Relay

Abstract

A relay is to be improved with regard to shock and vibration resistance, bounce behavior, and contact resistance. This includes: - a body on whose surface a first contact is arranged; - a housing element with a first external contact arranged in the relay such that in a first position of the body the first external contact is in contact with the first contact of the body, wherein the first external contact is provided with a first pressure element which exerts a pressure force on the first external contact with a component in the direction of the body; wherein the body can be displaced into a second position in a direction orthogonal to the component of the contact force, in which the first contact and the first external contact are no longer connected, wherein the movement of the body between the first and second positions in a first direction is effected by magnetizing a first coil connected to the housing element and thereby inducing a magnetic force on a first ferromagnetic element connected to the body.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a relay.

[0002] Common mechanical relays typically operate on the principle of an electromagnet: A current in the excitation coil generates a magnetic flux through the ferromagnetic core and a movable, also ferromagnetic, armature. A force is exerted on the armature across an air gap, causing it to switch one or more contacts. The armature is returned to its initial position by spring force as soon as the coil is no longer energized.

[0003] From DE 10 2011 076 743 A1, a starter relay for starting devices of internal combustion engines is known, which has an axially adjustable lifting armature that can be adjusted between a rest position and an adjustment position. Furthermore, a switching device for switching a starter motor to the starting device is provided, which can be switched between at least two switching states depending on the position of the lifting armature. The lifting armature and a switching element of the switching device are kinematically coupled.

[0004] From DE 10 2022 205 450 B3, a contactor arrangement for a traction network of an electric vehicle is known, wherein the contactor arrangement comprises a first contactor between a first fixed contact and a fourth fixed contact, a second contactor between the first fixed contact and a second fixed contact, a third contactor between the fourth fixed contact and a third fixed contact, a fourth contactor with at least one pre-charge resistor between the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, and a fifth contactor with at least one pre-charge resistor between the fourth fixed contact and the third fixed contact, wherein the contactor arrangement is designed as a rotary contactor with a drive, and a traction network with such a contactor arrangement.

[0005] However, known mechanical relays also have disadvantages, particularly regarding their shock and vibration resistance, their bounce behavior and their contact resistance.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a relay which is improved with regard to shock and vibration resistance, bounce behavior and contact resistance.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a relay comprising: a body on whose surface a first contact is arranged; a housing element with a first outer contact which is arranged in the relay such that in a first position of the body the first outer contact is in contact with the first contact of the body, wherein the first outer contact is provided with a first pressure element which exerts a pressure force on the first outer contact with a component in the direction of the body;wherein the body is displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the component of the contact force into a second position in which the first contact and the first external contact are no longer connected, wherein the movement of the body between the first and second positions in a first direction is effected by magnetizing a first coil connected to the housing element and thereby inducing a magnetic force on a first ferromagnetic element connected to the body.

[0008] The invention is based on the premise that in previously used relays, the armature is typically moved by the magnetic force of the energized coil, resulting in a movement perpendicular to the contact surfaces. The contact force is thus provided by the magnetic force; that is, the force moving the armature and the contact force after contact are identical. For typical relays, these forces are below 0.3 N. These low contact forces are therefore the cause of the aforementioned problems regarding shock and vibration resistance, rebound behavior, and contact resistance.

[0009] To increase the contact forces, the contact force after contacting and the force moving the armature during the switching process should originate from different sources. This can be achieved by using a separate contact element that exerts a force on an outer contact on the housing in the direction of the other contact on the body located inside. This element can then be appropriately dimensioned so that the contact force between the outer contact and the contact on the inner body is adjustable as desired.

[0010] To achieve good switching performance, the movement of the contacts relative to each other during the switching process should be orthogonal to the direction of the contact force (or at least to that component of the contact force acting from the outer contact towards the body), and not in the same line as with previously known relays. This ensures that any increased contact force hinders the switching process only through friction, but not through a directly opposing direction of action. The movement itself can thus be effected by magnetic force, i.e., by energizing a coil that acts on a ferromagnetic element suitably positioned within the moving body.

[0011] In a first advantageous embodiment, the movement of the body includes a translational component, wherein the body has a section in the form of a general cylinder (i.e., a cylinder with any base area), and wherein the housing element comprises at least one linear guide element connected to the section. In other words, linear guidance is provided between the housing and the body by the fact that both the body and the housing each have a linear section along which the body can be moved linearly from the first to the second position. In this case, the contact force of the pressure element acts at least partially perpendicular to the linear direction of movement.

[0012] In a second, alternative, or additional advantageous embodiment, the movement of the body includes a rotational component, wherein the body has an axially symmetrical section, and wherein the housing element comprises at least one radial guide element which is connected to the axially symmetrical section. In this embodiment, a circumferential guide is thus provided between the housing and the body, along which the body is rotated within the housing. The contact force of the pressure element acts in the axial direction, i.e., towards the axis of rotation.

[0013] In the embodiments described above, the contacts of the relay can be routed to the external connection in various ways: For the outer contact on the housing, this is simple; for the body located on the moving contact, it is more difficult, although several possibilities exist. For example, a flexible cable could be routed from the body to the outside, connecting it to the contact. However, this option may reduce the service life due to wear and tear during switching and the movement of the body.

[0014] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a second external contact is arranged on the body, wherein the first and second contacts within the body are electrically connected to each other. The housing element has a second external contact that is arranged in the relay such that, in the first position of the body, the second external contact is connected to the second contact of the body. The second external contact is provided with a second contact element that exerts a contact force on the second external contact with a component facing the body. Thus, a contact bridge is formed within the body (i.e., through the interior or on the surface) to a second contact, which is then contacted from the outside in the same way as the first contact by means of an external contact with a contact element.The second contact can be designed for permanent contact by appropriately increasing the area of ​​the second outer contact or the second contact itself, so that contact is maintained in both the first and second positions of the body (possibly even permanently in the manner of a sliding contact). Alternatively, the second contact and the second outer contact are advantageously separated from each other in the second position, just like the first contact and the first outer contact. In this latter embodiment, a double separation of the bridge occurs at both the first and second contacts.

[0015] The spacing of the outer contacts can be adjusted to the required clearances and creepage distances by selecting their position within the housing and the spacing of the body's contacts accordingly. If the contacts are approximately flush with the body's surface, this can be achieved by adjusting the body's diameter.

[0016] A relay designed as described above can also be configured as a changeover relay. For this purpose, the housing element advantageously includes a third external contact, which is arranged in the relay such that, in the second position of the body, the third external contact is connected to the first contact of the body. The third external contact is provided with a contact element that exerts a contact force on the third external contact with a component facing the body. Thus, an analogously designed additional external contact is provided, which contacts the first contact on the body in the second position.

[0017] In the embodiment in which a contact bridge is formed in the movable body, the housing element advantageously comprises a fourth outer contact, which is arranged in the relay such that, in the second position of the body, the fourth outer contact is in contact with the second contact of the body, wherein the fourth outer contact is provided with a contact element that exerts a contact force on the fourth outer contact with a component facing the body. Such an embodiment makes it possible to switch two completely separate switching paths with the relay, of which only one is ever closed, while the other is always open.

[0018] In the above embodiments as changeover relays, the geometry of the body and housing, as well as the arrangement of the contacts and the outer contacts, are advantageously designed such that simultaneous contacting of the first outer contact and the third outer contact by the first contact, and, in the case of the contact bridge in the body, also simultaneous contacting of the second outer contact and the fourth outer contact by the second contact, are prevented. Analogous to a conventional changeover relay, only one of the contact pairs should be connected at any given time. For the embodiment with two independent switching paths, such a design fulfills the requirements for a relay with positively guided contacts, since the geometry, and thus mechanical means, prevents both switching paths from being closed simultaneously. During the switching process, i.e.,During the transition from the first to the second position, the geometry and size of the contacts should ideally ensure that no simultaneous contact or connection occurs between the different contacts. Ideally, during the switching process, after the first switching path opens, there is a brief moment in which both switching paths are interrupted before the second switching path closes upon reaching the second position (the so-called break-before-make principle). In principle, the described relay concept is also suitable for the reverse operation, where, through appropriate contact geometry, the second switching path is closed before the first is interrupted (make-before-break principle).

[0019] Regarding the control of the relay, the movement of the body between the first and second positions in the direction reversed to the first direction is effected by one or more of the following: - a restoring force caused by a spring element; this essentially corresponds to the operating principle analogous to the usual relay, which can also be advantageously applied here; - a restoring force caused by the magnetic force exerted by a permanent magnet element connected to the housing on a second and / or the first ferromagnetic element connected to the body; in this variant, the restoring force is not generated by a spring, but by the magnetic force of a permanent magnet; this can either act on the same permanent magnet element, i.e., the magnetic field of the coil is superimposed, or a separate "restoring magnet" is provided in the body to effect the restoring force; - a magnetic force induced by magnetization of a second coil associated with the housing element on a second and / or the first ferromagnetic element connected to the body; - by reversing the polarity of the current flow through the first coil connected to the housing element.

[0020] Furthermore, a third coil can advantageously be provided on the housing element. The force exerted by this coil on the first and / or a third ferromagnetic element connected to the body causes the body to assume a third position when the third coil is magnetized. The flexible movement of the body within the housing element allows for not only two, but additional switching positions. In these positions, corresponding external contacts on the housing element (again with appropriate contact elements) are provided for the contacts on the body. A suitably arranged coil is provided on the housing for each of these positions. For example, during a rotary movement, positions 0°, 120°, and 240° can be provided by appropriately arranging coils and contacts on the housing, thus enabling more than two switching states to be assumed and activated.

[0021] To adapt the torques exerted by the magnetic drive to the tangential forces acting on the contacts and / or the body at the external contacts, an advantageous embodiment uses a radial spacing of the body's contacts that differs from the length of the body's ferromagnetic element. In other words, the diameter of the body in the drive area can be different from the diameter in the contact area. A larger diameter in the drive area results in a greater torque on the body and is advantageous for higher tangential frictional forces in the contact area (with a smaller diameter or spacing of the external contacts).

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment, it is possible to arrange additional contacts on the body, which are switched either together with the main switching path or in reverse to it. For this purpose, a third and a fourth contact are advantageously arranged on the surface of the body, wherein the third and fourth contacts are electrically connected to each other within the body; the housing element has a fifth and a sixth outer contact, each provided with a contact element which exerts a contact force on the respective outer contact with a component in the direction of the body; wherein the fifth and sixth outer contacts are arranged in the relay such that either: (1) in the first position of the body the fifth outer contact is connected to the third contact of the body and the sixth outer contact is connected to the fourth contact of the body, and in the second position the fifth outer contact is no longer connected to the third contact of the body and / or the sixth outer contact is no longer connected to the fourth contact of the body, or (2) in the second position of the body the fifth outer contact is connected to the third contact of the body and the sixth outer contact is connected to the fourth contact of the body, and in the first position the fifth outer contact is no longer connected to the third contact of the body and / or the sixth outer contact is no longer connected to the fourth contact of the body.

[0023] Additional contact bridges are therefore provided inside the body, along with corresponding external contacts and pressure elements on the housing element. These are also activated by the movement of the body.

[0024] The aforementioned additional contacts can also be queried in the second position if, advantageously, the housing element includes a seventh and an eighth outer contact, wherein the seventh and eighth outer contacts are each provided with a pressure element which exerts a pressure force on the respective outer contact with a component in the direction of the body. wherein the seventh and eighth outer contacts in the relay are arranged such that either: (1) in the first alternative of the preceding claim, in the second position of the body, the seventh outer contact is connected to the third contact of the body and the eighth outer contact is connected to the fourth contact of the body, or (2) in the second alternative of the preceding claim, in the first position of the body the seventh outer contact is connected to the third contact of the body and the eighth outer contact is connected to the fourth contact of the body.

[0025] In the latter embodiments, it is also advantageously ensured that the geometric arrangement and size of the contacts on the body and the external contacts prevent simultaneous contacting and overlapping of the switching paths.

[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment, the relay comprises a second body on whose surface a fifth contact and a sixth contact are arranged, wherein the fifth and the sixth contact are electrically connected to each other in the body, wherein the housing element has a ninth and a tenth outer contact which are arranged in the relay such that in a first position of the second body the ninth outer contact is in contact with the fifth contact of the second body and the tenth outer contact is in contact with the sixth contact of the second body, wherein the ninth and tenth outer contacts are each provided with a contact element which each exerts a contact force on the respective outer contact with a component in the direction of the second body;wherein the second body is displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the components of the contact forces into a second position in which the fifth contact and the ninth outer contact and / or the sixth contact and the tenth outer contact are no longer in contact, wherein the movement of the second body between the first and second positions in at least one direction is effected by magnetizing the first coil connected to the housing element and thereby inducing a magnetic force on a first ferromagnetic element connected to the second body.

[0027] Advantageously, the movements of the first and second bodies are opposite to each other. Therefore, if the movement is translational, an opposing linear movement along a common axis is advantageous. In the case of a rotational movement, the bodies should advantageously move in opposite directions. In other words, the movement should be such that the total impulse of the relay is canceled out during the switching process.

[0028] In other words, the relay can comprise a second body, identical in every respect to the embodiment described above for the first body, whose permanent magnet element is actuated by the same coil as the first body, and which thus switches synchronously with the first body. Preferably, for a small overall pulse, both bodies move in opposite directions. This is achieved either by opposing linear movements on a common axis or by rotation in opposite directions.

[0029] To limit the movement of the body towards the second position, the relay advantageously comprises a first stop element connected to the housing element and a second stop element connected to the body, wherein the stop elements are arranged such that they prevent movement of the body in the first direction beyond the second position and / or prevent movement of the body in the opposite direction to the first beyond the first position. This ensures, particularly when contact is established in the second position, that the body assumes an optimal position within the housing.

[0030] In further advantageous embodiments of the relay, a contact surface of a body contact and / or an outer contact of the housing is made of a lower-resistance and / or chemically inert material in a central area than in a peripheral area. Alternatively or additionally, a contact surface of a body contact and / or an outer contact of the housing is made of a more heat-resistant and / or less prone-to-burn material in a peripheral area than in a central area. The aforementioned embodiments utilize the orthogonal movement to the contact force: Because the contacts move away from each other orthogonally to the contact force and thus in a sliding motion, the contact surfaces can be optimized accordingly: In the center, i.e., when the body has assumed the first or second (end) position, low resistance, i.e., low contact resistance, is essential.When moving the object away, care must be taken to ensure that the contact is damaged as little as possible by sparking; i.e., a heat-resistant material should be used at the edge of the contact surfaces.

[0031] The movement of the body in the relay allows for a particularly simple manual reading of the switching state, advantageously by including a position indicator visible from the outside of the relay, which is mechanically connected to the body.

[0032] Furthermore, it is advantageous that two stable positions are provided for the respective body by magnetic forces. The different actuation configurations described above, possibly with multiple permanent magnets and / or external coils, allow for the simple design of the relay as a bistable relay. For this, it is only necessary to provide suitable magnetic forces for alignment in the intended switching positions, analogous to known so-called polarized relays.

[0033] Finally, it is advantageous to reduce the static and kinetic friction between the contact surfaces. This is achieved either by: (1) structuring the surface of a contact on the body in such a way that there is point contact, rather than full-surface contact, with an associated external contact having a smooth surface, or (2) structuring the surface of an external contact in such a way that there is point contact, rather than full-surface contact, with an associated contact on the body having a smooth surface. This facilitates switching operations.

[0034] Finally, it is advantageous to generate at least part of the contact force of an external contact by the magnetic flux of a current-carrying coil. This can be achieved partially, for example in combination with a spring, or entirely by a coil. The contact element must therefore have a corresponding ferromagnetic element upon which the flux can act. While such a design may be more complex than generating the contact force, for example, by applying a spring force to the contact element, the use of a coil allows for flexible adjustment of the contact force. For instance, the contact force could be selectively reduced at the moment of switching by reducing the current through the coil.

[0035] The advantages achieved with the invention consist particularly in the fact that by arranging contacts on a body rotating or translationally moved by magnetic force within a housing and by contacting contacts or contact bridges by means of separately pressed-on contacts, a relay is created which exhibits particularly high shock and vibration resistance, particularly good bounce behavior, and low contact resistance. These advantages are achieved in particular by the separation of the switching force and the contact force. The movement of the contact surfaces, which is orthogonal to the contact force, minimizes bounce. Since the contact force can be chosen to be comparatively high, shock and vibration resistance are increased and the contact resistance is reduced.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1. A cross-sectional view of a rotary switching relay with visualization of the acting forces, Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view of a variant of the relay made of Fig. 1 with additional external contacts, Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of another relay with a different contact arrangement on the body, Fig. 4 a longitudinal section view of another variant of a rotary switching relay, Fig. 5 a longitudinal section view of another variant of a rotary switching relay, Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view of another variant of a rotary switching relay, Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view of a variant for the outer contacts showing both switching positions, Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of a relay with two bodies and representation of the magnetic control, Fig. 9 a cross-sectional view of a bistable variant of the relay Fig. 8, Fig. 10 A cross-sectional view of a relay with a body containing multiple magnetic circuits, Fig. 11 a cross-sectional view of a relay with a body with a right-angled contact arrangement, Fig. 12 a cross-sectional view of a relay with two bodies and a right-angled contact arrangement, Fig. 13 a cross-sectional view of a relay with two bodies with right-angled contact arrangement, each with one permanent magnet per reset circuit, Fig. 14 A longitudinal sectional view of a relay with two bodies showing the magnetic circuits and the contact paths in the body, Fig. 15 a longitudinal section view of a variant of the relay made of Fig. 14 with bipolar coil, Fig. 16 a longitudinal sectional view of a relay with two bodies showing the magnetic circuits with right-angled contact arrangement, Fig. 17. A top view of another variant of a relay without a representation of the magnetic circuits, but showing the contact connections of the outer contacts. Fig. 18 a cross-sectional view of the relay with dynamic variation of the contact force of the outer contacts, Fig. 19 A cross-sectional view of a relay showing stop elements for realizing a preferred direction of rotation in a variant rotating by 180°, Fig. 20 a longitudinal sectional view of a translationally switching relay, and Fig. 21 a longitudinal section view of a translationally switching relay with two bodies and representation of the magnetic circuits.

[0037] For better understanding, the following figures only show partial representations of the relay. For example, none of the figures show the surrounding housing, but only the functional components. Furthermore, some figures focus on individual parts of the relay: for example, the Fig. 1-6, for example, merely show the arrangement of the contacts inside the relay body in conjunction with the external contacts on the (not shown) housing. Fig. Figures 8-13, however, show the magnetic actuation of the body, i.e., how the switching process is initiated, but not the representation of the contacts. The variations of magnetic actuation and the arrangement of the switching contacts can, however, be combined in any way (provided that the switching angles are coordinated in the case of a rotational movement).

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a relay. A central body is arranged, which in the exemplary embodiment is... Fig. 1 is essentially cylindrical. The axis (central point) and the direction of rotation are shown. An external contact K1 is arranged on the (not shown) housing, which exerts a contact force F through a pressure element (also not shown), which may be based, for example, on spring or magnetic force. Kontakt exerts a force perpendicular to the cylindrical surface of the body. This contact K1 is connected to a corresponding terminal on the outside of the relay, allowing it to be contacted from the outside.

[0039] On the body is in the Fig. In position 1 shown, a contact is arranged directly below the outer contact K1. This contact, like the outer contact, is conductive. Its area corresponds approximately to the area of ​​the outer contact.

[0040] Due to the contact force F KontaktThe contact surface of the outer contact K1 is pressed against the contact surface arranged on the body, so that an electrical contact is created.

[0041] In an embodiment not shown in the illustration, an electrical connection from the contact on the body to the outside could be made, for example, via a flexible cable or a slip ring on the body. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, however, a further contact is arranged on the body below another outer contact K2 on the housing. The outer contact K2 is also provided with a contact element, analogous to contact K1. The outer contacts K1 and K2 are arranged at a 90° angle to each other. The contacts inside the body below are interconnected, as indicated by a dark gray line, while – at least in the area of ​​the cross-section shown – the remaining part of the body is made of an insulating material. This applies in particular to the surface of the body in the area of ​​the cross-section shown, outside the contacts.

[0042] Just like contact K1, contact K2 is also connected to a corresponding terminal on the outside of the relay, allowing it to be contacted externally. Thus, the external contacts K1 and K2 each correspond to a terminal on the housing. In the Fig. In the position of the body shown in section 1, contacts K1, K2 and thus their corresponding connections are linked through the conductive connection in the body.

[0043] The relay switching process now occurs in such a way that, through a Fig. 1. Magnetic actuation, not shown but described below, is carried out by one or more coils arranged in the housing, which are energized or de-energized for the switching process, and act on a ferromagnetic element connected to the body and, in exemplary embodiments, also a permanent magnetic element.

[0044] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the central body is rotated 180° for the switching process. Since the contact surfaces form a 90° angle to each other with respect to the axis of the body, they are rotated away from the outer contacts K1 and K2, so that the outer contacts K1 and K2 come into contact with the non-conductive part of the body's surface. The contact between the outer contacts K1 and K2 is thus interrupted, as they are no longer in contact with their respective corresponding contacts on the body.

[0045] A particular advantage here is that the force F Antrieb , which acts on the contact surfaces during the switching process, is tangential to the surface of the body, while the contact force F Kontakt The forces act essentially radially on the body. The forces therefore have components orthogonal to each other. This allows the forces to be selected independently of one another, and in particular the contact force F can be set as needed. KontaktThey should be chosen to be comparatively high.

[0046] The in Fig. The rotary movement of the central body of the relay with the contacts is shown in Figure 1. The eccentric arrangement of the contacts during a 180° rotation in the switching process makes it possible to also arrange further external contacts S1, S2 as mirror contacts, which are located in the second position opposite the first. Fig. 1. The contacts are rotated 180° and in contact with the body. Their position is in Fig. Figure 2 is shown. In general, to simplify the representation, the following figures only show the positions of the outer contacts by means of the corresponding arrangement of reference symbols K1, K2,..., S1, S2,... and the contact itself and any contact elements are omitted from the schematic diagrams. It is also understood that the outer contacts each have connections to corresponding terminals on the relay housing.

[0047] In the Fig. 2 are the outer contacts K1, K2 as in Fig. 1. The mirror contacts are arranged at the top, approximately at 30° and 330° (0° points upwards, which is also the convention for the following figures). Additionally, the mirror contacts S1 and S2 are arranged at 150° and 210°, which, after rotation of the [unclear], Fig. The two contacts shown in the diagram can be connected when the outer contacts K1 and K2 are separated. The geometric arrangement and size of the outer contact surfaces, as well as the contact surfaces on the body, ensure that the connection of the outer contacts K1 and K2 and the connection of the mirror contacts S1 and S2 are mutually exclusive.

[0048] To prevent contact between K1 and S1, the distance between K1 and K2 is smaller than the distance between K1 and S1, and the body's contacts are just large enough to connect K1 to K2 and S1 to S2, respectively. If the body rotates in the opposite direction, the same applies, but with a larger distance between K2 and S2.

[0049] Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 6 shows further different arrangements of the contacts within the otherwise electrically insulating body. It is advantageous that the geometric arrangement and size of the outer contact surfaces, as well as the contact surfaces on the body, are such that simultaneous connection of the outer contacts K1, K2 with each other or of the mirror contacts S1, S2 with each other is prevented.

[0050] Fig. Figure 3 shows a contact configuration in which the contacts are arranged on sides of the body exactly 180° opposite each other. The outer contacts are arranged as follows: K1 270°, K2 90°, S1 180°, S2 0°. The in Fig. The relay shown in Figure 3 is therefore not designed for a 180° rotation during the switching process, but for a 90° rotation.

[0051] Fig. Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section through the central cylindrical body, with the contacts arranged in a swashplate configuration. Contacts S1 and K2 are located in a first axial plane, and contacts K1 and S2 in a second axial plane. The relay is designed to rotate 180° during switching, with one contact on the body located in the first axial plane and the other in the second axial plane on the opposite side. The connection thus runs obliquely through the body.

[0052] Fig. Figure 5 shows a variant with an edge contact for a 180° rotation in longitudinal section. Here, the contacts on the body are directly connected to each other on the surface and are arranged on the same side of the body in different axial planes. On one side of the body, the outer contacts K1 and K2 are located in different axial planes, while on the other side of the body, the contacts S1 and S2 are mirror contacts.

[0053] The variant from Fig. 5 also makes it easy to provide additional switching positions. For example, it shows Fig. 6. A variant in which the contacts on the body, their arrangement and connection with the in Fig. 5 are identical in cross-section. In the embodiment of the Fig. 6. Four switching positions are provided, each spaced apart by a rotation of 90°. Thus, analogous to Fig. 5 four contact pairs K1 / K2, K3 / K4, K5 / K6, K7 / K8 are arranged and connected to each other by appropriate rotation.

[0054] Fig. Figure 7 shows a practical implementation of the external contacts and the contacts on the body in cross-section. The contacting position is shown on the left, and the separation position, rotated by 90°, is shown on the right. The contacts on the body protrude from the body, which itself has a smaller radius. The external contacts are located at the tips of springs that exert a contact force towards the body. Stop elements (hatched, trapezoidal) are arranged to limit movement towards the body. This design contributes to reducing friction and wear, as the external contacts only rub against the contacts on the body and not against the body itself. The external contacts are conically shaped so that when the body is rotated into the contacting position, the contacts do not block the rotation but instead retract against the spring force.

[0055] The following figures illustrate various magnetic actuation possibilities for variants with different rotation angles between switching positions. Magnetic circuits are shown, each with coils L, either bipolar or with north pole N and south pole S, as well as suitably arranged yokes and permanent magnets P1, P2,... These are either located on the body and subjected to the magnetic force of the coil, and / or located on the housing to also act on the permanent magnets on the body, thus enabling restoring forces or bistable states. The coils L1, L2 (bipolar), L1, L3, and the yokes J1 to J7 are connected to the housing. The permanent magnets P1 and P2, as well as the armature F, are connected to the rotatable bodies R1 and R2, respectively, such that P1 cannot rotate relative to R1, and P2 cannot rotate relative to R2.

[0056] Fig. Figure 8 shows a magnetic circuit arrangement for the 180° rotations described above, including the contact arrangement of Fig. 2. Two bodies R1, R2 are provided, each with a centrally arranged permanent magnet P1, P2. The magnetic circuit with the permanent magnet P3 on the housing is designed with an air gap so that the current-carrying coil L does not demagnetize the permanent magnet P3.

[0057] Fig. Figure 8 shows the coil in its unenergized state. The magnetic circuit is formed by P3, J4, J6, P2, J2, J1, P1, J3, and J5. The permanent magnet P3 ensures the alignment of P1 and P2 as shown, which are connected to bodies R1 and R2 in such a way that their positions are also determined. When coil L is energized, its (stronger) magnetic field is superimposed on the magnetic circuit formed by J1, P1, J3, J4, P2, and J2, causing P1 and P2, and thus both bodies, to rotate by 180°. The yoke (gray) has an air gap between J3 and J4, and next to it is the permanent magnet P3 with an air gap to J5 and J6. The yoke sections J5 and J6 reduce the stray field generated by P3.

[0058] Fig. Figure 9 shows a simpler magnetic circuit arrangement for the bistable variant. Depending on the polarity of the current flow, the current-carrying bistable coil L aligns the permanent magnets P1 and P2 contained within bodies R1 and R2, respectively. The magnetization generated by the permanent magnets within the yoke J1, J2, J3 is reversible. The alignment of P1 relative to P2 is stable due to the magnetic circuit P1, J3, P2, J2, J1. This also determines and stabilizes the rotational position of R1 and R2. A current pulse in L with the corresponding polarity causes a change to the other, equally stable position, in which P1 and P2, and thus R1 and R2, are rotated by 180°.Optionally (not shown) in one variant a second coil could be arranged on J3 or next to the coil L shown, to enable unipolar control and / or an additional magnetic flux during switching phases or special operating situations, for example with strong ambient magnetic fields.

[0059] Fig. Figure 10 shows an example of an arrangement of two magnetic circuits, each with a coil L1 and L3. The circuit of coil L1 is as shown in Fig. 8 is designed (albeit with only one body), i.e., with a current-carrying coil L1 and a restoring force provided by a permanent magnet P2 on the housing, while the coil L3, by means of the yoke, enables a third switching position rotated by 45°. This allows three stable states to be realized: a first, assumed by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet P1 when coils L1 and L3 are de-energized; a second, by the current-carrying coil L1; and a third, by the current-carrying coil L3. In an advantageous embodiment, the second magnetic circuit with coil L3 and yoke J3 is preferably axially offset from the first magnetic circuit for independence.

[0060] Fig. Figure 11 shows a magnetic circuit arrangement for a 90° rotation during the switching process. The body contains a ferromagnetic material (armature F, gray) and / or a permanent magnet (not shown). The magnetic circuit with the permanent magnet P1 has an air gap to prevent the current-carrying coil from demagnetizing the permanent magnet. J2, J3, and J4 have the smallest possible air gap to the ferromagnetic element F of the body to minimize stray magnetic fields in this area and ensure the most precise definition of the body's stable angular positions.

[0061] Fig. 12 essentially shows an extension of the magnetic circuit arrangement from Fig. Figure 11 shows two bodies, with the identical magnetic circuit arranged next to them in a mirror image, but permanent magnet P3 and coil L are used together for both sides. Bodies R1 and R2 contain a ferromagnetic material (not shown) and / or permanent magnets P1 and P2. The magnetic circuit of the static permanent magnet P3 again includes an air gap. In one variant, the static permanent magnet P3 and the coil L can also be arranged in reverse order, in which case the air gap is still located in the magnetic circuit with the permanent magnet.

[0062] Fig. Figure 13 shows another magnetic circuit for the 90° rotation with two bodies, similar to Fig. 12, each with a permanent magnet P3, P4 per return circuit. The position of P1 is determined by the magnetic circuit formed by P1, J4, P3, and part of J3. This also determines the rotational position of R1. The position of P2 is determined by the magnetic circuit formed by P4, J5, P2, and part of J3. This also determines the rotational position of R2. Energizing coil L with the polarity that creates a (stronger) magnetic field with the shown polarity leads to a rotation of P1 and P2, as indicated by the arrows, and thus of bodies R1 and R2 by approximately 90°. The magnetic circuit formed by J1, P1, the middle part of J3, P2, J2, and L is effective in this process. Advantageously, the yoke J3 in the region of P1 or P2 is designed such that the air gap between P1 and J3, and between P2 and J3, is approximately constant in all intended rotational positions. Thus, rotating P1 or P2 only changes the air gaps between P1, J4 and J1 or P2, respectively.between P2, J2 and J5. This minimizes the summed air gap changes and thus the magnetic force changes, which depend on the air gap sizes, over the intended rotation range of P1 and P2.

[0063] In a variant not shown, P1 and / or P2 are ferromagnetic materials. Here too, the rotational positions of R1 and R2, respectively, are determined by the magnetic fluxes of P3 and P4, respectively, and L, within the range of approximately -45° to approximately +45°. To prevent rotation within or into the range of approximately 135° to approximately 225°, stop elements for the bodies are advantageously used. Fig. 19 are planned.

[0064] A geometric design of the yoke J3, which determines the air gap size between the stationary yokes and the movable permanent magnets or armatures, is also advantageous for the ends (pole shoes) of the stationary yokes and / or the movable permanent magnets or armatures and (not shown) also for the Fig. Transferable from 8 to 16.

[0065] The Fig. Figures 14 to 16 now show combined views visualizing the magnetic circuits and contact arrangement, each with two-body relays. Fig. 14 and Fig. Figure 15 shows relays on which two contact arrangements in the swashplate variant are arranged axially spaced on each body R1, R2 (see Figure 15). Fig. 4).

[0066] In Fig. Figure 14 shows that the magnetic circuit has a current-carrying coil L. The contacts and connections of the body are shown in black, and the yoke for magnetic field conduction is shown in gray. The bodies R1 and R2 each have an integrated permanent magnet P1 and P2. The second magnetic circuit with the permanent magnet P3 and yokes J4 and J5 is optional and can alternatively be configured as shown in Figure 14. Fig. 8 shown with air gaps to be attached to the yoke J1 and J3.

[0067] Fig. 15 corresponds to the embodiment of the Fig. 14, however without the optional second magnetic circuit and with a bipolar coil L for a bistable variant. The respective rotational position of P1 and P2, and thus of bodies R1 and R2, determined by the magnetic circuit, is approximately 0° and 180°.

[0068] The magnetic circuit of the drive and / or the return path is laid in the plane of the rotor axes of the bodies. Also in conjunction with other contact arrangement variants with 180° rotation ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 5) this is advantageous.

[0069] Fig. Figure 16 shows an exemplary design for a flat construction for 90° rotation. The restoring magnetic circuits are designed independently for each body R1, R2 for redundancy; they are located in the Fig. The contacts S2, S4, S6, and S8 are arranged in the 16 protruding plane. In this view, they are located below bodies R1 and R2 and are therefore hidden from view. Note the different polarities of the static permanent magnets P3 and P4 for the individual bodies R1 and R2, so that they rotate in opposite directions to each other, resulting in a low overall angular momentum. The yoke J4 of the return magnet circuit for R1 spans the S-pole of P3 and extends to the rear side of R1 (not shown) in the region of P1. The yoke J6 of the return magnet circuit for R2 spans the N-pole of P4 and extends to the rear side of R2 (not shown) in the region of P2. Preferably, P3 and P4 are arranged approximately perpendicular to the rotation axes of the bodies so that J4 and J6 can be as short as J5 and J7.

[0070] Fig. Figure 17 shows a possible connection of the contacts to each other during a 90° rotation, as in Fig. Figure 16 shows a paired contact configuration of the mirror contacts S1 / S5 within the body R1. In this view, K1 and K5 are hidden by R1. The connections for K2, K6, S2, and S4 are located on the underside of the relay. The contacts of the body R1 (not shown) are connected such that, in one rotational position of the body, the outer contacts K1 are connected to K2 and K5 to K6, and in the other rotational position, the outer contacts S1 are connected to S2 and S4 to S5.

[0071] Fig. Figure 18 shows a variant of the relay in which the contact force is generated magnetically and can be reduced as needed, thereby also reducing the frictional force during the switching process, which is influenced by the magnetic circuit: Here, an additional element V made of ferromagnetic material is arranged on each of the contact elements, which is pulled towards the magnetic circuit during the current flow through the coil. This reduces the contact forces of contacts K1 and K2.

[0072] With the 180° rotation variants, it can sometimes be problematic to precisely determine the direction of rotation (for the compensation of rotational momentum described above). This can be remedied by using stop elements, as shown in Fig. Figure 19 shows the rotating body with a radial stop element, while the housing also contains stop elements on opposite sides of the body. The thickness of the stop element limits the total deflection angle to slightly less than 180°. A less extreme version would be an egg-shaped, elliptical, or eccentric shape for the body. With a magnetic field orientation from left to right (horizontal), this always results in a defined direction of rotation. Stop elements in the Fig. The methods shown in Figure 19 for reducing the overall deflection angle are advantageous for specifying the preferred direction, especially with a ferromagnetic element in the body (instead of a permanent magnet) and with all 180° rotation variants shown above.

[0073] Fig. Figure 20 shows a schematic diagram of a relay variant without rotation, but for translational movement. The central body is moved from left to right, with the outer contacts K1, K2, S1, S2 shown in black. Again, the contact force of the outer contacts K1, S1, K2, S2 is perpendicular to the direction of movement.

[0074] In Fig. Figure 21 shows an arrangement with the magnetic circuit for the translational variant. The degree of freedom of this linear movement is limited on the one hand by the outer body boundaries and the stop elements A, which are rigidly connected to the bodies, and on the other hand by the housing elements (vertical and three diagonal lines). The permanent magnet P1, together with the stationary yokes J1 and J2 and the armature J4, which is movable in its axial direction, forms a magnetic return circuit. Another return circuit is formed by P2, J2, J3, and J5.

[0075] The current-carrying coil L causes an induction, which in turn creates a force in the magnetic circuit formed by J2, J4, and J5, leading to a reduction in the air gap between J4 and J5. The armatures J4 and J5 are drawn into the coil L. Fig. Figure 21 shows the arrangement in the unenergized state of coil L, with fixed yokes J1, J2, and J3 (gray). Two movable bodies (armatures J4 and J5) are provided, as well as permanent magnets P1 and P2. The contact arrangement of the outer contacts S1 / S2, K1 / K2, K3 / K4, and S3 / S4 is also shown; these are contacted in pairs by the body contacts (black), which are fixedly connected to the armatures J4 and J5, respectively. Reference symbol list K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6, K7, K8, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 external contact R1, R2 body L, L1, L3, L bipolar coil P1, P2, P3, P4 permanent magnet / ferromagnetic element J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6, J7 Yoke

Claims

[1] Relays, comprising: - a body (R1, R2) on whose surface a first contact is arranged; - a housing element with a first outer contact (K1) which is arranged in the relay such that in a first position of the body (R1, R2) the first outer contact (K1) is in contact with the first contact of the body (R1, R2), wherein the first outer contact is provided with a first contact element which exerts a contact force on the first outer contact (K1) with a component in the direction of the body (R1, R2); wherein the body (R1, R2) can be displaced into a second position in a direction orthogonal to the component of the contact force, in which the first contact and the first outer contact (K1) are no longer connected, wherein the movement of the body (R1, R2) between the first and the second position in a first direction is effected by magnetizing a first coil (L) connected to the housing element and thereby inducing a magnetic force on a first ferromagnetic element (P1) connected to the body (R1, R2). [2] Relay according to claim 1, wherein the movement of the body (R1, R2) comprises a translational component, wherein the body (R1, R2) has a section in the form of a general cylinder, and wherein the housing element comprises at least one linear guide element which is connected to the section. [3] Relay according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the movement of the body (R1, R2) includes a rotational component, wherein the body (R1, R2) has an axially symmetric section, and wherein the housing element includes at least one radial guide element which is connected to the axially symmetric section. [4] Relay according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a second outer contact (K2) is arranged on the body (R1, R2), wherein the first and the second contact in the body (R1, R2) are electrically connected to each other, wherein the housing element has a second outer contact (K2) which is arranged in the relay such that in the first position of the body (R1, R2) the second outer contact (K2) is in contact with the second contact of the body (R1, R2), wherein the second outer contact (K2) is provided with a second contact element which exerts a contact force on the second outer contact (K2) with a component in the direction of the body (R1, R2). [5] Relay according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing element comprises a third outer contact (S1) which is arranged in the relay such that in the second position of the body (R1, R2) the third outer contact (S1) is in contact with the first contact of the body (R1, R2), wherein the third outer contact (S1) is provided with a pressure element which exerts a pressure force on the third outer contact (S1) with a component in the direction of the body (R1, R2). [6] Relay according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the housing element comprises a fourth outer contact (S2) which is arranged in the relay such that in the second position of the body (R1, R2) the fourth outer contact (S2) is in contact with the second contact of the body (R1, R2), wherein the fourth outer contact (S2) is provided with a pressure element which exerts a pressure force on the fourth outer contact (S2) with a component in the direction of the body (R1, R2). [7] Relay according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the geometry of the body (R1, R2) and the housing and the arrangement of the contacts and the outer contacts (K1, K2, S1, S2) are designed such that simultaneous contacting of the first outer contact (K1) and the third outer contact (S1) by the first contact, and in the case of the preceding claim also simultaneous contacting of the second outer contact (K2) and the fourth outer contact (S2) by the second contact are excluded. [8] Relay according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the movement of the body (R1, R2) between the first and the second position in the direction reversed to the first direction is effected by one or more of the following: - a restoring force caused by a spring element, - a restoring force caused by the magnetic force exerted by a permanent magnetic element connected to the housing on a second and / or the first ferromagnetic element (P2) connected to the body (R1, R2), - a magnetic force induced by magnetization of a second coil (L) associated with the housing element on a second and / or the first ferromagnetic element (P1) connected to the body (R1, R2), - by reversing the polarity of the current flow through the first coil (L) connected to the housing element. [9] Relay according to claim 8, wherein a third coil (L3) is provided on the housing element, the force exerted by the third coil (L3) on the first and / or a third ferromagnetic element (P1) connected to the body (R1, R2) causes the body (R1, R2) to assume a third position when the third coil (L3) is magnetized. [10] Relay according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a third contact and a fourth contact are arranged on the surface of the body (R1, R2), the third and fourth contacts being electrically connected to each other in the body (R1, R2); the housing element has a fifth and a sixth external contact (K3, K4), each of which is provided with a pressure element, which exerts a pressure force on the respective external contact (K3, K4) with a component in the direction of the body (R1, R2); wherein the fifth and sixth outer contacts (K3, K4) in the relay are arranged such that either: (1) in the first position of the body (R1, R2) the fifth outer contact (K3) is connected to the third contact of the body (R1, R2) and the sixth outer contact (K4) is connected to the fourth contact of the body (R1, R2), and in the second position the fifth outer contact (K3) is no longer connected to the third contact of the body (R1, R2) and / or the sixth outer contact (K4) is no longer connected to the fourth contact of the body (R1, R2), or (2) in the second position of the body (R1, R2) the fifth outer contact (K3) is connected to the third contact of the body (R1, R2) and the sixth outer contact (K4) is connected to the fourth contact of the body (R1, R2), and in the first position the fifth outer contact (K3) is no longer connected to the third contact of the body (R1, R2) and / or the sixth outer contact (K4) is no longer connected to the fourth contact of the body (R1, R2). [11] Relay according to claim 10, wherein the housing element comprises a seventh and an eighth outer contact (S3, S4), wherein the seventh and eighth outer contacts (S3, S4) are each provided with a contact element which each exerts a contact force on the respective outer contact (S3, S4) with a component in the direction of the body (R1, R2), wherein the seventh and eighth outer contacts (S3, S4) are arranged in the relay such that either: (1) in the first alternative of the preceding claim, in the second position of the body (R1, R2) the seventh outer contact (S3) is in contact with the third contact of the body (R1, R2) and the eighth outer contact (S4) is in contact with the fourth contact of the body (R1, R2), or (2) in the second alternative of the preceding claim in the first position of the body (R1, R2) the seventh outer contact (S3) is connected to the third contact of the body (R1, R2) and the eighth outer contact (S4) is connected to the fourth contact of the body (R1, R2). [12] Relay according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a second body (R2) on the surface of which a fifth contact and a sixth contact are arranged, wherein the fifth and the sixth contact in the body (R2) are electrically connected to each other, wherein the housing element has a ninth and a tenth outer contact (K5, K6) which are arranged in the relay such that in a first position of the second body (R2) the ninth outer contact (K5) is in contact with the fifth contact of the second body (R2) and the tenth outer contact (K6) is in contact with the sixth contact of the second body (R2), wherein the ninth and tenth outer contacts (K5, K6) are each provided with a contact element which each exerts a contact force on the respective outer contact with a component in the direction of the second body (R2); wherein the second body (R2) can be displaced in a direction orthogonal to the components of the contact forces into a second position in which the fifth contact and the ninth outer contact (K5) and / or the sixth contact and the tenth outer contact (K6) are no longer connected, wherein the movement of the second body (R2) between the first and the second position in at least one direction is effected by magnetizing the first coil (L) connected to the housing element and thereby inducing a magnetic force on a first ferromagnetic element (P2) connected to the second body (R2). [13] Relay according to claim 12, wherein the movement of the first and the second body (R1, R2) is opposite to each other. [14] Relay according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a first stop element connected to the housing element and a second stop element connected to the body (R1, R2), wherein the stop elements are arranged such that they prevent movement of the body (R1, R2) in the first direction beyond the second position and / or prevent movement of the body (R1, R2) in the direction opposite to the first direction beyond the first position. [15] Relay according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein a respective contact surface of a contact of the body (R1, R2) and / or of an outer contact (K1, K2, S1, S2) of the housing consists in a central area of ​​a material with lower resistance and / or chemical inertness than in an edge area. [16] Relay according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a respective contact surface of a contact of the body (R1, R2) and / or of an outer contact (K1, K2, S1, S2) of the housing consists in an edge area of ​​a material that is more heat-resistant and / or less prone to erosion than in a central area. [17] Relay according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising a position indicator visible from the outside of the relay, which is mechanically connected to the body (R1, R2). [18] Relay according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein two stable positions are given for the respective body (R1, R2) by magnetic forces. [19] Relay according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein either: (1) the surface of a contact of the body (R1, R2) is structured in such a way that there is a point-like and not whole-surface contact with an associated external contact with a smooth surface, or (2) the surface of an external contact (K1, K2, S1, S2) is structured in such a way that there is a point-like and not whole-surface contact with an associated contact of the body (R1, R2) with a smooth surface. [20] Relay according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the contact force of an outer contact (K1, K2, S1, S2) is generated at least partially by the magnetic flux of a current-carrying coil (L).

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