Switching device with arc limiter

Abstract

Switching device (1) with at least one contact point (2) comprising a first contact (3) and a second contact (4), wherein at least one of the contacts (3, 4) is movable and the two contacts (3, 4) can be brought into contact with each other, and wherein the at least one contact point (2) is associated with an arc-quenching chamber (5) which is configured to extinguish a switching arc generated when the contacts (3, 4) are opened, and with a partition (6) which divides the arc-quenching chamber (5) into a first arc-quenching area (7) and a second arc-quenching area (8), and with an arc-blowing device (9) which is configured to blow the switching arc generated between the contacts (3, 4) away from the contacts (3, 4) in a first direction (10) or in a second direction (11) opposite to the first direction (10), wherein the switching device (1) includes a first deflection element (12) and a second deflection element (13). exhibitswherein the first deflection element (12) is configured such that the switching arc is deflected into the first extinguishing zone (7) when blown away in the first direction (10), and wherein the second deflection element (13) is configured such that the switching arc is deflected into the second extinguishing zone (8) when blown away in the second direction (11), characterized in that the partition (6) has at least one overflow opening (20) which is suitable for allowing the plasma generated by the switching arc to flow from one of the two extinguishing zones (7, 8) into the other extinguishing zone (7, 8), wherein the partition (6) preferably has at least 5 overflow openings (20) and further preferably at least 20 overflow openings (20), wherein the area of ​​the overflow openings (20) is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, and further preferably at least 30% of the total area of ​​the partition (6).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a switching device according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0002] A switching device of this type comprises at least one contact point with a first contact and a second contact, wherein at least one of the contacts is movable and the two contacts can be brought into contact with each other, and wherein the at least one contact point is associated with an arc-quenching chamber configured to extinguish a switching arc generated when the contacts open, and a partition dividing the arc-quenching chamber into a first arc-quenching area and a second arc-quenching area, as well as an arc-blowing device configured to blow the switching arc generated between the contacts away from the contacts in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction, depending on the polarity of the contacts, wherein the switching device has a first deflection element and a second deflection element, wherein the first deflection element is configured such thatthat the switching arc is deflected into the first extinguishing area when blown away in the first direction, and wherein the second deflection element is arranged such that the switching arc is deflected into the second extinguishing area when blown away in the second direction.

[0003] Switching devices are used in many areas. Switching electrical loads places high demands on the device. When a current-carrying contact opens, an arc is created, which becomes more energetic and difficult to extinguish the higher the load being switched. If an arc cannot be extinguished adequately or at all, the switching device can be severely damaged or even destroyed.

[0004] To extinguish electric arcs, it is known to deflect the arc using a magnetic field, thereby stretching it so that the arc extinguishes itself or can be extinguished by a suitable device. Consequently, more complex arc extinguishing measures are required for high switching loads than for lower loads, which results in an ever-increasing need for installation space as the switching load increases.

[0005] A switching device according to the preamble of independent claim 1 is known from EP 2 795 644 B1. This document describes an arc quenching device with a divided quenching zone, wherein, depending on the polarity, the switching arc is directed into one of the quenching zones via corresponding arc guiding devices.

[0006] Another switching device is known from DE 10 2020 104 258 A1. This document describes a switching device with at least two communicating extinguishing zones. The extinguishing zones are spatially separated from each other by a partition wall, the partition wall having overflow openings that connect the two extinguishing zones in such a way that plasma generated by the electric arc can flow from one extinguishing zone into the other, which is not currently in use.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a switching device which, while maintaining a compact design, is capable of disconnecting higher electrical loads.

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Accordingly, a solution to the problem according to the invention exists if the partition wall has at least one overflow opening which is suitable for allowing the plasma generated by the switching arc to flow from one of the two extinguishing areas into the other extinguishing area, wherein the partition wall preferably has at least 5 overflow openings and further preferably has at least 20 overflow openings, wherein the area of ​​the overflow openings is at least 10%, preferably at least 20% and further preferably at least 30% of the total area of ​​the partition wall.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the partition wall runs essentially parallel to the first and second directions of movement of the switching arc blown away from the contact point by the arc blowing device.

[0011] The partition wall is preferably designed as a flat partition wall spanning a plane. However, it is also conceivable that the partition wall has irregularities, such as a kink, an edge, or the like, whereby even in this case a main direction of extension of the partition wall, and thus a plane, can be defined. The partition wall can advantageously be designed as a single piece, but it is also conceivable that the partition wall can be designed as a multi-piece wall.

[0012] The fact that the partition wall runs essentially parallel to the first and second directions of movement of the arc blowing device means in the present case that the angle between the directions of movement and the partition wall is no more than 15°, preferably no more than 10° and further preferably no more than 5°.

[0013] Preferably, the two directions of movement run not only parallel to the partition wall or to the plane spanned by the partition wall, but almost within the plane spanned by the partition wall.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the extinguishing chamber comprises a first side wall and a second side wall opposite the first side wall, as well as a first end wall connecting the first and second side walls and a second end wall connecting the first and second side walls and opposite the first end wall, as well as a first ceiling closing off the side walls and end walls, and a second ceiling opposite the first ceiling, which also closes off the side walls and end walls. The partition wall is oriented essentially orthogonally to the first and second side walls and to the first and second ceiling, and essentially parallel to the end walls. Preferably, the partition wall divides the extinguishing chamber into two essentially equal extinguishing zones.

[0015] In this case, an essentially orthogonal alignment means that the angle of the partition wall to the two side walls and to the two ceilings deviates from a right angle by no more than 15°, preferably no more than 10°, and more preferably no more than 5°. The same applies to the parallel alignment of the partition wall to the two end walls. Preferably, the deviation from parallelism is no more than 15°, more preferably no more than 10°, and particularly preferably no more than 5°.

[0016] Essentially equal extinguishing areas, in the context of the present invention, means that the size of an extinguishing area is no more than 75%, preferably no more than 70%, and further preferably no more than 65% of the size of the extinguishing chamber.

[0017] According to the invention, the switching device has at least one contact point. The switching device according to the invention is particularly advantageous when designed as a bidirectional switch with double contact interruption and consequently with two contact points. Accordingly, each contact point is then assigned an extinguishing chamber, which in turn is divided into two extinguishing zones by a partition. A switching device designed in this way then comprises two partitions as well as two first deflection elements and two second deflection elements. The separation of the extinguishing chambers from each other can be achieved in various ways. It is conceivable that each of the two extinguishing chambers is arranged in its own housing; alternatively, the separation can also be achieved by a component specifically provided for this purpose.

[0018] According to the invention, the partition wall has at least one overflow opening which is suitable for allowing the plasma generated by the switching arc to flow from one of the two extinguishing areas into the other extinguishing area, wherein the partition wall preferably has at least 5 overflow openings and further preferably has at least 20 overflow openings, wherein the area of ​​the overflow openings is at least 10%, preferably at least 20% and further preferably at least 30% of the total area of ​​the partition wall.

[0019] The advantage of having the largest possible area of ​​overflow openings is that the plasma generated by the arc can flow from the extinguishing zone, where the arc is being extinguished, into the other, unused extinguishing zone, thereby creating more favorable conditions for arc extinguishing. However, if the area of ​​the overflow openings is too large, the partition can no longer effectively separate the two extinguishing zones, and there is a risk that the arc will spread throughout the entire extinguishing chamber and not just within the intended extinguishing zone.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the partition wall forms a recurring pattern through the overflow openings, which is distributed over at least 50%, preferably over at least 60% and further preferably over at least 70% of the partition wall area.

[0021] Advantageously, the recurring pattern is a grid pattern and is distributed over as large an area of ​​the partition as possible. However, it is also conceivable that the grid pattern is provided in those areas of the partition where a particularly large amount of plasma is generated by the propagation of the arc.

[0022] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the first and the second deflection element are arranged at an angle to the partition wall, wherein the angle is at least 5°, preferably at least 10° and further preferably at least 35° and not more than 45°, wherein the alignment of the deflection element is preferably achieved by rotating the deflection elements relative to the partition wall about a first axis which lies within the partition wall and runs parallel to the first ceiling.

[0023] However, it is also conceivable that the deflection elements are additionally aligned at an angle around one or both other axes that are orthogonal to the first axis.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the two deflection elements are angled in opposite directions from the partition wall and the two deflection elements are formed in one piece with the partition wall.

[0025] It is advantageous if the angles at which the two deflection elements are angled away from the partition are of equal magnitude. However, it is also conceivable that, depending on the position and orientation of the partition within the extinguishing chamber, the angles may have different magnitudes.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, both the first and the second deflection element have at least one overflow opening, preferably at least two overflow openings and further preferably at least three overflow openings, which are suitable for allowing the plasma generated by the switching arc to flow from one extinguishing area to the other extinguishing area, wherein the area of ​​the overflow openings is at least 5%, preferably at least 10% and further preferably at least 20% of the total area of ​​the deflection element.

[0027] To allow as much plasma as possible to flow into the extinguishing zone not involved in arc quenching, it is advantageous to achieve the largest possible total area of ​​the overflow openings. However, the overflow openings themselves and their total area cannot be made arbitrarily large, as the actual function of the deflection elements—namely, deflecting the arc into the respective extinguishing zone—must not be impaired.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the switching device has a first and a second blocking element, wherein the first blocking element limits the first extinguishing area in such a way that a switching arc, which spreads circularly in the first or the second direction around the second contact due to the design of the switching device and the arrangement of the arc blowing device, is deflected into the first extinguishing area when blown away in the first direction, is prevented from spreading beyond 350°, preferably beyond 300° and further preferably beyond 270°, and wherein the second blocking element limits the second extinguishing area in such a way that a switching arc, which is deflected into the second extinguishing area when blown away in the second direction, is prevented from spreading beyond 350°, preferably beyond 300° and further preferably beyond 270°.

[0029] The design of the extinguishing zone, in conjunction with the arrangement of the respective blocking element, ensures that the switching arc is deflected as far as possible for rapid extinguishing, while remaining within the extinguishing zone and preventing it from coming into contact with other components of the extinguishing device. This also prevents any possible reignition of the arc by approaching a contact point.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the second blocking element is formed by the first deflecting element, and vice versa. However, an embodiment in which the deflecting elements and blocking elements are formed by different components is also conceivable.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the switching device comprises a first and a second limiting element, wherein the first limiting element forms an extension of the first blocking element oriented orthogonally to the first blocking element and projects into the first extinguishing area, thereby shielding a side surface of the switching bridge from the first extinguishing area in such a way that the base point of a switching arc, which, when blown away in the first direction, together with the switching arc, undergoes a movement within the first extinguishing area and a plane running substantially parallel to the partition around the second contact, is prevented from propagating by more than 300°.preferably more than 270° and further preferably more than 180°, and wherein the second limiting element forms an extension of the second blocking element oriented orthogonally to the second blocking element and projects into the second extinguishing area, thereby shielding a side surface of the switching bridge from the second extinguishing area in such a way that the base point of a switching arc, which, when blown away in the second direction, together with the switching arc, undergoes a movement within the second extinguishing area and a plane running substantially parallel to the partition around the second contact, is prevented from propagating by more than 300°, preferably more than 270° and further preferably more than 180°.

[0032] Within a plane running essentially parallel to the partition wall, in the present case this means that the idealized arc described by the movement of the arc foot point deviates from said plane by no more than 15°, preferably no more than 10° and further preferably no more than 5°.

[0033] In addition to limiting arc propagation, the partition and the deflecting, blocking, and limiting elements, which are preferably formed integrally with the partition, must also meet a further requirement. Through contact with the arc, heat should be extracted from it by thermal conduction and in the form of evaporation energy. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the partition therefore consists of a suitable plastic or ceramic.

[0034] An embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0035] They show: Fig. 1: A perspective view of a switching device according to the invention without a housing, Fig. 2: a structure and arrangement of the extinguishing chambers of the switching device according to the invention, Fig. 3: a top view through a section of the housing of the switching device according to the invention, Fig. 4: a front view through a section of the housing of the switching device according to the invention, Fig. 5: a side view of the arrangement of the partitions in the extinguishing chambers of the switching device according to the invention, Fig. 6: a perspective view of an embodiment of the partition of the switching device according to the invention.

[0036] In the following embodiments, identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals. If a figure contains reference numerals that are not described in detail in the corresponding figure description, reference is made to preceding or subsequent figure descriptions.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a switching device 1 according to the invention. For better illustration of the features of the invention, the front and side housing as well as the delineation of the two extinguishing chambers have been omitted from this figure. However, these can be, for example, illustrated by the Fig. 2 and Fig. Remove 3.

[0038] The switching device 1 comprises two contact points 2, each with a first contact 3 and a second contact 4 designed as fixed contacts. The contacts 3 and 4 are designed as so-called contact pills, with the fixed contacts 3 being part of a contact area 3a.

[0039] The fixed contact 3 at the rear of the illustration clearly shows how it is designed as a large contact area 3a and how contact with the movable contact 4 is established by means of a contact pill 3. For the fixed contact 3 at the front of the illustration, only the contact pill is shown for clarity. The second contacts 4 are arranged on a contact bridge 27. The drive mechanism of the contact bridge 27 is not shown for clarity. The drive mechanism of the contact bridge 27 is configured to bring the two movable contacts 4 and the two fixed contacts 3 into a closed position, i.e., into contact, or from the closed position to an open position.

[0040] Each of the two contact points 2 is assigned a fire-extinguishing chamber 5. A more detailed illustration of the arrangement of the fire-extinguishing chambers 5 in relation to the contact points 2 and their separation from each other by the housing 26 is shown in Figure 2. Fig. 2 can be seen.

[0041] Referring back to Fig. 1 in conjunction with Fig. Figure 3 shows the division of the extinguishing chambers 5 into a first extinguishing area 7 and a second extinguishing area 8 by the partitions 6. In the illustrated embodiment of the switching device 1 according to the invention, the first deflection element 12 and the second deflection element 13 are each integrally formed with the partition 6. It is also clearly visible that the deflection elements 12, 13 are at a specific angle 21, see also Figure 3. Fig. 5, are arranged relative to the partition 6. In the advantageous embodiment shown, the angle 21 lies in a range of 35°–45°. In any case, the angle should be at least 5°, preferably at least 10°, and particularly preferably, according to the embodiment shown, at least 35° and not more than 45°. The plane of the deflection elements is inclined about an axis that runs orthogonally to the side walls 14, 15 and within the plane of the partition 6.

[0042] It is also conceivable that the deflection elements 12, 13, in addition to the rotation shown, undergo a rotation about a vertical axis that lies within the plane of the partition and runs parallel to the side walls 14, 15.

[0043] The arrangement of the deflection elements 12, 13 relative to the partition 6 ensures that a switching arc generated between the contacts 3, 4, which is blown away from the contacts 3, 4 by the arc blowing device 9 either in the first direction 10 or in the second direction 11 opposite to the first direction 10, is deflected into the designated extinguishing area 7, 8. Preferably, the deflection elements 12, 13 are arranged at an angle 21 of equal magnitude in the opposite direction to the partition 6. However, it is also conceivable that the respective angles 21 are of different magnitudes. The opposite orientation of the deflection elements 12, 13 is, however, in the case of the Fig. 1 shown embodiment necessary.

[0044] In the Fig. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 1, the first deflection element 12 is arranged such that an arc blown away from the contact point 2 in the first direction 10 by the arc blowing device 9 is deflected into the first extinguishing area 7. Similarly, the second deflection element 13 is arranged such that an arc blown away from the contact point 2 in the second direction 11 by the arc blowing device 9 is deflected into the second extinguishing area 8.

[0045] Especially from Fig. Figure 3 clearly shows that the partition 6 runs essentially parallel to the first 10 and second direction of movement 11 of the arc. With reference also to Fig. 4. The arc is generated at contact point 2 between the first contact 3 and the second contact 4. Due to the orientation of the contact bridge 27 and the magnetic field generated by the arc blowing device 9, the resulting arc is blown away from contact point 2 in either the first direction 10 or the second direction 11, depending on the polarity of the fixed contacts 3. The base of the arc travels within the plane of representation from the second contact point 4 around the contact bridge 27. The upper base of the arc, which originates at the first contact 3, moves along the contact area 3a. Fig. Figure 3 shows that the arc, as a result of propagation in direction 10, 11, strikes the inclined plane of a deflection element 12, 13 and, as it propagates, is deflected into the respective extinguishing zone 7, 8. As already described, the first deflection element 12 is arranged such that an arc blown away in the first direction 10 is deflected into the first extinguishing zone 7, where it can continue to propagate and is thereby extinguished.

[0046] For effective arc extinguishing, it is advantageous if the partition 6 has an overflow opening 20 so that the plasma generated by the arc can flow from the extinguishing zone 7, 8, where the arc is extinguished, into the respective unused extinguishing zone 7, 8. In the illustrated embodiment of the partition 6, a plurality of overflow openings 20 are provided. A particularly good effect is achieved if the partition has at least 5 and preferably at least 10 overflow openings 20, and the total area of ​​the overflow openings 20, relative to the total area of ​​the partition 6, is at least 10% and preferably at least 30%. The deflection elements 12, 13 also have overflow openings 20, where the area of ​​the overflow openings 20, relative to the total area of ​​the deflection element 12, 13, is at least 10%.Ideally, the overflow openings 20 are distributed approximately evenly over the total area of ​​the partition wall 6 and the deflection elements 12, 13.

[0047] The arrangement of the overflow openings 20 of the partition 6 is a grid pattern that is distributed over as large an area of ​​the partition 6 as possible. However, it is also conceivable that the overflow openings 20 are preferably arranged where the arc preferentially expands.

[0048] In Fig. Figure 3 also clearly shows that the arc described by the electric arc through its extension lies essentially in the plane of the partition 6 and, after being deflected into one of the two extinguishing areas 7, 8, remains essentially parallel to the partition 6.

[0049] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates the basic structure of the extinguishing chambers 5 of the switching device 1 according to the invention. The extinguishing chambers 5 have a first side wall 14 and a second side wall 15 opposite the first side wall 14, as well as a first end wall 16 connecting the first side wall 14 and the second side wall 15, and a second end wall 17 connecting the first side wall 14 and the second side wall 15 and opposite the first end wall 16. In the embodiment shown in the Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the side walls 14, 15 and the end walls 16, 17 are formed by the housing. Both extinguishing chambers 5 are separated from each other by an extension of the housing 26, which is oriented orthogonally to the side walls 14, 15 and parallel to the end walls 16, 17. Furthermore, the extinguishing chambers 5 have a first ceiling 18, which essentially forms the floor of the extinguishing chambers 5 and closes off the side walls 14, 15 and the end walls 16, 17. The second ceiling 19, which closes off the extinguishing chambers 5 from above, is not shown in this figure. It is also clearly visible that the arc blowing device 9 is arranged inside the extinguishing chambers 5 and that the extinguishing chambers 5 are of the same size.

[0050] Although the side walls 14, 15, the end walls 16, 17 and the ceilings 18, 19 can in principle be formed by the housing of the switching device 1, it is also conceivable that they are formed by other components, such as covers or other functional elements.

[0051] Out of Fig. Figure 3 shows the arrangement of the partitions 6 within the extinguishing chambers 5. The partitions 6 are aligned parallel to the end walls 16, 17 and orthogonal to the side walls 14, 15. It is advantageous if the partitions 6 are also arranged below the contact points 2, as in the present embodiment. With appropriate dimensioning of the relevant components, a partition 7 can divide an extinguishing chamber 5 into two equally sized extinguishing zones 7, 8. However, it is also conceivable that the extinguishing zones 7, 8 have different sizes.

[0052] Fig. Figure 6 shows an embodiment of the partition 6 of a switching device 1 according to the invention. The partition 6 is formed in one piece with the deflection elements 12, 13 and also comprises a first limiting element 24 and a second limiting element 25, wherein the limiting elements 24, 25 are each formed as an extension of a deflection element 12, 13 and project orthogonally from them.

[0053] Based on Fig. 1 The mechanism of arc quenching in a switching device 1 according to the invention will now be described.

[0054] If the contact at both contact points 2 is interrupted by a downward movement of the contact bridge 27, an arc is generated at both contact points 2 between contacts 3 and 4. For the sake of simplicity, the following refers to the contact point 2 in the foreground of the image and the case where the arc is blown to the right of contact point 2.

[0055] With the appropriate polarity, an arc that forms at the front contact point 2 between the fixed contact 3 and the movable contact 4 is blown to the right of contact point 2 by the arc blowing device 9. Due to the arrangement of contacts 3 and 4 on the contact bridge 27 and the contact area 3a, as well as the alignment of the magnetic field by the arc blowing device 9, the base point of the arc originating at contact 4 is caused to move clockwise around the contact bridge 27 in the plane of the partition. The base point of the arc originating at the fixed contact 3, on the other hand, moves to the right along the contact area 3a of the front fixed contact 3, which is not shown here but is designed analogously to the contact area 3a of the rear fixed contact 3 shown here.Due to the increasing distance between the two base points and the deflection of the arc into an arc shape, the arc is continuously lengthened. When the arc strikes the inclined plane of the right front deflection element 20, it is deflected into the extinguishing area 7 shown in the foreground of the image.

[0056] The arc now spreads within the extinguishing area 7 essentially parallel to the partition 6, until the first blocking element 22, which limits the first extinguishing area 7 at this point, prevents the arc from spreading further and reaching the front contact area 3a to the left of the contact bridge 27 and reigniting.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the first blocking element 22 is formed by the second deflecting element 13. Similarly, a second blocking element 23, which prevents an arc deflected into the second extinguishing zone 8 of the front contact point 2 from extending further beyond the second extinguishing zone 8, is formed by the first deflecting element 12.

[0058] The base of the arc, which travels around the contact bridge 27, must also be prevented from reaching the contact 4 again. For this purpose, the first limiting element 24 is provided, which projects into the first extinguishing zone 7 and shields the left side surface of the contact bridge 27 (shown in the image) from the first extinguishing zone 7 in such a way that the base of the arc is prevented from propagating further around the contact bridge 27 by more than 300° and preferably by more than 270°. A second limiting element 25 is provided for the second extinguishing zone 8 with the same function. The limiting elements 24 and 25 are integrally formed with the partition 6 and the deflection elements 12 and 13.

[0059] The described arrangement ensures that the arc is deflected as much as possible within the extinguishing zone 7, 8 and thus effectively extinguished without coming into contact with components that could be damaged by the arc. It is particularly advantageous that the spatial extent of the extinguishing zone 7, 8 extends primarily in the direction of arc propagation, thereby allowing optimal utilization of the installation space of the switching device 1 according to the invention.

[0060] A further advantage is shown by the specific arrangement of the contacts 3, 4 in conjunction with the respective contact areas 3a of the fixed contacts 3 above the partition 6 and essentially within the plane of the partition 6 and centrally between the two angled deflection elements 12, 13, wherein the deflection elements 12, 13 simultaneously form the blocking elements 22, 23. Reference symbol list: 1 switching device 2 Contact point 3 First contact 3a Contact area 4 second contact 5 fire chamber 6 Partition wall 7 first extinguishing area 8 second extinguishing area 9 Arc blowing device 10 first direction 11 second direction 12 first deflection element 13 second deflection element 14 first side wall 15 second side wall 16 first front wall 17 second front wall 18 first blanket 19 second ceiling 20 Overflow opening 21 angles 22 first blocking element 23 second blocking element 24 first boundary element 25 second boundary element 26 cases 27 Contact bridge

Claims

[1] Switching device (1) with at least one contact point (2) comprising a first contact (3) and a second contact (4), wherein at least one of the contacts (3, 4) is movable and the two contacts (3, 4) can be brought into contact with each other, and wherein the at least one contact point (2) is associated with an arc quenching chamber (5) which is configured to quench a switching arc generated when the contacts (3, 4) are opened, and with a partition (6) which divides the arc quenching chamber (5) into a first arc quenching area (7) and a second arc quenching area (8), and with an arc blowing device (9) which is configured to blow the switching arc generated between the contacts (3, 4) away from the contacts (3, 4) in a first direction (10) or in a second direction (11) opposite to the first direction (10), wherein the switching device (1) comprises a first deflection element (12) and a second deflection element (13) exhibitswherein the first deflection element (12) is configured such that the switching arc is deflected into the first extinguishing area (7) when blown away in the first direction (10), and wherein the second deflection element (13) is configured such that the switching arc is deflected into the second extinguishing area (8) when blown away in the second direction (11), , characterized by , that the partition (6) has at least one overflow opening (20) which is suitable for allowing the plasma generated by the switching arc to flow from one of the two extinguishing areas (7, 8) into the respective other extinguishing area (7, 8), wherein the partition (6) preferably has at least 5 overflow openings (20) and further preferably has at least 20 overflow openings (20), wherein the area of ​​the overflow openings (20) is at least 10%, preferably at least 20% and further preferably at least 30% of the total area of ​​the partition (6). [2] Switching device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the partition (6) runs essentially parallel to the first (10) and second direction of movement (11) of the switching arc blown away from the contact point (2) by the arc blowing device (9). [3] Switching device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by, that the extinguishing chamber (5) has a first side wall (14) and a second side wall (15) opposite the first side wall (14), as well as a first end wall (16) connecting the first (14) and second side wall (15) and a second end wall (17) connecting the first (14) and second side wall (15) and opposite the first end wall (16), as well as a first ceiling (18) closing off the side walls (14, 15) and end walls (16, 17) and a second ceiling (19) opposite the first ceiling (18) and also closing off the side walls (14, 15) and end walls (16, 17), and that the partition wall (6) to the first (14) and second side wall (15) and to the first (18) and second ceiling (19) is oriented essentially orthogonally and is oriented essentially parallel to the end walls (16, 17). [4] Switching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the partition (6) forms a recurring pattern through the overflow openings (20) which is distributed over at least 50%, preferably over at least 60% and further preferably over at least 70% of the partition surface. [5] Switching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the first and the second deflection element (12, 13) are arranged at an angle (21) to the partition (6), wherein the angle (21) is at least 5°, preferably at least 10° and further preferably at least 35° and not more than 45°, wherein the alignment of the deflection elements (12, 13) is preferably achieved by rotating the deflection elements (12, 13) relative to the partition (6) about an axis that lies within the partition (6) and runs parallel to the first ceiling (18). [6] Switching device (1) according to claim 5, characterized by, that the two deflection elements (12, 13) are angled in opposite directions from the partition (6) and that the two deflection elements (12, 13) are made in one piece with the partition (6). [7] Switching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that both the first (12) and the second deflection element (13) have at least one overflow opening (20), preferably at least two overflow openings (20) and further preferably at least three overflow openings (20) which are suitable for allowing the plasma generated by the switching arc to flow from one extinguishing area (7, 8) to the other extinguishing area (7, 8), wherein the area of ​​the overflow openings (20) is at least 5%, preferably at least 10% and further preferably at least 20% of the total area of ​​the deflection element (12, 13). [8] Switching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat the switching device (1) has a first blocking element (22) and a second blocking element (23), wherein the first blocking element (22) limits the first extinguishing area (7) such that a switching arc, which propagates circularly in the first (10) or the second direction (11) around the second contact (4) due to the construction of the switching device (1) and the arrangement of the arc blowing device (9), is deflected into the first extinguishing area (7) when blown away in the first direction (10), is prevented from propagating beyond 350°, preferably beyond 300° and further preferably beyond 270°, and wherein the second blocking element (23) limits the second extinguishing area (8) such that a switching arc, which is deflected into the second extinguishing area (8) when blown away in the second direction (11), is prevented from propagating beyond 350°, preferably beyond 300° and further preferably beyond is prevented from going beyond 270°. [9] Switching device (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the second blocking element (23) is formed by the first deflection element (12) and that the first blocking element (22) is formed by the second deflection element (13). [10] Switching device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by, that the switching device (1) comprises a first limiting element (24) and a second limiting element (25), wherein the first limiting element (24) forms an extension of the first blocking element (22) oriented orthogonally to the first blocking element (22) and projects into the first extinguishing area (7) and thereby shields a side surface of the switching bridge (27) from the first extinguishing area (7) in such a way that the base point of a switching arc, which, when blown away in the first direction (10), together with the switching arc, undergoes a movement within the first extinguishing area (7) and a plane running substantially parallel to the partition (6) around the second contact (4), is prevented from propagating by more than 300°,preferably more than 270° and further preferably more than 180°, and wherein the second limiting element (25) forms an extension of the second blocking element (23) oriented orthogonally to the second blocking element (23) and projects into the second extinguishing area (8) and thereby shields a side surface of the switching bridge (27) from the second extinguishing area (8) in such a way that the base point of a switching arc, which, when blown away in the second direction (11), together with the switching arc, undergoes a movement within the second extinguishing area (8) and a plane running substantially parallel to the partition (6) around the second contact (4), is prevented from propagating more than 300°, preferably more than 270° and further preferably more than 180°.

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