Switch

Abstract

Switches (100, 200) for closing and opening an electrical circuit, comprising: - a first electrical current-carrying element (109a, 209a) and a second electrical current-carrying element (109b, 209b); - a plastic insulating housing (108a, 108b, 208) that holds the first electrical current-carrying element (109a, 209a) and the second electrical current-carrying element (109b, 209b); - an electric magnetic drive; and - a first electrical contact bridge (106a, 206a) and a second electrical contact bridge (106b, 206b) which are adjustable by the magnetic drive such that they electrically connect the first current-carrying element (109a, 209a) and the second current-carrying element (109b, 209b) and exert a contact force on the first current-carrying element (109a, 209a) and the second current-carrying element (109b, 209b) respectively; wherein the first electrical current-carrying element (109a, 209a) and the second electrical current-carrying element (109b, 209b) are designed and arranged such that a force flow of the contact forces generated by the first and second contact bridge (106a, 106b, 206a, 206b) runs via the first electrical current-carrying element (109a, 209a) and the second electrical current-carrying element (109b, 209b), and the contact forces generated by the first and second contact bridge (106a, 106b, 206a, 206b) cancel each other out, wherein the first and second contact bridges (106a, 106b, 206a, 206b) are each connected to an anchor (103a, 103b, 203a, 203b) via a connecting element (105a, 105b, 205a, 205b), preferably a connecting pin; and The electric magnetic drive includes a magnetic coil (101, 201) which is configured to attract the armature (103a, 203a) connected to the first contact bridge (106a, 206a) and the armature (103b, 203b) connected to the second contact bridge (106b, 206b) in opposite directions such that the first and second contact bridges (106a, 106b, 206a, 206b) are displaced by equal deflections, and wherein the first and second contact bridge (106a, 106b, 206a, 206b) as well as the armature (103a, 203a) connected to the first contact bridge (106a, 206a) and the armature (103b, 203b) connected to the second contact bridge (106b, 206b) are arranged symmetrically to a central plane which passes through the center of the magnet coil (101, 201) and perpendicular to its coil axis.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a switch for closing and opening an electrical circuit.

[0002] Switches (contactors) are used to open and close electrical circuits. These switches, by controlling a magnetic actuator (solenoid) with a cylindrical coil, form a contact bridge, thereby creating a switchable electrical connection or de-energizing an existing electrical connection. In the prior art, the switching bridge is closed on one side only. For example, documents DE 10 2012 215 344 A1 and DE 102019 127 594 A1 describe such a prior art.

[0003] The solenoid design according to DE 10 2012 215 344 A1 is a so-called push solenoid. When a direct current is switched on, flowing through the coil winding, a magnetic field is generated within it, which flows through the ferromagnetic parts: yoke, pole, and armature. An attractive force arises between the opposing surfaces of the armature and pole, which closes an air gap against the force of a return spring.

[0004] By closing the air gap, contacts connect the switch's external terminals on one side. The resulting supporting forces are balanced by the contact forces of the contacts or the lifting force of the magnetic actuator.

[0005] Due to the one-sided adjustment of the contact bridge by means of the contact force of the magnetic actuator, the contact force must be counteracted by the housing of the switch.

[0006] Contact force and the number of contact points are largely responsible for the contact resistance R of the switch.

[0007] The power loss of the switch is directly proportional to the electrical contact resistance R and directly proportional to the square of the current (P = R × I). 2 ).

[0008] Furthermore, the temperature rise ΔT of the switch is proportional to the power loss P (ΔT = R). th × P, where the proportionality constant is the thermal resistance R th of the switch to the environment T umg (designated) behaves.

[0009] Due to the plastic materials used for the housing to insulate the external switch connections and their tendency to soften at higher temperatures, the contact forces and operating temperatures of such switches are limited.

[0010] Furthermore, a one-sided positioning of the switch's contact bridge only allows for one-sided contact with the external switch connections.

[0011] Document EP 2 899 731 A1 discloses a relay comprising a first fixed contact connected to a power source, a second fixed contact separate from the first fixed contact and connected to a load, and a movable contact configured to connect to or disconnect from the first and second fixed contacts. The movable contact comprises a first movable contact configured to connect to or disconnect from the first and second fixed contacts, and a second movable contact separate from the first movable contact and configured to connect to or disconnect from the first and second fixed contacts.Accordingly, the movable contact can be prevented from being separated from the fixed contact by a repulsion between the electrons.

[0012] Against the above background, the object of the invention is to create a switch that allows for higher operating temperatures. At the very least, the object of the invention is to create a switch that is an alternative to the prior art.

[0013] This task(s) is / are solved with a switch according to claim 1.

[0014] Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent patent claims.

[0015] The switch according to the invention has in particular the following features: - a first electrical current-carrying element and a second electrical current-carrying element; - a plastic insulating housing that holds the first electrical current-carrying element and the second electrical current-carrying element; - an electric magnetic drive; and - a first electrical contact bridge and a second electrical contact bridge, which are adjustable by the magnetic drive in such a way that they electrically connect the first current-carrying element and the second current-carrying element to each other and thereby exert a contact force on the first electrical current-carrying element and the second electrical current-carrying element respectively; wherein the first electrical current-carrying element and the second electrical current-carrying element are designed and arranged in such a way that a force flow of the contact forces generated by the first and second contact bridges passes through the first electrical current-carrying element and the second electrical current-carrying element, and the contact forces generated by the first and second contact bridges cancel each other out.

[0016] Preferably, alternatively, the first electrical current-carrying element and the second electrical current-carrying element are designed and arranged such that the force flow of the contact forces generated by the first and second contact bridge does not pass through the housing.

[0017] The current-carrying elements are designed, through their material dimensions and / or geometry, to fully absorb the generated contact forces even at the maximum permissible heating of the housing, and the housing's stability in this respect is irrelevant. The current-carrying elements can redirect the force flow, for example, around housing sections (e.g.,...) Fig. 1A) or transmitted directly without redirection (e.g. Fig. 7A to 7C).

[0018] The current-carrying elements are made of copper, for example.

[0019] The switch according to the invention achieves a very low contact resistance through strong contact forces. For example, the switch according to the invention achieves contact forces of 5 N to 20 N (Newtons) per contact point and a contact resistance of 50 µΩ to 200 µΩ (Ohms) per contact point. This allows the permissible current to be increased and a performance improvement of the switch to be achieved in a smaller form factor.

[0020] The switch according to the invention can, for example, be equipped with two contact bridges and a total of four contact surfaces (between contact bridges and current-carrying elements) in an area of ​​4 mm each. 2 up to 25 mm 2 It can handle direct currents of up to 500A. With the additional contact bridges mentioned below, the current capacity can be increased to up to 2000A (direct current).

[0021] A temperature-related decrease in the stability of the housing does not need to be taken into account, since the contact forces form counter-supports to each other and the force flow is directed via the current-carrying elements.

[0022] This allows the operating temperature of the switch to be increased for a specific housing material. Examples of housing materials include polybutylene terhephthalate (PBT) with an operating temperature of up to 150°C and polyamides (PA6.6) with an operating temperature of up to 180°C.

[0023] According to the invention, the switch is further designed such that the first and second contact bridges are each connected to an armature via a connecting element, preferably a connecting pin, and the electric magnetic drive includes a magnetic coil which is arranged to attract the armature connected to the first contact bridge and the armature connected to the second contact bridge in opposite directions such that the first and second contact bridges are adjusted by equal deflections.

[0024] According to the invention, the first and second contact bridges, as well as the armature connected to the first contact bridge and the armature connected to the second contact bridge, are arranged symmetrically to a central plane which runs through the center of the magnet coil and perpendicular to its coil axis.

[0025] This makes it easy to realize forces that are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction.

[0026] The connecting pins and the armature are preferably aligned coaxially with a coil axis of the magnet coil.

[0027] The armatures adjust the contact bridges preferably translationally, in particular linearly translationally, and are rigidly connected to the contact bridges for this purpose. The contact bridges extend, for example, perpendicular to the coil axis and the direction of movement of the armatures.

[0028] Preferably, the switch is designed such that the magnetic coil is configured to attract the armature connected to the first contact bridge and the armature connected to the second contact bridge in opposite directions such that mechanical energy is stored in at least one restoring element for later separation of the first and second contact bridges from the first and second current-carrying element.

[0029] The return element is, for example, a coil spring or an elastomer.

[0030] Preferably, the switch is designed such that a central pole is arranged in the magnetic coil, to which the armature connected to the first contact bridge and the armature connected to the second contact bridge are attracted on opposite sides by the magnetic coil.

[0031] For example, the center pole is rectangular or conical in cross-section along the coil axis.

[0032] This allows for preferential adjustment paths or distances of the contact bridges and preferred holding forces in the switched-on state (current-carrying), and thus the contact forces, to be varied.

[0033] The switch preferably continues to have: a third and fourth contact bridge, which are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the coil axis on one side facing away from the first and second contact bridges next to the magnetic drive.

[0034] For example, the maximum direct current that the switch can conduct can be increased further (e.g. to 2000A).

[0035] The switch according to the invention and its preferred embodiments are suitable, for example, for the following applications: - Closing and opening the electrical connection of a drive supply for an electric motor vehicle or motorcycle; - Charging structure of an electric motor vehicle or motorcycle; for example, opening or closing a current path before disconnecting or connecting a charging cable.

[0036] The switch according to the invention is preferably designed in such a way that it can also interrupt an active current flow as part of an emergency shutdown.

[0037] Preferred embodiments of the switch according to the invention and corresponding variants are explained below. Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows the switch according to the invention in a preferred first embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section, wherein the switch is in Fig. 1A is closed and in Fig. 1B is open; Fig. Figure 2 shows a preferred variant of the switch according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the switch is open and is separated from Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B differs in that the anchor and return elements are designed and arranged differently; Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 again shows preferred variants of the switch according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein these figures only show the armature, yoke, coil and connecting pins; Fig. Figures 7A to 7C show a preferred second embodiment of the switch according to the invention, wherein Fig. 7B and Fig. 7C corresponding sectional views of the switch along the in Fig. 7A shows the section line in the open and closed states.

[0038] Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows a first preferred embodiment of a switch 100 according to the invention. The figures each show a longitudinal section of the switch 100 along a plane of symmetry.

[0039] The switch 100 is intended to open and close an electrical circuit, whereby Fig. 1A the switch in the closed position and Fig. Figure 1B shows the switch in the open position. The switching process described below takes place primarily when the power is off.

[0040] The switch 100 comprises a housing with a first housing section 108a and a second housing section 108b. The housing sections 108a and 108b are made of an electrically insulating plastic material.

[0041] The housing of switch 100 holds, in particular, a first current-carrying element 109a and a second current-carrying element 109b, both of which are electrically conductive. For example, the current-carrying elements 109a and 109b are made of copper.

[0042] The housing holds the first and second current-carrying elements 109a, 109b by precisely fitting both elements onto the first housing section 108a from the outside, thereby securing them. As shown in the diagram... Fig. 1A and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1B, the first and second current-carrying elements 109a, 109b are placed on the first housing section 108a in such a way that they pass through openings formed in the housing and are exposed on the one hand in an interior of the housing and on the other hand on the outside of the housing.

[0043] Inside the housing, the current-carrying elements 109a and 109b do not touch each other or are separated from one another. On the outside of the housing, the current-carrying elements 109a and 109b each have a connection lug 109c to which the circuit to be switched can be connected or via which the switch 100 can be integrated into the circuit. The connection lugs 109c have, for example, a material thickness of 2.5 mm (vertical in Fig. 1A) and a length of 16mm (horizontal in Fig. 1A). The height of the switch 100 is preferably h=55mm, and the width is preferably b=35mm. The depth of the switch 100 is also preferably 35mm.

[0044] In the first housing section 108a is arranged a magnetic drive which has a magnetic coil 101, a yoke 102, a center pole 104 and two armatures 103 located in the magnetic coil 101.

[0045] Essential elements of the magnetic coil 101 are a winding body 112 onto which a coil winding with a corresponding number of turns N is wound. The winding body 112 is made of an electrically insulating material. This prevents, for example, current flow from the coil winding through the other elements of the magnetic drive, i.e., the yoke 102, the center pole 104, and / or the armatures 103a, 103b, which are preferably made of ferromagnetic materials.

[0046] The anchors 103a, 103b are preferably arranged symmetrically about a central plane. The aforementioned central plane passes through in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B the central pole 104 arranged within the magnetic coil 101 perpendicular to the coil axis SA.

[0047] The armatures 103a, 103b are mounted on both sides of the center pole 104 in an adjustable manner in the direction of the coil axis SA.

[0048] Each of the anchors 103a, 103b is attached to a connecting element in the form of a connecting pin 105a, 105b. The connecting pins 105a, 105b extend in the direction of the coil axis SA and pass through a corresponding opening in the first housing section 108a.

[0049] The yoke 102 is designed in two parts for inserting the coil winding and the winding body 112.

[0050] The armatures 103a, 103b have a smaller diameter than the winding body 112 of the magnetic coil 101, which allows the armatures 103a, 103b to immerse themselves in the inner magnetic field of the magnetic coil 101, as explained below, when the switch 100 is closed.

[0051] Contact bridges 106a, 106b are attached to the distal ends of the connecting pins 105a, 105b with respect to the magnetic drive; the contact bridge 106a to the in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B distal end of the upper connecting pin 105a and the contact bridge 106b at the distal end of the lower connecting pin 105b.

[0052] The contact bridges 106a, 106b are made of an electrically conductive material, such as copper, and have electrical contacts 107a on the sides facing the current-carrying elements 109a, 109b. Preferably, corresponding contacts 107b are provided on the current-carrying elements 109a, 109b. The contacts 107a and 107b preferably have a gold coating as the contact surface.

[0053] When an external voltage is applied to the magnetic coil 101 or its coil winding, causing a current to flow, a magnetic field is formed in the magnetic coil 101. The preferably ferromagnetic yoke 102, the two ferromagnetic armatures 103a, 103b, and the ferromagnetic center pole 104 result in a closed magnetic flux, which is directed into the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B is indicated by a dashed arrow line.

[0054] The magnetic attraction between the armatures 103a, 103b and the central pole 104, established by the magnetic flux, closes the air gap between them, with the armatures 103a, 103b ultimately forming the Fig. The position shown in 1A is reached. In the reached position, the contact bridges 106a, 106b contact the current-carrying elements 109a, 109b by exerting contact forces, so that the switch 100 is closed.

[0055] Anchors 103a and 103b strike in the Fig. In the position shown in Figure 1A, the contact preferably rests on the center pole 104, with contacts 107a and 107b simultaneously contacting each other. Alternatively, in the closed state, a residual gap can remain between the armature 103a and 103b and the center pole 104, with the contact bridges 106a and 106b forming a stop that limits the movement of the armature 103a and 103b when they contact and electrically connect the current-carrying elements 109a and 109b. This makes it possible to determine the contact forces acting between the contact bridges 106a and 106b and the current-carrying elements 109a and 109b by the magnitude of the current flowing through the magnetic coil 101 and the resulting magnetic field.

[0056] The movement of the contact bridges 106a, 106b into the in Fig. The position shown in 1A is achieved under compression of the in Fig. The spring elements 110a, 110b shown in Figure 1A, or the closing of the air gap, draw the fixed connection between the armature 103a, 103b, connecting pin 105a, 105b, and contact bridge 106a, 106b against the spring elements 110a, 110b towards the center pole 104. The spring elements 110a, 110b generally form restoring elements that store mechanical energy and ensure that, when the current flowing through the coil winding is interrupted / switched off again, the contact bridges 106a, 106b and the armatures 103a, 103b connected to them release the mechanical energy into the Fig. The state shown in 1B will be restored. Fig. In step 1B, the contact bridges 106a, 106b are again separated from the current-carrying elements 109a, 109b; the switch 100 is therefore in the open state, with the current flow through the current-carrying elements 109a, 109b interrupted. The return elements 110a, 110b are, for example, coil springs located between the associated contact bridge 106a, 106b and the housing section 108a, each supported by the latter.

[0057] The design and construction of the current-carrying elements 109a, 109b are of essential importance to the invention.

[0058] Its structure is as if from Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B is evident, preferably symmetrical and so rigid due to their geometries and / or material thicknesses that when the switch is closed ( Fig. 1A) A mechanical force flow generated by the contact forces acting between the contact bridges 106a, 106b and the current-carrying elements 109a, 109b flows through the current-carrying elements 109a, 109b, and the contact forces cancel each other out. In other words, the contact forces that occur when the Fig. 1A for example upper contact bridge 106a, the counter bearing for the contact forces generated by the other contact bridge 106b, wherein the force flow of the contact forces of the contact bridges 106a, 106b is absorbed within the electrical current conducting elements 109a, 109b.

[0059] Therefore, a material-related decrease in the stability of the housing, in particular of the housing section 108a, which is associated with heating (temperature increase) of the closed, current-carrying switch 100, is of subordinate importance because the contact forces are absorbed by the current-carrying elements 109a, 109b themselves.

[0060] This means that the switch 100 according to the invention can be used at very high operating temperatures.

[0061] Fig. Figure 2 shows an alternative variant of the switch 100 according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention in the open state. This variant differs from the one described with reference to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B described in that the anchors 113a, 13b differ in their construction and the spring elements 110a, 110b are arranged differently. Furthermore, the Fig. Variant 2 shown with the one in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B is identical, therefore reference is made to the corresponding explanations.

[0062] The spring elements 110a, 110b are located in the Fig. In the variant shown, the spring elements 110a and 110b are located between the central pole 104 and the respective associated armature 113a or 113b, and are supported on one side by the central pole 104 and on the other side by the corresponding armature 113a, 113b. Fig. 2 relaxed, which means that switch 100 is in the aforementioned open state.

[0063] The switch 100 according to the reference to Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B and Fig. The two described variants of the first embodiment of the invention have a flat central pole 104, which is characterized in that it has exclusively surfaces perpendicular to the coil axis SA, i.e. the central pole 104 is a rectangle in the longitudinal section view shown.

[0064] The armatures 103a, 103b, 113a, 113b shown each have a surface facing the center pole 104, this surface also being exclusively perpendicular to the coil axis. That is, the mutually facing surfaces of the center pole 104 and the armatures 103a, 103b, 113a, 113b are exclusively parallel to each other, so that the surface normals perpendicular to the surfaces of the armatures 103a, 103b, 113a, 113b and the center pole 104 are aligned parallel to the axial deflection axis, which corresponds to the coil axis SA. Accordingly, a shallow air gap results, which, in the open state of the switch 100, has dimension d in the direction of the coil axis. Preferred values ​​for d are between 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm.

[0065] In the closed state (d=min or d=0mm) the described design of the armatures 103a, 103b, 113a, 113b, the center pole 104 and thus the respective air gap leads to very high holding forces and thus contact forces of the switch 100.

[0066] However, the air gap design can also be chosen differently to accommodate, for example, larger offsets of the contact bridges / armatures. In this respect, the construction of the center pole, the armatures, and the yoke can vary. Fig. Figures 3 to 6 illustrate such variations, showing only the magnetic coil, the yoke, the center pole, the armature, and the connecting pins. Other elements remain unchanged from the preceding explanations, and reference is made to those.

[0067] Fig. Figure 3 shows a variant of the switch 100 according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein only a center pole 114 and corresponding armatures 123a, 123b are designed differently than in the preceding variants according to Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B and Fig. 2.

[0068] In general, it can be said that the magnetic attraction force acting between the center pole 114 and the respective armature 123a, 123b depends on the dimensioning of the air gap or, for example, in Fig. 1B or Fig. 2. Dimension d shown, which corresponds to the distance between the respective anchor 103a, 103b, 113a, 113b and the center pole 104 (here the distance d enters quadratically according to the following mathematical relationship F~1 / d 2 , where F corresponds to the magnetic attraction force).

[0069] In Fig. 3. The armature 23a, 23b and the center pole 104 are conical and symmetrically shaped with respect to the coil axis SA. Corresponding conical surface sections are shown in Fig. 3. The conical air gap guide is characterized by an angle α (α < 90°) between the surface normal of armature 123a, 123b and center pole 114 and the axial direction of movement of the respective armature 123a, 123b. The resulting magnetic effective distance between armature and center pole 104 is shown in Fig. 3 labelled dα.

[0070] On ferromagnetic surfaces, the magnetic flux leaves the surface in a normal direction into the air gap. Since the magnetic force is oriented along the magnetic flux, the maximum axial holding force directed towards the coil axis SA (dα=min, e.g., dα=0) depends on the axial component of the force vector, either cos(90°-α) or sin(α). For α=90°, the air gap dimensions would then correspond to those shown in [reference to relevant document]. Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B and Fig. 2, with dα = d (since d = dα sin α).

[0071] If the angle α is as shown in Fig. As shown in section 3, less than 90°, for example between 30° and 45°, the effective distance dα decreases proportionally to sin α. This results in... Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B and Fig. 2. Equal maximum deflection of the armatures 123a, 123b increases the axial attractive force acting on the armatures 123a, 123b. This allows for greater deflection of the connecting pins 105a, 105b, but reduces the holding force at dα=min (e.g. dα=0) and the duty cycle of the switch 100.

[0072] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a further preferred variant of the switch 100 according to the first preferred embodiment with a conical air gap guide, which is similar to the variant from with respect to the acting forces. Fig. 3, since the angle α between the surface normal to the axial alignment (sin α) does not differ in magnitude.

[0073] In a further variant of the first preferred embodiment of the switch 100 according to the invention, which is illustrated in Fig. 5, a maximum deflection of the connecting pins 105a, 105b is desired. For this purpose, the armatures 143a, 143b and a center pole 134 of the switch 100 are designed as follows.

[0074] Anchors 143a and 143b possess in the Fig. Section 5 shows a U-shape, wherein corresponding legs of the U-shape with the central pole 134 each form an air gap section running parallel to the coil axis SA with dimension d k The angle α between the surface normals of the armatures 143a, 143b and the center pole 134 to the coil axis SA is therefore 0°. The in Fig. The state shown in Figure 5 corresponds to the open switch 100. When the switch 100 is closed, the legs of the U-shape extend further into the center pole 134, with dimensions d k The air gap sections remain constant.

[0075] This variant features a constant effective gap with dimensions d k, resulting in a constant attractive force between the central pole 134 and the anchors 143a, 143b. It is noteworthy that the effective gap does not change in its distance even when the anchors 143a, 143b are axially deflected. This results in higher initial forces at maximum deflection, and the force remains constant over a long deflection range.

[0076] Fig. Figure 6 shows a further variant of the switch 100 according to the first embodiment of the invention, which differs from the previous variants in the design of the center pole 144 and armatures 153a, 153b and additionally in the yoke 112.

[0077] The central pole 144 preferably completely fills an interior space of the magnetic coil 101. The yoke 112 surrounds the magnetic coil 1 on its outer surface and is, for example, designed in a ring shape.

[0078] The yoke 112, the ends of the magnet coil 101 and the center pole 144 are flush in planes perpendicular to the coil axis SA.

[0079] In this variant, the armatures 153a, 153b are guided axially to the coil axis SA at their end faces when the switch 100 is closed. The armatures 153a, 153b have an outer dimension that is equal to or greater than the outer dimension of the yoke 112. These armatures 153a, 153b are referred to as end-face armatures. When a voltage is applied to the winding of the magnetic coil 101, a current flows, inducing a magnetic field. This magnetic field generates a magnetic force on the end-face armatures. As a result, the end-face armatures 153a, 153b are drawn towards the yoke 112 and the center pole 144. The switch 100 is thus closed.

[0080] Fig. Figures 7A to 7C show a second preferred embodiment of the switch 200 according to the invention, wherein Fig. Figure 7A shows a perspective view of switch 200.

[0081] Fig. 7B and Fig. Figure 7C shows sectional views of switch 200 along the in Fig. 7A shown section line 7B, 7C - 7B, 7C.

[0082] The switch 200 includes a magnetic drive with a magnetic coil 201, which consists of a winding body 212 and a corresponding coil winding wound around it. A center pole 204 of the magnetic drive is arranged inside the magnetic coil 201, which passes completely through the magnetic coil 201 along the coil axis SA.

[0083] A yoke 202 of the magnetic drive completely surrounds the magnetic coil 201 and together with the magnetic coil 201 and the central pole 204 form flat surfaces that run perpendicular to the coil axis SA and form the end surfaces of the magnetic coil 201 in the direction of the coil axis SA.

[0084] End armatures 203a, 203b are arranged on opposite sides of the magnet coil 1 and project perpendicularly to the coil axis SA beyond the yoke 202. Restoring elements in the form of, for example, spiral springs 210a, 210b are located between the end armatures 203a, 203b and the center pole 204.

[0085] When a voltage is applied to the magnetic coil 201 and a corresponding current is generated in its winding, the correspondingly formed magnetic field attracts the end armatures 203a, 203b along the coil axis SA to the corresponding flat surfaces, thereby causing the switch 200 to Fig. 7B assumes the closed state shown.

[0086] When the current flow generated in the magnetic coil 201 is interrupted again, thus ending the generation of the magnetic field, the reset elements 210a, 210b repel the end armatures 203a, 203b from the flat surfaces, causing the switch 200 to close. Fig. 7C assumes the state shown.

[0087] The respective air gap d between the end armature 203a, 203b and the flat end surfaces (yoke 202, magnet coil 201 and center pole 204) is constant in a direction perpendicular to the coil axis SA on both sides of the magnet coil 201.

[0088] Two contact bridges 206a, 206b are attached to each of the end anchors 203a, 203b, which are located in Fig. 7B and Fig. 7C extend perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The switch therefore has a total of four contact bridges 206a, 206b.

[0089] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7A, a housing 208 holds two current-carrying elements 209a, 209b (first and second current-carrying elements 209a, 209b). The housing 208 is in turn made of an electrically insulating plastic material.

[0090] The current-carrying elements 209a, 209b are flat-finished elements, such as stamped parts.

[0091] The housing 208 holds the current-carrying elements 209a, 209b such that they are each exposed on the outside of the housing 208 with an electrical connection lug 209c and, inside the housing 208, arc around the yoke 202 and terminate at a distance from each other on each side of the yoke. The connection lugs 209c, in turn, serve to connect the switch 200 to an electrical circuit.

[0092] The four contact bridges 206a, 206b are connected to the end armatures 203a, 203b via connecting pins 205a, 205b, with each pair of contact bridges 206a, 206b being opposite each other in the direction of the coil axis SA.

[0093] When a voltage is applied to the coil winding, the flowing current induces the magnetic field, which pulls the end armatures 203a, 203b towards the center pole 204 and yoke 2022.

[0094] The connecting pins 5 attached to the end anchors 203a, 203b cause the contact bridges 206a, 206b to be pressed against the current-carrying elements 209a, 209b by their axial movement / adjustment in the direction of the coil axis SA, such that they electrically connect the current-carrying elements or bridge the gap between the current-carrying elements 209a, 209b within the housing 208. The switch 200 is closed.

[0095] In this second preferred embodiment as well, the force flow resulting from the contact forces is not conducted via the housing 208. The contact forces generated by the opposing contact bridges 206a, 206b cancel each other out or form corresponding counter-bearings.

[0096] In contrast to the first preferred embodiment, the force flow generated by the contact forces is not redirected by the current-carrying elements 209a, 209b (as, for example, in Fig. 1A around the housing section 108a), but is transferred directly to the respective other contact bridge 206a, 206b. In other words, a line running perpendicular to the contact surfaces between the opposing contact bridges 206a, 206b does not cross any element other than the current-carrying elements 209a, 209b and any contacts 207a, 207b formed thereon.

Claims

[1] Switches (100, 200) for closing and opening an electrical circuit, comprising: - a first electrical current-carrying element (109a, 209a) and a second electrical current-carrying element (109b, 209b); - a plastic insulating housing (108a, 108b, 208) that holds the first electrical current-carrying element (109a, 209a) and the second electrical current-carrying element (109b, 209b); - an electric magnetic drive; and - a first electrical contact bridge (106a, 206a) and a second electrical contact bridge (106b, 206b) which are adjustable by the magnetic drive such that they electrically connect the first current-carrying element (109a, 209a) and the second current-carrying element (109b, 209b) and exert a contact force on the first current-carrying element (109a, 209a) and the second current-carrying element (109b, 209b) respectively; wherein the first electrical current-carrying element (109a, 209a) and the second electrical current-carrying element (109b, 209b) are designed and arranged such that a force flow of the contact forces generated by the first and second contact bridge (106a, 106b, 206a, 206b) runs via the first electrical current-carrying element (109a, 209a) and the second electrical current-carrying element (109b, 209b), and the contact forces generated by the first and second contact bridge (106a, 106b, 206a, 206b) cancel each other out, wherein the first and second contact bridges (106a, 106b, 206a, 206b) are each connected to an anchor (103a, 103b, 203a, 203b) via a connecting element (105a, 105b, 205a, 205b), preferably a connecting pin; and The electric magnetic drive includes a magnetic coil (101, 201) which is configured to attract the armature (103a, 203a) connected to the first contact bridge (106a, 206a) and the armature (103b, 203b) connected to the second contact bridge (106b, 206b) in opposite directions such that the first and second contact bridges (106a, 106b, 206a, 206b) are displaced by equal deflections, and wherein the first and second contact bridge (106a, 106b, 206a, 206b) as well as the armature (103a, 203a) connected to the first contact bridge (106a, 206a) and the armature (103b, 203b) connected to the second contact bridge (106b, 206b) are arranged symmetrically to a central plane which passes through the center of the magnet coil (101, 201) and perpendicular to its coil axis. [2] Switch (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic coil is configured to attract the armature (103a, 203a) connected to the first contact bridge (106a, 206a) and the armature (103b, 203b) connected to the second contact bridge (106b, 206b) in opposite directions such that mechanical energy is stored in at least one restoring element (110a, 110b) for later separation of the first and second contact bridge (106a, 106b) from the first and second current-carrying element (109b, 209b). [3] Switch (100, 200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a center pole is arranged in the magnetic coil (101, 201), to which the armature (103a, 203a) connected to the first contact bridge (106a, 206a) and the armature (103b, 203b) connected to the second contact bridge (106b, 206b) are attracted on opposite sides by the magnetic coil (101, 201). [4] Switch (100) according to claim 3, wherein the center pole and the armature (103a, 203a) connected to the first contact bridge (106a, 206a) and / or the center pole and the armature (103b, 203b) connected to the second contact bridge (106b) have conical surface sections with respect to the coil axis. [5] Switch (100) according to claim 3, wherein an air gap section is formed between the center pole and the armature (103a, 203a) connected to the first contact bridge (106a, 206a) and / or between the center pole and the armature (103b, 203b) connected to the second contact bridge (106b, 206b), which remains constant when the first and / or second contact bridge (106a, 106b, 206a, 206b) is deflected. [6] Switch (200) according to claim 3, wherein the center pole passes completely through the magnetic coil in the direction of the coil axis, the anchor (103a, 203a) connected to the first contact bridge (106a, 206a) and the armature (103b, 203b) connected to the second contact bridge (106b, 206b) spans the magnetic drive perpendicular to the coil axis, and the first and second contact bridge (106a, 106b, 206a, 206b) are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the coil axis next to the magnet drive. [7] Switch (200) according to claim 3, further comprising a third and fourth contact bridge (206c, 206d) which are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the coil axis on one of the sides opposite the first and second contact bridges (206a, 206b) next to the magnetic drive.

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