacts, can be simply integrated and switched in parallel or alternately on the rotating contact bridge via other conductive elements. Brazing or other assembly can also be carried out in particular into the switch chamber wall, which is possible due to the large spacing of the fixed contacts. By separating the switching arcs on the opposite sides in the radial direction, the arcs are very unlikely to meet. If, in addition, magnets as described above are used, a deflection of the foot point relative to the direction of rotation can always be achieved. The interruption of the arc is thus significantly facilitated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Further advantages, advantageous embodiments and developments result from the exemplary embodiments described below in conjunction with the figures.

[0032] in: Figures 1A to 1I shows a schematic diagram of a switch device according to an embodiment, Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a drive unit for a switch device according to an embodiment, and Figure 3A and 3B A schematic diagram of a portion of a switchgear according to another embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In the exemplary embodiments and figures, identical, identical or identically functioning elements are each provided with the same reference numerals. The illustrated elements and their size ratios to one another are not to be regarded as being to scale, but rather individual elements such as layers, components, structural elements and regions may be illustrated with an exaggerated size for better visibility and / or for better understanding.

[0034] exist Figure 1A and 1I , an embodiment of a switching device 100 is shown, which can be used, for example, to switch a higher current and / or a higher voltage of a load circuit that can be connected to the switching device 100 and can be a relay or a protector, in particular a power protector. Figure 1A and 1B A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the switch device 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 1C and 1D 1 shows an external view of the switching device 100 in a top view toward the top and in a side view. Figure 1A The cross section shown in Figure 1C The section plane AA is shown in Figure 1B The cross section shown in Figure 1C The section plane BB is shown in Figure 1E and 1F The middle edge Figure 1D A cross-sectional view of the switching device 100 in the section plane CC indicated in FIG. Figure 1A , 1B 1G and the direction of sight of the rotation axis 99 show a cross-sectional view of the switch device 100, wherein the light-opening device 100 is Figure 1E In the first switching state and in Figure 1F In the same way Figure 1A , 1B and 1G are shown in the second switching state. Figure 1GIn FIG. 1 , the gas-tight region 16 of the switching device 100 is shown in a sectional view corresponding to the section plane BB, which essentially corresponds to the switching device 100 without the housing 1 . Figure 1H and 1I In the diagram, the gas-tight region 16 and thus the switching device 100 without the housing 1 and the outer view of the switching device 100 are shown in a three-dimensional view. Figures 1A to 1I The geometric shapes shown are merely exemplary and are not to be understood in a restrictive manner and may also be designed in an alternative manner.

[0035] The switching device 100 has two fixed contacts 2, 3 and a rotary contact bridge 4. A load circuit can be connected to the fixed contacts 2, 3 arranged separately from each other in the switching device 100. The fixed contacts 2, 3 together with the rotary contact bridge 4 form switching contacts as rotatable contacts.

[0036] The switching contacts and further components described below are arranged in a housing 1. The housing 1 primarily serves as a touch protector for the components arranged in the interior and comprises or consists of a plastic, for example PBT or gas-filled PBT.

[0037] The rotary contact bridge 4 forms a contact which is rotatable about an axis of rotation 99 and can be rotated in the switching device 100 such that the rotary contact bridge 4 can be Figure 1E The first switching state shown in Figure 1F In the same way Figure 1A , 1B and the second switching state shown in 1G. As a result, the switching activity of the switching device 100 is essentially completed by the rotating contact bridge 4. In the first switching state, which is the connected state of the switching device 100, the fixed contacts 2, 3 are conductively connected to each other via the rotating contact bridge 4, so that the current of the connected load circuit can flow through the switching device 100 and in particular through the fixed contacts 2, 3 and the rotating contact bridge 4. In the second switching state, which is the unconnected state of the switching device 100 and in which the rotating contact bridge is twisted around the rotation axis 99 at an angle relative to the first switching state, the fixed contacts 2, 3 are electrically separated from each other. As in Figure 1E As can be seen in the figure, the fixed contacts 2, 3 are in mechanical contact with the rotating contact bridge 4 in the first switching state and are therefore galvanically connected thereto, while the fixed contacts 2, 3 are mechanically and thus also galvanically separated from the rotating contact bridge 4 in the second switching state. As shown, for example, by rotating the rotating contact bridge 4 at an angle of 90°, it is possible to alternate between the first switching state and the second switching state. Alternatively to this, other configurations are also possible, in which it is possible to alternate between the switching states by rotating the rotating contact bridge 4 at an angle greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 170°, such as, for example, 10°, 15°, 30°, 45° or multiples thereof.

[0038] The rotary contact bridge 4 has a conductive element 40, which in a first switching state contacts the fixed contacts 2, 3 and establishes an electrical connection between the fixed contacts 2, 3. The conductive element 40 has a contact piece 41 on the side of the rotary contact bridge 4 facing away from the axis of rotation 99 in the radial direction in order to contact each of the fixed contacts 2, 3. In the first switching state, each of the contact pieces 41 of the conductive element 40 is in mechanical contact with the contact surface 21, 31 of the contact area 20, 30 of the fixed contacts 2, 3. In the second switching state, the rotary contact bridge 4 is rotated into the first switching state so that the contact piece 41 is galvanically separated from the fixed contacts 2, 3.

[0039] The switching device 100 further comprises a drive unit 5, by means of which the contact bridge 4 can be rotated for switching, i.e. for changing the switching state. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the drive unit 5 comprises a motor, in particular a stepper motor, or is designed in this way. With the aid of a stepper motor, a rotation by a defined angle can be effected with increasing step lengths and a higher torque can be provided. Alternatively to this, the drive unit can comprise a magnetic drive, as described further below in conjunction with Figure 2 For actuating the drive unit, a connecting element 6 and a supply line may be provided, for example, as shown.

[0040] Furthermore, the switching device 100 has a shaft 7, which is composed of stainless steel or has stainless steel, for example, and which is connected to the rotary contact bridge 4 at one end in such a way that the rotary contact bridge 4 can be rotated by means of the shaft 7. At the opposite end, the shaft 7 is connected to the drive unit 5, so that the drive unit 5 can rotate the rotary contact bridge 4. The shaft 7 thus defines the axis of rotation 99 of the rotary contact bridge 4. The rotary contact bridge 4 is particularly preferably fixed to the shaft 7. In particular, the rotary contact bridge 4 can be fixed to the shaft 7 in an electrically insulating manner. As shown, an electrically insulating material 8, in particular a plastic such as, for example, PBT or POM, can be arranged between the shaft 7 and the rotary contact bridge 4, in particular at least between the shaft 7 and the conductive parts of the rotary contact bridge 4. The fixing of the rotary contact bridge 4 to the shaft 7 can be carried out, for example, by means of a pin element 9, as shown. The electrically insulating material 8 can be additionally secured to the shaft 7, for example, by a snap ring 87, as shown.

[0041] The switching device 100 can be switched, for example, from the second switching state to the first switching state by means of the drive unit 5. The rotational movement of the rotary contact bridge 4 for switching from the first switching state to the second switching state can also be caused by the drive unit 5 or preferably alternatively or additionally also by means of the return spring 10. The return spring 10 can achieve that, in the event of a termination of the control current for switching the switching device 100, the switching device 100 automatically switches from the first switching state to the second switching state and thereby interrupts the load circuit.

[0042] The drive unit 5 can form a drive system alone or with a part of the shaft 7 or with the entire shaft 7, which further rotates at a predetermined angle after reaching the first switching state. This means that the drive unit 5 or at least a part of the drive unit 5 and the shaft 7 or also the drive unit 5 and the shaft 7 can further rotate at a predetermined angle after reaching the first switching state when switching to the first switching state, while the rotary contact bridge 4 no longer rotates. The predetermined angle can be particularly preferably greater than or equal to 1° and less than or equal to 15°. For example, the fixing of the rotary contact bridge 4 at the shaft 7 can be configured with corresponding clearance or elastically configured. In this way, the pin member 9 can be arranged at the shaft 7 and / or the rotary contact bridge 4, for example, with clearance. In addition, it is also possible that the pin member 9 has an elastic material. Through the further rotation of the drive system, it can be achieved that before the rotary contact bridge 4 and in particular the conductive element 40 of the rotary contact bridge 4 start to rotate, the drive system can already perform a rotational movement in order to start switching from the first operating state to the second operating state. As a result, the drive system can absorb the speed and generate an angular momentum, which makes it possible for the electrically conductive connection between the fixed contacts 2 , 3 to be disconnected more quickly after the angular momentum has been transferred to the rotary contact bridge 4 .

[0043] The switching device 100 further comprises a switching chamber 11, in which a rotating contact bridge 4 and fixed contacts 2, 3 are arranged. In this case, the fixed contacts 2, 3 extend into the switching chamber 11 through the housing 1 and the switching chamber wall 12 as generally described above. This can in particular mean that at least a part of the contact area 20, 30 or at least a part of the contact surface 21, 31 of each of the fixed contacts 2, 3 can extend beyond the inner wall of the switching chamber wall 12 facing the rotating contact bridge 4. In particular, the switching chamber 11 has a cylindrical switching chamber wall 12. As shown, the fixed contacts 2, 3 are particularly preferably oriented radially to the rotation axis 99 in the switching chamber wall 12 and are preferably arranged opposite each other in the radial direction.

[0044] The switch chamber 11 further comprises a switch chamber bottom 13, which has an opening through which the shaft 7 projects. The drive unit 5 is arranged outside the switch chamber 11. The switch chamber 11, i.e. in particular the switch chamber wall 12 and / or the switch chamber bottom 13, can at least partially preferably comprise or consist of a metal oxide ceramic such as, for example, aluminum oxide or a plastic such as, for example, PEEK, PE, glass-filled PBT or POM. The switch chamber wall 12 and the switch chamber bottom 13 can also consist of different materials. For example, the switch chamber wall 12 consists of a ceramic material, while the switch chamber bottom 13 consists of a plastic.

[0045] The drive unit 5 is arranged below the switch chamber 11 in a basin formed by a gas-tight wall 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a connecting plate 15 is arranged between the switch chamber 11 and the region arranged thereunder with the drive unit 5, which, like the gas-tight wall 14, can be made of pure iron, aluminum or stainless steel, for example. Figure 1B and1G As indicated in FIG. 1 , the connecting plate 15 can be screwed to the switch chamber 11 , for example, and the gas-tight wall 14 can be soldered or welded to the connecting plate 15 .

[0046] The switching contacts of the switching device 100 are arranged in a gas atmosphere. In particular, the rotating contact bridge 4 is completely arranged in the gas atmosphere, while a part of the fixed contacts 2, 3, for example, their contact areas 20, 30 are arranged in the gas atmosphere. The switching device 100 has a gas-tight area 16 for this purpose, in which the gas atmosphere is kept hermetically sealed relative to the surrounding environment and in which the described components can be arranged. The gas-tight area 16 is formed by a part of the switching chamber wall 12, by the gas-tight wall 14 and by the connecting plate 15 in the illustrated embodiment, wherein the gas-tight wall 14 is additionally provided between the switching chamber wall 12 and the connecting plate 15 in the illustrated embodiment. It is thus possible to apply the following material as the switching chamber bottom 13, which is not gas-tight. The switching device 100 is thus a gas-filled switching device, such as a gas-filled protector, for example. The gas atmosphere can be promoted by increasing the arc burning voltage, especially by extinguishing the arc that can occur between the contacts during the switching process. The gas of the gas atmosphere can preferably have H2 and particularly preferably have a proportion of at least 50% H2. Besides hydrogen, the gas may comprise inert gases, particularly preferably N 2 and / or one or more noble gases.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the gas-tight region 16 is arranged in the housing 1 by means of a damping element 17. The damping element 17 can consist of an elastic plastic, for example in the form of a rubber damper, and reduces the transmission of mechanical stresses, shocks and vibrations acting on the housing 1 from the housing 1 to the gas-tight region 16 and thus in particular to the switching chamber 11.

[0048] As in Figure 1E and 1F As indicated in , the fixed contacts 2, 3 can each have a contact surface 21, 31 which is beveled toward the rotary contact bridge 4 and which is not arranged tangentially to the rotational movement of the rotary contact bridge 4 and thus is not arranged tangentially to the inner wall of the switching chamber wall 12. Here, the contact surfaces 21, 31 can be beveled on one side as shown or alternatively on multiple sides. By beveling the contact surfaces 21, 31, the mechanical contact with the rotary contact bridge 4 and in particular with the contact piece 41 can be improved. In addition, the contact surfaces 21, 31 can be beveled in such a way that the contact surfaces 21, 31 counteract the undesired rotational movement of the rotary contact bridge 4 in one direction, thereby preventing the rotary contact bridge 4 from rotating further past the first switching state when rotating from the second switching state to the first switching state.

[0049] The contact piece 41 of the rotary contact bridge 4 is particularly preferably resiliently mounted. For this purpose, the rotary contact bridge 4 has an intermediate part 42 fixed to the shaft 7, on which the contact piece 41 with the resilient element 43 arranged therebetween is arranged. The contact piece 41, the intermediate part 42 and the resilient element 43 essentially form the conductive element 40 and can be designed in one piece or formed from separately manufactured parts, which are joined together to form the conductive element 40, for example by means of soldering or welding or mechanical connection technology. As generally described, an increased contact pressure and thus a reliable mechanical contact can be achieved on the contact surfaces 21, 31 by the resilient mounting of the contact piece 41 in the first switching state.

[0050] Preferably, at least the contact piece 41 and particularly preferably the rotary contact bridge 4 are spaced apart from the inner wall of the switching chamber wall 12. Preferably, at least the contact piece 41 and particularly preferably the rotary contact bridge 4 are spaced apart from the inner wall of the switching chamber wall 12 in each state and also during the switching process. For example, the inner wall of the switching chamber wall 12, such as in Figure 1A , 1B , 1E, 1F and 1G, it can have a diameter that is greater than the maximum dimension of the rotary contact bridge 4 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 99. A gap is thus present in the radial direction between the rotary contact bridge 4 and the inner wall of the switch chamber wall 12. The narrower the gap, the easier it is to extinguish the switching arc that occurs during switching, because there is less space for the propagation of the switching arc. It is particularly advantageous that the switch chamber 11 is filled with as much electrically insulating material as possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary contact bridge 4 therefore has at least one insulating element 44, which has or is composed of an electrically insulating material. For example, PBT or POM can be used for this. The conductive element 40 is preferably at least partially surrounded by the insulating element 44. As shown, the rotary contact bridge 4 can be substantially constructed by the conductive element 40 and the at least one insulating element 44 is constructed as a disk, wherein the contact piece 41 can extend from the insulating element 44 in the radial direction. It is particularly preferred that the conductive element 40 is surrounded by the at least one insulating element 44 except for a part of the contact piece 41, so that the conductive element 40 is embedded in the at least one insulating element 44. Alternative to Figure 1E and 1F The rotary contact bridge 4 shown in FIG. 1 is constructed as a substantially circular disk, and the insulating material 44 can also have a recess, as indicated by the dashed line. The elastic element 43 and the contact piece 41 can be arranged in the insulating element 44 in corresponding recesses, which provide sufficient space for the spring function.

[0051] Furthermore, the switching device 100, as shown, has auxiliary contacts in the form of auxiliary contacts 18, which are electrically connected to one another via the rotary contact bridge 4 in the second switching state. In the first switching state, on the other hand, the auxiliary contacts 18 are electrically separated from one another. By measuring the resistance, the voltage drop or the auxiliary current at the auxiliary contacts 18, it can be determined whether the switching device 100 is in the second switching state or whether, for example, adhesion of the switching contacts has occurred and the rotary contact bridge 4 can no longer be rotated from the first switching state to the second switching state. Alternatively, it is also possible that a further conductive element is present in the form of a conductive auxiliary element in the rotary contact bridge 4, via whose auxiliary contacts the auxiliary contacts are electrically connected to one another either in the first switching state or in the second switching state.

[0052] The actuation of the drive unit 5 and, if applicable, contacting of the auxiliary contacts 18 from the outside can be carried out in the housing 1, for example, by means of a connection element. Fig. 1I Such a connecting element is shown in FIG. 1 on the outer side of the housing 1 .

[0053] In the embodiment shown, the switching device 100 also has a magnet 19, in particular a permanent magnet, on each of the fixed contacts 2, 3 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 99. The magnet 19 is preferably arranged outside the switching chamber 11, for example on or at the outer side of the switching chamber 11. By means of the magnet acting as a so-called demagnetizer, a magnetic field can be generated in the region of the fixed contacts 2, 3, which can simplify the extinguishing of the switching arc.

[0054] The switching device 100 does not necessarily have to have all the elements included in the illustrated embodiment, such as, for example, elastic elements, electrically insulating materials, magnets, buffer elements or auxiliary contacts. In addition, the switching device 100 can have a plurality of fixed contact pairs, which can each be connected to each other via associated conductive elements in the rotary contact bridge 4.

[0055] exist Figure 2 , an embodiment for a drive unit 5 is shown, which is constructed as a magnetic drive, which can be used alternatively to the stepper motor described in conjunction with the previous embodiment. The magnetic drive has a rotatable armature 50, which can be rotated by a magnetic circuit in order to cause the switching process described previously. For this purpose, the magnetic circuit has a yoke 51. The armature 50 can have a magnetic rotating core or be constructed in such a way that it is fixed at the end of the shaft opposite to the rotating contact bridge and is part of the magnetic circuit. The rotatable armature 50 is thus connected to the rotating contact bridge via the shaft. The yoke 51 and / or the armature 50 can preferably have pure iron or a low-doped iron alloy or consist of it. By means of a coil 52 that can be connected to a control circuit, a magnetic field can be generated in the magnetic circuit, which is indicated by a dotted arrow and by which the armature 51 and thus also the rotating contact bridge can be rotated 53. The return rotation can be achieved, for example, by the reset spring described previously.

[0056] exist Figure 3A and 3B FIG. 1 shows a portion of a switch device 100 according to another embodiment. Figure 3A and 3B Only a portion of the switch chamber wall 12 and the contact piece 41 that are in contact with the contact surface 21 of the fixed contact 2 in the first switching state is shown ( Figure 3A ) and a portion of the switching chamber wall 12 and the contact piece 41 in the second switching state ( Figure 3B ). The switching chamber wall 12 has an inner wall 120 facing the rotary contact bridge, which has an increased diameter at least in the region of the rotary contact bridge. As can be seen, the fixed contact can be arranged in a groove 121 in the inner wall 120 which at least partially surrounds the rotary contact bridge.

[0057] Features and embodiments described in conjunction with the figures may be combined with one another in accordance with further embodiments, even when not all combinations are explicitly described. Furthermore, the embodiments described in conjunction with the figures may alternatively or additionally generally have further features according to the description.

[0058] The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments by the description. On the contrary, the invention includes every novel feature and every combination of features, which in particular includes every combination of features in the patent claims, even when this feature or this combination itself is not explicitly specified in the patent claims or the exemplary embodiments.

[0059] Reference Symbols List 1 Housing 2,3 fixed contacts 4 Rotating contact bridge 5 Drivers 6 Connecting elements 7 Axis 8 Electrical insulation materials 9 Pin parts 10 Return spring 11 Switch Room 12 Switch room wall 13 Switch room bottom 14 Airtight wall 15 Connecting plate 16 Airtight Area 17 Buffer element 18 Auxiliary contact 19 Magnet 20 Contact area 21 Contact surface 30 Contact area 31 Contact surface 40 Conductive element 41 Contact 42 Intermediate Parts 43 Elastic element 44 Insulation elements 50 Magnetic armature 51 Yoke 52 Coil 53 Rotation 99 Rotation axis 100 Switchgear 120 Inner wall 121 Groove.

Claims

1. A switching device (100) having two fixed contacts (2, 3) and a rotating contact bridge (4) in a switching chamber (11) in a gas-tight area (16), the gas-tight area containing H2, wherein - the rotary contact bridge is rotatable about an axis of rotation (99), - in a first switching state, the fixed contacts are electrically conductively connected via the rotating contact bridge, - in a second switching state, the rotary contact bridge is rotated about the rotation axis relative to the first switching state and the fixed contacts are electrically separated from one another, and - Each of the fixed contacts has a contact surface (21, 31) which is beveled on one side and faces the rotary contact bridge, wherein: The contact surfaces (21, 31) are beveled in such a way that they counteract undesired rotational movements of the rotary contact bridge (4) in a direction, thereby preventing the rotary contact bridge (4) from rotating further past the first switching state when rotating from the second switching state into the first switching state.

2. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein: The rotary contact bridge has a conducting element (40) which, for contacting each of the fixed contacts, has a contact piece (41) on a side facing away from the axis of rotation in a radial direction, wherein the contact piece is mounted in a resilient manner.

3. A switching device (100) having two fixed contacts (2, 3) and a rotating contact bridge (4) in a switching chamber (11) in a gas-tight area (16), the gas-tight area containing H2, wherein - the rotary contact bridge is rotatable about an axis of rotation (99), - in a first switching state, the fixed contacts are electrically conductively connected via the rotating contact bridge, - in a second switching state, the rotary contact bridge is rotated about the rotation axis relative to the first switching state and the fixed contacts are electrically separated from one another, and The rotary contact bridge has a conductive element (40) which, for contacting each of the fixed contacts, has a contact piece (41) on the side facing away from the axis of rotation in the radial direction, wherein: The contact element is mounted in a resilient manner.

4. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The switching chamber has a cylindrical switching chamber wall (12) and the fixed contacts extend through the switching chamber wall into the switching chamber.

5. The switch device according to claim 4, wherein: The switching chamber wall has an inner wall (120) facing the rotary contact bridge, and the rotary contact bridge is spaced apart from the inner wall.

6. The switch device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The rotary contact bridge has an insulating element (44), and the conductive element is at least partially surrounded by the insulating element.

7. The switch device according to claim 6, wherein: The insulating element forms part of the disc.

8. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The rotary contact bridge is fastened to the shaft (7) in an electrically insulating manner.

9. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The switching device has two auxiliary contacts (18) which are electrically conductively connected to one another via the rotary contact bridge in a first or second switching state.

10. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A magnet (19) is arranged on each of the fixed contacts in a direction parallel to the rotation axis.

11. The switching device according to claim 1, further comprising a drive unit (5), by means of which the rotary contact bridge can be rotated in order to change the switching state.

12. The switch device according to claim 11, wherein: When switching into the first switching state, the drive unit can be further rotated by an angle greater than or equal to 1° and less than or equal to 15° after reaching the first switching state.

13. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: By rotating the rotary contact bridge through an angle greater than or equal to 10° and less than or equal to 170°, it is possible to switch between the first and the second switching state.

14. The switch device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The gas-tight region has H 2 with a content of at least 50%.

15. A switching device (100) comprising two fixed contacts (2, 3) and a rotating contact bridge (4) in a switching chamber (11) in a gas-tight region (16), the gas-tight region containing H2, wherein - the rotary contact bridge is rotatable about an axis of rotation (99), - in a first switching state, the fixed contacts are electrically conductively connected via the conductive element (40) of the rotary contact bridge, - in a second switching state, the rotary contact bridge is rotated about the rotation axis relative to the first switching state and the fixed contacts are electrically separated from one another, - the switching device has two auxiliary contacts (18), in, The two auxiliary contacts (18) are electrically conductively connected to one another via the conductive element (40) of the rotary contact bridge in the second switching state. Or wherein the two auxiliary contacts (18) are electrically conductively connected in parallel to at least two of the fixed contacts (2, 3) via an electrically conductive auxiliary element (40) of the rotary contact bridge in the first switching state.

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