Contact bridge and method for producing contact bridge

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical contact bridge for an electromechanical device, in particular for a contactor, comprising a bridge element (101, 201) and a spring element (103, 103a-d, 203), the bridge element (101, 201) comprising: a first contact portion (105) configured to engage with a first electrical terminal (505a-d) of an electromechanical device (500); a second contact portion (107) configured to engage with a second electrical terminal (507a-d) of the electromechanical device (500); and an intermediate portion (109, 109a-d) between the first contact portion (105) and the second contact portion (107). The electrical contact bridge is characterized in that the spring element (103, 103a-d, 203) comprises a plate spring attached to the intermediate portion (109, 109a-d), in particular a plate spring attached to the intermediate portion (109, 109a-d). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an electrical contact bridge and to a subassembly for an electromechanical device comprising an electrical contact bridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a contact bridge for an electromechanical device, in particular a contact bridge for a contactor, a method for producing the contact bridge, a subassembly comprising the contact bridge, and an electromechanical device comprising the subassembly. Background Art

[0002] Electromechanical devices for ensuring the opening and closing of an electric circuit are known, such as contactors, relays, switches, etc. In some such electromechanical devices, a first terminal and a second terminal are separated by a gap. A movable part mechanically connected to an electrical contact bridge is movably arranged therein along a movement direction. In particular, the movable part can be moved between a closed state of the circuit, in which a bridge element of the contact bridge electrically bridges the gap, and an open state of the circuit, in which the gap is not electrically bridged.

[0003] It is also known to spring-load the bridge element of an electrical contact bridge against the movable part. The spring loading absorbs overtravel or excessive forces in the event of activation, which can prevent damage and ensure a consistent contact force distribution over a plurality of contact bridges regardless of manufacturing tolerances. Typically, the overtravel spring is a helical spring attached at one end to the middle portion of the bridge element and at the other end to the movable part. However, helical springs are cumbersome to handle and assemble in an electromechanical device, resulting in additional manufacturing costs. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved contact bridge solution which in particular overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0005] This object is achieved by an electrical contact bridge for an electromechanical device, in particular for a contactor, according to claim 1. The electrical contact bridge comprises a bridge element and a spring element. The bridge element comprises a first contact portion configured to engage with a first electrical terminal of the electromechanical device, a second contact portion configured to engage with a second electrical terminal of the electromechanical device, and an intermediate portion between the first contact portion and the second contact portion. The electrical contact bridge is characterized in that the spring element comprises a leaf spring attached to the intermediate portion.

[0006] Compared to helical springs, leaf springs are easier to manufacture and more convenient to transport, handle and assemble. For example, with leaf springs, there is no need for loosening of helical springs, which is difficult to automate. Thus, manufacturing costs can be reduced. Fixing the leaf spring to the middle part of the bridge element also allows faster assembly and handling of the bridge element and the spring element to the contact bridge.

[0007] Furthermore, the attachment of the leaf spring to the middle portion establishes a single contact position for transmitting the contact force from the movable part when the electromechanical device is activated. Thus, the contact force exerted by the spring element on the bridge element can be advantageously distributed and mechanically balanced between the first contact portion and the second contact portion. Thus, the attachment of the leaf spring to the middle portion of the bridge element can provide improved contact characteristics compared to, for example, an attachment to the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion, which can result in unbalanced contact forces or non-simultaneous contacting of the terminals of the electromechanical device.

[0008] According to some aspects of the present invention, the first contact portion and the second contact portion can extend along a common contact plane, and the intermediate portion can be arranged between the first contact portion and the second contact portion relative to the contact plane. Preferably, the intermediate portion can be arranged in the middle between the first contact portion and the second contact portion relative to the contact plane. According to these configurations, the distribution of the contact force from the spring element to the first contact portion and the second contact portion can be even further balanced.

[0009] According to some aspects of the invention, the spring element may include an attachment portion attached to the middle portion, a first spring arm extending from the attachment portion in a first direction, and a second spring arm extending from the attachment portion in a second direction different from the first direction. In particular, the second direction may be substantially opposite to the first direction. One or more spring arms may allow elastic engagement with a movable component of the electromechanical device, such as an elastic engagement with a movable component of an armature attached to a retractor, thereby allowing absorption of overtravel or excessive forces from the movable component to the bridge element. When the second spring arm extends in a direction substantially opposite to the first direction, the forces received by each spring arm may be equal. According to some aspects of the invention, the first direction may form a first angle with the contact plane, and the second direction may form a second angle with the contact plane, wherein the first angle and / or the second angle have a value of less than 60°, in particular less than 45°, preferably less than 30°. When the spring arms are thus angled at a smaller angle relative to the contact plane, the compactness of the contact bridge may be increased.

[0010] According to some aspects of the invention, the leaf spring may have a U-shape in a plane perpendicular to the contact plane. The U-shape may further ensure that the contact forces are equally transmitted to the middle portion of the bridge element.

[0011] According to some aspects of the present invention, the first spring arm may include a first engagement portion, and the second spring arm may include a second engagement portion, the first engagement portion and / or the second engagement portion being configured to elastically engage a movable component of the electromechanical device. The engagement portion may improve absorption and transmission of contact forces received from the movable component.

[0012] According to some aspects of the invention, the first engagement portion and / or the second engagement portion may be arranged opposite to the attachment portion of the leaf spring. When the engagement portion is engaged, this may ensure additional elasticity of the spring arm relative to the attached attachment portion.

[0013] According to some aspects of the present invention, the first and / or second engagement portion may extend in a direction parallel to the contact plane. This may further increase the compactness of the contact bridge.

[0014] According to some aspects of the invention, the first engaging portion and / or the second engaging portion may include a bend back portion. The bend back portion may provide an elastic abutment of the engaging portion in a corner. Therefore, it may facilitate the assembly of the contact bridge in the movable part of the electromechanical device and in particular prevent an angular displacement of the engaging portion.

[0015] According to some aspects of the invention, the bent-back portion may be bent back toward the bridge element. This may further increase the compactness of the contact bridge.

[0016] According to some aspects of the invention, the first engagement portion and / or the second engagement portion may include a protrusion that protrudes in a direction away from the bridge element. Preferably, the protrusion may be a bulge, preferably a rounded bulge. Such a configured protrusion may advantageously reduce the abutment surface area between the respective engagement portion and, for example, the movable component. Reducing the surface area improves the smoothness with which the contact force is transmitted to the respective engagement portion.

[0017] According to some aspects of the invention, the middle part may include a U-shaped part, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the contact plane. The U-shape may be a receiving part for receiving a corresponding element of the movable part, such as a guide cam. Thus, the electrical contact bridge may be form-fitted on the movable part so that it is blocked along at least one direction, in particular a direction parallel to the contact plane. In addition, the U-shape may allow clearance for the electrical contact bridge to adjust its positioning along at least one other direction orthogonal to the contact plane.

[0018] According to some aspects of the invention, the intermediate portion may include a cam element, in particular a cam element configured to be received in a matching recess of a movable component of the electromechanical device. Preferably, the cam element may protrude in a direction parallel to the contact plane, in particular in a direction orthogonal to the first and / or second direction. Thus, when the movable component is moved, the cam element may advantageously guide the elastic movement of the electrical contact bridge, for example by activating the contactor.

[0019] According to some aspects of the invention, the intermediate portion may include a bridge groove configured to receive a matching cam of a movable component of an electromechanical device. The bridge groove may also advantageously guide the elastic movement of the electrical contact bridge when the movable component moves, for example by activating a contactor.

[0020] According to some aspects of the invention, the bridge groove can be arranged on a side different from the side of the bridge element comprising the cam element. In particular, the bridge groove can be arranged in a side opposite to the side of the bridge element comprising the cam element. In this aspect, the guidance of the elastic movement of the electrical contact bridge is particularly stable.

[0021] According to some aspects of the invention, the leaf spring can be friction-fitted, in particular press-fitted or form-fitted, in particular snap-fitted, to the intermediate portion. In this respect, the attachment of the leaf spring is particularly cost-effective. Furthermore, the attachment can be undone, thereby improving maintainability and component reusability.

[0022] According to some aspects of the invention, the middle portion of the bridge element may include one or more press-fit bolts, which are configured to be press-fit into the press-fit holes. In addition, the attachment portion of the leaf spring may include one or more press-fit holes, which are configured to receive corresponding press-fit bolts, in particular the press-fit bolts of the middle portion. Preferably, the one or more press-fit bolts of the middle portion may be press-fit into the one or more press-fit holes of the attachment portion. This arrangement may further improve the cost efficiency of the assembly of the electrical contact bridge.

[0023] According to some aspects of the invention, the leaf spring may be riveted or welded to the intermediate portion. This may provide further rigidity and durability to the attachment of the leaf spring to the bridge element.

[0024] According to some aspects of the invention, the leaf spring may include copper, and in particular may be based on copper. Preferably, the leaf spring may be made of a copper-nickel-tin alloy. These materials may provide a favorable balance of tensile strength, cost efficiency and durability.

[0025] In some aspects of the invention, the bridge element may be based on copper, and the first contact portion and / or the second contact portion may include a contact element, preferably a contact element made of silver tin oxide. In this configuration, the bridge element may have improved electrical contact and conduction properties.

[0026] The invention also relates to a subassembly for an electromechanical device, in particular a contactor, comprising an electrical contact bridge according to any of the above aspects, and comprising a movable component, in particular a movable component for a contactor, the movable component comprising a first support portion and a second support portion, wherein the first engagement portion is elastically engaged with the first support portion, and the second engagement portion is elastically engaged with the second support portion. The subassembly device benefits from the above advantages of the electrical contact bridge of the invention.

[0027] Furthermore, the invention relates to an electromechanical device, in particular a contactor, comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, a subassembly according to the above aspect, and an electromagnetically movable armature, wherein the armature is attached to the movable part. The electromechanical device benefits from the above advantages of the inventive electrical contact bridge.

[0028] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a method for producing an electrical contact bridge, in particular an electrical contact bridge according to any of the above aspects, according to claim 15. The method comprises the following steps:

[0029] (i) providing a bridge member including a first contact portion configured to engage with a first terminal, a second contact portion configured to engage with a second terminal, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first contact portion and the second contact portion;

[0030] (ii) providing a leaf spring, in particular a leaf spring comprising an attachment portion, a first spring arm extending from the attachment portion in a first direction, and a second spring arm extending from the attachment portion in a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction, in particular being substantially opposite to the first direction; and

[0031] (iii) Attaching the leaf spring to the middle portion.

[0032] Such a production method for an electrical contact bridge has improved cost-effectiveness and in particular provides an electrical contact bridge which benefits from the above-mentioned advantages.

[0033] According to some aspects of the method of the present invention, step (iii) may comprise a press fit or form fit of the attachment portion with the intermediate portion. As mentioned above, in this aspect, step (iii) may have improved cost effectiveness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The above-mentioned aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated through careful study of the following more detailed description of currently preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 An electrical contact bridge according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 2 An electrical contact bridge according to a second embodiment of the invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 3 shows a subassembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a subassembly of;

[0039] Figure 5 shows an electromechanical device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0040] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a method for producing an electrical contact bridge is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In the following detailed description of the embodiments, the same reference numerals identified in different drawings and / or different parts of the drawing descriptions refer to the same elements. Figures 1 to 5 The structural features of the objects shown in the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0042] The technical features and their associated advantages or effects described in the following description of the embodiments may be combined with or applied to any aspect or embodiment of the present invention together or independently, thereby producing other possible embodiments or aspects of the present invention.

[0043] Now refer to Figure 1 An electrical contact bridge according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention is described. Figure 1 The contact bridge 100 is an electrical contact bridge for an electrical contactor, which includes at least two electrical terminals separated by a gap to be electrically bridged to close an electrical circuit.

[0044] The contact bridge 100 comprises a bridge element 101 and a spring element, which is here in the form of a leaf spring 103. The bridge element 101 comprises a first contact portion 105, a second contact portion 107 and an intermediate portion 109 between the first contact portion 105 and the second contact portion 107. The first contact portion 105 and the second contact portion 107 extend along a common contact plane D, which is an engagement plane in which the contact portions 105, 107 engage with a respective one of the at least two electrical terminals of the electrical contactor.

[0045] Preferably, the intermediate portion 109 is integral with the first contact portion 105 and the second contact portion 107 , such that the intermediate portion 109 is disposed directly between the first contact portion 105 and the second contact portion 107 .

[0046] In this embodiment, the middle portion 109 is arranged between the first contact portion 15 and the second contact portion 107 relative to the contact plane D. Figure 1 As shown, the middle portion 109 is arranged in the middle between the first contact portion 105 and the second contact portion 107 .

[0047] In this embodiment, the bridge element 101 is made of an electrically conductive material, in particular comprises copper.

[0048] In addition, to further improve the electrical contact characteristics with the corresponding terminals of the electrical contactor, the first contact portion 105 may include a first contact element 111, and the second contact portion 107 may include a second contact element 113. The contact elements 111, 113 are preferably made of silver tin oxide and soldered to the corresponding contact portions 105, 107.

[0049] In this embodiment, the middle portion 109 is U-shaped, and the contact portions 105, 107 are each attached to a respective end 115, 117 of a leg of the U-shaped middle portion 109. Specifically, the middle portion 109 is U-shaped in a plane perpendicular to the contact plane D.

[0050] The contact portions 105, 107 and the bottom wall 123 of the intermediate portion 109 are substantially parallel to each other.

[0051] The lateral side 121 of the bottom wall 123 of the U-shaped middle portion 109 includes a bridge groove 119. The bridge groove 119 is configured to receive the mating cam and is formed to guide the mating cam in a direction orthogonal to the contact plane D. Figures 3 to 5 The purpose and structure of the bridge groove 119 are further described. Figure 1 not visible in ) include Figure 4 The bridge cam described in .

[0052] The leaf spring 103 is a metal spring element that can be stamped and bent from a copper-nickel-tin alloy metal sheet. The leaf spring 103 includes an attachment portion 127, a first spring arm 129, and a second spring arm 131. The attachment portion 127 is used Figure 1 The press-fit bolts and holes not visible in the figure are attached to the middle part 109 by press-fit. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The press fit is further described.The first spring arm 129 extends from the attachment portion 127 in a first direction F1 , and the second spring arm 131 extends from the attachment portion 127 in a second direction F2 different from the first direction.

[0053] The first direction F1 forms a first angle α1 with the contact plane D, and the second direction F2 forms a second angle α2, the first angle α1 and the second angle α2 corresponding to the acute angle formed by the extension of the respective spring arm 129, 131 intersecting the common contact plane D. The angles α1, α2 have the same value of less than 60°, preferably less than 45°, and most preferably less than 20°. In the present embodiment, the angles α1, α2 have a value between 10° and 15°.

[0054] Each direction F1, F2 of its respective spring arm 129, 131 is oriented away from the middle portion 109. Specifically, the first direction F1 and the second direction F2 are oriented such that the leaf spring 103 comprises a U-shape with an inclined leg in a plane orthogonal to the contact plane D.

[0055] The first spring arm 129 includes a first engagement portion 133 arranged at an end of the first spring arm 129 opposite the attachment portion 127 , and the second spring arm 131 includes a second engagement portion 135 arranged at an end of the second spring arm 131 opposite the attachment portion 127 .

[0056] The engagement portions 133, 135 extend parallel to the contact plane D, the first engagement portion 133 extends along a direction P1 parallel to the contact plane D, and the second engagement portion 135 extends along a direction P2 opposite to the direction P1. The engagement portions 133, 135 are configured to elastically engage a movable component of the electrical contactor. In particular, the engagement portions 133, 135 extend in the same plane, thereby allowing improved mechanical engagement with a movable component of the electrical contactor that moves in a direction orthogonal to the contact plane D.

[0057] In addition, the first engagement portion 133 includes a first bend portion 137, and the second engagement portion 135 includes a second bend portion 139. The bend portions 137, 139 are bent back from the thin metal sheet of the leaf spring 103 toward the bridge element 101. Specifically, the first bend portion 137 is provided on the first lateral side 141 of the first engagement portion 133 and extends toward the first contact portion 105. Similarly, the second bend portion 139 is provided on the second lateral side 143 of the second engagement portion 133 and extends toward the second contact portion 107. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Further describe their functions.

[0058] Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows an electrical contact bridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The electrical contact bridge 100 is similar to that of Figure 2 The electrical contact bridge 200 shown comprises a bridge element 201 and a leaf spring 203. The contact bridge 200 differs from the contact bridge 100 only in the configuration of its leaf spring engaging portion. All other features are the same as those of the electrical contact bridge 100 described above.

[0059] The leaf spring 203 includes a first spring arm 205 extending from the attachment portion 207 in a first direction F1 and a second spring arm 209 extending from the attachment portion 207 in a second direction F2. The first spring arm 205 includes a first engagement portion 211 at an end opposite to the attachment portion 207, and the second spring arm 209 includes a second engagement portion 213 at an end opposite to the attachment portion 207.

[0060] and Figure 1 In contrast to the engagement portions 133, 135 of the illustrated first embodiment, the engagement portions 211, 213 of the second embodiment extend in the same plane as their respective spring arms 205, 209. That is, the engagement portion 211 extends in a first direction F1 and the second engagement portion 213 extends in a second direction F2.

[0061] In addition, the engagement portions 211, 213 each include a corresponding protrusion 215, 217. The first protrusion 215 is a circular protrusion in the first engagement portion 211 so as to protrude outward in a direction away from the bridge element 201, and the protrusion 217 is also a circular protrusion in the second engagement portion 213 so as to protrude outward in a direction away from the bridge element 201. The protrusions 215, 217 reduce the abutment surface area between the corresponding engagement portions 211, 213 and the mating movable component. For example, similar or identical protrusions may also be provided in the first engagement portion 133 and / or the second engagement portion 135 of the first embodiment.

[0062] As in the first embodiment, the leaf spring 203 is press-fitted onto the bridge element 201, as will be seen in the example of FIG. Figure 4 Further described in Figure 2 In FIG. 2 , the press-fit bolts 219 of the bridge element 201 are visible. The leaf spring 203 is press-fit onto the leaf spring 203 .

[0063] Figure 3 A subassembly according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 3 The subassembly ¬300 shown in the figure comprises a movable part 301 and four electrical contact bridges 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d which are identical to the contact bridge 100 described with respect to the first embodiment of the present invention. Each contact bridge 100a-100d comprises a corresponding pair of contact elements 111a, 113a; 111b, 113b; 111c, 113c; 111d, 113d. The movable part 301 is configured to be moved from a first position to a second position by an armature of an electrical contactor, in which the contact elements 111a-d, 113a-d do not abut against the terminals of the electrical contactor and the circuit is opened, and in which the contact elements 111a-d, 113a-d abut against the terminals of the electrical contactor and the circuit is closed. This will be explained with respect to Figure 5Described in further detail.

[0064] The movable part 301 comprises a first part 303 and a second part 305 which are snap-locked together, wherein the contact bridge 100a is located between the first part 303 and the second part 305. Specifically, each intermediate part 109a, 109b, 109c, 109d and the respectively attached attachment port 127a, 127b, 127c, 127d are mounted in a corresponding cavity 307a, 307b, 307c, 307d of the first part 303.

[0065] The second component 305 is slid on the first component 303 in the direction S so as to enclose the intermediate portions 109a-d and the respectively attached attachment portions 127a-d in their respective cavities 307a-d and snap-lock with the first component 303. The snap-lock mechanism is Figure 3 Not visible in.

[0066] For each contact bridge 100a-d, the second component 305 includes a first support portion 309a, 309b, 309c, 309d and a second support portion 311a, 311b, 311c, 311d. Specifically, each first support portion 309a-d and its matching second support portion 311a-d extend in the same plane parallel to the contact plane D. Each contact bridge 100a-d is arranged in its corresponding cavity 307a-d so that the corresponding first engagement portion 133a, 133b, 133c, 133d is elastically engaged with the first support portion 309a-d and the corresponding second engagement portion 135a, 135b, 135c, 135d is elastically engaged with the second support portion 311a-d. In particular, when the second component 305 is snap-locked with the first component 303, the leaf springs 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d of the contact bridges 100a-d are slightly prestressed against the support portions 309a-d, 311a-d.

[0067] Thus, when an external mechanical activation force A (here parallel to the snap-locking direction S) is applied to the movable part 301, the entire subassembly 300 moves and can, for example, move from a first position to a second position. Specifically, when the activation force A is applied to the first part 303, the activation force A is transmitted via the support portions 309a-d, 311a-d of the snap-locked second part 305 to the correspondingly engaged engagement portions 133a-d, 135a-d of the leaf springs 103a-d.

[0068] The arrangement of the spring arms of the leaf springs 103a-d advantageously concentrates and balances the activation force A onto the intermediate portions 109a-d, particularly when the intermediate portions 109a-d are located in the middle of each contact element pair 111a, 113a; 111b, 113b; 111c, 113c; 111d, 113d.

[0069] Figure 4 Shown along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the subassembly 300 along section line C is shown in FIG. Figure 4 The view of FIG. 1 shows the contact bridge 100 between the first part 303 and the second part 305 of the movable part 301. In particular, the middle part 109 of the bridge element 101 and the correspondingly attached attachment part 127 of the leaf spring 103 are positioned in the cavity 307 of the first part 303. The second part 305 slides over the cavity 307 so as to enclose the middle part 109 and the correspondingly attached attachment part 127.

[0070] As already about Figure 1 As depicted, the middle portion 109 includes a bridge groove 119 formed in a lateral side 121 of a bottom wall 123 of a U-shaped recess 125 formed by the middle portion 109. The bridge groove 119 receives a mating cam 400 of the first part 303 of the movable part 301.

[0071] Furthermore, the middle part 109 comprises a cam element 401 formed on another lateral side 403 of the bottom wall 123 of the U-shaped recess 125, opposite to the lateral side 121. The cam element 401 projects from the middle part 109 in a direction O in the contact plane P and is orthogonal to the extension directions F1, F2 of the spring arms 127, 129. The cam element 401 is received in a matching groove 405 of the first part 303 of the movable part 301.

[0072] The pairing 119 , 400 of the bridge groove 119 and the matching cam 400 and the pairing 401 between the cam element 401 and the matching groove 405 facilitates a micro-movement of the bridge element 101 in the activation direction A according to the elastic bending of the spring arms 127 , 129 of the leaf spring 103 .

[0073] As previously mentioned, the attachment portion 127 of the leaf spring 103 is press-fitted onto the middle portion 109 of the bridge element 101. To this end, the attachment portion 127 comprises press-fit holes 407, here two press-fit holes, and the middle portion 109 comprises matching press-fit bolts 409, here two press-fit bolts, so that the press-fit bolts 409 can be press-fitted into the press-fit holes 407. In a variant of the invention, the attachment portion 127 can also be riveted, welded or otherwise form-fitted with the middle portion 109.

[0074] Figure 5 An electromechanical device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 5 An electrical contactor 500 is shown which is configured for opening and closing an electrical circuit in a solar panel installation. Figure 5 In the view of FIG. 5 , the contactor 500 is in a first position, wherein the circuit is in an open state.

[0075] The electrical contactor 500 includes a subassembly 300, a movable armature 501, a magnetic device 503 and a plurality of fixed or static electrical terminals 505a, 505b, 505c, 505d, 507a, 507b, 507c, 507d. Specifically, the electrical contactor 500 includes four pairs of first electrical terminals 505a-d and second electrical terminals 507a-d.

[0076] For example, when the contactor is configured to switch a three-phase circuit, each of the four pairs of electrical terminals 505a, 507a; 505b, 507b; 509a, 509b; 511a, 511b can be arranged in series in the first phase line L1, the second phase line L2, the third phase line L3 and the neutral line N, respectively. Figure 5 As shown, the electrical terminal 505 is not engaged with the corresponding contact elements 111a-d, 113a-d, but is separated therefrom by the corresponding gap G1. Therefore, the corresponding three-phase circuit is in an open state.

[0077] Advantageously, the electrical contactor 500 may also include Figure 5 The housing, not shown, encloses Figure 5 The electrical contactor 500 components shown in FIG.

[0078] The armature 501 is designed as a lever which can be pivoted about an articulated element of the contactor 500, which defines an articulated axis H. The articulated element itself is Figure 5 The armature has a first end 501a arranged on one side of the hinge axis H and mechanically connected to the subassembly 300. In particular, the first end 501a is attached to the activation portion 502 of the first part 303 of the movable part 301.

[0079] When the electric contactor 500 is activated, for example, by an external command, the magnetic device 503 generates a magnetic field, exerting a magnetic attraction force M on the second end 501b of the armature 501. As a result, the armature 501 pivots about the hinge axis H, so that the second end 501b closes the gap G2 with the magnetic device 503 and engages the stop element 504 of the magnetic device 503. The first end 501a pivots about the hinge axis H, exerting an activation force A in a direction opposite to the direction of the magnetic force M to the first part 301 of the subassembly 300.

[0080] The subassembly 300 moves toward the fixed terminals 505a-d, 507a-d of the electrical contactor 500 with the electrical contact bridges 100a-d elastically engaged against the second component 305 until the contact bridges 100a-d abut against the terminals 505a-d, 507a-d. Specifically, when the movable component 301 moves from the first position to the second position, the first contact elements 111a-d of the contact bridges 100a-d abut against the first terminals 505a-d of the electrical contactor 500, and the second contact elements 113a-d of the contact bridges 100 abut against the second terminals 507a-d of the electrical contactor 500, thereby closing the circuit.

[0081] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a method for manufacturing an electrical contact bridge 100 is shown. The method starts with step A, which provides a bridge element 101, which includes a first contact portion 105, a second contact portion 107 and an intermediate portion 109 arranged between the first contact portion 105 and the second contact portion 107. In step B, a leaf spring 103 is provided, which includes an attachment portion 127, a first spring 129 and a second spring arm 131. In step C, the attachment portion 127 is press-fitted to the intermediate portion 109.

[0082] The electrical contact bridges 100 and 200 as well as the subassembly 300 and the electrical contactor 500 benefit from improved manufacturing cost efficiency and improved contact force distribution when the electrical contactor 500 is activated. Specifically, the use of leaf springs instead of coil springs as overtravel springs provides cost efficiency in manufacturing, transportation and assembly in movable parts. Leaf springs can also provide greater elastic force in a more limited space, thereby providing compactness benefits. According to the present invention, the attachment of the leaf spring to the middle part of the bridge element allows the mechanical forces caused by the activation of the contactor to be concentrated on a single central part of the bridge element. Therefore, the contact force can be advantageously balanced between the two contact parts, and micro differences in the leaf spring caused by manufacturing tolerances can be compensated.

[0083] Reference Mark

[0084] 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d electrical contact bridge

[0085] 101 bridge element

[0086] 103, 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d spring element

[0087] 105 first contact portion

[0088] 107 second contact portion

[0089] 109, 109a, 109b, 109c, 109d middle part

[0090] 111, 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d first contact element

[0091] 113, 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d second contact element

[0092] 115 First Leg

[0093] 117 Second Leg

[0094] 119 bridge groove

[0095] 121 Horizontal surface

[0096] 123 bottom wall

[0097] 125 U-shaped recess

[0098] 127, 127a, 127b, 127c, 127d attachment part

[0099] 129 first spring arm

[0100] 131 second spring arm

[0101] 133, 133a, 133b, 133c, 133d first joint portion

[0102] 135, 135a, 135b, 135c, 135d second joint portion

[0103] 137 The first bend

[0104] 139 Second bend

[0105] 141 lateral side of the first engaging portion

[0106] 143 lateral side of the second engagement portion

[0107] 200 electrical contact bridge

[0108] 201 bridge element

[0109] 203 leaf spring

[0110] 205 first spring arm

[0111] 207 Attachment

[0112] 209 second spring arm

[0113] 211 first joint portion

[0114] 213 second joint portion

[0115] 215 first protrusion

[0116] 217 Second protrusion

[0117] 219 Press Fit Bolt

[0118] 300 sub-components

[0119] 301 Removable Parts

[0120] 303 first component

[0121] 305 Second Part

[0122] Cavity 307a, 307b, 307c, 307d

[0123] 309 first support part

[0124] 311 Second support part

[0125] 400 first component matching cam

[0126] 401 Cam element

[0127] 403 The lateral side opposite to the lateral side including the bridging groove

[0128] 405 matching groove of the first component

[0129] 407 Press Fit Hole

[0130] 409 Press Fit Bolts

[0131] 500 electrical contactor

[0132] 501 Armature

[0133] 503 Magnetic Device

[0134] 505a, 505b, 505c, 505d first terminal of the contactor

[0135] 507a, 507b, 507c, 507d second terminal of the contactor

[0136] α1 first angle

[0137] α2 Second angle

[0138] AActivation direction

[0139] C Cross-Section View Line

[0140] D contact plane

[0141] F1 First Direction

[0142] F2 Second direction

[0143] G1 Clearance between terminal and contact element

[0144] G2 Gap between armature and magnetic device

[0145] M Magnetic Force

[0146] O is the direction perpendicular to the extension of the spring arm

[0147] P1 is parallel to the direction of the contact plane

[0148] P2 is the direction opposite to the direction parallel to the contact plane

[0149] S The sliding direction of the second component on the first component for assembly

Claims

1. An electrical contact bridge for an electromechanical device, in particular for a contactor, comprising a bridge element (101, 201) and a spring element (103, 103a-d, 203), The bridge element (101, 201) comprises a first contact portion (105) configured to engage with a first electrical terminal (505a-d) of the electromechanical device (500), a second contact portion (107) configured to engage with a second electrical terminal (507a-d) of the electromechanical device (500), and an intermediate portion (109, 109a-d) between the first contact portion (105) and the second contact portion (107), It is characterized in that The spring element (103, 103a-d, 203) comprises a leaf spring attached to the middle part (109, 109a-d), the spring element being in particular a leaf spring attached to the middle part (109, 109a-d).

2. The electrical contact bridge according to claim 1, wherein: The spring element (103, 103a-d, 203) comprises: an attachment portion (127, 127a-d, 207) attached to the intermediate portion (109, 109a-d); a first spring arm (129, 205) extending from the attachment portion (127, 127a-d, 207) in a first direction (F1); A second spring arm (131, 209) extends from the attachment portion (127, 127a-d, 207) in a second direction (F2) different from the first direction (F1).

3. The electrical contact bridge according to claim 2, wherein: The first contact portion (105) and the second contact portion (107) extend along a common contact plane (D), The first direction (F1) forms a first angle (α1) with the contact plane (D), and the second direction (F2) forms a second angle (α2) with the contact plane (D), Therein, the first angle ( α1 ) and / or the second angle ( α2 ) has a value smaller than 60°, in particular smaller than 45°, preferably smaller than 30°.

4. The electrical contact bridge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first spring arm (129, 205) includes a first engagement portion (133, 133a-d, 211), and the second spring arm (131, 209) includes a second engagement portion (135, 135a-d, 213), the engagement portions (133, 133a-d, 135, 135a-d, 211, 213) being configured to elastically engage a movable component of the electromechanical device (500).

5. The electrical contact bridge according to claim 4, wherein: The first engaging portion and / or the second engaging portion (133, 133a-d, 135, 135a-d) extend along a direction (P1, P2) parallel to the contact plane (D).

6. The electrical contact bridge according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The first and / or second engagement portion (133, 133a-d, 135, 135a-d, 211, 213) comprises a return bend (137, 139), which is particularly returned towards the bridge element (101, 201).

7. The electrical contact bridge according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The first engagement portion (211) and / or the second engagement portion (213) comprises a protrusion (215, 217), in particular a projection, preferably a rounded projection, protruding in a direction away from the bridge element (201).

8. The electrical contact bridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The intermediate portion (109, 109a-d) comprises a U-shaped portion, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the contact plane (D).

9. The electrical contact bridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The intermediate portion (109, 109a-d) comprises a cam element (401), in particular a cam element (401) configured to be received in a matching groove (405) of a movable part (301) of the electromechanical device (500), in particular a matching groove (405) of the movable part (301) of the electromechanical device (500).

10. The electrical contact bridge according to claim 9, wherein: The cam element (401) protrudes in a direction (O) parallel to the contact plane (D), in particular in a direction (O) orthogonal to the first direction (F1) and / or the second direction (F2).

11. The electrical contact bridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The intermediate portion (109, 109a-d) comprises a bridge groove (119), wherein the bridge groove (119) is configured to receive a matching cam (400) of a movable part (301) of the electromechanical device (500), in particular a matching cam (400) of the movable part (301), in particular wherein the bridge groove (119) is arranged on a side of the bridge element (101) different from a side comprising the cam element (401), in particular on a side of the bridge element (101) opposite to a side comprising the cam element (401).

12. The electrical contact bridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The leaf spring (103) is press-fit or snap-fit ​​into the intermediate portion (109, 109a-d).

13. A subassembly for an electromechanical device, in particular a contactor, comprising: An electrical contact bridge (100, 100a-d, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in combination with claim 4, and a movable part (301), the movable part (301) comprising a first support part (309a-d) and a second support part (311a-d), The first engaging portion (133, 133a-d, 211) is elastically engaged with the first supporting portion (309a-d), and the second engaging portion (135, 135a-d, 213) is elastically engaged with the second supporting portion (311a-d).

14. An electromechanical device, in particular a contactor, comprising a first terminal (505a-d) and a second terminal (507a-d), comprising a subassembly (300) according to claim 13 and an electromagnetically movable armature (501), wherein: The armature (501) is attached to the movable part (301).

15. A method for producing an electrical contact bridge, in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following steps: (i) providing a bridge element (101, 201), the bridge element (101, 201) comprising a first contact portion (105) configured to engage with a first terminal (505a-d), a second contact portion (107) configured to engage with a second terminal (507a-d), and an intermediate portion (109, 109a-d) arranged between the first contact portion (105) and the second contact portion (107); (ii) providing a leaf spring (103), in particular a leaf spring (103) comprising an attachment portion (127, 127a-d, 207), a first spring arm (129, 205) extending from the attachment portion (127, 127a-d, 207) in a first direction (F1), and a second spring arm (131, 209) extending from the attachment portion (127, 127a-d, 207) in a second direction (F2), wherein the second direction (F2) is different from the first direction (F1), in particular is substantially opposite to the first direction (F1); and (iii) attaching the leaf spring (103), in particular the attachment portion (127, 127a-d, 207), to the middle portion (109, 109a-d), in particular press-fitting or form-fitting the attachment portion (127, 127a-d, 207) with the middle portion (109, 109a-d).

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