Switching chamber for a switching device, and switching device

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching chamber (11) for a switching device (100), which has at least one switching chamber base (13), wherein the switching chamber base has a base surface (30) with a ridge structure (31) on an inner side facing an interior (110) of the switching chamber, with said ridge structure protruding from the base surface into the interior. The invention also relates to a switching device (100) comprising the switching chamber (11).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Switching chamber for a switching device and switching device

[0003] A switching chamber for a switching device and a switching device are specified.

[0004] The switching device is designed, in particular, as an electromagnetically acting, remotely operated switch operable by electrically conductive current. The switching device can be activated via a control circuit and can switch a load circuit. In particular, the switching device can be designed as a relay or as a contactor, in particular as a power contactor. Particularly preferably, the switching device can be designed as a gas-filled power contactor.

[0005] One possible application for such switching devices, in particular power contactors, is the opening and disconnecting of battery circuits, for example in motor vehicles such as electrically or partially electrically powered vehicles. These can be, for example, purely battery-powered vehicles (BEV: "Battery Electric Vehicle"), hybrid electric vehicles that can be charged via a socket or charging station (PHEV: "Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle") and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV: "Hybrid Electric Vehicle"). In this case, both the positive and the negative contacts of the battery are usually disconnected using a power contactor. This disconnection occurs during normal operation, for example when the vehicle is at rest, or in the event of a malfunction such as an accident or similar. The main task of the power contactor is to de-energize the vehicle and interrupt the flow of current.Particularly in the event of a fault, switching arcs occur when the current is interrupted. These arcs must be extinguished using appropriate measures to safely interrupt the current flow and prevent damage to the switch. The aim in designing the switch components is to achieve a low price, simple and rapid manufacture, and a long service life, thus a high number of switching cycles.

[0006] To extinguish arcs, a hydrogen-containing gas filling and permanent magnets, so-called blowout magnets, are typically used in the area of ​​the arcs, which can deflect the arcs. For example, the publication EP 1 168 392 A1 describes such measures.

[0007] However, switching arcs and their quenching can lead to sputtering of contact materials from the switching contacts. This effect, also known as burn-off, can result in sputtered contact materials depositing on the walls of the switching chamber in which the switching contacts are arranged. On the other hand, so-called melt beads can form, which fall to the floor of the switching chamber and can migrate into the discharge space during further operation due to movements of the switching device in the application, as well as vibrations and suction effects, for example during gas exchange when switching on and off. This creates the risk that melt beads can hinder or block mechanical components, so that the mechanically moving parts of the switching device slow down during the switching process or even jam completely.To protect the mechanics against this, very tight guides to the switching chamber have been used, which, however, can lead to longer evacuation and gas filling times.

[0008] The publications DE 11 2019 005 667 T5 and DE 10 2009 027 844 Al describe an electromagnetic relay.

[0009] At least one object of certain embodiments is to specify a switching chamber for a switching device. At least one object of further embodiments is to specify a switching device with such a switching chamber.

[0010] These objects are achieved by subject matter according to the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the subject matter are characterized in the dependent claims and will further emerge from the following description and the drawings.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment, a switching chamber has at least one switching chamber base. In particular, the switching chamber can have an interior space. Regions and surfaces of the switching chamber base that face the interior space are arranged on an inner side of the switching chamber base. Regions and surfaces of the switching chamber base that do not face the interior space can be arranged on an outer side of the switching chamber base. The switching chamber can furthermore have a switching chamber cover, which, together with the switching chamber base, can enclose the interior space.

[0012] According to at least one further embodiment, a switching device comprises such a switching chamber. In particular, the switching chamber base can be that part of the switching chamber which, when the switching device is installed normally and as intended, forms a lower part of the switching chamber, as viewed along the direction of gravity, so that any loose parts present in the switching chamber are highly likely to be found on the switching chamber base due to the direction of gravity.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the switching device has at least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact. The at least one fixed contact and the at least one movable contact are provided and designed to switch a load circuit connectable to the switching device on and off. The movable contact is correspondingly movable in the switching device between a non-switching state and a switching state of the switching device in such a way that the movable contact is spaced from the at least one fixed contact in the non-switching state of the switching device and is thus galvanically isolated, and in the switching state has a mechanical contact with the at least one fixed contact and is thus galvanically connected to the at least one fixed contact.The switching device particularly preferably has at least two fixed contacts which are arranged separately from one another in the switching device and which, depending on the state of the movable contact, can thus be electrically connected to one another or electrically separated from one another by the movable contact. Features for a fixed contact described below can particularly preferably apply to each fixed contact of the switching device. According to a further embodiment, the switching device has a housing in which the switching chamber and the movable contact and the at least one fixed contact are arranged. The movable contact can, in particular, be arranged completely in the housing.The fact that a fixed contact is arranged in the housing can in particular mean that at least the contact area of ​​the fixed contact which is in mechanical contact with the movable contact in the switched-on state is arranged inside the housing. In order to connect a supply line of an electrical circuit to be switched by the switching device, a fixed contact arranged in the housing can be electrically contactable from the outside, i.e. from outside the housing. For this purpose, a fixed contact arranged in the housing can have a part projecting out of the housing and can have a connection option for a supply line outside the housing.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the contacts are arranged in a gas atmosphere in the housing. This can mean, in particular, that the movable contact is arranged entirely in the gas atmosphere in the housing and that, furthermore, at least parts of the fixed contact(s), such as the contact region(s) of the fixed contact(s), are arranged in the gas atmosphere in the housing. Accordingly, the switching device can particularly preferably be a gas-filled switching device, such as a gas-filled contactor.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the contacts, that is to say the entire movable contact and at least parts of the fixed contact(s), are arranged in the switching chamber inside the housing, in which the gas, that is to say at least part of the gas atmosphere, is located. The gas can have a proportion of greater than or equal to 20% H2 and preferably a proportion of greater than or equal to 50% H2 and less than or equal to 100% H2. In addition to the hydrogen, the gas can contain an inert gas, particularly preferably N2 and / or one or more noble gases. Arc quenching can be improved by the gas, particularly in the switching chamber.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, at least one blowout magnet is arranged in or on the switching chamber, which blowout magnet can particularly preferably be formed by a permanent magnet. Furthermore, several blowout magnets can also be present. In the event of a switching operation of the switching device under load, i.e. a spatial separation of the movable contact and the one or more fixed contacts while the load current is still flowing, the resulting arc is deflected by the blowout magnet(s), thereby lengthening it and driving it out of the contact area. This can also improve arc quenching.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the switching chamber, for example the switching chamber cover or the switching chamber base, has at least one opening, wherein the at least one fixed contact can protrude through the opening into the interior of the switching chamber, so that a part of the at least one fixed contact can be located outside the switching chamber and another part of the at least one fixed contact can be located inside the switching chamber and thus in the interior of the switching chamber. If the switching device has a plurality of fixed contacts, the switching chamber can preferably have a corresponding opening for each of the fixed contacts, for which the above-mentioned applies.

[0018] The switching chamber cover can, for example, be cap-shaped and made of one piece or several parts. The switching chamber base can, for example, be essentially plate-like and likewise made of one piece or several parts. Particularly preferably, at least the switching chamber base is made of one piece, i.e. as a coherent part that is not produced by joining together several independently manufactured parts. The term “plate-like” can here refer to a substantially flat design compared to a cap-shaped embodiment. However, raised or countersunk structures such as webs, channels and circumferential edge parts can be present. “Plate-shaped” can therefore also mean shell-shaped, for example. Furthermore, it is also possible for the switching chamber base and the switching chamber covers to both be cap-shaped.

[0019] Irrespective of the specific shape of the switching chamber cover and the switching chamber base, these can particularly preferably be arranged relative to one another to form the switching chamber in such a way that the interior is formed in which the switching processes described above take place.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the switching chamber comprises a plastic material and / or a ceramic material. Particularly preferably, the switching chamber base can be made with or from a plastic material. Particularly preferably, the switching chamber base is made entirely from a plastic material. For example, the switching chamber base can be designed as a molded part, i.e., as a one-piece part, which can be produced using a molding process such as injection molding or compression molding. The switching chamber cover can, for example, be made with or from a ceramic material or, alternatively, also from a plastic material.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the plastic material can comprise one or more materials selected from polyoxymethylene (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyamide (PA). PA46 can preferably be used as the polyamide. POM is a semi-crystalline, largely linear thermoplastic that can be produced by chain polymerization or chain copolymerization and has the recurring building block -CHR-O-, where R denotes an organic radical. Particularly preferably, the plastic material has the structure (CH2O). n , i.e., with hydrogen as the radical R, or is formed by it. The plastic material can accordingly be characterized by a comparatively low carbon content and a very low tendency to graphite formation. Due to the equal proportions of carbon and oxygen, especially in (CH2O) nHeat-induced decomposition, and especially arc-induced decomposition, can produce predominantly gaseous CO and H2. Consequently, conductive wall coatings are hardly formed, and the additional hydrogen can enhance arc extinguishing.

[0022] Furthermore, the plastic material can contain a filler, in particular a glass material, for example in the form of glass fibers, dispersed in the plastic material. Such a filler can influence and preferably improve the mechanical stability and thermal stability. Particularly preferably, the plastic material has a filler content, for example a glass fiber content, of less than or equal to 50% by mass.

[0023] The plastic material is particularly preferably selected, for example by selecting a suitable polymer material and by selecting a suitable proportion of a filler, such that it has sufficient mechanical and thermal stability under normal operating conditions of the switching device and at the same time has a softening temperature or melting temperature which is selected such that contact material which is still hot and which gets onto the switching chamber floor as a result of arc-induced burn-up of the switching contacts, for example in the form of melt beads, can soften the plastic material so that, for example, melt beads can at least partially melt into the switching chamber floor. This can restrict the freedom of movement of melt beads on the switching chamber floor. For example, the material of the switching chamber floor can have a melting temperature of greater than or equal to 250 °C and less than or equal to 350 °C.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the switching chamber base has, on the inside facing the interior of the switching chamber, a base surface with a web structure that projects from the base surface into the interior. The base surface can, in particular, be the region of the switching chamber base that, in the fully assembled switching chamber, is free within the interior and is thus, in principle, accessible, for example, to melt beads. The base surface can therefore, for example, be the region of the switching chamber base on the inside that is surrounded by a circumferential and, for example, raised edge structure.

[0025] The web structure can, in particular, be raised, i.e., protrude from the base surface in relief. The web structure can, for example, have at least one web that extends across the base surface. In particular, the web structure can be designed such that the freedom of movement of loose parts on the switching chamber base can be reduced.

[0026] The web structure can, for example, be designed such that the base surface has a plurality of base regions separated from one another by the web structure. A loose part, such as a melt bead, can preferably be prevented by the web structure, at least under normal operating conditions, from passing from one base region to a base region separate from it. This can ensure that, at least under normal operating conditions, the freedom of movement of melt beads on the base surface of the switching chamber base is restricted. The separate base regions preferably lie in the same plane and thus define this plane. In other words, the base surface would preferably be flat without the web structure. For example, the plane in which the base regions lie can be arranged perpendicular to the direction of gravity during normal, intended installation of the switching device.The direction of gravity in this case can also be referred to as the vertical direction. A direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the base regions can correspondingly also be referred to as the vertical direction. Furthermore, the vertical direction can in particular also be the direction of movement along which the movable contact moves during the switching movement. Furthermore, the vertical direction can also coincide with the axial direction of an axis by means of which the movable contact is moved. A longitudinal direction can preferably be defined by an arrangement direction of two fixed contacts that is perpendicular to the vertical direction. A transverse direction can be perpendicular to the vertical direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Thus, the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction can span the plane in which the base regions lie.For example, the switching chamber base may have a substantially rectangular shape when viewed along the vertical direction. In this case, the longitudinal direction, regardless of the arrangement of fixed contacts, may run along the longer side of the rectangular shape, and the transverse direction may run along the shorter side of the rectangular shape.

[0027] The web structure, and in particular the at least one web, can have a height of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm, and preferably greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm. Here and in the following, unless otherwise stated, height specifications refer to a distance measured in the vertical direction from a floor area.

[0028] The web structure can further comprise a plurality of webs and particularly preferably at least two intersecting webs. Furthermore, the web structure can comprise webs arranged in a grid-like manner, i.e. at least one web in the longitudinal direction which crosses two or more webs running transversely thereto, i.e. for example webs running along the transverse direction. In other words, the web structure can, for example, comprise at least one longitudinal web and at least two transverse webs. Furthermore, the web structure can also comprise one or more webs which run obliquely to the longitudinal direction and obliquely to the transverse direction. For example, the web structure can form a honeycomb structure formed by a plurality of webs, for example with rectangular or hexagonal honeycombs.Due to the web structure, the floor area, which has a total area, can particularly preferably be divided into a plurality of separate floor areas, wherein each of the plurality of floor areas has an area that is less than or equal to 20% or less than or equal to 10% of the total area.

[0029] To perform the switching movement, the movable contact can be connected to a shaft, which extends through an opening in the switching chamber. The shaft can preferably be part of a magnetic drive or a motor drive, as described below.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the switching chamber base has an opening for the passage of such an axis of the switching device. The web structure can have a collar structure which is raised on the base surface and thus above the base regions and surrounds the opening. The collar structure can therefore form a channel which preferably runs in a vertical direction and in which the axis can be guided. The collar structure can, for example, be formed by a substantially hollow, cylindrical elevation which can furthermore directly adjoin one or more webs. In other words, the collar structure can merge into one or more webs. For example, a web, for example a longitudinal web or a transverse web, can be interrupted by the opening and thus by the collar structure. The collar structure can have a height which is at least equal to the height of at least one web.The collar structure preferably has a height that is equal to, or particularly preferably greater than, the height of all webs of the web structure. Furthermore, the collar structure can have an upper side, viewed in the vertical direction, which is designed as a mechanical stop for a movable part of the switching device or as a counterbearing for a spring.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the switching chamber base has a circumferential edge structure which surrounds the base area with the web structure. The edge structure is particularly preferably raised above the base regions, so that the base area is surrounded by the circumferential, raised edge structure. The edge structure preferably has a height which is at least as great as a maximum height of the web structure. This can mean that the edge structure has a height which is equal to or greater than the height of the at least one web and particularly preferably equal to or greater than the height of all the webs of the web structure.

[0032] For example, the edge structure can be stepped and have an inner edge part with a first height and an outer edge part with a second height, the first height being greater than the second height. The inner edge part can be directly adjacent to the outer edge part and surrounded by the outer edge part. For example, the outer edge part can have a support surface for the switching chamber cover, while the inner edge part rests on an inner side of the switching chamber cover when the switching chamber cover is installed. The edge structure can, for example, have a height that is equal to the height of the collar structure. If the edge structure has regions with different heights, such as the inner edge part and the outer edge part, the height of the edge structure refers to its maximum height, i.e. the first height in the example mentioned.

[0033] Furthermore, the edge structure can have at least one spring element. The at least one spring element can, for example, be part of the outer edge part and form at least part of the support surface for the switching chamber cover. The at least one spring element can, for example, be in the form of a leaf spring and, when the switching device is in the assembled state, exert a force on the switching chamber cover. In particular, the switching chamber base can have several spring elements as parts of the outer edge part.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the switching chamber base has, on an outer side opposite the inner side, a sleeve-shaped guide region for guiding the axis in the opening. In other words, the guide region is preferably formed by a substantially hollow, cylindrical elevation on the outer side of the switching chamber base, through which a channel leads, which preferably continues into the channel formed by the collar structure. The opening in the switching chamber base is thus formed by the channel that extends through the sleeve-shaped guide region and the collar structure. The axis for moving the movable contact can be guided through this channel. An underside of the guide region facing away from the collar structure can be designed as a mechanical counter-bearing or as a mechanical stop for a spring of the switching device.Furthermore, the switching device can have a fixed yoke, which can be part of a magnetic drive and can be arranged above or directly on the switching chamber base. The sleeve-shaped guide area can protrude into an opening in the yoke. This can, for example, ensure that the axis is mechanically guided not by the yoke but by the guide area and the collar structure of the switching chamber base.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the switching chamber base has a ventilation channel which extends from the outside of the switching chamber into the interior. The ventilation channel preferably opens into a ventilation opening in the collar structure. The ventilation opening is particularly preferably arranged in the interior of the switching chamber in the vertical direction at least partially on an upper side of the collar structure. Furthermore, the ventilation opening is particularly preferably arranged at a distance from the base surface. In other words, the ventilation opening is located at a certain height above the base regions, in particular at a height of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm or greater than or equal to 1 mm. This can prevent loose parts such as melt beads from getting into the ventilation channel.The ventilation duct can thus form a protected ventilation nozzle through which, for example, the switching chamber can be quickly filled with a gas, while the risk of contamination or blockage of the ventilation duct during operation is minimized. In particular, the ventilation duct can also be separate from the duct guiding the axle in the collar structure, so that even if the ventilation duct becomes contamination or blocked, there is no risk of the axle movement being impaired. A ventilation groove which merges into the ventilation duct can be provided on an outer side of the sleeve-shaped guide area. Furthermore, a plurality of ventilation ducts and ventilation grooves can be present, to which the above applies.

[0036] The switching chamber described here can, thanks to the described switching chamber base, avoid problems that could arise in known switching devices, for example due to melt beads. The switching chamber base forms a specially shaped shield that can catch any melt beads that arise, for example in honeycombs, and can enable rapid evacuation and filling of the switching chamber using one or more additional, shielded ventilation ducts. The switching chamber base, which can primarily have the task of preventing arcs from reaching parts underneath, such as a flange, is particularly preferably made from a high-melting point plastic as described above. If the switching device is switched off under load, an arc is deflected, preferably by blowout magnets, and driven out of the contact area between the switching contacts.If the arc reaches the base of the switching chamber, additional hydrogen can be released, particularly when POM is used as the base material, but also when PBT or PA are used. This allows the arc to be extinguished quickly. If molten beads form due to the burn-up of the contact materials, the web structure can prevent them from moving around uncontrollably on the base of the switching chamber. The special shape of the ventilation channel(s) also prevents the molten beads from blocking the axis, while a sufficient pumping cross-section is maintained, allowing the switching chamber to be effectively filled with a gas during production, for example.

[0037] Thus, the switching chamber base, which can be manufactured at essentially the same cost as conventional switching chamber bases, offers an easy-to-implement replacement solution for existing designs, which can lead to an extension of the service life of the switching device.

[0038] Further advantages, advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the exemplary embodiments described below in conjunction with the figures.

[0039] Figures 1A to 1J show schematic representations of a switching device with a switching chamber according to an embodiment and

[0040] Figures 2A to 2C show schematic representations of a switching device with a switching chamber according to a further embodiment.

[0041] In the exemplary embodiments and figures, identical, similar, or similarly acting elements may be provided with the same reference numerals. The illustrated elements and their relative sizes are not to be considered true to scale; rather, individual elements, such as layers, components, structural elements, and regions, may be exaggerated for clarity and / or clarity.

[0042] Figures 1A to 1J show various views of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device 100 with a switching chamber 11 and parts thereof. The switching device 100 can be used, for example, to switch strong electrical currents and / or high electrical voltages and can be a relay or contactor, in particular a power contactor.

[0043] Figure 1A shows a three-dimensional sectional view of the switching device 100 with the switching chamber 11. Figure 1B shows the axis 7 individually. Figures 1C to 1F show various individual views of the switching chamber base 13 of the switching chamber 11. Figures 1G to 1J show sections of the switching device 100 in order to highlight various details. The following description refers equally to Figures 1A to 1J. The geometries shown are only examples and are not to be understood as restrictive and can also be designed in alternative ways.

[0044] The switching device 100 has two fixed contacts 2, 3 and one movable contact 4 in a housing 1. The movable contact 4 is designed as a contact plate which electrically connects the fixed contacts 2, 3 when the switching device 100 is switched on. The fixed contacts 2, 3 together with the movable contact 4 form the switching contacts. The housing 1 primarily serves as contact protection for the components arranged inside and has or is made of a plastic, for example polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or glass-filled PBT. The contacts 2, 3, 4 can, for example, be made with or from Cu, a Cu alloy or a mixture of copper with at least one other metal, for example Wo, Ni and / or Cr.

[0045] The contacts 2, 3, 4 are arranged in a switching chamber 11, which is formed by a switching chamber cover 12 and a switching chamber base 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the switching chamber cover 12 is made of a ceramic material, for example with or from a metal oxide such as Al2O3. The fixed contacts 2, 3 protrude through openings in the switching chamber cover 12 into the switching chamber 11 and are, for example, soldered into the openings.

[0046] Figure 1A shows the switching device 100 in a rest state in which the movable contact 4 is spaced from the fixed contacts 2, 3, so that the contacts 2, 3, 4 are galvanically isolated from one another. The design of the switching contacts shown and in particular their geometry are purely exemplary and not restrictive. Alternatively, the switching contacts can also be designed differently. For example, it may be possible for only one of the switching contacts to be fixed. In the switched-on state of the switching device 100, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is achieved by a movement of the movable contact along a vertical direction 91, the movable contact 4 rests against both fixed contacts 2, 3.Alternatively, the movable contact 4 could also be designed, for example, as a rotary contact, which is mounted, for example, so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis along the vertical direction 91 to carry out the switching movement. The position of the switching device 100 shown in Figure 1A corresponds to the intended installation direction. Unless otherwise stated, terms used below, such as "top" and "bottom," refer to the vertical direction 91 and the intended installation direction.

[0047] The arrangement direction of the fixed contacts 2 , 3 defines in the illustrated embodiment a longitudinal direction

[0048] 91 , the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction 91 and to the longitudinal direction 92 is referred to below as the transverse direction 93 . In Figures 1A to 1J, the directions 91 ,

[0049] 92 , 93 for ease of orientation .

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the switching device 100 has a magnetic drive for moving the movable contact 4 to carry out the switching movement. Alternatively, a motor drive could also be provided, for example. The magnetic drive has a movable magnetic armature 5, which essentially carries out the switching movement along the vertical direction 91. The magnetic armature 5 has a magnetic core 6, for example with or made of a ferromagnetic material. Furthermore, the magnetic armature 5 has an axis 7, which is shown individually in Figure 1B. The axis 7 is guided through part of the magnetic core 6, as can be seen in Figure 1G, and is fixedly connected to the magnetic core 6 at one end of the axis. At the other end of the axis, opposite the magnetic core 6, the magnetic armature 5 has the movable contact 4.

[0051] The one-piece axle 7 can be made, for example, with or from stainless steel and, in the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figure 1B, has an integral support element 70 in the form of a disc-like area. The movable contact 4 is in the illustrated

[0052] From the exemplary embodiment, by means of a contact spring 71 and an electrically insulating bridge holder 72, for example with or made of PBT or PA, it is mounted on the axis 7 so as to be displaceable above the support element 70. On the contact side of the movable contact 4, i.e. on the upper side as seen in the vertical direction 91, the movable contact 4 is secured to the axis 7 by means of an electrically insulating intermediate disk 73, for example with or made of PBT or PA, and a fastening nut 74. The mounting and fastening of the movable contact 4 to the axis 7 shown is not to be understood as restrictive and can also be designed differently, as described in connection with Figures 2A to 2C.

[0053] The magnetic core 6 is surrounded by a coil 8, which forms another part of the magnetic drive. A current flow in the coil 8, which can be switched on from the outside, generates a movement of the magnetic core 6 and thus of the entire magnetic armature 5 in a vertical direction until the movable contact 4 contacts the fixed contacts 2, 3. Parts of a control board for controlling the coil 8 are indicated in Figure 1A on the right-hand outside of the coil. When the coil 8 is switched on, the magnetic armature 5 moves from a first position, which corresponds to the idle state shown in Figure 1A and at the same time to the isolating, i.e. non-switching, state, to a second position, which corresponds to the active, i.e. switching, state. In the active state, the contacts 2, 3, 4 are galvanically connected to one another. In another embodiment, the magnetic armature 5 can, as mentioned above, alternatively, for example, also perform a rotary movement.The magnet armature 5 can in particular also be designed as a tension armature or a hinged armature.

[0054] Furthermore, the magnetic drive of the switching device 100 has a yoke 9, which can comprise or be made of pure iron or a lightly doped iron alloy and which forms part of the magnetic circuit. The yoke 9 has an opening 19, as can be seen in Figures 1G and 1H, through which the axis 7 is passed. If the current flow in the coil 8 is interrupted, the magnet armature 5 is moved back into the first position by one or more springs 21, which are indicated in Figure 1G. The switching device 100 is then back in the rest state, in which the contacts 2, 3, 4 are open.

[0055] The yoke 9 is surrounded by a flange 10, which separates the switching chamber 11 from the lower part of the switching device 100, which contains, among other things, the magnetic core 6 and the coil 8. The flange 10, which may form part of the magnetic circuit, may, like the yoke 9, be made of iron, such as pure iron or a low-doped iron alloy, and may also be formed integrally with the yoke 9.

[0056] When the contacts 2, 3, 4 are opened, an arc can occur which can damage the contact surfaces. This can result in the risk that the contacts 2, 3, 4 will "stick" to one another due to welding caused by the arc and can no longer be separated. In order to prevent the formation of such arcs or at least to assist in the extinguishing of arcs that do occur, the contacts 2, 3, 4 are arranged in a gas atmosphere, so that the switching device 100 is designed as a gas-filled relay or gas-filled contactor. For this purpose, the contacts 2, 3, 4 are arranged within the switching chamber 11, formed by the switching chamber cover 12 and the switching chamber base 13, in a gas-tight region 14 within the housing 1. In particular, the switching chamber cover 12 is part of the wall enclosing the gas-tight region 14.The gas-tight region 14 completely contains the magnet armature 5 and an interior space 110 of the switching chamber 11. The gas-tight region 14 and thus also the switching chamber 11, among other things, are filled with a gas. The gas, which can be filled through a gas filling nozzle (not shown), for example in the lower region of the gas-tight region 14, during production of the switching device 100, can particularly preferably contain hydrogen. In particular, the gas 14 can comprise at least 50% or more H2 in an inert gas such as N2 and / or one or more noble gases, since hydrogen-containing gas can promote the extinguishing of arcs.As can be seen in Figure 1A, one or more blow-out magnets 15 can additionally be arranged on the switching chamber 11, or alternatively also within the switching chamber 11, that is to say preferably permanent magnets, which can cause an extension of the arc path and a deflection of the arcs from the area between the contacts 2, 3, 4.

[0057] As can be seen in Figure 1G, the upper part of the gas-tight area 14, which is located above the flange 10 and in which the contacts 2, 3, 4 are located in the switching chamber 11, is only connected to the lower part of the gas-tight area 14, which is located below the flange 10 and in which the magnetic core 6 of the magnet armature 5 is located, by the opening 19 in the yoke 9, through which the axis 7 is passed. In order to achieve fast pumping times when filling the gas-tight area 14, for example, and to ensure gas exchange between the upper and lower parts during switching operations, it is necessary that a sufficient gas flow is possible through the opening 19 in the yoke 9.On the other hand, as described in the general section, melt beads can form when contacts 2, 3, 4 are burned off by arcs. If they were to enter opening 19 or the lower part of the gas-tight area 14, they could impede or even block the mobility of the mechanical parts, which should therefore be prevented. The switching chamber 11 with the switching chamber base 13, described in more detail below, is designed to meet both requirements.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the switching chamber cover 12 is cap-shaped and can be made of one piece or several parts. The switching chamber base 13, which is shown individually in Figures 1C to 1F from several viewing angles, is plate-shaped and is manufactured in one piece. The switching chamber cover 12 and the switching chamber base 13 enclose the interior space 110 in which the switching operations take place. As an alternative to the exemplary embodiment shown, the switching chamber base 13 can also be cap-shaped, i.e., essentially have a higher edge.

[0059] The switching chamber base 13 preferably comprises a plastic material, particularly preferably a plastic material from which hydrogen can be released when heated. In particular, the plastic material is designed in such a way that hydrogen can be released by an arc that strikes the plastic material, so that the additionally released hydrogen, particularly preferably in the form of H2, can lead to an improvement in arc quenching. The plastic material can, for example, comprise or be polyoxymethylene (POM). Alternatively or additionally, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and / or polyamide (PA), in particular PA46, are also possible as the plastic material. Furthermore, the plastic material can contain a filler, in particular a glass material, for example in the form of glass fibers, which is dispersed in the plastic material.Particularly preferably, the plastic material has a filler content, for example a glass fiber content, of less than or equal to 50%, based on the mass. Particularly preferably, the plastic material is selected by selecting a suitable polymer and by selecting a suitable proportion of a filler such that it has sufficient mechanical and thermal stability under normal operating conditions of the switching device 100. Furthermore, the switching chamber base 13 can have a softening temperature or melting temperature selected such that still-hot contact material, which gets onto the switching chamber base 13 due to arc-induced burn-up of the switching contacts, for example in the form of molten beads, can soften the plastic material so that, for example, molten beads can at least partially melt into the switching chamber base 13, whereby the freedom of movement of molten beads can be restricted.For example, the material of the switching chamber base 13 can have a melting point of greater than or equal to 250°C and less than or equal to 350°C. The switching chamber base 13 has, on the inside facing the interior 110 of the switching chamber, a base surface 30 with a web structure 131 that protrudes from the base surface 30 into the interior. The base surface 30 is the area of ​​the switching chamber base 13 on the inside that is surrounded by a circumferential edge structure 32, which is raised in the illustrated embodiment.

[0060] The web structure 31 protrudes from the base surface 30 in relief and has at least one web 311 that extends over the base surface 30. The web structure 31 is designed such that the freedom of movement of loose parts such as melt beads on the switching chamber base 13 can be reduced.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the web structure 31 has a plurality of webs 311 and is designed such that the base surface 30 has a plurality of base regions 301 separated from one another by the web structure 31. For the sake of clarity, not all webs are provided with a reference symbol in Figures 1D to 1F. A loose part such as, for example, a melt bead can preferably be prevented by the web structure 31, at least under normal operating conditions, from passing from one base region 301 to a base region 301 separate therefrom, so that the freedom of movement of melt beads on the base surface 30 of the switching chamber base 13 can be restricted, at least under normal operating conditions.

[0062] Preferably, the mutually separate base regions 301 lie in the same plane and thus define this plane, which is preferably oriented perpendicular to the vertical direction 91, wherein the base surface 30 would be flat without the web structure 31. The web structure and in particular the webs 311 preferably have a height of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm and preferably of greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 3 mm, wherein height specifications, unless otherwise stated, refer to a distance measured in the vertical direction 91 from a base region 301. A height in the stated ranges can effectively restrict the freedom of movement of melt beads, which typically have an average size of 0.5 mm to 1 mm, without the web structure 31 requiring too much space in the vertical direction.

[0063] The web structure 31 has, as shown, intersecting webs 311 which run, for example, in the longitudinal direction 92 and in the transverse direction 93. As shown, the web structure 31 can have at least one web 311 in the longitudinal direction and two or more webs 311 running transversely thereto, that is to say, for example, webs 311 extending along the transverse direction, which intersect one another. As shown, the web structure 31 can, for example, have one longitudinal web and four transverse webs. In addition, the web structure 31 can also have one or more webs which run obliquely to the longitudinal direction 92 and transverse direction 93. As a result of the intersecting webs 311, the web structure 31 can form a honeycomb structure, for example, as shown, with rectangular honeycombs or, alternatively, for example, with hexagonal honeycombs.By means of the web structure 31, the base surface 30, which has a total area, is divided into a plurality of separate base regions 301, each of the plurality of base regions 301 preferably having an area which is preferably less than or equal to 20% or less than or equal to 10% of the total area. As described further above, the switching chamber base 13 has an opening 33 for the passage of the axis 7 of the switching device 100. The web structure 31 has a collar structure 312 which is raised above the base regions 301 of the base surface 30 and surrounds the opening 33. The collar structure 312 therefore forms a channel in the vertical direction 91, in which the axis 7 can be guided. The collar structure 312 is formed, for example, as shown, by a substantially hollow cylindrical elevation which can directly adjoin one or more webs 311, so that the collar structure 312 merges into one or more webs 311.As shown, for example, the longitudinal web can be interrupted by the opening 33 and thus by the collar structure 312. The collar structure 312 preferably has a height that is at least equal to the height of the webs 311 or, as shown, greater than the height of the webs 311.

[0064] Furthermore, the collar structure 312 has, as seen in the vertical direction 91, an upper side 313 which is designed as a mechanical stop for the support element 70 of the axis 7, as can be seen, for example, in Figure II.

[0065] Furthermore, the switching chamber base 13 has, on an outer side opposite the inner side, a sleeve-shaped guide region 314 for guiding the axis 7 in the opening 33. The sleeve-shaped guide region 314 is formed by a substantially hollow, cylindrical elevation on the outer side of the switching chamber base 13, through which a channel leads, which preferably continues into the channel formed by the collar structure 312. The opening 33 in the switching chamber base 13 is thus formed by the continuous channel, which leads through the sleeve-shaped guide region 314 and through the collar structure 312. The axis 7 for moving the movable contact 4 is guided in this channel. The sleeve-shaped guide region 314 also projects, as can be seen in Figures 1G and 1H, into the opening 19 of the yoke 9.This makes it possible for the axis 7 to be mechanically guided not by the yoke 9 but by the guide region 314 and the collar structure 312 of the switching chamber base 13. A bottom side 315 of the sleeve-shaped guide region 314 facing away from the collar structure is designed as a mechanical counterbearing for the spring 21 of the switching device 100, as can be seen in Figure 1G.

[0066] According to a further embodiment, the switching chamber base 13 has at least one ventilation channel 316. As can be seen, for example, in Figure 1H, the switching chamber base 13 in the illustrated embodiment has two ventilation channels 316, which are arranged in the transverse direction on both sides of the opening 33. Furthermore, further ventilation channels or just one ventilation channel can be present. Each of the ventilation channels 316 extends from the outside of the switching chamber 11 into the interior space 110. In particular, each of the ventilation channels 316 opens into the interior space 110 via a ventilation opening 317 in the collar structure 312.The ventilation openings 317 are arranged in the interior 110 of the switching chamber 11 in the vertical direction partially on the upper side 313 of the collar structure 312, in particular in the region of the circumferential edge of the upper side 313, so that the ventilation openings 317 remain at least partially free even when the support element 70 of the axis 7 rests on the upper side 313 of the collar structure 312, as can be seen in Figure II. The collar structure 312 thus has a circumferential shoulder between the ventilation openings 317, which ensures that the ventilation openings 317 are openly accessible regardless of the switching state of the switching device 100.

[0067] Furthermore, the ventilation openings 317 are arranged at a distance from the base surface 13. In other words, the ventilation openings 317 are located at a certain height above the base regions 301, in particular at a height of greater than or equal to 0.5 mm or greater than or equal to 1 mm. The lower edge of the ventilation openings 317 can, for example, be arranged at a height that corresponds to a height of the webs 311. The raised arrangement of the ventilation openings 317 can prevent loose parts such as melt beads from getting into the ventilation channels 316. Furthermore, the ventilation channels 316 are also separate from the channel guiding the axle 7 in the collar structure 312, as can be seen in Figure 1H, so that even if a ventilation channel 316 becomes dirty or blocked, there is no risk of the axle movement being impaired.The ventilation channels 316 can thus form protected ventilation nozzles through which, for example, the switching chamber 11 can be quickly filled with a gas, while minimizing the risk of contamination or blockage of the ventilation channels 316 and of impairment of the mobility of the axis 7 during operation. Ventilation grooves 318 can also be provided on an outer side of the sleeve-shaped guide area 314, each of which merges into a ventilation channel 316, as can be seen in Figure 1H.

[0068] By the web structure 31 , in particular the resulting

[0069] Honeycomb structure can prevent melt beads from entering the guide of the axis 7, which is formed by the collar structure 312 and the sleeve-shaped guide element 314, and from entering the lower part of the switching device 100. The raised arrangement of the ventilation openings 317 can make this even more difficult. The step in the collar structure allows a sufficient pumping cross-section and gas exchange even with components lying flush on the upper side 313 of the collar structure 312.

[0070] Furthermore, adjustment elements 34 in the form of cylindrical or disc-shaped elevations are provided on the outside of the switching chamber base 13, which, when the switching chamber base 13 is arranged as intended on the flange 10, engage in corresponding adjustment elements 101 in the form of matching recesses. This makes it easy to correctly position the switching chamber base 13 on the flange 10. As an alternative to the embodiment shown, the adjustment elements 34, 101 can also be designed differently, in which case they also preferably engage with one another.

[0071] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the switching chamber base 13 has the circumferential edge structure 32, which surrounds the base surface 30 with the web structure 31. As shown, the edge structure 32 is particularly preferably raised above the base regions 301, so that the base surface 30 is surrounded by the circumferential raised edge structure 32. The edge structure 32 preferably has a height that is greater than the height of the webs 311 of the web structure 31.

[0072] As shown, the edge structure 32 can particularly preferably be designed in a step-like manner and have an inner edge part 321 with a first height and an outer edge part 322 with a second height, wherein the first height is greater than the second height. The inner edge part 321 directly borders on the outer edge part 322 and is surrounded by the outer edge part 322. The outer edge part 322 has a support surface 323 for the switching chamber cover 12, whereas the inner edge part 321 rests against an inner side of the switching chamber cover 12 when the switching chamber cover 12 is installed, as can be seen in Figures 1H and 1J. The edge structure 32 can particularly preferably have a height which is equal to the height of the collar structure 312. If the edge structure 32 has regions with different heights, such as the described inner edge part 321 and outer edge part 322, the height of the edge structure 32 designates its maximum height, in this case the first height.

[0073] Furthermore, the edge structure 32 has spring elements 324, which are parts of the outer edge part 322. Instead of the four spring elements 324 shown, more or fewer spring elements can also be present. The spring elements 324 can, for example, be designed in the form of leaf springs and, in the assembled state of the switching chamber 11, exert a force on the switching chamber cover 12, so that the switching chamber base 13 can be held between the switching chamber cover 12 and the flange 10 by a clamping force without any further fastening measures.

[0074] Figures 2A to 2C show sections of the switching device 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment, in which, in comparison to the previous exemplary embodiment, the magnet armature 5 has a bridge holder 72 which, unlike in the previous exemplary embodiment, is firmly connected to the axis 7. The bridge holder 72 is formed on the axis 7 and, in comparison to the previous exemplary embodiment, has the support element 70. The contact spring 71 is supported on the support element 70 and directly on the underside of the movable contact 4. As can be seen in Figure 2A, the bridge holder 72 also has an armature part 75 with locking lugs which form a bayonet lock with a suitably shaped opening in the movable contact 4. By inserting the anchor part 75 into the opening of the movable contact 4 and rotating the movable contact 4, for example by 90 °, the movable contact 4 can be locked on the bridge holder 72.Further features and embodiments of the bridge holder of the embodiment of Figures 2A to 2C are described in the earlier publication WO 2020 / 187586 A1, the disclosure content of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

[0075] Due to the previously described configurations of the switching chamber base 13 and in particular of the ventilation openings, continuous ventilation of the switching chamber 11 can be achieved regardless of the specific shape of the bridge holder and in particular of the support element.

[0076] The features and exemplary embodiments described in conjunction with the figures can be combined with one another according to further exemplary embodiments, even if not all combinations are explicitly described. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments described in conjunction with the figures can alternatively or additionally have further features according to the description in the general part. The invention is not limited to these by the description based on the exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses any new feature and any combination of features, which in particular includes any combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the patent claims or exemplary embodiments.

[0077] Reference symbol list

[0078] I Housing

[0079] 2 , 3 fixed contact

[0080] 4 movable contact

[0081] 5 magnet armatures

[0082] 6 magnetic core

[0083] 7 Axis

[0084] 8 coil

[0085] 9 yoke

[0086] 10 Flange

[0087] II Switching chamber

[0088] 12 Switching chamber cover

[0089] 13 Switching chamber base

[0090] 14 gas-tight area

[0091] 15 Blow magnet

[0092] 19 Opening

[0093] 21 spring

[0094] 30 floor space

[0095] 31 Bridge structure

[0096] 32 Edge structure

[0097] 33 Opening

[0098] 70 support element

[0099] 71 Contact spring

[0100] 72 bridge holders

[0101] 73 Intermediate disc

[0102] 74 Fastening nut

[0103] 75 Anchor part

[0104] 91 vertical direction

[0105] 92 Longitudinal direction

[0106] 93 Transverse direction

[0107] 100 switching device

[0108] 101 Jus tage element interior

[0109] Floor area

[0110] web

[0111] Collar structure

[0112] Top sleeve-shaped guide area

[0113] bottom

[0114] Ventilation duct

[0115] Ventilation opening

[0116] ventilation channel

[0117] inner edge part

[0118] outer edge part

[0119] On a long surface

[0120] spring element

Claims

Patent claims 1. Switching chamber (11) for a switching device (100) , comprising at least one switching chamber floor (13) , wherein the switching chamber floor (13) is located on an interior (110) the inner side of the switching chamber (11) has a floor surface (30) with a rib structure (31) which extends from the floor surface (30) into the interior (110).

2. Switching chamber (11) according to claim 1, wherein the floor surface (30) has a plurality of floor areas (301) separated from each other by the web structure (31).

3. Switching chamber (11) according to claim 2, wherein the floor surface (30) has a total area and each of the plurality of floor areas (301) has an area which is less than or equal to 20% of the total area.

4. Switching chamber (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the web structure (31) has at least one web (311) that separates at least two bottom areas from each other.

5. Switching chamber (11) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one web (311) has a height greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm.

6. Switching chamber (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the web structure (31) forms a honeycomb structure.

7. Switching chamber (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching chamber floor (13) has an opening (33) for The passage of an axis (7) of the switching device (100) and the web structure (31) has a collar structure (312) raised above the base surface (30) that surrounds the opening (33).

8. Switching chamber (11) according to claim 7, wherein the collar structure (312) has a height greater than the height of at least one web (311) of the web structure ( 31 ) is .

9. Switching chamber (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom surface (30) is surrounded by a circumferential raised edge structure (32) and the edge structure (32) has a height that is greater than the height of at least one web (311) of the web structure (31).

10. Switching chamber (11) according to claim 7 and 9 or according to claim 8, wherein the edge structure (32) and the collar structure (312) have the same height.

11. Switching chamber according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the edge structure (32) has an inner edge part (321) with a first height and an outer edge part (322) with a second height, wherein the first height is greater than the second height, wherein the outer edge part (322) has a bearing surface (323) for a switching chamber cover (12) of the switching chamber (11) and wherein the edge structure (32) has at least one spring element (324) which is part of the bearing surface. Switching chamber (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching chamber base (13) has spring elements (324) that are parts of an outer rim part (322) and are designed in the form of leaf springs. Switching chamber (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching chamber base (13) has a sleeve-shaped guide area (314) on an outer surface opposite the inner surface for guiding an axis (7) of the switching device (100). Switching chamber (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a ventilation channel (316) extends from an outer surface of the switching chamber (11) into the interior and opens into the interior via a ventilation opening (317) in a collar structure (312) of the web structure (31). Switching chamber (11) according to claims 13 and 14, wherein a ventilation groove (318) is provided on an outer surface of the sleeve-shaped guide area (314), which transitions into the ventilation channel (316).Switching chamber (11) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the ventilation opening (317) is arranged in the interior of the switching chamber (11) on a top surface (313) of the collar structure (312). Switching chamber (11) according to claim 14, wherein the ventilation opening (317) is arranged spaced apart from the bottom surface (30). Switching chamber (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching chamber bottom (13) is formed in one piece from a single piece of material. is formed from plastic material and that Plastic material consisting of one or more materials selected from polyoxymethylene, polybutylene terephthalate and polyamide, and containing a glass fiber content of less than or equal to 50%.

19. Switching device (100) , comprising - a switching chamber (11) according to one of the preceding claims and - at least one fixed contact (2, 3) and one movable contact (4) in the switching chamber (11) , wherein the switching chamber contains a gas (14) which has H2 .

20. Switching device (100) according to claim 19, further comprising a magnetic drive with an axis (7) which projects into the switching chamber (11) through an opening (33) in the switching chamber floor (13), wherein the magnetic drive has a fixed yoke (9) over which the switching chamber (11) is arranged, and wherein the switching chamber floor (13) has on an outer side facing away from the interior of the switching chamber (11) a sleeve-shaped guide area (314) which projects into an opening of the yoke (9).

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