switching device

Abstract

A switching device comprising: a device body (100) which is provided with a first leg (310 / 310a) and a second leg (320); a trigger assembly (200) which is arranged on the device body (100); a first conductor (410 / 410a) arranged on the device body (100) and electrically connected to the first leg (310 / 310a), wherein the first conductor (410 / 410a) comprises a first contact section (412 / 412a); and a second conductor (420 / 420a) which is arranged on the release assembly (200) and electrically connected to the second leg (320), wherein the second conductor (420 / 420a) has a second contact section (422 / 422a), wherein the second conductor (420 / 420a) can be moved through the release assembly (200) to contact the first contact section (412 / 412a) of the first conductor (410 / 410a) via the second contact section (422 / 422a), wherein each of the first contact sections (412 / 412a) and the second contact section (422 / 422a) consists of a graphene-copper alloy and the graphene-copper alloy comprises at least graphene and copper.

Description

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE Technical area

[0001] This disclosure relates to a switching device, in particular a switching device with a contact made of a graphene-copper alloy, which is suitable for high-current applications. Description of the state of the art

[0002] State-of-the-art switching devices (e.g., switches for electronic components, switches for semiconductor devices, high-voltage and high-current terminals, relays, etc.) generate sparks at their contacts during switching. Copper contacts tend to melt and stick together after repeated switching. While silver contacts can withstand high temperatures and are therefore durable in low-current applications, solid silver contacts are expensive and economically inefficient. To save costs, the electrical contact structure usually consists of a base metal body (e.g., copper) coated with a layer of precious metal. Once the precious metal layer is worn away, the switching device is replaced, and only the base metal is disposed of. However, due to the limited availability of existing materials, contacts coated with precious metals remain unsuitable for higher-current applications and are difficult to improve.

[0003] Against this background, the inventor has investigated the relevant technology to overcome the aforementioned disadvantage and has provided a reasonable and effective solution in this disclosure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This disclosure relates to a switching device with a contact made of a graphene-copper alloy.

[0005] This disclosure provides a switching device comprising a device body, a trip assembly, a first conductor, and a second conductor. The device body has a first leg and a second leg. The trip assembly is mounted on the device body. The first conductor is mounted on the device body and electrically connected to the first leg. The first conductor has a first contact section. The second conductor is mounted on the trip assembly and electrically connected to the second leg. The second conductor has a second contact section. The second conductor can be moved by the trip assembly to contact the first contact section of the first conductor via the second contact section. Both the first contact section and the second contact section are made of a graphene-copper alloy, and the graphene-copper alloy comprises at least graphene and copper.

[0006] In one example of this disclosure, the first conductor has a first conductive body, and the first conductive body is covered with the first contact section.

[0007] In one example from this disclosure, the first conductive body is made of copper.

[0008] In one example of this disclosure, the second conductor has a second conductive body and the second contact section covers the second conductive body.

[0009] In one example from this disclosure, the second conductive body is made of copper.

[0010] In one example from this disclosure, the first contact section has a first convex surface.

[0011] In one example from this disclosure, the second contact section has a second convex surface.

[0012] This disclosure relates to a switching device comprising a device body, a tripping assembly, a pair of first conductors, and a second conductor. The device body has a first leg and a second leg. The tripping assembly is mounted on the device body. The pair of first conductors is mounted on the device body and each is electrically connected to the first legs. Each of the first conductors has a first contact section. The two first contact sections are arranged opposite each other. The second conductor is mounted on the tripping assembly and electrically connected to the second leg. The second conductor is positioned between the two first conductors. The second conductor has a pair of second contact sections. The two second contact sections are spaced apart from each other and each corresponds to the first conductors.The second conductors can be moved by the trigger assembly to contact the first contact section of the first conductor via one of the second contact sections. Each of the first contact sections (412 / 412a) and the second contact sections is made of a graphene-copper alloy. The graphene-copper alloy contains at least graphene and copper.

[0013] In one example of this disclosure, each of the first conductors has a first conductive body, and the first conductive body is covered with the first contact section.

[0014] In one example from this disclosure, the first conductive body is made of copper.

[0015] In one example of this disclosure, each of the second conductors has a second conductive body, and the pair of second contact sections each covers the second conductive body.

[0016] In one example from this disclosure, the second conductive body is made of copper.

[0017] In one example from this disclosure, at least one of the first contact sections has a first convex surface.

[0018] In one example from this disclosure, at least one of the second contact sections has a second convex surface.

[0019] In one example of this disclosure, the second conductor is pushed against one of the first conductors by the trigger assembly and can be moved by the trigger assembly to contact another of the first conductors.

[0020] This disclosure relates to a manufacturing process for a conductor of a switching device comprising the following steps: providing a first mold, a second mold, and a contact wire segment, wherein the contact wire segment is made of a graphene-copper alloy, and the copper alloy comprises at least graphene and copper; inserting the contact wire segment into the first mold; closing the first mold with the second mold to form a conductor, the conductor having a contact section made of the graphene-copper alloy; performing a heat treatment process on the conductor, the heat treatment process comprising the following steps: heating the conductor to a temperature between 350 degrees Celsius and 550 degrees Celsius for a period of 60 to 90 minutes, maintaining the temperature for a period of 60 to 90 minutes, then allowing it to stand for annealing and cleaning the conductor after the heat treatment process.

[0021] In one example of this disclosure, the manufacturing process also includes a step to provide a conductive wire segment, to insert the conductive wire segment into the first mold prior to the contact wire segment, and to compress the contact wire segment to embed it into one end of the conductive wire segment.

[0022] In one example of this disclosure, the manufacturing process also includes a step of closing the first mold with the second mold to form the conductive wire segment through the first mold and the second mold into a conductive body.

[0023] In one example of this disclosure, the contact wire segment has a smaller diameter than the conductive wire segment.

[0024] In one example in this disclosure, the manufacturing process also includes a step to provide another contact wire segment, to insert the other contact wire segment into the first mold in front of the conductive wire segment, and to compress the other contact wire segment to embed it into one end of the conductive wire segment.

[0025] The switching device of this disclosure has the first and second contact sections made of a graphene-copper alloy. Graphene-copper alloy exhibits good electrical conductivity and a melting point above 1000 °C, can withstand high temperatures, and is therefore wear-resistant. Furthermore, the price of graphene-copper alloy is lower than that of precious metals such as silver. Compared to prior art silver contact switches, the switching device of this disclosure is wear-resistant and highly conductive, can withstand high temperatures, and is therefore durable. The switching device is not only more cost-effective but also offers superior performance compared to the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a switching device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a partially enlarged view of the switching device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a conductor of the switching device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing another example of the conductor of the switching device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing another example of the conductor of the switching device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a switching device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 is a partially enlarged view of the switching device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a conductor of the switching device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing another example of the conductor of the switching device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing another example of the conductor of the switching device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart of a manufacturing process for a conductor of the switching device according to this disclosure. Fig. 11A to Fig. Figure 11D are schematic views showing the steps of the manufacturing process of a conductor of the switching device according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 12A to Fig. Figures 12D are schematic views showing the steps of the manufacturing process of a conductor of the switching device according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 13A to Fig. Figure 13D are schematic views showing the steps of the manufacturing process of a conductor of the switching device according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The technical content of this disclosure is clarified by the detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. The embodiments and drawings disclosed herein are merely examples and are not to be understood as limiting.

[0027] It is understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated in this disclosure by terms such as "front," "back," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "end," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," and "bottom" are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings. These are used solely for the purpose of describing and simplifying this disclosure and do not imply that the device or element has a particular orientation or is designed and operated in a particular orientation. They do not constitute a limitation of the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] The terms used here without further definition, such as "significant" and "approximately," serve to describe and illustrate small changes. When used in connection with an event or situation, the term can encompass the exact time of the event or situation's occurrence, as well as a close approximation of that time. For example, when combined with a numerical value, the term can encompass a range of deviation of less than or equal to ±10% of the numerical value, e.g., less than or equal to ±5%, less than or equal to ±4%, less than or equal to ±3%, less than or equal to ±2%, less than or equal to ±1%, less than or equal to ±0.5%, less than or equal to ±0.1%, or less than or equal to ±0.05%.

[0029] Detailed descriptions and technical content of this disclosure are explained in the following paragraph with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a switching device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows a partially enlarged view of the switching device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 The first embodiment of this disclosure comprises a switching device with a device body 100, a release assembly 200 and several conductors. According to this embodiment, the conductors comprise a first conductor 410 and a second conductor 420.

[0031] The device body 100 comprises an insulating seat 110 and a housing 120. The insulating seat 110 is defined by a leg side 111 and an element side 112, and a first leg 310 and a second leg 320 are arranged on the insulating seat 110. In particular, the first leg 310 and the second leg 320 are inserted into and fixed in the insulating seat 110, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first leg 310 and the second leg 320 can be embedded in the insulating seat 110 by an insert molding process. According to this embodiment, both the first leg 310 and the second leg 320 are elongated metal pieces, and the first leg 310 and the second leg 320 each protrude from the insulating seat 110 from the leg side 111 and the element side 112, respectively, in order to connect an applied device.

[0032] The release assembly 200 is arranged on the device body 100, and according to this embodiment, the release assembly 200 is arranged on the insulating seat 110 of the device body 100. In particular, the release assembly 200 comprises an elastic arm 210 and an electromagnet 220, and the elastic arm 210 consists at least partially of magnetically sensitive material (e.g., iron). According to this embodiment, the elastic arm is a riveted assembly with a phosphor bronze and an iron part; however, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The elastic arm 210 is located on the element side 112. The electromagnet 220 is arranged correspondingly to the elastic arm 210 on the element side 112 and on the phosphor bronze part. When the electromagnet 220 is actuated to generate a magnetic force, the electromagnet 220 can move the iron part of the elastic arm 210 by the magnetic force (e.g.,(by magnetic attraction) to move the elastic arm 210.

[0033] According to Fig. In this embodiment, the first conductor 410 is arranged on the device body 100 and electrically connected to the first leg 310, while the second conductor 420 is arranged on the release assembly 200. According to this embodiment, the first conductor 410 and the second conductor 420 can be identical components. Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an example of a conductor of the switching device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. According to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first conductor 410 has a first conductive body 411, which in turn has a first contact section 412. In particular, the first conductive body 411 is nail-shaped, and the first contact section 412 is located at one end of the first conductive body 411. According to this embodiment, the first conductive body 411 has a nail head that is covered by the first contact section 412. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to this. In one embodiment, the first contact section 412 can be embedded in the first conductive body 411. In another embodiment, the first conductor 410 and the first contact section 412 can be made of the same material and be formed in one piece without the first conductive body 411. According to this embodiment, the second conductor 420 has a second conductive body 421 and a second contact section 422.In particular, the second conductive body 421 has a nail shape, and the second contact section 422 is arranged at one end of the second conductive body 421. According to this embodiment, the second conductive body 421 has a nail head that is covered by the second contact section 422, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. In one example, the second contact section 422 can be embedded in the second conductive body 421. In another example, the second conductor 420 and the second contact section 422 can be made of the same material and formed in one piece without a second conductive body 421.

[0034] According to this embodiment, as in Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first conductive body 411 is riveted to the first leg 310 and arranged on the element side 112 of the insulating seat 110 of the device body 100. The second conductor 420 is arranged in the release assembly 200 and electrically connected to the second leg 320. In this embodiment, the second conductive body 421 is riveted to the elastic arm 210 of the release assembly 200 and arranged on the element side 112 of the insulating seat 110 of the device body 100. The second contact section 422 of the second conductor 420 faces the first contact section 412 of the first conductor 410. In a predetermined state, the first conductor 410 and the second conductor 420 are separated from each other.

[0035] The elastic arm 210 can oscillate to move the second conductor 420 when the elastic arm 210 of the release assembly 200 is moved and pivoted by its electromagnet 220, and the second conductor 420 contacts the first contact section 412 of the first conductor 410 with its second contact section 422, thereby electrically connecting the first leg 310 to the second leg 320. Accordingly, the switching device of this embodiment can open or close the circuit connected to the first leg 310 and the second leg 320.

[0036] Both the first conductive body 411 and the second conductive body 421 are made of copper, and both the first contact section 412 and the second contact section 422 are made of a graphene-copper alloy. The graphene-copper alloy contains at least graphene (less than 5% by weight) and copper. The graphene-copper alloy is produced according to the graphene modification process for metals according to patent number TWI710522. The graphene-copper alloy is sintered at an operating temperature above 1000 °C, which breaks the graphene bonds and bonds them to copper atoms. Accordingly, the graphene-copper alloy has a melting point above 1000 °C and is resistant to high temperatures, giving the graphene good electrical conductivity.In one embodiment of the first conductive body 411, the copper in the graphene-copper alloy of the first contact section 412 can be firmly bonded to the copper-based first conductive body 411, thus reducing the resistance between the first conductive body 411 and the first contact section 412 and improving the electrical conductivity of the first conductor 410.

[0037] In this embodiment, both the first contact section 412 and the second contact section 422 have a flat surface, so that the surfaces of the first contact section 412 and the second contact section 422 adhere to each other when the first contact section 412 touches the second contact section 422. However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing another example of the conductor of the switching device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. In particular, the first contact section 412 has a first convex surface 413 and the second contact section 422 has a second convex surface 423. In this embodiment, both the first convex surface 413 and the second convex surface 423 are curved. The convex surfaces may be worn, and after several operations, deformations may occur to adapt the surface of the second contact section 422 accordingly and thereby reduce the resistance between these two.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another example of the conductor of the switching device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. In particular, the first contact section 412 has a first convex surface 413 and the second contact section 422 has a second convex surface 423. In this embodiment, both the first convex surface 413 and the second convex surface 423 are conical.

[0040] According to this embodiment, the first conductor 410 and the second conductor 420 can be identically constructed components. However, depending on the operational requirements, the first conductor 410 and the second conductor 420 can also be components with different constructions. For example, two of the components described in Fig. 3 to Fig. The 5 structures shown are arranged accordingly.

[0041] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a switching device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 shows a partially enlarged view of the switching device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 The second embodiment of this disclosure comprises a switching device with a device body 100, a release assembly 200 and several conductors. According to this embodiment, the conductors comprise a pair of first conductors 410 / 410a and a second conductor 420.

[0042] The device body 100 comprises an insulating seat 110 and a housing 120. The insulating seat 110 is defined by a leg side 111 and an element side 112, and a pair of first legs 310 / 310a and a second leg 320 are arranged on the insulating seat 110. According to this embodiment, both the first leg 310 / 310a and the second leg 320 are elongated metal pieces, and the first leg 310 / 310a and the second leg 320 each project from the leg side 111 and the element side 112, respectively, out of the insulating seat 110.

[0043] The release assembly 200 is arranged on the device body 100, and according to this embodiment, the release assembly 200 is arranged on the insulating seat 110 of the device body 100. In particular, the release assembly 200 comprises an elastic arm 210 and an electromagnet 220. The elastic arm 210 consists at least partially of magnetically sensitive material (e.g., iron). According to this embodiment, the elastic arm is a riveted assembly with a phosphor bronze and an iron part; however, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The elastic arm 210 is located on the element side 112. The electromagnet 220 is arranged correspondingly to the elastic arm 210 on the element side 112 and on the phosphor bronze part. When the electromagnet 220 is actuated to generate a magnetic force, the electromagnet 220 can, by the magnetic force (e.g.,(by magnetic attraction) to move the elastic arm 210.

[0044] According to Fig. 6 and Fig. In Figure 7, the pair of first conductors 410 / 410a is arranged on the device body 100 and each is electrically connected to the first legs 310 / 310a, while the second conductor 420 is arranged on the release assembly 200. According to this embodiment, the pair of first conductors 410 can consist of parts with an identical structure, as shown in Figure 7. Fig. 3 shown; however, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. According to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. The first contact section 412 can have a first convex surface 413 and the second contact section 422 a second convex surface 423. According to this example, the first convex surface 413 and the second convex surface 423 can be curved, as in Fig. 4 shown, or conical, as in Fig. 5 shown.

[0045] Depending on the different operational requirements, the pair of first conductors (410, 410a) and the second conductor 420 can be arranged with different structures (e.g., two of the ones in the Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 structures shown).

[0046] Each of the first conductors 410 / 410a of this embodiment consists of a first conductive body 411 / 411a and a first contact section 412 / 412a. The first conductive body 411 / 411a is nail-shaped, and the first contact section 412 / 412a is located at one end of the first conductive body 411 / 411a. According to this embodiment, the first conductive body 411 / 411a has a nail head that is covered by the first contact section 412 / 412a, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the first contact section 412 / 412a may be embedded in the first conductive body 411 / 411a. In another embodiment, the first conductor 410 / 410a and the first contact section 412 / 412a can be made of the same material and formed in one piece without the first conductive body 411 / 411a.

[0047] Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an example of a conductor of the switching device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. According to this embodiment, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the second conductor 420 has a second conductive body 421 and a pair of second contact sections 422 / 422a. The second conductive body 421 is nail-shaped, and the two second contact sections 422 / 422a are located at each of its two ends. According to this embodiment, the two ends of the second conductive body 421 are each covered by the second contact sections 422 / 422a; however, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to this. In one example, the second contact sections 422 / 422a can be embedded in the second conductive body 421. In another embodiment, the second conductor 420 and the second contact section 422 / 422a can be made of the same material and be formed in one piece without the second conductive body 421.

[0048] According to Fig. 6 and Fig. In this embodiment, the first conductive bodies (411, 411a) are each riveted to the first legs (310, 310a) and arranged on the element side 112 of the insulating seat 110 of the device body 100, and the pair of first contact sections (412, 412a) on the pair of first conductors (410, 410a) are arranged opposite each other. The second conductor 420 is arranged on the release unit 200 and electrically connected to the second leg 320. According to this embodiment, the second conductive body 421 is riveted to the elastic arm 210 of the release assembly 200 and arranged on the element side 112 of the insulating seat 110 of the device body 100.The second conductor 420 is arranged between the pair of first conductors (410, 410a), the pair of second contact sections 422 / 422a of the second conductor 420 is arranged opposite each other corresponding to the first conductors 410 / 410a, and the second conductor 420 can be moved by the release assembly 200 to contact the first contact section 412 (412a) of the first conductor 410 (410a) corresponding to the second contact section 422 (422a).

[0049] In a predetermined state, the second conductor 420 is pushed by the release unit 200 onto one of the first conductors 410a, and the second conductor 420 contacts the first contact section 412a of the first conductor 410a, which is pushed into contact with one of the second contact sections 422a, so that the first leg 310a connected to the first conductor 410a is electrically connected to the second leg 320. When the elastic arm 210 of the release unit 200 is set into oscillation by the electromagnet 220, the second conductor 420 is moved by the oscillation of the elastic arm 210, and the second conductor 420 contacts the first contact section 412 of another of the first conductors 410 with another of the second contact sections 422a thereof, so that another of the first legs 310 is electrically connected to the second leg 320.Accordingly, the switching device of this embodiment can be switched between two circuits, each of which is connected to the first legs 310 / 310a.

[0050] According to this embodiment, as in Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, each of the second contact sections 422 / 422a of the first contact sections 412 / 412a has a flat surface. When the first contact section 412 (412a) comes into contact with the second contact section 422 (422a), the surface of the first contact section 412 (412a) touches the surface of the second contact section 422 (422a); however, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to this. Fig. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of another example of the conductor of the switching device according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 9 Each of the second contact sections 422 / 422a has a second convex surface 423 / 423a, where both second convex surfaces (423, 423a) are curved in this example.

[0051] According to Fig. 10. The switching device of this disclosure may have a conductor 400 consisting entirely of graphene, and the conductor 400 may have at least one contact section 401 / 401a at suitable positions. The conductor 400 may be arranged at different positions as the first conductor 410 / 410a or the second conductor 420 / 420a in the embodiment described above, as shown in the figures. Each of the contact sections 401 / 401a may be arranged at corresponding positions in the embodiment described above as the first contact section 412 / 412a or as the second contact section 422 / 422a, as shown in the figures.

[0052] The switching device of this disclosure has the first contact section 412 / 412a and the second contact section 422 / 422a made of a graphene-copper alloy. The graphene-copper alloy has good electrical conductivity and a melting point above 1000°C. It can withstand high temperatures and is therefore wear-resistant. Furthermore, the price of the graphene-copper alloy is lower than that of precious metals such as silver. Compared to prior art silver contact switches, the switching device of this disclosure is wear-resistant and highly conductive. It can withstand high temperatures and is therefore durable. Thus, it is not only less expensive but also offers better performance than the prior art.

[0053] Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart of a manufacturing process for a conductor of the switching device according to this disclosure. Fig. 11. The manufacturing process for the conductor of the switching device of this disclosure comprises at least the following steps: providing a first mold, a second mold, and a contact wire segment; inserting the contact wire segment into the first mold, closing the first mold with the second mold to form a conductor, and forming the contact wire segment into a contact section by the second mold; performing a heat treatment process for the conductor (heating to a temperature between 350 degrees Celsius and 550 degrees Celsius for a period of 60 to 90 minutes, maintaining the temperature for a period of 60 to 90 minutes, then allowing it to stand for annealing); and cleaning the conductor after the heat treatment process.

[0054] Fig. 11A to Fig. Figure 11D schematically shows the steps of the manufacturing process for a conductor of the switching device according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 11A to Fig. In this embodiment, 11D is a conductor 400 for the Fig. The embodiment shown in section 10 is produced. The steps for this embodiment are shown below.

[0055] First, according to step a, as in Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 11A shows a first form 11, a second form 12 and a contact wire segment 41.

[0056] According to step b after step a (see Fig. 11 and Fig. 11B) the contact wire segment 41 is inserted into the first form 11. According to step c after step b (see Fig. 11 and Fig. In 11C), the first form 11 is closed with the second form 12 to form a conductor 400. The contact wire segment 41 is formed by the second form 12 into a contact section 401 and by the first form 11 into a contact section 401a. According to this embodiment, the inner contour of the first form 11 is tubular and the inner contour of the second form 12 is concavely curved to produce a nail-shaped conductor; however, the present invention is not limited to this. In particular, the first form 11 is closed with the second form 12, such that the contact wire segment is formed into the conductor 400 by the first form 11 and the second form 12, and the inner contours of the first form 11 and the second form 12 are arranged according to a predetermined outer shape of the contact section 401 (401a), so that both ends of the contact wire segment 41 can be formed into the contact sections (401, 401a) by the first form 11 and the second form 12.

[0057] After annealing, the graphene-copper alloy has a hardness better than that of copper, which lies in a range between 80 HV and 150 HV (HV, Vickers hardness). This hardness range allows for permissible deformation of the contact section 401 (401a) after repeated contact, in order to form distributed contact points and thus prevent concentrated wear of the contact section 401 (401a) in specific areas.

[0058] According to step d, which follows step c, as in Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11D, the conductor 400 undergoes heat treatment (heating to a temperature between 350°C and 550°C for 60 to 90 minutes, maintaining the temperature for 60 to 90 minutes, then allowing it to stand for annealing). After the heat treatment process, the conductor is cleaned in step e in step d.

[0059] Fig. 12A to Fig. Figure 12D schematically shows the steps of the manufacturing process for a conductor of the switching device according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 12A to Fig. In this embodiment, a conductor 400 is manufactured and used as the first conductor 410 or second conductor 420, as shown in Figure 12D. Fig. 3. This embodiment comprises the steps described below.

[0060] First, according to step a (see Fig. 11 and Fig. 12A) a first form 11, a second form 12 and a contact wire segment 41 are provided. According to this embodiment, the contact wire segment 41 consists of the graphene-copper alloy mentioned above. Additionally, a conductive wire segment 42 is provided. This conductive wire segment 42 consists of copper that is softer than the contact wire segment 41 made of the graphene-copper alloy.

[0061] According to step b1 after step a, as in Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12B, the conductive wire segment 42 is inserted into the first form 11 in front of the contact wire segment 41. In step b following step b1, the contact wire segment 41 is inserted into the first form 11 and embedded into one end of the conductive wire segment 42 by compression. The contact wire segment 41 presses against the conductive wire segment 42 to force it into the first form 11 and embed the conductive wire segment 42 into its end. According to this embodiment, the contact wire segment 41 has a smaller diameter than the conductive wire segment 42. The contact wire segment 41 has a higher hardness than the conductive wire segment 42, so that the contact wire segment 41 can be easily embedded into the conductive wire segment 42.

[0062] According to step c, which follows step b, as in Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12C, the first form 11 is closed with the second form 12 to form a conductor 400, and the contact wire segment 41 is formed into a contact section 401 by the second form 12. The contact wire segment 41 and the conductive wire segment 42 are pressed together by the first form 11 and the second form 12 to connect with each other when the first form 11 is closed with the second form 12. According to this embodiment, to produce the nail-shaped conductor, the inner contour of the first form 11 is tubular and the inner contour of the second form 12 is concavely curved; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. In particular, the first form 11 is closed with the second form 12 so that the conductive wire segment 42 is formed into a conductor 402 by the first form 11 and the second form 12.The inner contours of the first shape 11 and the second shape 12 are arranged according to the specified outer shape of the contact section 401, so that both ends of the contact wire segment 41 can be formed into the contact section 401 by the first shape 11 and the second shape 12.

[0063] After annealing, the graphene-copper alloy has a hardness that is superior to that of copper, which lies in the range between 80 HV and 150 HV (HV, Vickers hardness). This hardness range allows for permissible deformation of the contact section 401 after repeated contact, in order to form distributed contact points and thus prevent concentrated wear of the contact section 401 in specific areas.

[0064] According to step d, which follows step c, as in Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12D, the conductor 400 undergoes heat treatment (heating to a temperature between 350°C and 550°C for 60 to 90 minutes, maintaining the temperature for 60 to 90 minutes, then allowing it to stand for annealing). After the heat treatment process, the conductor is cleaned in step e in step d.

[0065] Fig. 13A to Fig. Figure 13D schematically shows the steps of the manufacturing process for a conductor of the switching device according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. Fig. 12A to Fig. In this embodiment, a conductor 400 is manufactured and used as a second conductor 420 / 420a, as shown in 12D. Fig. Figure 8. This embodiment comprises the steps described below.

[0066] First, according to step a of this embodiment (see Fig. 11 and Fig. 13A) a first form 11, a second form 12, and the aforementioned contact wire segment 41 and a further contact wire segment 41a made of the same material are provided. The contact wire segments (41, 41a) of this embodiment consist of the aforementioned graphene-copper alloy. The conductive wire segment 42 of this embodiment consists of copper that is softer than the contact wire segments (41, 41a) made of the graphene-copper alloy.

[0067] According to step b2 after step a (see Fig. 11 and Fig. In step 13B), one of the aforementioned contact wire segments 41a is inserted into the first form 11. In step b1, which follows step b2, the conductive wire segment 42 is inserted into the first form 11 and pressed into one end of the conductive wire segment 42. In the subsequent step b1, another contact wire segment 41a is inserted into the first form 11. Both contact wire segments 41 and 41a are first pressed into the two ends of the conductive wire segment 42 and then inserted into the first form. The conductive wire segment 42 and the front contact wire segment 41a are pushed into the first form 11 by the rear contact wire segment 41 and simultaneously pressed in and embedded. According to this embodiment, each of the contact wire segments 41 / 41a has a smaller diameter than the conductive wire segment 42.Each of the contact wire segments 41 / 41a has a higher hardness than the conductive wire segment 42, so that the contact wire segments (41, 41a) can be easily embedded in the conductive wire segment 42.

[0068] According to step c, which follows step b, as in Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12C, the first form 11 is closed with the second form 12 to form a conductor 400, and one of the contact wire segments 41 is formed into a contact section 401. The conductive wire segment 42 is formed into a conductive body 402, and another contact wire segment 41a is formed into another contact section 401a. According to this embodiment, to produce the nail-shaped conductor, the inner contour of the first form 11 is tubular and the inner contour of the second form 12 is concavely curved; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. In particular, the first form 11 is closed with the second form 12, so that the conductive wire segment 42 is formed into the conductor 402 through the first form 11 and the second form 12.The inner contours of the first shape 11 and the second shape 12 are arranged according to the specified outer shape of the contact section 401, so that the contact wire segments (41, 41a) can each be formed into the contact sections (401, 401a) by the first shape 11 and the second shape 12.

[0069] According to step d, which follows step c, as in Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 13D, the conductor 400 undergoes heat treatment (heating to a temperature between 350°C and 550°C for 60 to 90 minutes, maintaining the temperature for 60 to 90 minutes, then allowing it to stand for annealing). After the heat treatment process, the conductor is cleaned in step e in step d.

[0070] After annealing, the graphene-copper alloy has a hardness better than that of copper, which lies in a range between 80 HV and 150 HV (HV, Vickers hardness). This hardness range allows for permissible deformation of the contact section 401 (401a) after repeated contact, in order to form distributed contact points and thus prevent concentrated wear of the contact section 401 (401a) in specific areas.

[0071] Although this disclosure has been described using specific embodiments, skilled persons may make numerous modifications and variations to it without deviating from the scope and spirit of this disclosure as set forth in the claims.

Claims

[1] A switching device comprising: a device body (100) which is provided with a first leg (310 / 310a) and a second leg (320); a trigger assembly (200) which is arranged on the device body (100); a first conductor (410 / 410a) arranged on the device body (100) and electrically connected to the first leg (310 / 310a), wherein the first conductor (410 / 410a) comprises a first contact section (412 / 412a); and a second conductor (420 / 420a) which is arranged on the release assembly (200) and electrically connected to the second leg (320), wherein the second conductor (420 / 420a) has a second contact section (422 / 422a), wherein the second conductor (420 / 420a) can be moved through the release assembly (200) to contact the first contact section (412 / 412a) of the first conductor (410 / 410a) via the second contact section (422 / 422a), wherein each of the first contact sections (412 / 412a) and the second contact section (422 / 422a) consists of a graphene-copper alloy and the graphene-copper alloy comprises at least graphene and copper. [2] The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the first conductor (410 / 410a) comprises a first conductive body (411 / 411a) and the first conductive body (411 / 411a) is covered with the first contact section (412 / 412a). [3] The switching device according to claim 2, wherein the first conductive body (411 / 411a) consists of copper. [4] The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the second conductor (420 / 420a) comprises a second conductive body (402) and the second contact section (422 / 422a) covers the second conductive body (402). [5] The switching device according to claim 4, wherein the second conductive body (402) is made of copper. [6] The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the first contact section (412 / 412a) comprises a first convex surface (413 / 413a). [7] The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the second contact section (422 / 422a) comprises a second convex surface (423 / 423a). [8] A switching device comprising: a device body (100) which is provided with a first leg (310 / 310a) and a second leg (320); a trigger assembly (200) which is arranged on the device body (100) a pair of first conductors (410 / 410a) arranged on the device body (100) and each electrically connected to the first legs (310 / 310a), each of the first conductors (410 / 410a) comprising a first contact section (412 / 412a) and the pair of first contact sections (412 / 412a) being arranged opposite each other; and a second conductor (420 / 420a) arranged on the release assembly (200) and electrically connected to the second leg (320), wherein the second conductor (420 / 420a) is arranged between the pair of first conductors (410 / 410a), comprises a pair of second contact sections (422 / 422a), and the pair of second contact sections (422 / 422a) are arranged apart from each other and each corresponds to the first conductors (410 / 410a), wherein the second conductors (420 / 420a) can be moved by the release assembly (200) to contact the first contact section (412 / 412a) of the first conductor (410 / 410a) via one of the second contact sections (422 / 422a), wherein each of the first contact sections (412 / 412a) and the second contact sections (422 / 422a) consists of a graphene-copper alloy and the graphene-copper alloy comprises at least graphene and copper. [9] The switching device according to claim 8, wherein in each of the first conductors (410 / 410a) the first conductor (410 / 410a) comprises a first conductive body (411 / 411a) and the first conductive body (411 / 411a) is covered with the first contact section (412 / 412a). [10] The switching device according to claim 9, wherein the first conductive body (411 / 411a) consists of copper. [11] The switching device according to claim 8, wherein in each of the second conductors (420 / 420a) the second conductor (420 / 420a) comprises a second conductive body (402) and the pair of second contact sections (422 / 422a) each covers the second conductive body (402). [12] The switching device according to claim 11, wherein the second conductive body (402) is made of copper. [13] The switching device according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the first contact sections (412 / 412a) comprises a first convex surface (413 / 413a). [14] The switching device according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the second contact sections (422 / 422a) has a second convex surface (423 / 423a). [15] The switching device according to claim 8, wherein the second conductor (420 / 420a) is pushed by the release assembly (200) against one of the first conductors (410 / 410a) and can be moved by the release assembly (200) to contact another of the first conductors (410a / 410).

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