Contact structure that resists lifting

Abstract

To provide a contact structure that reduces the risk of lifting during a short circuit. [Solution] In the closed position, the contact bridge 6a is in contact with the proximal fixed contact portion and the distal fixed contact portion, electrically connecting the proximal fixed contact portion and the distal fixed contact portion to each other, and in the open position, it is separated from the proximal fixed contact portion and the distal fixed contact portion. The proximal fixed contact portion protrudes from the proximal base toward the distal base, and the distal fixed contact portion protrudes from the distal base toward the proximal base, and the contact bridge is positioned at a height 18a in the switching direction, at least in the closed position, between the height of the proximal base in the switching direction and the height of the proximal fixed contact portion in the switching direction, and between the height of the distal base in the switching direction and the height of the distal fixed contact portion in the switching direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a contact structure for switching devices such as relays and contacts, and in particular to a switching device having such a contact structure for use in electromobility.

Background Art

[0002] Electrical switching devices such as relays and contacts are used to switch current. A switching device typically has a contact bridge that serves to open and close a circuit. When closed, the contact bridge is in contact with a fixed contact, and when open, the contact bridge is separated from the fixed contact.

[0003] In the field of electromobility, for example, during charging or in a drive train, extremely high currents of up to 27 kA or more can occur during a short circuit. Such high currents generate a repulsive force that pushes the contact bridge away from the fixed contact. When the contact bridge is pushed away from the fixed contact, arc discharge may occur, which can damage or, in some cases, destroy the switching device. Therefore, the contact bridge needs to remain in contact with the fixed contact at least until the circuit fuse trips.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide means that meet the requirements defined above.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This object is a contact structure for a switching device such as a relay or a contact, a proximal fixed contact structure having a proximal fixed contact portion, A distal fixed contact structure having a distal fixed contact portion, A contact bridge that is movable in the switching direction from an open position to a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the contact bridge is in contact with a proximal fixed contact portion and a distal fixed contact portion, electrically connecting the proximal fixed contact portion and the distal fixed contact portion, and in the open position, the contact bridge is separated from the proximal fixed contact portion and the distal fixed contact portion. Equipped with, The proximal fixed contact structure has a proximal base, and the distal fixed contact structure has a distal base. The proximal fixed contact portion protrudes from the proximal base toward the distal base, and the distal fixed contact portion protrudes from the distal base toward the proximal base. The contact bridge is resolved by a contact structure that, at least in the closed position, is positioned at a height in the switching direction between the height of the proximal base in the switching direction and the height of the proximal fixed contact portion in the switching direction, and between the height of the distal base in the switching direction and the height of the distal fixed contact portion in the switching direction.

[0006] When current flows through the contact structure during operation, a strong electromagnetic force is generated, particularly in the base region. Since the contact bridge is positioned between the base and the fixed contact portion, at least in its closed position in the switching direction, these electromagnetic forces press the contact bridge against the fixed contact portion, thereby making it less likely for the contact bridge to lift away from the fixed contact portion and reducing the risk of arc discharge.

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

[0008] The proximal and distal bases may each be designed to connect to current conductors such as busbars, terminals, contact bolts, contact pins, or electrical plugs.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, the proximal and distal bases may be opposite each other in the reference direction, and the direction in which the switching contacts of the contact bridge are separated from each other may extend perpendicular to the switching direction and at an angle with respect to the reference direction. Such a contact structure is particularly compact in the reference direction.

[0010] When the angle with respect to the reference direction is 90°, the contact structure becomes particularly compact in the reference direction. Of course, according to other embodiments, the contact bridge may extend at a different angle, for example, at an angle of about 45° with respect to the reference direction.

[0011] The switching contacts of the contact bridge may be designed to contact the proximal fixed contact portion or the distal fixed contact portion in the closed position. In particular, the contact bridge may contact the proximal fixed contact portion or the distal fixed contact portion in the closed position only through the switching contacts of the contact bridge.

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

[0013] The contact structure is particularly compact in the reference direction when the proximal fixed contact portion and the distal fixed contact portion are at least partially adjacent to each other when viewed from the direction in which the switching contacts of the contact bridge are separated from each other, and especially when they at least partially overlap.

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

[0015] The width of the proximal base, measured in the width direction, may be greater than the width of the proximal fixed contact portion, measured in the width direction. Similarly, the width of the distal base, measured in the width direction, may be greater than the width of the distal fixed contact portion, measured in the width direction. Here, the width direction extends perpendicular to the switching direction and perpendicular to the reference direction. In these embodiments, the electromagnetic forces generated during operation that resist the lifting of the contact bridge become particularly large.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment, the proximal fixed contact structure may have a further proximal fixed contact portion, and the distal fixed contact structure may have a further distal fixed contact portion, wherein the proximal fixed contact portion is connected to the further proximal fixed contact portion via a proximal base, and the distal fixed contact portion is connected to the further distal fixed contact portion, and the contact structure may include a further contact bridge movable in the switching direction from a further open position to a further closed position, wherein the further contact bridge, in the further closed position, is in contact with the further proximal fixed contact portion and the further distal fixed contact portion, electrically connecting the further proximal fixed contact portion and the further distal fixed contact portion, and is separated from the further proximal fixed contact portion and the further distal fixed contact portion, wherein, at least in the further closed position, the further contact bridge is positioned at a height in the switching direction between the height of the proximal base in the switching direction and the height of the further proximal fixed contact portion, and between the height of the distal base in the switching direction and the height of the further distal fixed contact portion in the switching direction.

[0017] When the aforementioned contact structure is incorporated into the circuit during operation, the current to be switched at the proximal and distal bases is divided, in particular, halved, into two parallel current paths. As a result, a lower current flows through each of the two current paths, reducing the risk of lift-up in the event of a short circuit. This can at least partially prevent arc formation and, consequently, damage to the contact structure.

[0018] The above explanation relates the height of the contact bridge in the switching direction to the height of the base and the height of the fixed contact portion in the switching direction, but these explanations may also apply to the contact bridge in the open position and further contact bridges in further open positions.

[0019] Preferably, the height of a contact bridge is understood as the height of the center plane of the contact bridge, and the height of a further contact bridge is understood as the height of the center plane of a further contact bridge. The height of the proximal base may refer to the height of the proximal base facing one or both contact bridges, and the height of the distal base may refer to the height of the distal base facing one or both contact bridges. The height of the fixed contact portion may be understood to mean the height of the fixed contact portion facing one or both contact bridges.

[0020] Preferably, the proximal base and the distal base, particularly the plane defined by the proximal base and the plane defined by the distal base, may extend parallel to each other or be located in a common base plane. In an advantageous embodiment, the proximal base, particularly the plane defined by the proximal base, extends parallel to the proximal fixed contact portion and / or further proximal fixed contact portions, and / or parallel to the contact bridge and / or further contact bridges. Preferably, the distal base, particularly the plane defined by the distal base, extends parallel to the distal fixed contact portion and / or further distal fixed contact portions, and / or parallel to the contact bridge and / or further contact bridges.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the proximal fixed contact portion may be spaced by a first proximal offset in the switching direction from the proximal base, the distal fixed contact portion may be spaced by a first distal offset in the switching direction from the distal base, and / or a further proximal fixed contact portion may be spaced by a second proximal offset in the switching direction from the proximal base, and a further distal fixed contact portion may be spaced by a second distal offset in the switching direction from the distal base. In this embodiment, the offset between the base and the fixed contact portion creates space that can accommodate a contact bridge in the switching direction, making the contact structure particularly compact.

[0022] As used herein, when generally referred to as a "contact bridge", this may mean a contact bridge or a further contact bridge. The "fixed contact structure" may refer to a proximal fixed contact structure or a distal fixed contact structure. The "base" may refer to a proximal base or a distal base. Similarly, the "fixed contact portion" may refer to a proximal fixed contact portion or a further proximal fixed contact portion, or a distal fixed contact portion or a further distal fixed contact portion. Similarly, the "offset" may refer to a first proximal offset or a second proximal offset, or a first distal offset or a second distal offset.

[0023] The offset may be between about two to about three times the thickness of the contact bridge measured in the switching direction, and / or the thickness of the fixed contact portion or the base. In one embodiment, the offset is between about 3 mm and about 5 mm. The term "about" may refer to a deviation of about 10%.

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

[0025] In one embodiment, the first proximal offset and the first distal offset may be the same, the second proximal offset and the second distal offset may be the same, and the first proximal offset and the first distal offset may be different from the second proximal offset and the second distal offset. By doing so, the contact bridge can contact the proximal fixed contact portion and the distal fixed contact portion before or after a further contact bridge can contact a further proximal fixed contact portion and a further distal fixed contact portion. Thereby, the contact bridge can switch continuously with a short time difference, which is particularly advantageous when switching high currents.

[0026] When the proximal base and the distal base in the foregoing design are located in the same plane, the contact bridge in the closed position may be spaced in the switching direction from a further contact bridge in a further closed position.

[0027] In a design where construction and manufacture are particularly easy, all the offsets, that is, the first proximal offset and the first distal offset and the second proximal offset and the second distal offset, may be the same.

[0028] In a particularly cost-effective design of the contact structure, the proximal fixed contact structure may be the same as the distal fixed contact structure.

[0029] The proximal fixed contact structure and the distal fixed contact structure may be on opposite sides of each other in a reference direction, which preferably extends perpendicular to the switching direction and along the longitudinal axis of the contact bridge. In particular, the first proximal fixed contact portion may be on the opposite side of the first distal fixed contact portion in the reference direction. Similarly, the second proximal fixed contact portion may be on the opposite side of the second distal fixed contact portion in the reference direction.

[0030] Each contact bridge may have at least two spaced-out switching contacts configured to contact a fixed contact portion. The direction in which the switching contacts are spaced may extend along the longitudinal axis of the contact bridge on which the switching contacts are provided. Alternatively or cumulatively, each fixed contact structure may have switching contacts at each fixed contact portion that are designed to be contacted by a contact bridge, particularly the switching contacts of the contact bridge.

[0031] When the proximal base and / or distal base have at least one flat surface facing the switching direction, a contact structure is obtained that allows for easy attachment of other elements, such as current conductors. Preferably, both bases, i.e., the proximal base and the distal base, have at least one such flat surface. Preferably, both bases each have two flat surfaces facing each other in the switching direction.

[0032] The base may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape in which the bottom and top surfaces correspond to flat surfaces. The distance between the bottom and top surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped can be measured along the switching direction.

[0033] The normal axis of a flat surface or the normal axes of the bottom and top surfaces of a rectangular parallelepiped may be oriented in the switching direction.

[0034] To facilitate the integration of the contact structure into a circuit, the proximal base may have at least one connection means for receiving and / or securing at least one current conductor, and / or the distal base may have at least one connection means for receiving and / or securing at least one current conductor.

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

[0036] The connecting means, particularly the opening, may be at least partially positioned between the proximal fixed contact portion and the distal fixed contact portion, or between a further proximal fixed contact portion and a further distal fixed contact portion.

[0037] If both the proximal and distal bases have connecting means, these connecting means may be on opposite sides of each other in the reference direction.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment, at least one connecting means may include a connecting tab configured to connect to at least one current conductor. Such a contact structure is readily accessible by the connecting tab for the current conductor, even in complex, particularly space-constrained, installation situations.

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

[0040] At least one connecting tab of the base may be tilted at an angle of approximately 45° to approximately 90° relative to the rest of the base.

[0041] At least one opening in the base may be located in the connection tab of the base.

[0042] To make the contact structure compact in a direction perpendicular to the switching direction, at least one connection tab, particularly the longitudinal axis of at least one connection tab, may extend at least partially, preferably entirely, along the switching direction, according to a further advantageous embodiment.

[0043] In a further embodiment, the contact structure may be designed such that at least one connection tab does not intersect with the plane defined by the proximal fixed contact portion and the plane defined by the distal fixed contact portion, and / or the plane defined by the further proximal fixed contact portion and the plane defined by the further distal fixed contact portion. In other words, at least one connection tab may be spaced apart, particularly in the switching direction, from the plane defined by the proximal fixed contact portion and the plane defined by the further proximal fixed contact portion, and the plane defined by the distal fixed contact portion and the plane defined by the further distal fixed contact portion. By ensuring a distance between the connection tab and the fixed contact portion, arc discharge to the connection tab, which could damage current conductors connected to the connection tab or other components, can be prevented. In a further embodiment, at least one connection tab does not have to intersect each plane defined by the contact bridge.

[0044] In a further advantageous embodiment, the contact structure may have a transition portion, where a proximal fixed contact portion and a further proximal fixed contact portion are each connected to a proximal base via one of the transition portions, and / or a distal fixed contact portion and a further distal fixed contact portion are each connected to a distal base via one of the transition portions, the transition portion extending generally along the switching direction. When each contact bridge and / or further contact bridges are in their respective closed positions, current flows through the contact structure during operation, and therefore through the transition sections. Because these transition sections generally extend in the switching direction, an electromagnetic force is generated in the transition sections, pressing one or both contact bridges against their respective fixed contact sections where contact is intended. This prevents one or both contact bridges from lifting away from the fixed contact sections, thereby improving electrical contact.

[0045] In one embodiment, at least one of the transition portions may have an angle between about 0° and about 60° with respect to the switching direction, particularly an angle of about 45°.

[0046] At least one of the transition sections may have a curved shape, particularly an S-shape. Of course, the transition sections may be designed in a different shape, for example, they may include at least one spacer, and in particular may consist of multiple spacers.

[0047] Each transition portion may be a fixed contact portion or part of the base, particularly an integrated portion.

[0048] In a further embodiment, both the proximal and distal fixed contact portions may form a U-shape, and / or both an additional proximal and distal fixed contact portion may form a U-shape. Such a design is easy to implement in terms of construction and manufacturing.

[0049] In a design that ensures stability and ease of assembly of the contact structure, at least one of the fixed contact structures from the group of fixed contact structures, including proximal fixed contact structures and distal fixed contact structures, but preferably both fixed contact structures, may be formed monolithically. Metals, particularly sheet metal, can be used as materials.

[0050] For a cost-effective and easy-to-manufacture design, at least one of the group of fixed contact structures, including a proximal fixed contact structure and a distal fixed contact structure, but preferably both fixed contact structures, may be designed as press- and bendable parts.

[0051] To prevent arcs generated during switching from causing damage to the contact structure, the contact structure may have a blow-off device comprising at least one blow-off magnet, the blow-off device being designed to generate at least one magnetic field to deflect arcs generated in the open position or further open position.

[0052] In a further advantageous design, at least one of the extinguishing magnets of the extinguishing device may be positioned between a contact bridge and a further contact bridge. This allows the arc to be deflected particularly effectively and also makes the contact structure more compact.

[0053] The extinguishing device may comprise a stack of at least one arc-splitting blades designed to absorb an arc deflected by at least one extinguishing magnet.

[0054] The term "blow-out magnet" can be understood as referring to the device known in German as "Ausblasmagnet," and "arc-splitting blade" may correspond to the German term "Lichtbogenspaltklingen."

[0055] This objective can also be solved by an electric switching device comprising a contact structure and a drive device designed to move a contact bridge from an open position to a closed position in the switching direction, and / or move an additional contact bridge from a further open position to a further closed position in the switching direction. As already described above, one or both contact bridges of the contact structure are pressed against the fixed contact during operation. This means that the closing force applied by the drive device is small. This pressing resists the lifting of one or both contact bridges, thus reducing the risk of arc discharge. Also, wear is reduced because the drive device is released.

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

[0057] The drive device may have at least one drive rod that is at least indirectly connected to at least one of the contact bridges in such a way as to transmit motion to it. The at least one drive rod may be supported, for example, by a spring located in at least one of the contact bridges.

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

[0059] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Individual features present in the following embodiments may be omitted if the technical effects associated with these features are not relevant to the above embodiments. Conversely, features described above but not present in the following embodiments may be added to those embodiments if the technical effects associated with these features are important for a particular application.

[0060] In the following, the same reference numeral is used for elements that correspond to each other in terms of structure and / or function. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0061] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact structure according to one possible embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective side view of the contact structure shown in Figure 1, in the closed position. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective side view of the contact structure shown in Figure 1, in the open position. [Figure 4] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact structure according to a further possible embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective side view of the contact structure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact structure according to another possible embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact structure according to yet another possible embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact structure connected to an electric current conductor. [Figure 9] This is a schematic perspective view of a switching device according to a possible embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact structure according to a further embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact structure according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic perspective view of a contact structure according to yet another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0062] Possible embodiments of the contact structure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

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

[0064] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the proximal fixed contact structure 2 is located on the opposite side of the distal fixed contact structure 4 in a reference direction 11 that extends perpendicular to the switching direction 8. However, the fixed contact structures 2 and 4 do not need to be identical, as shown in Figure 1, and in particular, both structures do not need to be designed as monolithic pressed and bent parts.

[0065] The proximal fixed contact structure 2 has a proximal fixed contact portion 2a and a further distal fixed contact portion 2b, and the distal fixed contact structure 4 has a distal fixed contact portion 4a and a further distal fixed contact portion 4b.

[0066] In the closed position 10b, the contact bridge 6a abuts against the proximal fixed contact portion 2a and the distal fixed contact portion 4a, electrically connecting the proximal fixed contact portion 2a to the distal fixed contact portion 4a. The further contact bridge 6b, in the further closed position 12b, contacts the further proximal fixed contact portion 2b and the further distal fixed contact portion 4b, electrically connecting the further proximal fixed contact portion 2b and the further distal fixed contact portion 4b to each other. The contact bridge 6a, in the first open position 10a, is separated from the proximal fixed contact portion 2a and the distal fixed contact portion 4a in the switching direction 8. The further contact bridge 6b, in the further open position 12a, is separated from the further proximal fixed contact portion 2b and the further distal fixed contact portion 4b in the switching direction 8.

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

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

[0069] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, the proximal fixed contact portion 2a and the further proximal fixed contact portion 2b are offset 20 from the proximal base 14 in the switching direction 8, and the distal fixed contact portion 4a and the further distal fixed contact portion 4b are offset 20 from the distal base 16 in the switching direction 8. In this embodiment, the offset 20 is measured between the side of each fixed contact portion 2a, 2b, 4a, and 4b facing the contact bridges 6a and 6b, and the side of each base 14 and 16 facing the contact bridges 6a and 6b, in the switching direction 8.

[0070] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, there is a first proximal offset 22a between the proximal base 14 and the proximal fixed contact portion 2a, a second proximal offset 22b between the proximal base 14 and a further proximal fixed contact portion 2b, a first distal offset 24a between the distal base 16 and the distal fixed contact portion 4a, and a second distal offset 24b between the distal base 16 and a further distal fixed contact portion 4b. Naturally, 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] Figures 4 and 5 show designs with various offsets 20 (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b) as examples only. The contact structure 1 shown in Figures 4 and 5 has a proximal fixed contact structure 2 and a distal fixed contact structure 4, similar to the contact structures 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, 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 offset 22a and the first distal offset 24a are different from the second proximal offset 22b and the second distal offset 24b. In the embodiments shown in Figures 4 and 5, since the proximal base 14 and the distal base 16 are located on the same plane at the same heights 18b and 18d in the switching direction 8, the contact bridge 6a in the closed position 10b and the further contact bridge 6b in the further closed position 12b are separated from each other in the switching direction 8. Naturally, the proximal base 14 and distal base 16 may be offset from each other in the switching direction 8, i.e., have different heights 18b and 18d in the switching direction 8. The designs shown in Figures 4 and 5 may allow the contact bridges 6a and 6b to open and close sequentially during switching. This is particularly advantageous when switching high currents.

[0072] As can be clearly seen in Figure 2, the offset 20 (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b) may be, for example, between approximately 1 and approximately 3 times the thickness 26 of at least one of the fixed contact portions 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b and / or the thickness 26 of at least one of the bases 14, 16. The value of the offset 20 (22a, 22b, 24a, 24b) may be, for example, between approximately 3 mm and approximately 5 mm.

[0073] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, both bases 14 and 16, i.e., the proximal base 14 and the distal base 16, have, for example, two flat surfaces 28 facing the switching direction 8. Each flat surface 28 may have a normal axis 30 extending parallel to the switching direction 8. The two flat surfaces 28 may be opposite each other in the switching direction 8. Of course, in other embodiments, at least one of the bases 14 and 16 may have three or more flat surfaces 28, only a single flat surface 28, or no flat surfaces 28 at all.

[0074] The fixed contact structures 2 and 4, via their respective bases 14 and 16, may be incorporated into circuits that can be opened and closed by switching contact bridges 6a and 6b. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the bases 14 and 16 are connectable to, or may be connected to, for example, a current conductor 32. The current conductor 32 does not have to be designed as a contact bolt, as in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, but may be designed as, for example, a bus bar, a contact pin, or a contact socket. For example, Figure 8 shows a contact structure 1 connected to two bus bars. In this embodiment, one of the bus bars is located on the proximal base 14 of the proximal fixed contact structure 2, and the other bus bar abuts against the distal base 16 of the distal fixed contact structure 4.

[0075] As can be seen in Figure 1, at least one of the bases 14, 16, preferably both bases 14, 16, may have at least one connecting means 34 for receiving and / or securing at least one current conductor 32. In the designs according to Figures 1 and 2, each base 14, 16 is provided with a connecting means 34, which, as an example here, has an opening 36 whose longitudinal axis 38 extends in the switching direction 8. The connecting means 34 may be on opposite sides of each other in the reference direction 11. Of course, the connecting means 34 may be designed in a different form to accommodate fastening means such as screws, bolts, or rivets. For this purpose, the connecting means 34 may be threaded.

[0076] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3, each fixed contact portion 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b is connected to the respective bases 14, 16 via a curved transition portion 40. The transition portion 40 may extend generally along the switching direction 8 and may have, for example, an S-shape. As can be clearly seen in Figure 1, the longitudinal axis 42 of the transition portion 40 may be inclined at a certain angle 44 with respect to the switching direction 8. This angle may preferably be between approximately 0° and 60°.

[0077] Figure 6 shows a contact structure 1 comprising a proximal fixed contact structure 2 and a distal fixed contact structure 4, wherein both bases 14, 16, i.e., the proximal base 14 and the distal base 16, are further provided with connecting tabs 46. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, for illustrative purposes only, both connecting tabs 46 are parallel to each other and extend in the switching direction 8. The connecting tabs 46 may be oriented with their backs to the fixed contact portions 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b and / or the contact bridges 6a, 6b, and do not intersect with each plane defined by the fixed contact portions 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b and / or the plane defined by the contact bridges 6a, 6b.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the angle 48 between the longitudinal axis 50 of the connecting tab 46 and the rest of the bases 14, 16, in particular the flat surface 28 of the bases 14, 16 from which the connecting tab 46 protrudes, is 90°. Naturally, in other embodiments, at least one connecting tab 46 may extend at an angle 48 that is not 90°, for example, an angle 48 between about 0° and about 90°.

[0079] Naturally, in other embodiments, it is not necessary for both bases 14, 16 to have connecting tabs 46. For example, only the proximal base 14 or only the distal base 16 may have at least one connecting tab 46. Similarly, the bases 14, 16 may also have two or more, for example, two, three, or five connecting tabs 46. The connecting tabs 46 may preferably extend parallel to each other. Alternatively or cumulatively, the connecting tabs 46 may be located on the same side of the bases 14, 16, or on at least two different sides of the bases 14, 16.

[0080] Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of the contact structure 1. The contact structure 1 shown in Figure 7 has a configuration that broadly corresponds to the contact structure 1 in Figure 1. However, the contact structure 1 shown in Figure 7 additionally includes a blow-out device 52 (shown by a dashed line in Figure 7). The blow-out device 52 is designed to generate at least one magnetic field to deflect the arc generated when the contact bridges 6a and 6b are switched. In the design according to Figure 7, the blow-out device 52 has only a single deflection magnet 54, which is positioned between the contact bridge 6a and the further contact bridge 6b, for illustrative purposes only.

[0081] Finally, the electrical switching device 56 will be briefly described with reference to Figure 9. The switching device 56 comprises a contact structure 1, the configuration of which corresponds here to the configuration of contact structure 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3, which are merely illustrative examples. The switching device 56 also has a drive device 60 that moves the contact bridges 6a and 6b in the switching direction 8. The drive device 60 does not need to move the contact bridges 6a and 6b separately or independently of each other, as in the design described here, but may move them together. The drive device 60 may have at least one driveable drive rod 58 that can be driven in the switching direction 8, and the movement in the switching direction 8 can be transmitted at least indirectly to the contact bridges 6a and 6b via the drive rod 58. During switching, the drive device 60 (in the form of a drive rod 58 in Figure 9) transmits motion to the contact bridges 6a and 6b to move them toward or toward the fixed contact portions 2a, 2b, 4a, and 4b in the switching direction 8. In this way, the drive device 60 can move the contact bridge 6a from an open position 10a (not shown in Figure 9) to a closed position 10b, and move the further contact bridge 6b from a further open position 12a (not shown in Figure 9) to a further closed position 12b.

[0082] Each of the aforementioned embodiments of the contact structure 1 had two contact bridges, namely, a contact bridge 6a and a further contact bridge 6b. However, even a contact structure 1 having only a single contact bridge 6a can solve the objective described at the beginning. Therefore, further embodiments in which the contact structure 1 has only a single contact bridge, namely the contact bridge 6a, will be described below with reference to Figures 10 to 12.

[0083] Figure 10 shows a contact structure 1 comprising a proximal fixed contact structure 2, a distal fixed contact structure 4, and a contact bridge 6a movable along the switching direction 8. As shown in Figure 10, the contact bridge 6a is in the open position 10a, so the contact bridge 6a is separated from the proximal fixed contact portion 2a and the distal fixed contact portion 4a in the switching direction 8. In this embodiment, the direction 64 in which the switching contacts 62 of the contact bridge 6a are separated from each other extends, for example, along the reference direction 11 and perpendicular to the switching direction 8.

[0084] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the proximal fixed contact structure 2 is located on the opposite side of the distal fixed contact structure 4 in a reference direction 11 that extends perpendicular to the switching direction 8. The proximal fixed contact structure 2 has a proximal fixed contact portion 2a that protrudes from the proximal base 14 toward the distal base 16, and the distal fixed contact structure 4 has a distal fixed contact portion 4a that protrudes from the distal base 16 toward the proximal base 14. In this embodiment, the fixed contact portions 2a and 4a may face each other in the reference direction 11.

[0085] Even in the open position 10a shown in Figure 10, the contact bridge 6a has a height 18a in the switching direction 8 that can be located between the height 18b of the proximal base 14 in the switching direction 8 and the height 18c of the proximal fixed contact portion 2a in the switching direction 8, and between the height 18d of the distal base 16 in the switching direction 8 and the height 18e of the distal fixed contact portion 4a in the switching direction 8.

[0086] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the proximal fixed contact portion 2a and the distal fixed contact portion 4a are separated from both bases 14 and 16 by an offset 20 in the switching direction 8. In this embodiment, the offset 20 is measured between the side of each fixed contact portion 2a, 4a facing the contact bridge 6a and the side of each base 14, 16 facing the contact bridge 6a in the switching direction 8. As can be seen in Figure 10, the first proximal offset 22a between the proximal base 14 and the proximal fixed contact portion 2a and the first distal offset 24a between the distal base 16 and the distal fixed contact portion 4a may be the same. As already shown in the embodiment of contact structure 1 having two contact bridges 6a, 6b, the offsets 20 (22a, 24a) may, of course, be different from each other.

[0087] In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, each fixed contact portion 2a, 4a may be connected to their respective bases 14, 16 via a transition portion 40. The transition portion 40, shown as an example in Figure 10, is slightly S-shaped. The transition portion 40 may extend generally 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 is here exemplary designed as a connecting tab 46. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, both connecting tabs 46 are parallel to each other and extend in the switching direction 8. In the embodiment according to Figure 10, the connecting tab 46 does not have to penetrate the planes defined by the fixed contact portions 2a, 4a and the plane defined by the contact bridge 6a. The angle 48 between the longitudinal axis 50 of the connecting tab 46 and the rest of the base 14 or 16, in particular the flat surface 28 of the base 14 or 16 from which the connecting tab 46 protrudes, is 90°, for illustrative purposes only.

[0089] Figure 11 shows a particularly advantageous design of the contact structure 1 in which the contact bridge 6a is rotated by 90° compared to the design shown in Figure 10. In this embodiment, the direction 64 in which the switching contacts 62 of the contact bridge 6a are separated from each other extends perpendicular to the switching direction 8 and at an angle 66 with respect to the reference direction 11. In this embodiment, the direction 64 in which the switching contacts 62 of the contact bridge 6a are separated from each other extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 68 of the contact bridge 6a. As can be seen in Figure 11, the angle 66 with respect to the reference direction 11 is preferably 90°. Of course, in other embodiments, the contact bridge 6a may be positioned at a different angle 66 with respect to the reference direction 11, for example, an angle 66 of about 45° or other acute angles.

[0090] In the embodiment shown in Figure 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 connecting means 34, and at least one current conductor 32 may be connected to or via the connecting means 34. In this embodiment, the connecting means 34 is designed, for illustrative purposes only, as an opening 36 with a longitudinal axis 38 extending in the switching direction 8. Naturally, the connecting means 34 may be designed in a different form. In particular, the connecting means 34 of such a contact structure 1 in which the contact bridge 6a is positioned at an angle 66 with respect to the reference direction 11 may also have at least one connecting tab 46. In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, both the proximal base 14 and the distal base 16 may each have at least one connecting tab 46 with a longitudinal axis 50 that may extend, for example, parallel to each other and in the switching direction 8.

[0091] As can be seen in both Figures 11 and 12, the proximal fixed contact portion 2a and the distal fixed contact portion 4a are at least partially adjacent to each other, and may even overlap each other, when viewed from the direction 64 in which the switching contacts 62 of the contact bridge 6a are separated from each other. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis 70a of the proximal base 14 and / or the longitudinal axis 70b of the distal base 16 may extend along the direction 64, and in particular along the longitudinal axis 68 of each contact bridge 6a.

[0092] As can be seen in Figure 12, the width 74 of the proximal base 14 measured in the width direction 72 may be greater than the width 76 of the proximal fixed contact portion 2a measured in the width direction 72. Similarly, the width 78 of the distal base 16 measured in the width direction 72 may be greater than the width 80 of the distal fixed contact portion 4a measured in the width direction 72. Here, the width direction 72 extends perpendicular to the switching direction 8 and perpendicular to the reference direction 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1. Contact structure 2. Proximal fixed contact structure 2a Proximal fixed contact portion 2b Further proximal fixation contact portion 4. Distal fixed contact structure 4a Distal fixed contact portion 4b Further distal fixation contact portion 6a Contact Bridge 6b Further Contact Bridges 8. Switching direction 10a open position 10b Closed position 11 Reference direction 12a Further opening position 12b Further closed position 14 Proximal Base 16. Distal base 18a Height of the contact bridge 18b Height of the proximal base 18c Height of the proximal fixed contact portion 18d Distal base height 18e Height of the distal fixed contact portion 18f Further height of the contact bridge 18g Further height of the proximal fixed contact portion 18h Further height of distal fixation contact portion 20 Offset 22a First proximal offset 22b Second proximal offset 24a First distal offset 24b Second distal offset 26 Thickness 28 Flat surface 30 Normal axis 32 Current Conductors 34 Connection means 36 Opening 38 Longitudinal axis of the opening 40 Transition section 42 Longitudinal axis of the transition section 44 Inclination angle 46 Connection Tab 48. Angle of the connection tab 50 Longitudinal axis of connection tab 52. Extinguishing Device 54. Extinguishing Magnet 56 Switching Devices 58 Drive Rod 60 Drive Devices 62 Switching Contacts 64 Direction in which the switching contacts are separated. 66 Angle relative to the reference direction 68 Longitudinal axis of the contact bridge 70a Longitudinal axis of the proximal base 70b Longitudinal axis of the distal base 72 Width direction 74 Proximal base width 76 Width of the proximal fixed contact portion 78 Distal base width 80 Width of distal fixed contact portion

Claims

1. A contact structure (1) for a switching device (56) such as a relay or contactor, A proximal fixed contact structure (2) having a proximal fixed contact portion (2a), A distal fixed contact structure (4) having a distal fixed contact portion (4a), A contact bridge (6a) that is movable in the switching direction (8) from an open position (10a) to a closed position (10b), wherein the contact bridge (6a) is in contact with the proximal fixed contact portion (2a) and the distal fixed contact portion (4a) in the closed position (10b), electrically connecting the proximal fixed contact portion (2a) and the distal fixed contact portion (4a) to each other, and is separated from the proximal fixed contact portion (2a) and the distal fixed contact portion (4a) in the open position (10a), and Equipped with, The proximal fixed contact structure (2) has a proximal base (14), the distal fixed contact structure (4) has a distal base (16), the proximal fixed contact portion (2a) protrudes from the proximal base (14) toward the distal base (16), and the distal fixed contact portion (4a) protrudes from the distal base (16) toward the proximal base (14). The contact bridge (6a) is positioned at a height (18a) in the switching direction (8), at least in the closed position (10b), between the height (18b) of the proximal base (14) in the switching direction (8) and the height (18c) of the proximal fixed contact portion (2a) in the switching direction (8), and between the height (18d) of the distal base (16) in the switching direction (8) and the height (18e) of the distal fixed contact portion (4a) in the switching direction (8), wherein the contact structure (1) is positioned at a height (18a) in the switching direction (8).

2. The contact structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the proximal base (14) and the distal base (16) are on opposite sides of each other in the reference direction (11), and the direction (64) in which the switching contacts (62) of the contact bridge (6a) are separated from each other is perpendicular to the switching direction (8) and extends at a certain angle (66) with respect to the reference direction (11).

3. The contact structure (1) according to claim 2, wherein the angle (66) is 90°.

4. The proximal fixed contact structure (2) has a further proximal fixed contact portion (2a), and the distal fixed contact structure (4) has a further distal fixed contact portion (4a). The proximal fixed contact portion (2a) is connected to the further proximal fixed contact portion (2b) via the proximal base (14), and the distal fixed contact portion (4a) is connected to the further distal fixed contact portion (4b), The contact structure (1) comprises a further contact bridge (6b) movable in the switching direction (8) from a further open position (12a) to a further closed position (12b), wherein the further contact bridge (6b) contacts the further proximal fixed contact portion (2b) and the further distal fixed contact portion (4b) in the further closed position (12b), electrically connecting the further proximal fixed contact portion (2b) and the further distal fixed contact portion (4b) to each other, and is separated from the further proximal fixed contact portion (2b) and the further distal fixed contact portion (4b) in the further open position (12a), The contact structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the further contact bridge (6b) is positioned at a height (18f) in the switching direction (8), at least in the further closed position (12b), between the height (18b) of the proximal base (14) in the switching direction (8) and the height (18g) of the further proximal fixed contact portion (2a) in the switching direction (8), and between the height (18d) of the distal base (16) in the switching direction (8) and the height (18h) of the further distal fixed contact portion (4a) in the switching direction (8).

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

6. The contact structure according to claim 5, wherein the first proximal offset (22a) and the first distal offset (24a) are the same, the second proximal offset (22b) and the second distal offset (24b) are the same, and 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. The contact structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the proximal base (14) and / or the distal base (16) have at least one flat surface (28) facing the switching direction (8).

8. The contact structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the proximal base (14) has at least one connecting means (34) for receiving and / or securing at least one current conductor (32), and / or the distal base (16) has at least one connecting means (34) for receiving and / or securing at least one current conductor (32).

9. The contact structure (1) according to claim 8, wherein the at least one connecting means (34) comprises a connecting tab (46) configured to be connected to at least one current conductor (32).

10. The contact structure (1) according to claim 9, wherein at least one connection tab (46) extends at least partially along the switching direction (8).

11. The at least one connecting tab (46) is defined by the plane defined by the proximal fixed contact portion (2a) and the plane defined by the distal fixed contact portion (4a), and / or The contact structure (1) according to claim 9 or 10, which does not intersect with the plane defined by the further proximal fixed contact portion (2b) and the plane defined by the further distal fixed contact portion (4b).

12. The contact structure (1) has a transition portion (40), and the proximal fixed contact portion (2a) and the further proximal fixed contact portion (2b) are each connected to the proximal base (14) via one of the transition portions (40), and / or The distal fixed contact portion (4a) and the further distal fixed contact portion (4b) are each connected to the distal base (16) via one of the transition portions (40). The transition portion (40) extends generally along the switching direction (8), the contact structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The contact structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one of the fixed contact structures (2, 4) from the group of fixed contact structures (2, 4) including the proximal fixed contact structure (2) and the distal fixed contact structure (4) is formed monolithically.

14. A contact structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a blowdown device (52) having at least one blowdown magnet (54), wherein the blowdown device (52) is designed to generate at least one magnetic field to deflect an arc generated in the open position (10a) or the further open position (12a).

15. A contact structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, A drive device (60) designed to move the first contact bridge (6a) from a first open position (10a) to a first closed position (10b) in the switching direction, and move the second contact bridge (6b) from a second open position (12a) to a second closed position (12b) in the switching direction (8), and An electrical switching device (56) comprising the above.

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