Electrical contactor including releasable magnetic connection

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical contactor including a releasable magnetic connection. There is provided an electrical contactor comprising: at least one first electrical contact; at least one second electrical contact, wherein at least one electrical contact is adapted to be movable relative to the other of the electrical contacts; a first contactor assembly comprising at least one first magnetic connection element; a second contactor assembly comprising at least one second magnetic connection element, where the at least one magnetic connection element is formed as a permanent magnet, where the at least one magnetic connection element is adapted to be movable relative to the other magnetic connection element, wherein the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element are adapted to form a releasable magnetic connection with each other, and wherein the first electrical connection can be established between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact, and wherein the first electrical connection can be disconnected by disconnecting the magnetic connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical contactor and a first contactor assembly. Background Art

[0002] In an electrical contactor, an electrical connection should generally be established and broken quickly. A common problem with electrical contactors is the occurrence of peak currents during the initial closing of the electrical connection. Prior art methods have attempted to overcome this problem by employing components that can permit a temporary electrical connection. For this purpose, prior art contactors use mechanical or electronic means to establish and break their respective electrical connections. However, prior art methods generally suffer from drawbacks such as increased sensitivity to the temperature, friction, and wear of their respective parts, and are also complex, bulky, expensive, and difficult to implement.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an improved electrical contactor to address the above drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object is achieved by the present invention according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are provided in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0005] The present invention relates to an electrical contactor comprising at least one first electrical contact and at least one second electrical contact.

[0006] The electrical contactor further comprises: at least one of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is adapted to be movable relative to the other of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

[0007] The electrical contactor further comprises: a first contactor assembly comprising at least one first magnetic connection element; a second contactor assembly comprising at least one second magnetic connection element.

[0008] The electrical contactor further comprises: at least one of the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element is formed as a permanent magnet.

[0009] The electrical contactor further comprises: at least one of the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element is adapted to be movable relative to the other of the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element.

[0010] The electrical contactor further comprises: the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element are adapted to form a releasable magnetic connection with each other.

[0011] The electrical contactor further comprises: a first electrical connection can be established between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

[0012] The electrical contactor further comprises: the first electrical connection can be broken by disconnecting the magnetic connection.

[0013] Therefore, a simple, robust and inexpensive solution can be provided to establish and break a first electrical connection by employing a permanent magnet. The first electrical connection can be established, for example, temporarily, such as within 3 ms to 4 ms. Thus, the present invention enables the peak current to discharge, for example, before establishing a permanent second electrical connection. The discharged peak current can be correspondingly converted into heat by respective conversion means (such as a resistor). Thus, damage to the electrical contact due to unwanted peak current can be avoided. Therefore, additional mechanical and / or electromagnetic means may not be required to establish and break the first electrical connection. Further, the electrical contact can be provided in a more compact manner.

[0014] The electrical contact according to the present invention can be any contactor or connector that allows an electrical connection to be established between different conductive parts, and can include electrical contacts that employ high or low voltage and / or high or low current.

[0015] A contactor housing can be provided, which can at least partially enclose the respective parts of the electrical contact to protect the encapsulated components from any negative effects, such as the ingress of dust and moisture, for example. The contactor housing can be made of any suitable material (such as any suitable insulating material), and can be formed as a single unit integrally or can be composed of separate parts that can be connected to each other, for example, by respective clips or screws, to form the contactor housing.

[0016] The electrical contacts can include or be composed of a conductive material that provides for the flow of current. More than one first electrical contact and second electrical contact can also be provided. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be configured to be at least partially movable or configured to be at least partially fixed. For example, the first electrical contact can be movable relative to the second electrical contact, where the second electrical contact remains fixed. Or the first electrical contact can be fixed, and the second electrical contact can be movable relative to the first electrical contact. Or both, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be movable relative to each other.

[0017] Movement can be understood as movement from one electrical contact towards and / or away from another electrical contact. The movement does not necessarily have to be a linear movement relative to other electrical contacts, such as a linear movement along an axis, but can also include movement perpendicular to or inclined to the direct approach direction. When the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact move towards each other and thus come into contact with each other or when they are arranged close to each other, an electrical connection can be established. When the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are separated again, the first electrical connection can be broken. The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can also be referred to as "interlocking contacts".

[0018] The first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly can be sub-assemblies of an electrical contactor, including one or more parts, which can be formed integrally or provided as separate parts, and can be encapsulated in a contactor housing or arranged in separate housings that can be connected to each other.

[0019] The magnetic connection element can be generally understood as an element that can generally allow magnetic connection with another magnetic connection element. Thus, by way of example, the first magnetic connection element can be a magnet, and the second magnetic connection element can be an element that can be magnetically attracted by the magnet to establish a magnetic connection. Or the second magnetic connection element can be a magnet, and the first magnetic connection element can be an element that can be magnetically attracted by the magnet to establish a magnetic connection. Or the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element can be magnets that can attract each other to establish a magnetic connection. The first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element can also be only partially configured as magnets or magnetically attractable elements to establish a magnetic connection. The magnetically attractable material can be, for example, a ferromagnetic material and can include, for example, metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and their alloys. More than one first magnetic connection element and / or more than one second magnetic connection element can also be provided.

[0020] A permanent magnet can be understood as an element that permanently creates its own persistent magnetic field. It can accordingly be distinguished from, for example, an electromagnet, which only generates an electric field when an electric current is flowing. A permanent magnet can include any suitable material that can allow the creation of a persistent magnetic field. A permanent magnet can have any suitable shape, which can allow the magnetic field to be arranged in such a way that it attracts other magnetic connection elements. This can include the respective orientations of the respective poles of the permanent magnet.

[0021] The first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element can be configured to be at least partially movable or at least partially fixed. For example, the first magnetic connection element can be movable relative to the second magnetic connection element, where the second magnetic connection element remains fixed. Or the first magnetic connection element can be fixed, and the second magnetic connection element can be movable relative to the first magnetic connection element. Or both, the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element can be movable relative to each other. Movement can be understood as movement from one magnetic connection element towards and / or away from other magnetic connection elements. The movement does not necessarily have to be a straight-line movement towards other magnetic connection elements, such as a straight-line movement along an axis, but can also include movement perpendicular to or inclined to the direct approach direction.

[0022] Accordingly, the first magnetic connection element in the second magnetic connection element can be adapted to form a magnetic connection. Thus, the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element can be arranged correspondingly such that the magnetic connection elements can attract each other through the magnetic field created by at least one of the magnetic connection elements. The magnetic connection can be releasable such that the established magnetic force can be overcome by applying an external force, for example, by pulling apart the magnetic connection elements. Thus, the magnetic connection elements that are far enough apart from each other can no longer provide a magnetic connection.

[0023] The magnetic connection can be established when the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element are close to each other and thus in contact with each other or when they are arranged close to each other. The magnetic connection can be disconnected when the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element are separated again.

[0024] The first electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can correspondingly depend on and be controlled by the connection between the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element. For example, the electrical contactor can be configured such that when the magnetic connection between the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element is disconnected, the first electrical connection can be disconnected. The electrical contactor can be configured such that a releasable magnetic connection can be formed by the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element, but at the same time, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact can be spaced apart such that the first electrical connection is not established between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. Thus, the establishment of the first electrical connection can be provided independently of the establishment of the magnetic connection, but the disconnection of the first electrical connection can depend on the disconnection of the magnetic connection.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic connection element forms a permanent magnet, and the first contactor assembly includes at least one first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion, and the at least one first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion is adapted to hold the first magnetic connection element.

[0026] Thus, a permanent magnet can be provided in the first contactor assembly instead of in the second contactor assembly, and a specific reduced size of the electrical contactor can be achieved accordingly. Further, the first contactor assembly can provide means for establishing a magnetic connection with one or more additional mating magnetic means of the electrical contactor, such as a second magnetic connection element. The permanent magnet can be held in such a way that it can move together with the first connector assembly. The holding part can be formed as a housing, a space or a perimeter into which the permanent magnet can be inserted and held. The first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding part can be configured to allow easy assembly and disassembly of the magnetic connection element. The first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding part can be arranged at a part of the first contactor assembly which can enable the encapsulated permanent magnet to be close to the second magnetic connection element to establish a magnetic connection. The first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding part can be integrally formed with the first contactor assembly or can be a separate element. More than one first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding part can also be provided.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the first contactor assembly further includes at least one magnetic flux transfer element holding part which is arranged close to the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding part and is adapted to hold at least one magnetic flux transfer element.

[0028] Thus, an improved flexibility in establishing the magnetic connection can be achieved. The magnetic flux transfer element can be an element which does not create its own magnetic field but can be magnetized by an external magnetic field and can forward the external magnetic field, such as the magnetic field created by the first magnetic connection element. The magnetic flux transfer element holding part can be arranged correspondingly close enough to the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding part to allow the magnetic flux transfer element to be arranged or held close to the first magnetic connection element. For example, the magnetic flux transfer element holding part can be configured such that the correspondingly held magnetic flux transfer element contacts the first magnetic connection element. The magnetic flux transfer element can include any suitable magnetizable material or be at least partially composed of such material for allowing magnetic flux transfer, which can be a metal such as iron or steel, for example.

[0029] The magnetic flux transfer element can be held such that it can move with the first connector assembly. The holding portion can be a housing, a space, or a periphery into which the magnetic flux transfer element can be inserted and held. The first contactor assembly magnetic flux transfer element holding portion can be configured to allow for easy assembly and disassembly of the magnetic flux transfer element. The first contactor assembly magnetic flux transfer element holding portion can be disposed at a portion of the first contactor assembly such that it can enable the encapsulated magnetic flux transfer element to be close to the second magnetic connection element to establish a magnetic connection. The first contactor assembly magnetic flux transfer element holding portion can be integrally formed with the first contactor assembly or can be a separate element. More than one magnetic flux transfer element holding portion and more than one magnetic flux transfer element can also be provided.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the permanent magnet is a cylindrical permanent magnet including a substantially circular front surface and a substantially circular rear surface, wherein the first contactor assembly includes a first magnetic flux transfer element holding portion and a second magnetic flux transfer element holding portion, the first magnetic flux transfer element holding portion and the second magnetic flux transfer element holding portion are disposed on opposite sides of the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion, each of the first magnetic flux transfer element holding portion and the second magnetic flux transfer element holding portion holds at least one magnetic flux transfer element, wherein the first magnetic flux transfer element holding portion is disposed on the front side of the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion, and the second magnetic flux transfer element holding portion is disposed on the rear side of the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion.

[0031] The use of a cylindrical permanent magnet can allow for the easy establishment of a magnetic field in the correct orientation. This can be advantageous compared to permanent magnets of other shapes, such as cube or parallelepiped shapes, as it may be difficult to distinguish the magnetic poles as well as the extension and force of the magnetic field. Depending on the need, various different cylindrical shapes can be used to establish the magnetic field, such as with a certain extension, orientation, and intensity. Thus, the extension length and / or diameter of the cylindrical magnet can be appropriately adapted to the required magnetic connection. "Cylindrical" and "circular" may not be understood in the narrow teaching sense. Thus, for example, the circular front surface can also have an oval shape and / or the diameter of the cylinder can vary along its extension direction. In addition, the front surface and the rear surface can differ in shape and size. For example, the cylinder can be not only a regular cylinder but also an oblique cylinder. Between the front surface and the opposite rear surface of the cylindrical magnet, the housing surface can extend substantially along the main extension direction of the cylindrical magnet, which can also correspond to the height of the cylinder. Further, "front side" and "rear side" may not be interpreted in the narrow technical sense, but can be defined as needed, for example, to distinguish the opposite sides of the respective elements. Thus, the first magnetic flux transmission element can be held such that it can be arranged close to the front surface of the cylindrical magnet, and the second magnetic flux transmission element can be held such that it can be preferably arranged close to the rear surface of the cylindrical magnet.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic flux transmission element and the second magnetic flux transmission element are formed as a first plate-like element and a second plate-like element, wherein each magnetic flux transmission element holding portion in the magnetic flux transmission element holding portion is configured to allow at least one of the first plate-like element and the second plate-like element to be inserted from the top side of the first contactor assembly into the magnetic flux transmission element holding portion, wherein the plate-like element can be inserted into the magnetic flux transmission element holding portion such that in the inserted state, the main surface of the first plate-like element contacts the circular front surface of the cylindrical magnet, and wherein the main surface of the second plate-like element contacts the circular rear surface of the cylindrical magnet.

[0033] Thus, a simple and robust assembly of the first contactor assembly can be provided. In this case, "top side" may not be interpreted in the technical sense, but can be defined as needed, and can be the side opposite to the corresponding "bottom side" of the respective element. The top side can be, for example, the upper side, extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to and connecting the front side and the rear side. It will be understood that in different embodiments, the respective elements can also be inserted from different sides (such as the front side, rear side, bottom side, or lateral side of the first contactor assembly). The terms "top" and "bottom" may also not refer to a certain absolute orientation of the respective elements. Thus, the "top side" of the first contactor assembly can also face the downward direction accordingly, and the "bottom side" can also face the upward direction accordingly, for example, depending on the installation direction of the respective parts.

[0034] The plate-shaped element can be any element having a plate-shaped appearance, the two main surfaces of which extend substantially parallel and are spaced apart by a certain distance, which can define the thickness of the plate. The plate-shaped element can include any suitable shape, such as a square or rectangular shape, but can also include a curved shape. Further, the plate-shaped element can include protrusions on its surface to allow the plate-shaped element to be fixed in the magnetic flux transmission element holding part. The magnetic flux transmission element holding part can be correspondingly provided with respective receiving means to receive and hold the protrusions of the plate-shaped element, such as grooves. In different embodiments, the magnetic flux transmission element holding part can include respective protrusions, and the plate-shaped element can include respective grooves to allow the plate-shaped element to be fixed in the magnetic flux transmission element holding part.

[0035] The insertion direction of the plate-shaped element can be substantially perpendicular to the main extension direction of the cylindrical magnet. In other words, the plate-shaped element can be inserted parallel to the substantially circular surface on the front side and the rear side of the cylindrical magnet. The "main surface" can be understood as one of the two main surfaces defined by each plate-shaped element. Thus, the plate-shaped element can define two main surfaces, one of the main surfaces of the first plate-shaped element facing one circular end face of the cylindrical magnet in the assembled state, and one of the main surfaces of the second plate-shaped element facing the other opposite circular end face of the cylindrical magnet in the assembled state. Thus, a sandwich structure can be achieved. The contact between the main surface of the plate-shaped element and the respective circular surface of the cylindrical magnet can also be an indirect contact with the element arranged between these two surfaces. Or it can be a direct contact with no additional element arranged therebetween.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, in the inserted state, at least one of the first plate-shaped element and the second plate-shaped element extends beyond the top side of the first contactor assembly.

[0037] Thus, the magnetic connection can be appropriately defined by the magnetic field created by the first magnetic connection element and the contact created between one or more of the first plate-shaped element and the second plate-shaped element and the second magnetic connection element. For example, the magnetic connection can be appropriately adjusted with respect to a required certain magnetic strength. Further, direct contact between the second contactor assembly and / or the second magnetic connection element and the first contactor assembly can be prevented. The extension of the first plate-shaped element and / or the second plate-shaped element beyond the top side can be a vertical or inclined protrusion from the top side or the top surface of the first contactor assembly.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the first contactor assembly includes at least one insertion opening, at least one insertion opening being arranged on the front side of the first contactor assembly, wherein the insertion opening is formed substantially circularly and is adapted to allow the cylindrical magnet to be inserted from the outside into the magnetic connection element holding part of the first contactor assembly.

[0039] Thus, a convenient component of the first contactor assembly can be provided. This can allow for the easy replacement of the first magnetic connection element. The insertion opening can also be arranged on any other side as needed, such as on the rear side, bottom side, or lateral side of the first contactor assembly. The opening can be appropriately formed to accommodate a cylindrical magnet and can be correspondingly adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical magnet to tightly accommodate the permanent magnet in different orientations. The first magnetic connection element can be inserted entirely or partially through the opening into the magnetic connection element holding portion of the first contactor assembly.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the rear side of the first contactor assembly opposite the front side of the first contactor assembly does not include an opening.

[0041] Thus, a convenient component of the first contactor assembly can be provided, in which the first magnetic connection element can only be inserted from one different side. When the magnetic connection element is inserted from one side, further movement of the magnetic connection element can be blocked accordingly by a corresponding wall or any other movement restricting device, which can allow for the proper positioning of the first magnetic connection element.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion is arranged on the front side of the first contactor assembly, and the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion is arranged on the rear side of the first contactor assembly.

[0043] Thus, a defined positioning of the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion and the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion relative to the orientation of the first contactor assembly can be achieved. As needed, the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion and the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion can be arranged at any position very close to the respective front side and rear side of the first contactor assembly from the center.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the first contactor assembly is configured to be assembled in a given order by the following steps: inserting a second plate-like element into the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion from the top side of the first contactor assembly; inserting a cylindrical magnet into the magnetic connection element holding portion of the first contactor assembly from the front side of the first contactor assembly; and inserting a first plate-like element into the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion from the top side of the first contactor assembly.

[0045] Thus, a particularly simple and easy method for assembling the first contactor assembly can be obtained. Disassembly can be provided correspondingly in the reverse order, such that the first plate-like element can be removed from the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion, the cylindrical magnet can be removed from the magnetic connection element holding portion of the first contactor assembly, and the second plate-like element can be removed from the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion. If only one plate-like element is provided or no plate-like element is provided, the corresponding steps for assembly and disassembly can be adjusted accordingly, such as by omitting the corresponding steps.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the second contactor assembly includes at least one second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion, the at least one second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion being adapted to hold a second magnetic connection element, wherein the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion and the second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion are arranged such that the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element face each other.

[0047] Thus, a suitable relative arrangement of the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element for creating a suitable magnetic connection can be achieved. The second magnetic connection element can be held in a reversible manner such that the second magnetic connection element can be easily assembled or disassembled from the second contactor assembly. Thus, the second magnetic connection element can include respective means for interacting with corresponding means of the second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion, such as protrusions or grooves, to ensure proper holding. The second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion can be formed integrally with the second contactor assembly or can be provided as a separate part. A second contactor assembly can be provided to allow proper annealing of the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element. For example, if the second contactor assembly is arranged above the first contactor assembly, the second magnetic connection element can be held on the bottom side of the second contactor assembly facing the downwardly arranged first contactor assembly, and the first magnetic connection element can be held on the top side of the first contactor assembly facing the upwardly arranged second contactor assembly. In this case, when the first contactor assembly and the second contactor assembly are brought close to each other, the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element can be brought in the vicinity of each other accordingly to establish a magnetic connection.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the second magnetic connection element is adapted to contact a first plate-like element and / or a second plate-like element extending from the top side of the first contactor assembly to establish a magnetic connection.

[0049] Thus, a defined contact head or area of the second magnetic connection with the first plate-like element and / or the second plate-like element can be defined. Thus, the magnetic connection can be easily adjusted, for example, according to the holding strength of the magnetic connection. The second magnetic connection element can also not be in direct contact with the first magnetic connection element, but can be attracted and only at least partially in contact with the first plate-like element and / or the second plate-like element.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical contactor further includes: at least one third electrical contact, at least one fourth electrical contact, wherein at least one of the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact is adapted to be movable relative to the other of the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact, and wherein a second electrical connection can be established between the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact.

[0051] Therefore, a second electrical connection can be established, which is different from the first electrical connection. The second electrical connection can enable the peak current to discharge before the establishment of the constant current flow through the second electrical connection. Therefore, damage to the electrical contact due to the peak current can be avoided.

[0052] The third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact can also be referred to as "main contacts". More than one third electrical contact and fourth electrical contact can also be provided. The third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact can be configured in a movable or partially fixed manner. For example, the third electrical contact can be movable relative to the fourth electrical contact, where the fourth electrical contact can be fixed. Or the third electrical contact can be fixed, and the fourth electrical contact can be movable relative to the third electrical contact. Or both, the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact can be movable relative to each other. The movement can be understood as the movement from one electrical contact towards and away from the other electrical contact. The movement does not necessarily have to be a straight-line movement towards the other electrical contact, such as a movement along an axis, but can also include a movement perpendicular to or inclined to the direct approach direction. When the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact move towards each other and thus come into contact with each other or are close to each other, an electrical connection can be established. When the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact are separated again, the second electrical connection can be disconnected.

[0053] The second electrical connection can be different from the first electrical connection because it can be independent of the establishment or non-establishment of the magnetic connection. The second electrical connection can be a temporary connection or a permanent connection and can be connected during or after the first electrical connection. When the first electrical connection is disconnected, the second electrical connection can also remain in the established state. Therefore, a constant current can be provided through the second electrical connection.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical contactor is configured to be in one or more of the following states: a first state, in which a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are spaced apart from each other such that a first electrical connection is not established, in which a third electrical contact and a fourth electrical contact are spaced apart from each other such that a second electrical connection is not established, and in which a first magnetic connection element and a second magnetic connection element are brought into contact with each other to form a magnetic connection; a second state, in which the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are brought into contact with each other such that the first electrical connection is established, in which the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact remain spaced apart, and in which the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element remain in contact with each other; a third state, in which the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact remain in contact with each other, in which the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact are brought into contact with each other such that the second electrical connection is established, and in which the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element remain in contact with each other; a fourth state, in which the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are not in contact with each other such that the first electrical connection is disconnected, in which the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact remain in contact with each other, and in which the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element are not in contact with each other such that the magnetic connection is disconnected.

[0055] Accordingly, suitable control can be achieved to effect a saving and reliable switching of the first electrical connection and the second electrical connection. It is noted that the above states are not restrictive, but additional states may be provided and / or some states may be omitted in addition to or in place of the above states. The respective states can be controlled by respective control means and can depend on the dimensioning of the respective parts involved in establishing the first electrical connection and the second electrical connection and the magnetic connection. For example, the respective distances between the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element and between the electrical contacts can be adjusted accordingly. Thus, the movement or stroke of one or more elements in a certain direction, such as a downward stroke, can allow the respective first electrical connection and the second electrical connection to be established within certain predetermined times, such as the first electrical connection being established within 3 ms to 4 ms and the second electrical connection being established over a longer time, such as permanently. Further, the second electrical connection can also be disconnected and the electrical contactor can return to the first state again.

[0056] The invention also relates to a first contactor assembly that can be used with the electrical contactor described in the present disclosure, wherein the first contactor assembly is formed and / or arranged as described in the present disclosure.

[0057] Accordingly, a first contactor assembly that is particularly easy to manufacture and robust can be provided and employed in an electrical contactor. Specifically, the use of a cylindrical permanent magnet in combination with the first contactor assembly described herein can allow for a simple and robust assembly and the establishment and disconnection of respective magnetic connections with another magnetic connection element. Accordingly, specifically, based on the magnetic connection provided by the first magnetic connection element held at the first contactor assembly according to the present invention, a first electrical connection can be appropriately established or disconnected.

[0058] Additional features, examples, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] To better understand the present invention and illustrate its practical applicability, the following figures are provided and referenced. It should be understood that the figures represent only exemplary embodiments and thus do not limit the scope of the claimed invention in any way. Identical or similarly acting elements are denoted by the same reference signs throughout. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of this claim. In the figures, reference signs may be partially omitted to ensure proper representability of the depicted embodiments.

[0060] In the drawings,

[0061] Figure 1 an electrical contactor according to the present invention is schematically illustrated;

[0062] Figure 2 an electrical contactor according to the present invention is schematically illustrated;

[0063] Figure 3 an electrical contactor according to the present invention is schematically illustrated;

[0064] Figure 4 an electrical contactor according to the present invention is schematically illustrated;

[0065] Figure 5 the working principle of an electrical contactor according to the present invention is schematically illustrated;

[0066] Figure 6 a first contactor assembly according to the present invention is schematically illustrated;

[0067] Figure 7 a second contactor assembly according to the present invention is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Figure 1Depicts an electrical contactor 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is apparent from the depicted embodiment that the electrical contactor 100 is configured in a mirror-symmetrical manner. Thus, the respective components shown on the left side of the electrical contactor 100 are similarly arranged on the right side. For representability, only parts of the same components of the electrical contactor 100 are denoted by reference symbols. However, it should be clearly seen from the mirror-symmetrical arrangement that the same components also occur on the respective other side. For example, the depicted electrical contactor includes a first electrical contact 1 and a second electrical contact 3, which may also be referred to as "interlocking contacts", where only the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are labeled on the left side. However, in the depicted embodiment, additional first electrical contacts and second electrical contacts are also arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner on the right side of the electrical contactor 100, but are not additionally provided with reference symbols. In the depicted embodiment, the second electrical contact 3 is fixed, and the first electrical contact 1 is movable in the upward and downward directions.

[0069] A second contactor assembly 30 is arranged in the upper part of the top-side electrical connector 100. The second contactor assembly 30 is movable in the upward and downward directions. The first electrical contact 1 is movable downward together with the second contactor assembly 30, and the first electrical contact 3 is fixed. On its bottom side, the second contactor assembly 30 includes a second magnetic connection element 31. Further, a first contactor assembly 10 is arranged below the second contactor assembly 300. The first contactor assembly 10 includes a first magnetic connection element 21 arranged on its top side, where the first magnetic connection element 21 is a permanent magnet. Further, the first contactor assembly 10 includes two magnetic flux transmission elements 27. In the depicted state S1 of the electrical contactor 100, the second magnetic connection element 31 is in contact with the magnetic flux transmission element 27, and thus a magnetic connection is established between the first contactor assembly 10 and the second contactor assembly 30.

[0070] The electrical contactor 100 further includes a third electrical contact and a fourth electrical contact 5, 7, which may also be referred to as "main contacts", where similar to the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact 1, 3, for representability, only the left side is labeled with reference symbols, but where, on the right side, the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact 5, 7 are also arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner. The third electrical contact 5 is movable in the downward direction, and the fourth electrical contact 7 is fixed.

[0071] The electrical contactor 100 further includes a resistor 35 in the form of a resistor cable, when the first electrical contact 1 and the second electrical contact 3 are in contact with each other and a first electrical connection is established (see Figure 2),A first peak current can flow through the resistor 35. Further, a wire 37 is depicted, through which a second peak current flows when a third electrical contact 5 in the fourth electrical contact 7 establishes a second electrical connection, and a constant current can also flow through the wire 37. The electrical connector 100 further includes an electromagnetic coil 39 which, when energized, provides a closing action 70 of the respective parts of the electrical contactor in the downward direction to establish a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection.

[0072] As shown in the figure, in the first state S1, the first electrical contact 1 and the second electrical contact 3 are spaced apart from each other such that the first electrical connection is not established. Further, the third electrical contact 5 and the fourth electrical contact 7 are spaced apart from each other such that the second electrical connection is not established. Further, the first magnetic connection element 21 and the second magnetic connection element 31 are brought into contact with each other to form a magnetic connection. In the depicted embodiment, the magnetic connection is not established by direct contact between the first magnetic connection element 21 and the second magnetic connection element 31, but by contact of the magnetic flux transmission element 27 with the second magnetic connection element 31. In the depicted embodiment, the first magnetic connection element 21 is a cylindrical permanent magnet, the second magnetic connection element 31 is a steel plate, and the magnetic flux transmission element is also a steel plate.

[0073] Figure 2 The electrical contactor 100 in different subsequent states S2 is depicted, Figure 1 wherein, compared with the state S1, the respective downward movement of the parts in the closing direction 70 has been caused by the electromagnetic coil 39. Accordingly, the first contactor assembly 10 has been pulled downward in the closing direction 70, and since the first contactor assembly 10 is magnetically connected to the second contactor assembly 30 through magnetic contact between the first magnetic connection element 21 and the second magnetic connection element 31, the second contactor assembly 30 is also pulled downward in the closing direction 70 under the action of the counteracting spring force provided by its respective spring. Accordingly, the first electrical contact 1 and the second electrical contact 3 are brought into contact with each other such that the first electrical connection is established. Accordingly, a first current peak 40 can be guided through the resistor 35, where the current is converted into heat. Further, the third electrical contact 5 has also approached the fourth electrical contact 7. However, the third electrical contact 5 and the fourth electrical contact 7 are still spaced apart sufficiently such that the second electrical connection is not established. Accordingly, in the state S2, no current flows through the wire 37.

[0074] Figure 3 The electrical contactor 100 in different subsequent states S3 is depicted, Figure 1 and Figure 2The electric contactor 100, wherein, compared with the state S2, the respective additional downward movement of the parts in the closing direction 70 has been caused by the electromagnetic coil 39. Therefore, the second connector assembly 30 has also been pulled downward in the closing direction 70 by the first contactor assembly 10, and the second contactor assembly 30 remains magnetically connected to the first contactor assembly 10. Contact is maintained between the first electric contact 1 and the second electric contact 3, and the respective return springs are also compressed. The third electric contact 5 has approached and contacted the fourth electric contact 7. Therefore, the second electrical connection is established by the third electric contact 5 and the fourth electric contact 7. Therefore, the second current peak 50 can be conducted through the wire 37.

[0075] Figure 4 depicts the Figures 1 to 3 electric contactor 100 in different subsequent states S4, wherein, compared with the state S3, the respective additional downward movement of the parts in the closing direction 70 has been caused by the electromagnetic coil 39. Therefore, the first contactor assembly 10 has also been pulled downward in the closing direction 70. However, the movement of the second contactor assembly 30 is limited by the contact of the second contactor assembly 30 with the parts of the housing 9. Therefore, the first contactor assembly 10 has been pulled apart and is not in magnetic contact with the second connector assembly 30. Therefore, due to the restoring force of the compression spring, the second connector assembly 30 has returned to its original position. Therefore, the first electric contact 1 and the second electric contact 3 are also made not to contact each other, thereby disconnecting the first electrical connection. The third electric contact 5 and the fourth electric contact 7 still contact each other, so that the second electrical connection is maintained. Therefore, a constant current flow 60 through the wire 37 is established.

[0076] When the electrical coil 39 is de-energized, the electric contactor 100 can return to its initial state (see Figure 1 ), so as to move the respective parts upward again by the respective spring restoring forces.

[0077] Figure 5 The displacement or downward movement or stroke of the interlocking contacts is illustrated in the upper part, and the displacement or downward movement or stroke of the main contacts in the displacement, downward or closing direction 70 is illustrated in the lower part. In the depicted embodiment, the displacement stroke in the closing direction 70 caused by the electrical coil 39 is given in cm. The values of the depicted embodiment are merely exemplary, and different embodiments may include different values. As shown in the following table (see row "Contact distance"), the main contacts, i.e., the third electric contact 5 and the fourth electric contact 7, contact each other with a displacement stroke of 5.5 cm. Further, the interlocking contacts, i.e., the first electric contact 1 and the second electric contact 3, contact each other with a displacement stroke of 2 cm. Therefore, in the state S1, the interlocking contacts and the main contacts are disconnected. Therefore, since no contact is established between the first contact 1 and the second contact 3, no compression stroke is provided. In comparison with the above in Figure 2At the 2 cm downward stroke corresponding to the state S2 depicted, the interlock contacts touch each other while the main contacts remain spaced apart. Thus, for the interlock contacts, the compression stroke occurs during an additional downward stroke. At the Figure 3 5.5 cm downward stroke corresponding to the state S3 depicted in Figure 4 , the main contacts touch each other and the interlock contacts also touch each other. Thus, for both the interlock contacts and the main contacts, the compression stroke occurs during an additional downward stroke. At the 6.5 cm downward stroke corresponding to the state S4 depicted in

[0078] Figure 6 , due to the disconnection of the magnetic connection element, the main contacts do not touch. The main contacts still remain in contact. Thus, only for the main contacts, the compression stroke occurs during an additional downward stroke. In the depicted embodiment, the maximum displacement stroke reaches 7.5 cm. At this stage, the main contacts are closed and a constant current is directed through the electrical contactor 100. The downward row of the shown table (see "Compression Stroke") indicates the sum of the compression stroke distances of the main contacts (2 cm) and the interlock contacts (4.5 cm). However, in different embodiments, different values can be provided depending on the specific configuration, such as according to the form and arrangement of the main contacts and the interlock contacts and / or the first contactor assembly and / or the second contactor assembly providing the magnetic connection for controlling the first electrical connection. Figure 6 An embodiment of the first contactor assembly 10 according to the present invention is schematically illustrated in the left sub - figure A) in a non - assembled state. Further,

[0079] The first contactor assembly 10 also includes an opening in its top side 15 to allow access from the outside to a first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion 19a and a second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion 19b of the upper part of the first contactor assembly 10 disposed near the magnetic connection element holding portion 17. The first magnetic flux transmission element 27a can accordingly be inserted from the top side 15 into the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion 19a, and the second magnetic flux transmission element 27b can be inserted from the top side 15 into the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion 19b along the direction 70. In the depicted embodiment, the first magnetic flux transmission element and the second magnetic flux transmission element 27a, 27b are formed as metal plates having protrusions at their outer edges to engage respective grooves in the lateral walls of the first contactor assembly 10. The first contactor assembly 10 can be assembled by first inserting the second magnetic flux transmission element 27b, then inserting the first magnetic connection element 21, and finally inserting the first magnetic flux transmission element 27a. Thus, the first magnetic connection element 21 is snugly received and held in place. The final assembled state is shown in sub - figure B. In the assembled state, one main surface of the first magnetic flux transmission element 27a contacts the front surface 23a of the magnetic connection element 21, and in the assembled state, one main surface of the first magnetic flux transmission element 27b contacts the rear surface 23b of the magnetic connection element 21. Further, as shown in sub - figure B, in the assembled state, the first magnetic flux transmission element and the second magnetic flux transmission element 27a, 27b extend or protrude beyond the top side 15 or the top surface of the first contactor assembly 10. The first contactor assembly 10 further includes a bottom side 14 including means for attaching the first contactor assembly 10 to additional parts disposed below the electrical contactor 100.

[0080] Figure 7 Schematically illustrated is a second contactor assembly 30 according to the present invention, including a plurality of first electrical contacts 1. Further, on the bottom side of the second contactor assembly 30, a second magnetic connection element 31 is held by respective holding means at a second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion 33. In the depicted embodiment, the second magnetic connection element 31 is a metal plate.

[0081] List of reference numerals

[0082] 1 First electrical contact

[0083] 3 Second electrical contact

[0084] 5 Third electrical contact

[0085] 7 Fourth electrical contact

[0086] 9 Housing

[0087] 10 First contactor assembly

[0088] 11 Front side of the first contactor assembly

[0089] 13 Rear side of the first contactor assembly

[0090] 14 Bottom side of the first contactor assembly

[0091] 15 Top side of the first contactor assembly

[0092] 16 Insertion opening

[0093] 17 Holding part of the magnetic connection element of the first contactor assembly

[0094] 19 Holding part of the magnetic flux transmission element

[0095] 19a First magnetic flux transmission element holding part

[0096] 19b Second magnetic flux transmission element holding part

[0097] 21 First magnetic connection element

[0098] 23a Front surface of the magnetic connection element

[0099] 23b Rear surface of the magnetic connection element

[0100] 25 Housing surface of the magnetic connection element

[0101] 27 Magnetic flux transmission element

[0102] 27a First magnetic flux transmission element

[0103] 27b Second magnetic flux transmission element

[0104] 30 Second contactor assembly

[0105] 31 Second magnetic connection element

[0106] 33 Holding part of the magnetic connection element of the second contactor assembly

[0107] 35 Resistor

[0108] 37 Electric wire

[0109] 39 Electromagnetic coil

[0110] 40 First current peak

[0111] 50 Second current peak

[0112] 60 Current flow

[0113] 70 Closing direction

[0114] 100 Electric contactor

[0115] S1 First state

[0116] S2 Second state

[0117] S3 Third state

[0118] S4 Fourth state

Claims

1. An electric contactor (100), comprising: at least one first electrical contact (1), at least one second electrical contact (3), wherein at least one of the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3) is adapted to be movable relative to the other of the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3), The first contactor assembly (10) comprises at least one first magnetic connection element (21), The second contactor assembly (30) comprises at least one second magnetic connection element (31), wherein at least one of the first magnetic connection element (11) and the second magnetic connection element (31) is formed as a permanent magnet, wherein at least one of the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) is adapted to be movable relative to the other of the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31), wherein the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) are adapted to form a releasable magnetic connection with each other, wherein a first electrical connection can be established between the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3), The first electrical connection can be disconnected by disconnecting the magnetic connection.

2. The electrical contactor (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first magnetic connection element (21) forms the permanent magnet, and The first contactor assembly (10) comprises at least one first contactor assembly magnetic connection element retaining portion (17), wherein the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element retaining portion (17) is suitable for retaining the first magnetic connection element (21).

3. The electrical contactor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, The first contactor assembly (10) further comprises at least one magnetic flux transmission element retaining portion (19), wherein the magnetic flux transmission element retaining portion (19) is arranged close to the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element retaining portion (17) and is suitable for retaining at least one magnetic flux transmission element (27).

4. The electrical contactor (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the permanent magnet is a cylindrical permanent magnet comprising a substantially circular front surface (23a) and a substantially circular rear surface (23b), wherein the first contactor assembly (10) comprises a first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19a) and a second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19b), the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19a) and the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19b) being arranged on opposite sides of the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (17), each of the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19a) and the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19b) holding at least one magnetic flux transmission element (27); The first magnetic flux transmission element retaining portion (19a) is arranged on the front side of the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element retaining portion (17), and the second magnetic flux transmission element retaining portion (19b) is arranged on the rear side of the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element retaining portion (17).

5. The electrical contactor (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first magnetic flux transmission element (27a) and the second magnetic flux transmission element (27b) are formed as a first plate-shaped element and a second plate-shaped element, wherein each of the magnetic flux transmission element holding portions (19a, 19b) is configured to allow at least one of the first plate-like element and the second plate-like element to be inserted into the magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19a, 19b) from a top side (15) of the first contactor assembly (10), The plate-like element is capable of being inserted into the magnetic flux transmission element retaining portion (19a, 19b) so that in the inserted state, the main surface of the first plate-like element contacts the circular front surface (23a) of the cylindrical magnet, and the main surface of the second plate-like element contacts the circular rear surface (23b) of the cylindrical magnet.

6. The electrical contactor (100) according to the preceding claim, Wherein, in the inserted state, at least one of the first plate-shaped element and the second plate-shaped element extends beyond the top side (15) of the first contactor assembly (10).

7. The electrical contactor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first contactor assembly (10) comprises at least one insertion opening (16), the at least one insertion opening being arranged on the front side of the first contactor assembly (10), The insertion opening (16) is formed substantially circularly and is adapted to allow the cylindrical magnet to be inserted from the outside into the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (17).

8. The electrical contactor (100) according to the preceding claim, The rear side of the first contactor assembly (10) opposite to the front side (11) of the first contactor assembly (10) does not include an opening.

9. The electrical contactor (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19a) is arranged at the front side (11) of the first contactor assembly (10), and The second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19b) is arranged at the rear side (13) of the first contactor assembly (10).

10. The electrical contactor (100) according to any of the preceding claims 5 to 9, The first contactor assembly (10) is configured to be assembled by the following steps in a given order: inserting the second plate-like element from the top side (15) of the first contactor assembly (10) into the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19b); inserting the cylindrical magnet into the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (17) from the front side of the first contactor assembly (10); and The first plate-like element is inserted into the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19a) from the top side (15) of the first contactor assembly (10).

11. The electrical contactor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, The second contactor assembly (30) comprises at least one second contactor assembly magnetic connection element retaining portion (33), wherein the second contactor assembly magnetic connection element retaining portion (33) is suitable for retaining the second magnetic connection element (31), The first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (17) and the second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (33) are arranged so that the first magnetic connection element (11) and the second magnetic connection element (31) face each other.

12. The electrical contactor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 11, The second magnetic connection element (31) is adapted to contact the first plate-shaped element and / or the second plate-shaped element to establish the magnetic connection, and the first plate-shaped element and / or the second plate-shaped element extend from the top side (15) of the first contactor assembly (10).

13. The electrical contactor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one third electrical contact (5), at least one fourth electrical contact (7), wherein at least one of the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7) is adapted to be movable relative to the other of the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7), And wherein a second electrical connection can be established between the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7).

14. The electrical contactor (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electrical contactor (100) is configured to assume one or more of the following states: a first state (S1), in which the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3) are spaced apart from each other so that a first electrical connection is not established, wherein the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7) are spaced apart from each other so that the second electrical connection is not established, and wherein the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) are brought into contact with each other to form the magnetic connection; a second state (S2), in which the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3) are brought into contact with each other so that the first electrical connection is established, wherein the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7) are kept spaced apart, and wherein the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) remain in contact with each other; a third state (S3), in which the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3) remain in contact with each other, wherein the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7) are brought into contact with each other so that the second electrical connection is established, and wherein the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) remain in contact with each other; a fourth state (S4), in which the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3) are brought out of contact, so that the first electrical connection is disconnected, wherein the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7) are kept in contact with each other, And wherein the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) are not in contact, so that the magnetic connection is disconnected.

15. A first contactor assembly (10) usable with an electrical contactor (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, wherein the first contactor assembly (10) is formed and / or arranged as defined in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 14.

Images