Contact arrangement counteracting lift-off

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact arrangement (1) with a proximal fixed contact arrangement (2) having a proximal fixed contact section (2a), with a distal fixed contact arrangement (4) having a distal fixed contact section (4a), with a contact bridge (6a) movable in a switching direction (8) from an open position (10a) to a closed position (10b), which contacts the proximal and distal fixed contact sections in the closed position (10b) and electrically connects them to each other, and which is spaced apart from the proximal and distal fixed contact sections in the open position, and wherein the proximal fixed contact arrangement has a proximal base (14) and the distal fixed contact arrangement has a distal base (16), wherein the proximal fixed contact section projects from the proximal base in the direction of the distal base and the distal fixed contact section projects from the distal base in the direction of the proximal base, and wherein the contact bridge is arranged at least in the closed position at a height (18a) in the switching direction, which lies both between a height (18b) in the switching direction of the proximal base and a height (18c) in the switching direction of the proximal fixed contact section, and between a height (18d) in the switching direction of the distal base and the height (18e) in the switching direction of the distal fixed contact section. Such a contact arrangement or switching device reduces the risk of the contact bridge lifting in the event of a short circuit and thus the formation of arcs.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact arrangement for a switching device such as a relay or contactor, as well as a switching device with such a contact arrangement, in particular for use in electromobility.

[0002] Electrical switching devices such as relays or contactors are used to switch electrical currents. Switching devices usually have a contact bridge that serves to open or close the circuit. When closed, the contact bridge is in contact with fixed contacts, while when open, it is spaced apart from the fixed contacts.

[0003] In the field of electromobility, for example during charging or in the drive train, very high currents of up to 27 kA and more occur in the event of a short circuit. Such high currents generate a repulsive force that pushes the contact bridge away from the fixed contacts. When the contact bridge is pushed away from the fixed contacts, arcing may occur, which may damage or even destroy the switching device. The contact bridge should therefore remain in contact with the fixed contacts at least until a fuse in the circuit trips.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide means that meet the requirements defined above.

[0005] This object is solved by a contact arrangement for a switching device such as a relay or contactor, with a proximal fixed contact arrangement having a proximal fixed contact section, with a distal fixed contact arrangement having a distal fixed contact section, with a contact bridge movable in a switching direction from an open position to a closed position, which in the closed position contacts the proximal and distal fixed contact sections and electrically connects them to each other, and which in the open position is spaced apart from the proximal and distal fixed contact sections, and wherein the proximal fixed contact arrangement has a proximal base and the distal fixed contact arrangement has a distal base, wherein the proximal fixed contact section projects from the proximal base in the direction of the distal base and the distal fixed contact section projects from the distal base in the direction of the proximal base, and wherein the contact bridge is arranged, at least in the closed position, at a height in the switching direction which is both between a height in the switching direction of the proximal base and a height in the switching direction of the proximal fixed contact section and between a height in the switching direction of the distal base and the height in the switching direction of the distal fixed contact section.

[0006] When an electric current flows through the above contact arrangement during operation, strong electromagnetic forces are generated, particularly in the area of the bases. Since the contact bridge is, in the switching direction, arranged between the bases and the fixed contact sections at least in its closed position, these electromagnetic forces press the contact bridge against the fixed contact sections, which at least makes it more difficult for the contact bridge to lift off the fixed contact sections and reduces the risk of arcing.

[0007] The above invention may be further improved by the following features, each of which is advantageous in itself and may be combined with each other as desired.

[0008] The proximal and distal bases may each be designed to be connected to a current conductor such as a busbar, a terminal, a contact bolt, a contact pin or an electrical plug.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment, the proximal base and the distal base may be opposite each other in a reference direction, wherein a direction in which switching contacts of the contact bridge are spaced apart from each other may extend perpendicular to the switching direction and at an angle to the reference direction. Such a contact arrangement is particularly compact in the reference direction.

[0010] A contact arrangement that is particularly compact in the reference direction is present when the angle to the reference direction is 90°. Of course, according to other embodiments, the contact bridge may also extend at a different angle, for example at an angle of approximately 45° to the reference direction.

[0011] The switching contacts of the contact bridge may be designed to rest, in the closed position, against the proximal fixed contact section or the distal fixed contact section. In particular, the contact bridge may contact the proximal or distal fixed contact section in the closed position exclusively via the switching contacts of the contact bridge.

[0012] The direction in which the switching contacts of the contact bridge are spaced apart from each other may correspond to a longitudinal direction of the contact bridge.

[0013] The contact arrangement is particularly compact in the reference direction if the proximal fixed contact section and the distal fixed contact section are adjacent to each other at least in sections with respect to the direction along which the switching contacts of the contact bridge are spaced apart from each other and, in particular, overlap at least in sections.

[0014] Longitudinal axes of the proximal base and / or the distal base may extend along the direction in which the switching contacts of the contact bridge are spaced apart from each other and / or along the longitudinal axis of the contact bridge.

[0015] A width of the proximal base measured in a width direction may be greater than a width of the proximal fixed contact section measured in the width direction. Similarly, a width of the distal base measured in the width direction may be greater than a width of the distal fixed contact section measured in the width direction. The width direction here extends perpendicular to the switching direction and perpendicular to the reference direction. In these embodiments, the electromagnetic forces occurring during operation that counteract the lifting of the contact bridge are particularly large.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the proximal fixed contact arrangement may have a further proximal fixed contact section and the distal fixed contact arrangement may have a further distal fixed contact section, wherein the proximal fixed contact section is connected to the further proximal fixed contact section via the proximal base, and wherein the distal fixed contact section is connected to the further distal fixed contact section, and the contact arrangement may comprise a further contact bridge movable in the switching direction from a further open position to a further closed position, which in the further closed position contacts the further proximal and the further distal fixed contact sections and electrically connects them to each other, and which in the further open position is spaced apart from the further proximal and further distal fixed contact sections, wherein the further contact bridge is arranged, at least in the further closed position, at a height in the switching direction which is both between the height in the switching direction of the proximal base and a height in the switching direction of the further proximal fixed contact section and between the height in the switching direction of the distal base and a height in the switching direction of the further distal fixed contact section.

[0017] If the aforementioned contact arrangement is integrated into a circuit during operation, the current to be switched at the proximal and distal bases is divided into two parallel current paths, in particular halved. As a result, a lower current flows in each of the two current paths, reducing the risk of lifting in the event of a short circuit. This may at least partially prevent the formation of arcs and thus damage to the contact arrangement.

[0018] The above statements, which relate the height of the contact bridges in the switching direction to the heights of the bases and fixed contact sections in the switching direction, may also apply to the contact bridge in the open position and to the further contact bridge in the further open position.

[0019] Preferably, the height of the contact bridge is understood to be the height of a centre plane of the contact bridge, and the height of the further contact bridge is understood to be the height of a centre plane of the further contact bridge. The height of the proximal base may refer to a height of a side of the proximal base facing the contact bridge or contact bridges, and the height of the distal base may refer to a height of a side of the distal base facing the contact bridge or contact bridges. The heights of the fixed contact sections may be understood to mean the heights of the sides of the fixed contact sections facing the contact bridge or bridges.

[0020] Preferably, the proximal and distal bases, in particular the planes spanned by the proximal and distal bases, extend parallel to each other or lie in a common base plane. In an advantageous embodiment, the proximal base, in particular a plane spanned by the proximal base, extends parallel to the proximal fixed contact section and / or to the further proximal fixed contact section and / or parallel to the contact bridge and / or to the further contact bridge. The distal base, in particular a plane spanned by the distal base, preferably extends parallel to the distal fixed contact section and / or to the further distal fixed contact section and / or parallel to the contact bridge and / or to the further contact bridge.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the proximal fixed contact section may be spaced from the proximal base by a first proximal offset and the distal fixed contact section may be spaced from the distal base by a first distal offset in the switching direction, and / or the further proximal fixed contact section may be spaced apart from the proximal base by a second proximal offset and the further distal fixed contact section may be spaced apart from the distal base by a second distal offset in the switching direction. In this embodiment, the offsets between the bases and the fixed contact sections create space in the switching direction in which the contact bridges can be accommodated, which makes the contact arrangement particularly compact.

[0022] When this document refers to a "contact bridge" in general, it may mean the contact bridge or the further contact bridge; "fixed contact arrangements" may refer to the proximal or distal fixed contact arrangement, and "bases" may refer to the proximal or distal base. Similarly, "fixed contact sections" may refer to the proximal fixed contact section or the further proximal fixed contact section, or the distal fixed contact section or the further distal fixed contact section. Likewise, "offsets" may refer to the first or second proximal offset or the first or second distal offset.

[0023] The offsets may be between approximately twice and approximately three times the thickness of the contact bridges and / or the fixed contact sections or the bases, measured in the switching direction. In one embodiment, the offsets are between approximately 3 mm and approximately 5 mm. The term "approximately" may refer to a deviation of approximately 10%.

[0024] The offset in the switching direction between a base and a fixed contact section may be measured between a side of this fixed contact section facing the contact bridges and a side of this base facing the contact bridges. Alternatively, the offset in the switching direction between a base and a fixed contact section may be measured between a side of this fixed contact section facing the contact bridges and a side of this base facing away from the contact bridges.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first proximal offset and the first distal offset may be identical, and the second proximal offset and the second distal offset may be identical, and the first proximal offset and the first distal offset may be different from the second proximal offset and the second distal offset. In this way, the contact bridge may contact the proximal and distal fixed contact sections earlier or later than the further contact bridge may contact the further proximal and distal fixed contact sections. The contact bridges may therefore switch in quick succession, which is particularly advantageous when switching high currents.

[0026] If the proximal and distal bases in the aforementioned design lie in the same plane, the contact bridge in the closed position may be, in the switching direction, spaced apart from the further contact bridge in the further closed position.

[0027] In a design that is particularly easy to construct and manufacture, all offsets, i.e. the first proximal and the first distal offset as well as the second proximal and the second distal offset, may be identical.

[0028] In a particularly cost-effective design of the contact arrangement, the proximal fixed contact arrangement may be identical to the distal fixed contact arrangement.

[0029] The proximal and distal fixed contact arrangements may be opposite each other in the reference direction, which preferably runs perpendicular to the switching direction and along the longitudinal axes of the contact bridges. In particular, the first proximal fixed contact section may be opposite the first distal fixed contact section in the reference direction. Similarly, the second proximal fixed contact section may be opposite the second distal fixed contact section in the reference direction.

[0030] The contact bridges may each have at least two spaced-apart switching contacts that are configured to contact the fixed contact sections. A direction along which the switching contacts are spaced apart may extend along a longitudinal axis of the contact bridge provided with the switching contacts. Alternatively or cumulatively, the fixed contact arrangements may have switching contacts in their fixed contact sections, which are designed to be contacted by the contact bridges, in particular by the switching contacts of the contact bridges.

[0031] A contact arrangement to which other elements, such as current conductors, can be easily mounted is obtained when the proximal and / or distal base has or have at least one flat side pointing in the switching direction. Preferably, both bases, i.e. the proximal base and the distal base, have at least one such flat side. Preferably, both bases each have two flat sides facing each other in the switching direction.

[0032] The bases may essentially have the shape of a cuboid whose base and top surface correspond to the flat sides. A distance between the base and the top surface of the cuboid may be measured along the switching direction.

[0033] Normal axes of the flat sides or normal axes of the base surface and top surface of the cuboid may point in the switching direction.

[0034] In order to be able to easily integrate the contact arrangement into a circuit, the proximal base may have at least one connection means for receiving and / or fastening at least one current conductor, and / or the distal base may have at least one connection means for receiving and / or fastening at least one current conductor.

[0035] The connection means may have at least one opening, in particular a through-opening. A longitudinal axis of the opening preferably extends in or perpendicular to the switching direction. The opening may be designed to accommodate at least one connecting element such as a screw or a bolt and / or to accommodate the current conductor at least in sections.

[0036] The connection means, in particular the opening, may be arranged at least in sections between the proximal and distal fixed contact sections or between the further proximal and further distal fixed contact sections.

[0037] If both the proximal and distal bases each have a connection means, these connection means may be opposite each other in relation to the reference direction.

[0038] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one connecting means may comprise a connection tab configured to be connected to the at least one current conductor. Such a contact arrangement is easily accessible by the connection tab for the current conductor(s) even in complex, particularly confined installation situations.

[0039] Preferably, the connection means of both bases, i.e. the proximal base and the distal base, each have at least one connection tab. Furthermore, at least one of the bases may have several connection tabs, for example two, three or five connection tabs. The connection tabs may be arranged on the same or on different sides of the respective base. In one embodiment, all connection tabs of a base may be arranged on the same side of this base. Preferably, all connection tabs of a base, and more preferably all connection tabs of both bases, run parallel to each other. In particular, the longitudinal axes of the connection tabs of a base, preferably the longitudinal axes of all connection tabs of both bases, may run parallel to each other.

[0040] The at least one connection tab of a base may be inclined at an angle of approximately 45° to approximately 90° to the rest of this base.

[0041] The at least one opening of a base may be arranged in the connection tab of this base.

[0042] In order to make the contact arrangement compact in the direction perpendicular to the switching direction, the at least one connection tab, in particular a longitudinal axis of the at least one connection tab, may, according to a further advantageous embodiment, extend at least in sections, preferably completely, along the switching direction.

[0043] According to a further aspect, the contact arrangement may be designed such that the at least one connection tab does not intersect planes spanned by the proximal fixed contact section and the distal fixed contact section and / or spanned by the further proximal fixed contact section and the further distal fixed contact section, respectively. In other words, the at least one connection tab may be spaced apart from the planes spanned by the proximal fixed contact section and the further proximal fixed contact section and by the distal fixed contact section and the further distal fixed contact section, in particular in the switching direction. By ensuring the distance between the connection tab and the fixed contact sections, arcing to the connection tabs, which may damage the current conductors connected to the connection tab or other components, may be prevented. In a further embodiment, the at least one connection tab may not intersect the planes spanned by the contact bridges.

[0044] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the contact arrangement may have transition sections, wherein the proximal fixed contact section and the further proximal fixed contact section are each connected to the proximal base via one of the transition sections, and / or wherein the distal fixed contact section and the further distal fixed contact section are each connected to the distal base via one of the transition sections, wherein the transition sections extend substantially along the switching direction. When the contact bridge and / or the further contact bridge are each in their closed position, current flows through the contact arrangement during operation and thus also through the transition sections. Since these extend essentially in the switching direction, electromagnetic forces arise in the transition sections, which press the contact bridge or bridges against their respective fixed contact sections intended for contacting. This improves the electrical contact, in particular by preventing the contact bridge or bridges from lifting off the fixed contact sections.

[0045] In one embodiment, at least one of the transition sections may have an angle between approximately 0° and approximately 60°, in particular approximately 45°, to the switching direction.

[0046] At least one of the transition sections may have a curved shape, in particular an S-shape. Of course, the transition sections may also be designed differently and, for example, comprise at least one spacer, in particular be composed of several spacers.

[0047] Each transition section may be part, in particular an integral part, of a fixed contact section or a base.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, the proximal and distal fixed contact sections may together form a U-shape, and / or the further proximal and further distal fixed contact sections may together form a U-shape. Such a design is simple to implement in terms of construction and manufacturing.

[0049] In a stable and easy-to-assemble design of the contact arrangement, at least one of the fixed contact arrangements from the group of fixed contact arrangements comprising the proximal and distal fixed contact arrangements, but preferably both fixed contact arrangements, may be monolithically formed. Metal, in particular sheet metal, may serve as the material.

[0050] In a cost-effective and easy-to-manufacture design, at least one fixed contact arrangement from the group of fixed contact arrangements comprising the proximal and distal fixed contact arrangements, but preferably both fixed contact arrangements, may be designed as a stamped and bent part.

[0051] In order to prevent arcs that occur during switching from causing damage to the contact arrangement, the contact arrangement may have a blow-out device comprising at least one blow-out magnet, wherein the blow-out device is designed to generate at least one magnetic field for deflecting arcs generated in the open position or in the further open position.

[0052] According to a further advantageous design, at least one blow-out magnet of the blow-out device may be arranged between the contact bridge and the further contact bridge. In this way, arcs can be deflected particularly effectively, while the contact arrangement is compact at the same time.

[0053] The blowout device may comprise at least one stack of arc splitting blades designed to absorb the arcs deflected by the at least one blowout magnet.

[0054] The blow-out magnet may be understood to mean a device known in German as an "Ausblasmagnet", and the arc splitting blades may correspond to the term "Lichtbogenspaltklingen" used in German.

[0055] The object is also solved by an electrical switching device with a contact arrangement and a drive device designed to move the contact bridge in the switching direction from the open position to the closed position and / or the further contact bridge in the switching direction from the further open position to the further closed position. As already explained above, the contact bridge or bridges of the contact arrangement are pressed against the fixed contacts during operation. This means that the drive device only has to apply lower closing forces. This counteracts the lifting of the contact bridge or bridges, which reduces the risk of arcing. In addition, the drive device is relieved, which reduces wear.

[0056] Preferably, the contact bridges are moved together by the drive device. The contact bridges may be arranged at the same height in relation to the switching direction or may be offset from each other in the switching direction.

[0057] The drive device may have at least one drive rod which is connected to at least one of the contact bridges at least indirectly in a manner that transmits movement. The at least one drive rod may, for example, be supported by a spring on the at least one contact bridge.

[0058] The contact arrangements or switching devices described above may be used, for example, in the field of electromobility. In particular, the contact arrangements or switching devices may be used in drive and / or charging circuits of electric vehicles.

[0059] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Individual features present in the following embodiment may be omitted if, according to the above embodiments, the technical effect associated with this feature is not relevant. Conversely, a feature described above but not present in a subsequent embodiment may be added to the embodiment if the technical effect associated with this feature is important for a particular application.

[0060] In the following, the same reference symbols are used for elements that correspond to each other in terms of structure and / or function.

[0061] Shown: Fig. 1a schematic perspective view of a contact arrangement according to one possible embodiment; Fig. 2a schematic perspective side view of the contact arrangement from Fig. 1, in the closed positions; Fig. 3a schematic perspective side view of the contact arrangement from Fig. 1, in the open positions; Fig. 4a schematic perspective view of a contact arrangement according to a further possible embodiment; Fig. 5a schematic perspective side view of the contact arrangement from Fig. 4; Fig. 6a schematic perspective view of a contact arrangement according to another possible embodiment; Fig. 7a schematic perspective view of a contact arrangement according to yet another possible embodiment; Fig. 8a schematic perspective view of a contact arrangement connected to current conductors; Fig. 9a schematic perspective view of a switching device according to a possible embodiment; Fig. 10a schematic perspective view of a contact arrangement according to a further embodiment; Fig. 11a schematic perspective view of a contact arrangement according to yet another embodiment; and Fig. 12a schematic perspective view of a contact arrangement according to yet another embodiment.

[0062] A contact arrangement according to a possible embodiment is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0063] The contact arrangement 1 has a proximal fixed contact arrangement 2, a distal fixed contact arrangement 4, a contact bridge 6a and a further contact bridge 6b. Both contact bridges 6a, 6b are movable along a switching direction 8. The contact bridge 6a is movable from an open position 10a to a closed position 10b, and the further contact bridge 6b is movable from a further open position 12a to a further closed position 12b.

[0064] In the embodiment shown, the proximal fixed contact arrangement 2 is opposite the distal fixed contact arrangement 4 in a reference direction 11 that extends perpendicular to the switching direction 8. However, the fixed contact arrangements 2, 4 do not have to be identical, as shown in Fig. 1, and in particular do not both have to be designed as monolithic stamped and bent parts.

[0065] The proximal fixed contact arrangement 2 has a proximal fixed contact section 2a and a further proximal fixed contact section 2b, while the distal fixed contact arrangement 4 comprises a distal fixed contact section 4a and a further distal fixed contact section 4b.

[0066] In the closed position 10b, the contact bridge 6a rests on the proximal fixed contact section 2a and the distal fixed contact section 4a and electrically connects the proximal fixed contact section 2a to the distal fixed contact section 4a. The further contact bridge 6b contacts the further proximal and the further distal fixed contact section 2b, 4b in the further closed position 12b and electrically connects the further proximal and the further distal fixed contact section 2b, 4b to each other. In the first open position 10a, the contact bridge 6a is spaced apart from the proximal and distal fixed contact sections 2a, 4a in switching direction 8. In the further open position 12a, the further contact bridge 6b is spaced apart from the further proximal and further distal fixed contact sections 2b, 4b in switching direction 8.

[0067] The proximal fixed contact section 2a and the further proximal fixed contact section 2b are connected to each other via a proximal base 14, while a distal base 16 connects the distal fixed contact section 4a and the further distal fixed contact section 4b.

[0068] The contact bridge 6a, which is shown in Figs. 1 to 2 in the closed position 10b, has a height 18a in switching direction 8, which lies both between a height 18b in switching direction 8 of the proximal base 14 and a height 18c in switching direction 8 of the proximal fixed contact section 2a, and between a height 18d in switching direction 8 of the distal base 16 and a height 18e in switching direction 8 of the distal fixed contact section 4a. Similarly, a height 18f of the further contact bridge 6b, which is shown in Figs. 1 to 2 in the further closed position 12b, is located both between the height 18b in switching direction 8 of the proximal base 14 and a height 18g in switching direction 8 of the further proximal fixed contact section 2b and between the height 18d in switching direction 8 of the distal base 16 and a height 18h in switching direction 8 of the further distal fixed contact section 4b. In other embodiments, these positional relationships may additionally apply to the contact bridge 6a in the open position 10a and to the further contact bridge 6b in the further open position 12a.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the proximal fixed contact section 2a and the further proximal fixed contact section 2b are spaced apart from the proximal base 14, and the distal fixed contact section 4a and the further distal fixed contact section 4b are spaced apart from the distal base 16 by an offset 20 in the switching direction 8. In this embodiment, the offsets 20 are measured in switching direction 8 between the sides of the respective fixed contact sections 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b facing the contact bridges 6a, 6b and the sides of the respective bases 14, 16 facing the contact bridges 6a, 6b.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, there is a first proximal offset 22a between the proximal base 14 and the proximal fixed contact section 2a, a second proximal offset 22b between the proximal base 14 and the further proximal fixed contact section 2b, a first distal offset 24a between the distal base 16 and the distal fixed contact section 4a, and a second distal offset 24b between the distal base 16 and the further distal fixed contact section 4b. Of course, in other embodiments, at least two of the offsets 20, 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b, for example the first proximal offset 22a and the first distal offset 24a, may be different from each other.

[0071] A design with various offsets 20, 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b is shown purely as an example in Figs. 4 and 5. The contact arrangement 1 shown there has - just like the contact arrangement 1 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 - a proximal fixed contact arrangement 2 and a distal fixed contact arrangement 4. In the embodiment shown, the first proximal offset 22a is identical to the first distal offset 24a, and the second proximal offset 22b is identical to the second distal offset 24b. However, the first proximal and distal offsets 22a, 24a are different from the second proximal and distal offsets 22b, 24b. Since the proximal and distal bases 14, 16 in the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 and 5 are located in the same plane, in particular with respect to the switching direction 8 at the same height 18b, 18d, the contact bridge 6a in its closed position 10b and the further contact bridge 6b in its further closed position 12b are spaced apart from each other in switching direction 8. Of course, it is also conceivable that the proximal and distal bases 14, 16 are offset relative to each other in switching direction 8, i.e. have different heights 18b, 18d in switching direction 8. The design shown in Figs. 4 and 5 may allow the contact bridges 6a, 6b to open or close one after the other during switching. This is particularly advantageous when switching high currents.

[0072] As can be clearly seen in Fig. 2, the offsets 20, 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b may, for example, be between approximately one and three times the thickness 26 of at least one of the fixed contact sections 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b and / or at least one of the bases 14, 16. The values of the offsets 20, 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b may be, for example, between approximately 3 mm and approximately 5 mm.

[0073] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, both bases 14, 16, i.e. the proximal base 14 and the distal base 16, have, for example, two flat sides 28 pointing in the switching direction 8. The flat sides 28 may each have normal axes 30 extending parallel to the switching direction 8. The two flat sides 28 may be opposite each other with respect to the switching direction 8. Of course, in other embodiments, at least one of the bases 14, 16 may also have more than two flat sides 28 or only a single flat side 28 or no flat side 28 at all.

[0074] Via their respective bases 14, 16, the fixed contact arrangements 2, 4 may be integratable into a circuit which may be closed or opened by switching the contact bridges 6a, 6b. The bases 14, 16 may, for example, be connectable or connected to current conductors 32, as may be seen in Figs. 1 to 3. The current conductors 32 may not, as in the embodiment shown, be designed as contact bolts, but may also be designed as bus bars, contact pins, or contact sockets, for example. Fig. 8, for example, shows a contact arrangement 1 connected to two bus bars. In this embodiment, one of the bus bars is arranged at the proximal base 14 of the proximal fixed contact arrangement 2, while the other bus bar rests against the distal base 16 of the distal fixed contact arrangement 4.

[0075] As can be seen in Fig. 1, at least one of the bases 14, 16, but preferably both bases 14, 16, may have at least one connecting means 34 for receiving and / or fastening at least one current conductor 32. In the design according to Figs. 1 and 2, both bases 14, 16 are each provided with a connection means 34, which here, purely by way of example, have openings 36 whose longitudinal axes 38 extend in the switching direction 8. The connection means 34 may be opposite each other in the reference direction 11. Of course, the connection means 34 may also be designed differently, for example to accommodate a fastening means such as a screw, a bolt or a rivet. For this purpose, the connection means 34 may be provided with a thread.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 3, each fixed contact section 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b is connected to its respective base 14, 16 via a transition section 40, which is curved in this embodiment. The transition sections 40 may extend essentially along the switching direction 8 and, for example, may have an S-shape. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 1, the longitudinal axes 42 of the transition sections 40 may be inclined at an angle of inclination 44 to the switching direction 8. The angle may preferably assume values between approximately 0° and approximately 60°.

[0077] Fig. 6 shows a contact arrangement 1 with the proximal and distal fixed contact arrangements 2, 4, wherein both bases 14, 16, i.e. the proximal base 14 and the distal base 16, are additionally provided with a connection tab 46. In the embodiment shown, both connection tabs 46 extend parallel to each other and in the switching direction 8, purely by way of example. The connection tabs 46 may point away from the fixed contact sections 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b and / or contact bridges 6a, 6b and do not intersect planes spanned by the fixed contact sections 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b and / or planes spanned by the contact bridges 6a, 6b.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, an angle 48 between longitudinal axes 50 of a connection tab 46 and the rest of the base 14, 16, in particular to the flat sides 28 of the base 14, 16, from which this connection tab 46 protrudes, is 90°. Of course, in other embodiments, at least one connection tab 46 may extend at an angle 48 deviating from 90°, for example at an angle 48 between approximately 0° and approximately 90°.

[0079] Of course, in other embodiments, not both bases 14, 16 need to be provided with a connection tab 46. For example, only the proximal base 14 or only the distal base 16 may comprise at least one connection tab 46. Similarly, a base 14, 16 may also have more than one, for example two, three or five connection tabs 46. The connection tabs 46 may preferably extend parallel to each other. Alternatively or cumulatively, the connection tabs 46 may be arranged on the same side of a base 14, 16 or on at least two different sides of a base 14, 16.

[0080] Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of a contact arrangement 1. The contact arrangement 1 shown corresponds in its structure largely to the contact arrangement 1 from Fig. 1. However, the contact arrangement 1 shown in Fig. 7 additionally comprises a blow-off device 52 (shown here as a dashed line). The blow-off device 52 is designed to generate at least one magnetic field for deflecting arcs generated when the contact bridges 6a, 6b are switched. In the design according to Fig. 7, the blow-off device 52 only has a single deflection magnet 54, which is arranged here purely as an example between the contact bridge 6a and the further contact bridge 6b.

[0081] Finally, an electrical switching device 56 is briefly described with reference to Fig. 9. The switching device 56 comprises a contact arrangement 1, the structure of which corresponds here purely by way of example to that of the contact arrangement 1 shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The switching device 56 also has a drive device 60 which moves the contact bridges 6a, 6b in switching direction 8. The drive device 60 does not have to move the contact bridges 6a, 6b separately or independently of each other, as in the design described here, but may also move them together. The drive device 60 may have at least one drivable drive rod 58 that may be driven in the switching direction 8, via which a movement in the switching direction 8 may be transmitted at least indirectly to the contact bridges 6a, 6b. For switching, the drive device 60, here exemplarily in the form of the drive rods 58, transmits a movement to the contact bridges 6a, 6b in order to move them in switching direction 8 towards or away from the fixed contact sections 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b. In this way, the drive device 60 may move the contact bridge 6a from the open position 10a (not shown here) to the closed position 10b, and the further contact bridge 6b from the further open position 12a (not shown here) to the further closed position 12b.

[0082] The aforementioned embodiments of contact arrangement 1 each had two contact bridges, namely contact bridge 6a and the further contact bridge 6b. However, contact arrangements 1 with a single contact bridge 6a are also capable of solving the object mentioned at the outset. The following therefore describes further embodiments with reference to Figs. 10 to 12, in which the contact arrangement 1 has only a single contact bridge, namely only the contact bridge 6a.

[0083] Fig. 10 shows a contact arrangement 1 with the proximal fixed contact arrangement 2, the distal fixed contact arrangement 4 and the contact bridge 6a, which is movable along the switching direction 8. The contact bridge 6a shown in Fig. 10 is in the open position 10a, so that the contact bridge 6a is spaced apart from the proximal and distal fixed contact sections 2a, 4a in the switching direction 8. In the present embodiment, a direction 64 along which switching contacts 62 of the contact bridge 6a are spaced apart from each other extends, for example, along the reference direction 11 and perpendicular to the switching direction 8.

[0084] In the embodiment shown, the proximal fixed contact arrangement 2 is opposite the distal fixed contact arrangement 4 in the reference direction 11, which extends perpendicular to the switching direction 8. The proximal fixed contact arrangement 2 has the proximal fixed contact section 2a, which protrudes from the proximal base 14 in the direction of the distal base 16, while the distal fixed contact arrangement 4 comprises the distal fixed contact section 4a, which protrudes from the distal base 16 in the direction of the proximal base 14. In the present embodiment, the fixed contact sections 2a, 4a may face each other in the reference direction 11.

[0085] The contact bridge 6a has a height 18a in the switching direction 8, which, even in the open position 10a shown here, may lie between a height 18b in switching direction 8 of the proximal base 14 and a height 18c in switching direction 8 of the proximal fixed contact section 2a, as well as between a height 18d in switching direction 8 of the distal base 16 and a height 18e in switching direction 8 of the distal fixed contact section 4a.

[0086] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the proximal fixed contact section 2a and the distal fixed contact section 4a are spaced apart from both bases 14, 16 by an offset 20 in switching direction 8. In this embodiment, the offsets 20 are measured in switching direction 8 between the sides of the respective fixed contact sections 2a, 4a facing the contact bridge 6a and the sides of the respective bases 14, 16 facing the contact bridge 6a. As can be seen from Fig. 10, a first proximal offset 22a between the proximal base 14 and the proximal fixed contact section 2a and a first distal offset 24a between the distal base 16 and the distal fixed contact section 4a may be identical. As already illustrated in the embodiments of the contact arrangement 1 with two contact bridges 6a, 6b, the offsets 20, 22a, 24a may of course also be different from one another.

[0087] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, each fixed contact section 2a, 4a may be connected to its respective base 14, 16 via a transition section 40. The transition sections 40 are shown here as examples and are slightly S-shaped. The transition sections 40 may extend essentially along the switching direction 8.

[0088] Both the proximal base 14 and the distal base 16 may each have at least one connecting means 34, which are exemplary designed here as connection tabs 46. In the embodiment shown, both connection tabs 46 run parallel to each other and in the switching direction 8. In the embodiment according to Fig. 10, the connection tabs 46 may not penetrate the planes spanned by the fixed contact sections 2a, 4a and the contact bridges 6a. The angle 48 between the longitudinal axes 50 of a connection tab 46 and the rest of the base 14 or 16, in particular the flat sides 28 of the base 14 or 16 from which the connection tab 46 protrudes, is, purely by way of example, 90°.

[0089] Fig. 11 shows a particularly advantageous design of a contact arrangement 1, whose contact bridge 6a is rotated by 90° compared to the design shown in Fig. 10. In the present embodiment, the direction 64 along which the switching contacts 62 of the contact bridge 6a are spaced apart from each other extends perpendicular to the switching direction 8 and at an angle 66 to the reference direction 11. In the present embodiment, the direction 64 along which the switching contacts 62 of the contact bridge 6a are spaced apart from each other extends parallel to a longitudinal axis 68 of the contact bridge 6a. As can be seen from Fig. 11, the angle 66 to the reference direction 11 is preferably 90°. Of course, in other embodiments, the contact bridge 6a may also be oriented at a different angle 66 to the reference direction 11, for example at an angle 66 of approximately 45° or at other acute angles.

[0090] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the proximal base 14 and the distal base 16 may face each other in the reference direction 11. Each base 14, 16 may be provided with a connection means 34 to which or via which at least one current conductor 32 may be connected. In the present embodiment, the connection means 34 are designed purely as examples as openings 36 whose longitudinal axes 38 extend in the switching direction 8. Of course, the connection means 34 may also be designed differently. In particular, connection means 34 of such contact arrangements 1, whose contact bridge 6a is arranged at an angle 66 to the reference direction 11, may also have at least one connection tab 46. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, both the proximal base 14 and the distal base 16, may each have at least one connection tab 46, the longitudinal axes 50 of which may extend, for example, parallel to each other and in the switching direction 8.

[0091] As can be seen from both Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, the proximal fixed contact section 2a and the distal fixed contact section 4a may lie next to each other, at least in sections, and in particular overlap each other, with respect to the direction 64 along which the switching contacts 62 of the contact bridge 6a are spaced apart from each other. In addition, longitudinal axes 70a, 70b of the proximal base 14 and / or the distal base 16 may extend along the direction 64, in particular along the longitudinal axis 68 of the respective contact bridge 6a.

[0092] As can be seen further in Fig. 12, a width 74 of the proximal base 14 measured in a width direction 72 may be greater than a width 76 of the proximal fixed contact section 2a measured in the width direction 72. Similarly, a width 78 of the distal base 16 measured in the width direction 72 may be greater than a width 80 of the distal fixed contact section 4a measured in the width direction 72. The width direction 72 here extends perpendicular to the switching direction 8 and perpendicular to the reference direction 11.Reference Numerals

[0093] 1Contact arrangement 2Proximal fixed contact arrangement 2aProximal fixed contact section 2bFurther proximal fixed contact section 4Distal fixed contact arrangement 4aDistal fixed contact section 4bFurther distal fixed contact section 6aContact bridge 6bFurther contact bridge 8Switching direction 10aOpen position 10bClosed position 11Reference direction 12aFurther open position 12bFurther closed position 14Proximal base 16Distal base 18aHeight of the contact bridge 18bHeight of the proximal base 18cHeight of the proximal fixed contact section 18dHeight of the distal base 18eHeight of the distal fixed contact section 18fHeight of the further contact bridge 18gHeight of the further proximal fixed contact section 18hHeight of the further distal fixed contact section 20Offset 22aFirst proximal offset 22bSecond proximal offset 24aFirst distal offset 24bSecond distal offset 26Thickness 28Flat side 30Normal axis 32Current conductor 34Connection means 36Opening 38Longitudinal axis of the opening 40Transition section 42Longitudinal axis of the transition section 44Angle of inclination 46Connection tab 48Angle of the connection tab 50Longitudinal axis of the connection tab 52Blow-out device 54Blow-out magnet 56Switching device 58Drive rod 60Drive device 62Switching contacts 64Direction along which switching contacts are spaced apart 66Angle to the reference direction 68Longitudinal axis of the contact bridge 70aLongitudinal axis of the proximal base 70bLongitudinal axis of the distal base 72Width direction 74Width of the proximal base 76Width of the proximal fixed contact section 78Width of the distal base 80Width of the distal fixed contact section

Claims

1. Contact arrangement (1) for a switching device (56) such as a relay or contactor, with a proximal fixed contact arrangement (2) having a proximal fixed contact section (2a), with a distal fixed contact arrangement (4) having a distal fixed contact section (4a), with a contact bridge (6a) movable in a switching direction (8) from an open position (10a) to a closed position (10b), which in the closed position (10b) contacts the proximal and distal fixed contact sections (2a, 4a) and electrically connects them to each other, and which in the open position (10a) is spaced apart from the proximal and distal fixed contact sections (2a, 4a), and wherein the proximal fixed contact arrangement (2) has a proximal base (14) and the distal fixed contact arrangement (4) has a distal base (16), wherein the proximal fixed contact section (2a) projects from the proximal base (14) in the direction of the distal base (16) and the distal fixed contact section (4a) projects from the distal base (16) in the direction of the proximal base (14), and wherein the contact bridge (6a) is arranged, at least in the closed position (10b), at a height (18a) in the switching direction (8) which is both between a height (18b) in the switching direction (8) of the proximal base (14) and a height (18c) in the switching direction (8) of the proximal fixed contact section (2a) and between a height (18d) in the switching direction (8) of the distal base (16) and a height (18e) in the switching direction (8) of the distal fixed contact section (4a).

2. Contact arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the proximal base (14) and the distal base (16) are opposite each other in a reference direction (11), and wherein a direction (64) in which switching contacts (62) of the contact bridge (6a) are spaced apart from each other extends perpendicular to the switching direction (8) and at an angle (66) to the reference direction (11).

3. Contact arrangement (1) according to claim 2, wherein the angle (66) is 90°.

4. Contact arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the proximal fixed contact arrangement (2) has a further proximal fixed contact section (2a) and the distal fixed contact arrangement (4) has a further distal fixed contact section (4a), and wherein the proximal fixed contact section (2a) is connected to the further proximal fixed contact section (2b) via the proximal base (14), and wherein the distal fixed contact section (4a) is connected to the further distal fixed contact section (4b), with a further contact bridge (6b) movable in the switching direction (8) from a further open position (12a) into a further closed position (12b), which in the further closed position (12b) contacts the further proximal and the further distal fixed contact section (2b, 4b) and electrically connects them to each other, and which in the further open position (12a) is spaced apart from the further proximal and the further distal fixed contact section (2b, 4b), and wherein the further contact bridge (6b) is arranged, at least in the further closed position (12b), at a height (18f) in the switching direction (8) which is both between the height (18b) in the switching direction (8) of the proximal base (14) and a height (18g) in the switching direction (8) of the further proximal fixed contact section (2a) and between the height (18d) in the switching direction (8) of the distal base (16) and a height (18h) in the switching direction (8) of the further distal fixed contact section (4a).

5. Contact arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the proximal fixed contact section (2a) is spaced from the proximal base (14) by a first proximal offset (22a) and the distal fixed contact section (4a) is spaced from the distal base (16) by a first distal offset (24a) in the switching direction (8), and / or wherein the further proximal fixed contact section (2b) is spaced from the proximal base (14) by a second proximal offset (22b) and the further distal fixed contact section (4b) is spaced from the distal base (16) by a second distal offset (24b) in the switching direction (8).

6. Contact arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the first proximal offset (22a) and the first distal offset (24a) are identical, and wherein the second proximal offset (22b) and the second distal offset (24b) are identical, and wherein the first proximal offset (22a) and the first distal offset (24a) are different from the second proximal offset (22b) and the second distal offset (24b).

7. Contact arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the proximal and / or distal bases (14, 16) have at least one flat side (28) pointing in the switching direction (8).

8. Contact arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the proximal base (14) has at least one connection means (34) for receiving and / or fastening at least one current conductor (32) and / or wherein the distal base (16) has at least one connection means (34) for receiving and / or fastening at least one current conductor (32).

9. Contact arrangement (1) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one connection means (34) comprises a connection tab (46) configured to be connected to the at least one current conductor (32).

10. Contact arrangement (1) according to claim 9, wherein the at least one connection tab (46) extends at least in sections along the switching direction (8).

11. Contact arrangement (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the at least one connection tab (46) does not intersect planes spanned by the proximal fixed contact section (2a) and the distal fixed contact section (4a) and / or spanned by the further proximal fixed contact section (2b) and the further distal fixed contact section (4b), respectively.

12. Contact arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the contact arrangement (1) has transition sections (40), wherein the proximal fixed contact section (2a) and the further proximal fixed contact section (2b) are each connected to the proximal base (14) via one of the transition sections (40), and / or wherein the distal fixed contact section (4a) and the further distal fixed contact section (4b) are each connected to the distal base (16) via one of the transition sections (40), wherein the transition sections (40) extend substantially along the switching direction (8).

13. Contact arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one of the fixed contact arrangements (2, 4) from the group of fixed contact arrangements (2, 4) comprising the proximal and distal fixed contact arrangements (2, 4) is monolithically formed.

14. Contact arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, with a blow-out device (52) having at least one blow-out magnet (54), wherein the blow-out device (52) is designed to generate at least one magnetic field for deflecting arcs generated in the open position (10a) or in the further open position (12a).

15. Electrical switching device (56), with a contact arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, and with a drive device (60) designed to move the first contact bridge (6a) in the switching direction (8) from the first open position (10a) to the first closed position (10b) and the second contact bridge (6b) in the switching direction (8) from the second open position (12a) to the second closed position (12b).

Images