Switching device

Abstract

The present invention proposes a switch device (100) having at least two fixed contacts (2, 3) and one movable contact (4) in a switch chamber (11), and at least two auxiliary contacts (25), two spring contacts (30), and one contact plate (31) in the switch chamber, wherein each of the spring contacts contacts one of the auxiliary contacts via a first contact area (301) and has a second contact area (302), the contact plate is movable together with the movable contact, and the contact plate is in contact with the second contact area of ​​the spring contact in a first switched state of the switch device and is positioned apart from the second contact area of ​​the spring contact in a second switched state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switching device.

Background Art

[0002] The switching device is configured as a remote control switch based on electromagnetic action, which can be operated particularly by a conduction current. The switching device can be activated by a control circuit and can switch a load circuit. Specifically, the switching device may be configured as a relay or a contactor, particularly as a power contactor. Particularly preferably, the switching device may be configured as a gas-filled power contactor.

[0003] One possible use of such a switching device, particularly a power contactor, is, for example, to turn off or disconnect a battery circuit in applications in the automotive field (e.g., electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles), or in the field of renewable energy.

[0004] Contactors that function as security components are usually, for example, additionally monitored, and the monitoring of contactors is defined in the IEC 60947-5-1 standard. For example, the monitoring of contactors is applied to the detection of the most common faults in contactors, relays, and switches, namely, the sticking or welding of the main contacts. Such a fault, also called contact sticking, may be caused by, for example, arcs, which are formed between the contacts during the switching process of the load and may cause the temperature of the contact surface to rise and the contact surface to weld. Advantageously, it is possible to recognize other fault states, for example, when a certain contact is mechanically caught and remains in an open state or an intermediate state.

[0005] A typical contactor is configured as a so-called overtravel system. This means that after the main contacts are connected and electrically closed by the bridge switch circuit, the operation of the closed system continues, and the spring pressure that the bridge switch applies to the main contacts usually increases. In the case of contactor sticking, the overtravel is exhausted, but the bridge switch remains stuck on at least one main contact. Therefore, the mechanical system is in an intermediate state, neither open nor properly closed.

[0006] Monitoring or detection of contactor sticking can be performed, for example, by measuring the voltage across the contactor's main contacts. If there is voltage between the main contacts, the contactor is open. If there is no voltage, the contactor is closed, indicating a short circuit. This method is very safe, but it is costly to implement because it requires a high-voltage transmission line and corresponding isolation. Monitoring is usually performed by a higher-level system, such as an AD converter controlled by a microcontroller.

[0007] For example, it is known that in the switch chamber of a contactor, a microswitch operated by a cantilever in a bridge switch may be used. The cantilever operates the switch just before the bridge switch is pressed against the main contacts. The switch may be configured as a normally open contact (closed when pressed) or a normally closed contact (open when pressed). This allows the signal of the microswitch to also be inverted compared to the switch state of the contactor. A drawback of this solution is that the microswitch must be mounted close to the main contacts in the switch chamber, which can affect arc extinguishing or be detrimental to insulation. Also, the monitoring contact formed by the cantilever and microswitch must be configured as a reed contact, meaning the monitoring contact changes its state before the main contact closes, because the microswitch must indicate the "closed" state even if the overtravel is exhausted while stuck. Therefore, intermediate states or sticking cannot be detected. Another drawback is the lifespan of a typical microswitch, which, depending on the specific implementation, may be only a few hundred thousand switch cycles. Furthermore, the need to provide feeder wires to the switch limits the use of completely sealed ceramic discharge chambers.

[0008] Furthermore, according to International Publication No. 2008 / 033349, for example, an auxiliary switch operated by a cantilever in a bridge switch is known, which can, for example, press two overlapping contacts against each other. This solution is simple, inexpensive, and has little wear, but it has the disadvantage that insulation problems can occur because the overlapping contacts are mounted between the main contacts. Also, the use of a completely sealed ceramic discharge chamber is limited because a feeder wire to the auxiliary switch is required. The switch performance is the same as that of a microswitch.

[0009] To avoid the above drawbacks, it is known that magnets can be attached to the lower part of the movable system, particularly outside the switch chamber, and the reed switch can be opened and closed by these magnets, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-008621. This allows detection to be performed away from the main contacts and can also be performed through non-magnetic materials. This solution can also be easily used in combination with a completely sealed ceramic discharge chamber. The switching performance is similar for the two systems described above, but because the indication is realized by magnetism, hysteresis effects must also be taken into consideration, making it difficult to correctly set the overlap range. Another drawback is that the reed switch is sensitive to magnetic interference fields and mechanical shocks.

[0010] As an improvement, it is known that Hall sensors are used instead of reed switches. Therefore, magnetic detection is performed by a semiconductor element rather than a mechanical switch. This eliminates the importance of the magnetic interference field and vibration dependence. However, the switching performance remains similar to that of a reed switch. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2008 / 033349 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-008621 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] All four monitoring switch solutions have a so-called "normally open" characteristic, meaning the monitoring switch largely reflects the state of the main contact. However, signal inversion does not result in "normally closed," only "emergency open." The commonality of these four principles is that none of these solutions can reliably signal that the monitored contactor is safely and completely open. However, the IEC 60947-5-1 standard requires that the monitoring contact be closed or that the monitoring contact be detected as closed ("normally closed") only when the contactor is in a stationary position.

[0013] Furthermore, many of the known solutions either make conversion from "normally open" to "normally closed" characteristics completely impossible or involve extremely significant design difficulties, and vice versa.

[0014] At least one object of a particular embodiment is to provide a switching device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] This objective is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and improvements of these subjects are characterized in the dependent claims and are further described in the following specification and drawings.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment, the switch device has at least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact. The at least one fixed contact and the at least one movable contact are arranged and configured to turn on and off load circuits that can be connected to the switch device. Particularly preferably, the switch device has at least two fixed contacts, which, together with the movable contact, are arranged and configured to turn on and off load circuits that can be connected to the switch device, in particular the at least two fixed contacts. Hereinafter, a description will be given of switch devices that generally have at least one fixed contact or two fixed contacts. However, in the following embodiments, the number of fixed contacts may differ from the number specifically described with respect to the features described below.

[0017] Since the movable contact can move between a non-conductive and conductive state in the switch device, the movable contact is electrically isolated from the fixed contacts by being separated in the non-conductive state of the switch device, and electrically connected to the at least two fixed contacts by mechanically contacting them in the conductive state. Therefore, the fixed contacts are spaced apart in the switch device and may be electrically connected by the movable contact or electrically isolated from each other, depending on the specific state of the movable contact. Thus, in the conductive state, the movable contact contacts at least one contact surface of at least one fixed contact with at least one contact surface. In the non-conductive state, the distance between the movable contact, in particular the contact surface of the movable contact, and at least one fixed contact, in particular the contact surface of the at least one fixed contact, is referred here and below as the switch gap and indicates the maximum reachable distance between the contacts, in particular their contact surfaces, in order to indicate the maximum movement gap. For example, the above also applies when there are two fixed contacts.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the switch device has a switch chamber in which a movable contact and a fixed contact are arranged. The movable contact may be entirely located within the switch chamber. Specifically, the arrangement of the fixed contact within the switch chamber can mean that at least one contact area of ​​the fixed contact that mechanically contacts the movable contact in a conductive state is located within the switch chamber. The fixed contact located within the switch chamber may be electrically contacted from the outside, i.e., from outside the switch chamber, in order to be connected to feeder lines of a circuit that needs to be switched by the switch device. For this purpose, a portion of the fixed contact located within the switch chamber may protrude from the switch chamber and have the possibility of being connected to feeder lines outside the switch chamber. Therefore, the switch chamber preferably has openings, and the fixed contact enters the switch chamber through these openings. The fixed contact may be soldered to the openings of the switch chamber, for example, and protrude from the switch chamber while entering the cavity of the switch chamber.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the switch device has at least two auxiliary contacts located within a switch chamber. Specifically, the location of the auxiliary contacts within the switch chamber can mean that at least one contact area of ​​the auxiliary contact is located inside the switch chamber. For connection to feeder lines, the auxiliary contacts located within the switch chamber may be electrically contacted from the outside, i.e., from outside the switch chamber. For this purpose, a portion of the auxiliary contacts located within the switch chamber may protrude from the switch chamber, allowing for connection to feeder lines outside the switch chamber. Therefore, the switch chamber preferably has openings, through which the auxiliary contacts enter the switch chamber. The auxiliary contacts may, for example, be soldered to the openings of the switch chamber and protrude from the switch chamber while entering the cavity of the switch chamber. Therefore, the auxiliary contacts may penetrate the switch chamber in the same way as the penetration of fixed contacts by connections such as brazing that are tightly sealed, and such penetration may preferably be completed in the same manufacturing step, and therefore in the same process.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the switch device has at least two spring contacts disposed within a switch chamber. The switch device further has a contact plate disposed within the switch chamber. Specifically, the spring contacts and the contact plate are entirely disposed within the switch chamber. Each spring contact has at least one first contact area and one second contact area. Each spring contact may contact one of the auxiliary contacts in its first contact area. Specifically, each spring contact may permanently contact one of the auxiliary contacts in its first contact area during normal operation and regardless of the switch state of the switch device. The first contact area of ​​a spring contact may be in direct, and therefore mechanical, contact with an auxiliary contact in particular.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the contact plate may move together with the movable contact. Particularly preferably, the contact plate may move together with the movable contact by the same mechanical drive mechanism described below. For example, in the first switch state of the switch device, the contact plate contacts the second contact region of the spring contact, and in the second switch state, it is arranged to be separated from the second contact region of the spring contact. Therefore, in the first switch state, the auxiliary contacts are short-circuited by the spring contact and the contact plate, and in the second switch state, the auxiliary contacts are electrically separated from each other. For example, by detecting the resistance between the auxiliary contacts, it can be determined whether the switch device is in the first switch state or the second switch state.

[0022] The first switch state may be, for example, the non-conductive switch state of the switch device described above, and this switch state may correspond to the stationary state of the switch device. The second switch state may be the conductive switch state described above. In other words, when the movable contact is separated from at least one fixed contact, the contact plate may contact the second contact region of the spring contact, and when the movable contact of the switch device contacts the at least one fixed contact, the contact plate is separated from the second contact region of the spring contact. In this case, the auxiliary contacts having the spring contact and the contact plate have a "normally closed" characteristic opposite to the switch state of the switch device.

[0023] In addition, the first switch state may be a conductive switch state, and the second switch state may be a non-conductive state. In this case, since the detection function of the state of the switch device realized by the auxiliary contacts is opposite to the "normally open" characteristic, in this case, when the movable contact contacts at least one fixed contact, the contact plate contacts the second contact region of the spring contact, and when the movable contact of the switch device is separated from the at least one fixed contact, the contact plate is separated from the second contact region of the spring contact.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the switch device has a housing in which movable contacts, fixed contacts, and auxiliary contacts, spring contacts, and contact plates are arranged within the housing. Specifically, the arrangement of fixed contacts within the housing can mean that at least one contact area of ​​a fixed contact that mechanically contacts a movable contact in a conductive state is arranged within the housing. Fixed contacts arranged within the housing may be electrically contacted from the outside, i.e., from outside the housing, in order to be connected to feeder lines of a circuit that needs to be switched by the switch device. For this purpose, fixed contacts arranged within the housing may have a portion protruding from the housing and have the possibility of being connected to feeder lines outside the housing. This can be applied in particular to each fixed switch contact. Movable contacts may be entirely arranged within the housing. Auxiliary contacts may also preferably be entirely arranged within the housing. For example, auxiliary contacts may be accessible from the outside by feeder lines inside the housing that are electrically connected to an external electrical coupling on the housing. Alternatively, the housing may contain electrical components, such as a microcontroller, that are connected to the auxiliary contacts by power lines. The microcontroller may be accessible from the outside by an external electrical coupling on the housing.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the contacts are arranged in the atmosphere within the housing. Specifically, this can mean that the movable contact, the spring contact, and the contact plate are completely arranged in the atmosphere within the housing, and at least a part of the fixed contact, for example, the contact area of the fixed contact, and at least a part of the auxiliary contact, for example, the contact area of the auxiliary contact, are arranged in the atmosphere within the housing. Correspondingly, particularly preferably, the switch device may be a gas-filled switch device such as a gas-filled contactor. The atmosphere can particularly promote the extinction of arcs that may occur during the switching process. The gas of the atmosphere may, for example, particularly include a hydrogen-containing gas and / or a nitrogen-containing gas at a particularly high pressure or may be a hydrogen-containing gas and / or a nitrogen-containing gas at a particularly high pressure. Preferably, the gas may contain H2 at a ratio of at least 50%. As an alternative to hydrogen gas, the gas may contain an inert gas, particularly preferably N2 and / or one or more noble gases.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the switch chamber is within the housing. Also, particularly, at least a part of the gas, that is, the atmosphere, may be within the switch chamber.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the movable contact and the contact plate may move by a mechanical drive mechanism. The mechanical drive mechanism particularly has an armature. The armature may have a shaft, and the ends of the shaft are connected to the movable contact and the contact plate, and the movable contact and the contact plate can move by the shaft, that is, when the shaft moves, the movable contact and the contact plate can also move by this shaft. The shaft may particularly enter the switch chamber through an opening in the switch chamber. Specifically, the switch chamber may have a switch chamber bottom with an opening through which the shaft protrudes. The armature can realize the aforementioned switching process by moving through a magnetic circuit. For this purpose, the magnetic circuit may have a yoke with an opening through which the shaft of the armature protrudes. When the magnetic circuit is turned on, the armature, particularly the magnetic core of the armature, may be attracted to the yoke.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the movable contacts and contact plates are arranged on an electrically insulating contact holder. The contact holder may be particularly preferably arranged and fastened to the shaft of the armature to electrically insulate the movable contacts and contact plates from the shaft. This allows the movable contacts and contact plates to be supported in a manner that is electrically insulated from the components of the mechanical drive, i.e., the components of the armature in particular. For this purpose, the contact holder may include or consist of an electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may be selected from polymers and ceramic materials, for example, (CH2O) in particular. n The material may be selected from structured polyoxymethylene (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), glass fiber-reinforced PBT, and electrically insulating metal oxides such as Al2O3.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the contact plate is fixed onto a contact holder. Fixing may be done, for example, by clamping. Particularly preferably, the contact plate is partially overmolded with the material of the contact holder. For this purpose, the contact plate may be cast or injection molded, for example, with the material of the contact holder. The contact area of ​​the contact plate may protrude from the contact holder in order to contact the second contact area of ​​the spring contact.

[0030] In the switching process, the armature, shaft, and movable contact and contact plate preferably perform linear motion, such as upward or downward motion, along the shaft. Preferably, the shaft and, for example, the magnetic core of the armature, have a motion gap for upward motion in the vertical direction, and this motion gap is larger than the aforementioned switch gap. This can be achieved, for example, by having a gap (which may also be called a motion gap) between the magnetic core and the yoke in the open state that is larger than the switch gap. Thus, the armature having a movable contact may refer to an overtravel system, in which the movable contact is movably arranged on a contact holder. A contact spring may also be arranged on the contact holder to apply a spring force to the movable contact toward the fixed contact. When the movable contact strikes the fixed contact and the switch gap is completely closed, the contact spring may be compressed, and the armature may move further, for example, until the magnetic core strikes the yoke. The motion gap may be, for example, 1 mm or less, and particularly preferably about 0.5 mm larger than the switch gap. The difference between the motion gap and the switch gap may be called overtravel. Because the contact spring is compressed by overtravel, the contact pressure of the movable contact against the fixed contact can be increased, and a certain degree of resistance to vibration and mechanical shock can be achieved.

[0031] With the aforementioned configuration of the mechanical drive and switch chamber, the auxiliary contacts, spring contacts, and contact plates can be arranged to be electrically isolated from the fixed contacts, movable contacts, and mechanical drive. Specifically, permanent isolation can be achieved, meaning that isolation is continuously ensured during the normal operation of the switch device, and therefore during the periods of the first and second switch states, as well as during the transition period between switch states.

[0032] At least one of the contact regions of each spring contact may be configured to be elastic. For example, the first contact region of each spring contact may be elastic and configured to apply a spring force to the auxiliary contact. In other words, the first contact region may be pressed against the auxiliary contact in the mounted state and apply a spring force. Alternatively, or preferably additionally, a second spring region may be configured to be elastic. Particularly preferably, the second contact region may apply a spring force to the contact plate in the first switched state. The spring force of the second contact region may be less than the spring force of the contact spring. The elastic action of the second contact region can enhance the resistance of the mechanical contact between the contact plate and the second contact region of the spring contact to vibration and mechanical shock. For example, the spring force acting on the contact plate in the second contact area and the counter-pressure acting on the armature, particularly the counter-pressure acting on the contact holder, may be smaller than the reset spring force of the reset spring of the mechanical drive, and this reset spring force allows the armature to move from a conductive switch state to a non-conductive switch state. Particularly preferably, the spring force acting on the contact plate in the second contact area may be 20% or less of the reset spring force.

[0033] When the switch device transitions from a first switch state to a second switch state, the contact plate may lose mechanical contact with the second contact area of ​​the spring contact after traveling a path of 20% or less, preferably 10% or less, of the switch gap. This allows the armature's travel path until contact between the contact plate and the spring contact is broken to be very short. As described above, the movable contact can be separated from the fixed contact by the switch gap in the first switch state, for example, and the contact plate mechanically contacts the second contact area of ​​the spring contact. Therefore, the first switch state may be the stationary state of the switch device, i.e., a non-conductive state. Due to the aforementioned short path, the absence of a stationary state can be detected very reliably by the auxiliary contact. Also, as described above, the movable contact may mechanically contact at least one fixed contact in the first switch state. Therefore, the first switch state may be the conductive state of the switch device. When the switch device transitions from a first switch state to a second switch state, the contact plate may lose mechanical contact with the second contact area of ​​the spring contact after traveling a path greater than the overtravel. This ensures that even if the movable contact continues to mechanically contact at least one fixed contact due to unintended welding, for example, the contact plate remains mechanically in contact with the spring contact, even if the movable contact and the switch device should actually move to a stationary state. In this case, the movable contact remains conductive simply because the overtravel is exhausted due to welding, which can be detected by the auxiliary contact that remains short-circuited by the contact plate.

[0034] The direction of motion of the movable contacts corresponding to the main extension direction of the axis, i.e., the direction of the upward and downward movement of the movable contacts, may here and below also be called the vertical direction. The fixed contacts are arranged in a longitudinal direction, and this longitudinal direction lies in a horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The movable contacts may be configured, for example, as plates and have a main extension surface parallel to the horizontal plane. The transverse direction is defined as perpendicular to the vertical and longitudinal directions, and the horizontal plane is stretched in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Auxiliary contacts are preferably arranged in the transverse direction, and the movable contacts may be arranged particularly in the transverse direction between the auxiliary contacts.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the switch chamber has a switch chamber wall. The switch chamber wall may preferably have a rectangular cross-sectional shape or at least a cross-sectional shape close to a rectangle in a horizontal cross-sectional view, i.e., a cross-sectional view having a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Specifically, the switch chamber wall may have opposing longitudinal sidewalls and opposing transverse sidewalls, and in a horizontal cross-sectional view, the outer and / or inner contours of these sidewalls are rectangular. In other words, the longitudinal sidewalls may extend generally in the vertical and longitudinal directions, and the transverse sidewalls may extend generally in the vertical and transverse directions. Preferably, the longitudinal sidewalls, the transverse sidewalls, and the lid having openings for fixed contacts and openings for auxiliary contacts may be integrally molded to form the switch chamber wall.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the switch chamber has a switch chamber bottom that, together with the switch chamber wall, forms the switch chamber. The switch chamber bottom may have a bottom plate and side walls, and the side walls of the switch chamber bottom may be integrally molded with the bottom plate of the switch chamber bottom. In the assembled switch chamber, the side walls of the switch chamber bottom may be surrounded by the side walls of the switch chamber wall, thereby allowing the side walls of the switch chamber bottom to form an insertion portion that is inserted into the switch chamber wall. At least a portion of the side walls of the switch chamber bottom may be spaced apart from the side walls of the switch chamber wall.

[0037] In another embodiment, each spring contact has a connection region between a first and a second contact region, the connection region extending along the longitudinal side wall of the switch chamber wall. The first and second contact regions of each spring contact may preferably extend at least laterally from the corresponding longitudinal side wall into the cavity of the switch chamber. Specifically, when viewed laterally from the movable contact, each connection region of the spring contact may be located behind the side wall of the bottom of the switch chamber, so that for each spring contact, the side wall of the bottom of the switch chamber is located between the movable contact and the connection region of the spring contact. Therefore, each connection region of the spring contact may preferably be located laterally between the side wall of the switch chamber wall and the side wall of the bottom of the switch chamber.

[0038] In another embodiment, the bottom of the switch chamber has an opening in the side wall for each spring contact, and the second contact area of ​​the spring contact may protrude through the opening and penetrate the side wall of the bottom of the switch chamber. Specifically, for each spring contact, the second contact area may protrude laterally through the opening in the side wall toward the movable contact, particularly the contact plate.

[0039] In another embodiment, each spring contact has at least one opening within the connection area, and a fastening element of the corresponding side wall at the bottom of the switch chamber protrudes through the opening. Particularly preferably, the fastening element is integrally molded with the corresponding side wall and is used to fasten the corresponding spring contact. The fastening element may be configured, for example, as a bolt member, and riveting can be achieved.

[0040] In another embodiment, the bottom of the switch chamber has an insertion region between the movable contact and the spring contact in the lateral direction, and a permanent magnet, particularly a so-called arc-extinguishing magnet, is disposed in the insertion region. Part of the insertion region may preferably be formed by at least a portion of the side wall of the bottom of the switch chamber. Specifically, the side wall may be a side wall to which the corresponding spring contact is fastened. Specifically, each of the permanent magnets may be fastened to the insertion region by a snap mechanism. Thus, the bottom of the switch chamber may particularly preferably have two insertion regions, and the movable contact is disposed between these two insertion regions in the lateral direction. Preferably, when transitioning from a first switch state to a second switch state and from the second switch state to a first switch state, the movable contact may move along the insertion region in the vertical direction.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the switch chamber wall has at least two connecting plates, each of which is longitudinally positioned between at least two fixed contacts and extends laterally into the switch chamber from at least one longitudinal sidewall. The connecting plates are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, these two connecting plates may extend laterally beyond the movable contacts in the switch chamber cavity from one longitudinal sidewall to the other longitudinal sidewall. Each of these at least two connecting plates may have a groove through which the movable contacts can move during the switching process. The connecting plates may also be directly connected to the lid of the switch chamber. Specifically, the connecting plates may extend along and immediately adjacent to the lid of the switch chamber wall. Particularly preferably, the connecting plates may be integrally molded with the sidewall and / or the lid of the switch chamber wall.

[0042] These at least two connecting plates may form one or more spaces in the switch chamber cavity between the fixed contacts that are electrically insulated and at least partially separated from the fixed contacts. The auxiliary contacts and spring contacts may be located in particular within at least one of the insulating spaces thus formed, thereby being positioned longitudinally between the two connecting plates. Particularly preferably, the auxiliary contacts may be located between the two connecting plates symmetrically with respect to the movable contacts, i.e., symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry stretched longitudinally and perpendicularly. The spring contacts may also be located between the two connecting plates symmetrically with respect to the movable contacts. At least one of the connecting plates is configured between each of the auxiliary contacts and the fixed contacts, and between each of the spring contacts and the fixed contacts, so that the auxiliary contacts and spring contacts can be at least partially insulated from the fixed contacts. The insertion area at the bottom of the switch chamber and the permanent magnets may also be located between the two connecting plates. Other additional components, such as gas filling nozzles for filling the aforementioned gases to form an atmosphere in the switch chamber, may be further located within the insulating spaces thus formed.

[0043] In another embodiment, the insertion region at the bottom of the switch chamber has walls, which, when viewed longitudinally, are positioned between the connecting plates of the switch chamber wall, and a permanent magnet is positioned between the walls. Specifically, the walls of the insertion region may be inserted and positioned between the connecting plates to form an intermediate chamber in which the permanent magnet is positioned. The contact region of the contact plate may also be positioned within this intermediate chamber and may move within the intermediate chamber when transitioning from the first switching process to the second switching process and from the second switching process to the first switching process. The aforementioned at least one insulating space may be formed by the walls at the bottom of the switch chamber together with the connecting plates.

[0044] In another embodiment, the auxiliary contact and / or the spring contact and / or the contact plate comprises a material containing copper or a copper alloy. Particularly preferably, the material may be selected from CuBe, CuSn4, and CuSn6. Such materials can have good conductivity and a low tendency to weld. The auxiliary contact may, for example, contain the same material as the fixed contact.

[0045] Other advantages, favorable embodiments, and improvements are described below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a switch device. [Figure 2A] A schematic diagram of a switch device according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 2B] A schematic diagram of a switch device according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 2C] A schematic diagram of a switch device according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 2D] A schematic diagram of a switch device according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 2E] A schematic diagram of the contact plate and spring contact of a switch device according to another embodiment is shown. [Figure 2F] A schematic diagram of the contact plate and spring contact of a switch device according to another embodiment is shown. [Figure 2G] A schematic diagram of the switch chamber wall of a switch device according to another embodiment is shown. [Figure 2H] A schematic diagram of the switch chamber wall of a switch device according to another embodiment is shown. [Figure 2I] A schematic diagram of the switch chamber wall of a switch device according to another embodiment is shown. [Figure 2J] A schematic diagram of the bottom of the switch chamber of a switch device according to another embodiment is shown. [Figure 2K] A schematic diagram of the bottom of the switch chamber of a switch device according to another embodiment is shown. [Figure 2L]A schematic diagram of the bottom of the switch chamber of a switch device according to another embodiment is shown. [Figure 2M] A schematic diagram of the bottom of the switch chamber of a switch device according to another embodiment is shown. [Figure 3A] A partial schematic diagram of a switch device according to another embodiment is shown. [Figure 3B] A partial schematic diagram of a switch device according to another embodiment is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] In the examples and drawings, identical, similar, or identical elements may be denoted by the same reference numeral. The illustrated elements and their size ratios should not be considered to scale; rather, for clarity and / or ease of understanding, each element (e.g., layer, member, component, and region) is depicted in an exaggerated manner.

[0048] Figure 1 shows an example of a switching device 100, which can be used for, for example, high-current and / or high-voltage switching, and may be a relay or a contactor, particularly a power contactor. Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional cross-sectional view with a vertical cross-section, and the shown geometry is illustrative and not limiting, and alternatives may be adopted.

[0049] An exemplary switch device 100 has two fixed contacts 2, 3 and one movable contact 4 within a housing 1. The movable contact 4 is configured as a contact plate. The fixed contacts 2, 3 together with the movable contact 4 form a switch contact. A different number of fixed and / or movable contacts may be used instead of the number of contacts shown. The housing 1 is used primarily for contact protection of components located inside and contains or is made of plastic, such as PBT or glass fiber-reinforced PBT. The fixed contacts 2, 3 and / or movable contact 4 may contain, for example, Cu, Cu alloys, one or more high-melting-point metals (e.g., Wo, Ni, and / or Cr) or mixtures of the aforementioned metals (e.g., copper and at least another metal, e.g., Wo, Ni, and / or Cr), or may be made of Cu, Cu alloys, one or more high-melting-point metals (e.g., Wo, Ni, and / or Cr) or mixtures of the aforementioned metals (e.g., copper and at least another metal, e.g., Wo, Ni, and / or Cr).

[0050] Figure 1 shows a stationary switch device 100, in which the movable contact 4 is separated from the fixed contacts 2 and 3, thereby electrically isolating the switch contacts 2, 3 and 4 from each other. The shown implementation of the switch contacts, particularly its geometry, is merely illustrative and not limiting. Alternatively, other configurations of the switch contacts may be adopted.

[0051] The switch device 100 has a mechanical drive that includes a movable armature 5, which primarily performs switching operations. The armature 5 has a magnetic core 6, which may include or be made of a ferromagnetic material. The armature 5 also has a shaft 7, which passes through the magnetic core 6 and is fixedly connected to the magnetic core 6 at one end of the shaft. The armature 5 has a movable contact 4 at the other end of the shaft opposite to the magnetic core 6, which is supported by a contact spring 40 and is similarly connected to the shaft 7. The shaft 7 may preferably include or be made of stainless steel. To electrically insulate the movable contact 4 from the shaft 7, an electrically insulating contact holder 47, which may also be called a bridge insulator, may be placed between them.

[0052] The magnetic core 6 is surrounded by the coil 8. By supplying current to the coil 8 from an external source via a control circuit, the magnetic core 6 moves, and the entire armature 5 can move along the axial direction until the movable contact 4 contacts the fixed contacts 2 and 3. In the illustration, the armature moves upward. Therefore, the armature 5 moves from the first position (corresponding to the stationary state in the illustration, which corresponds to the disconnected state, i.e., the non-conductive state, and thus to the switch-off state) to the second position (corresponding to the active state, i.e., the conductive state, and thus to the switch-on state). In the active state, contacts 2, 3, and 4 are electrically connected to each other.

[0053] To guide the shaft 7 and the armature 5 and to form a magnetic circuit together with the magnetic core 6 and the coil 8, the switch device 100 further has a yoke 9, which may contain or consist of pure iron or a low-doped iron alloy, and forms part of the magnetic circuit. The yoke 9 has an opening through which the shaft 7 is guided. Alternatively, for example, a jacket or bushing for guiding the shaft 7 may be placed within the opening of the yoke 9, which may be made of a plastic material. When the current in the coil 8 is interrupted, the armature 5 returns to the first position by one or more springs 10 (which may be called reset springs). Thus, in the figure, the armature 5 moves downward again. In this case, the switch device 100 returns to a stationary state, in which case the contacts 2, 3, and 4 open.

[0054] The direction of motion of the armature 5 and movable contact 4 is hereafter also referred to as the vertical direction 91. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "up" or "down" refer to the vertical direction 91. The orientation of the fixed contacts 2 and 3 perpendicular to the vertical direction 91 is hereafter also referred to as the longitudinal direction 92. The direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction 91 and the longitudinal direction 92 is hereafter also referred to as the transverse direction 93. Directions 91, 92, and 93 that apply independently of the described switching operation are also shown in the diagram for easier identification of directions.

[0055] For example, when contacts 2, 3, and 4 open, at least one arc may be generated, potentially damaging the contact surfaces of contacts 2, 3, and 4. As a result, there is a risk that contacts 2, 3, and 4 may become "stuck" to each other due to arc welding, making separation impossible. Therefore, in this case, even though the current in coil 8 should be interrupted and the load circuit should be turned off, the switch device 100 remains in the ON position. To prevent such arc generation, or at least to help extinguish any arcs that do occur, contacts 2, 3, and 4 are placed in an atmosphere, thereby configuring the switch device 100 as a gas-filled relay or gas-filled contactor. For this purpose, contacts 2, 3, and 4 are placed in an airtight region 14 formed by a tightly sealed portion within the switch chamber 11, which is formed by the switch chamber wall 12 and the switch chamber bottom 13, and the switch chamber 11 may be part of the airtight region 14. The airtight region 14 is generally formed by the switch chamber 11 and part of the yoke 9, as well as an additional wall. Except for the portions for external connection of fixed contacts 2 and 3, the airtight region 14 completely encloses the armature 5 and contacts 2, 3, and 4. Both the airtight region 14 and the cavity 15 of the switch chamber 11 are filled with gas. The gas that is filled into the airtight region 14 by the gas filling nozzle during the manufacturing process of the switch device 100 is preferably a hydrogen-containing gas, for example, an inert gas containing 20% ​​or more H2, or even 100% H2, because the hydrogen-containing gas contributes to extinguishing the arc.

[0056] The bottom 13 of the switch chamber is positioned above the flange 16 on which the yoke 9 is located and which forms part of the magnetic circuit. The flange 16 may contain or be made of iron or steel.

[0057] Outside the switch chamber 11, a permanent magnet 17, i.e., a so-called arc extinguishing magnet, may be further provided, positioned and configured to deflect the arc. Specifically, the arc extinguishing magnet can increase the arc distance and improve arc extinguishing.

[0058] The switch chamber walls 12 and the switch chamber bottom 13 may contain or be made of a metal oxide (e.g., Al2O3). Also applicable are plastics with sufficiently high heat resistance, such as PEEK, PE, and / or glass fiber-reinforced PBT. Alternatively or additionally, the switch chamber 11 may be made of (CH2O) n The structure may contain at least partially POM. Such plastics are characterized by a relatively low carbon content and a very low tendency to form graphite. In particular (CH2O) n Because the carbon-oxygen ratio is equal, gaseous CO and H2 are mainly produced during thermally induced decomposition, especially arc-induced decomposition. Additional hydrogen gas contributes to the extinguishing of the arc.

[0059] An embodiment of a switch device 100 and its components that enables the detection of the switch state will be described with reference to the following figures. In addition to the features described below, the switch device 100 described below may employ the same configuration as the switch device 100 described with reference to Figure 1. Directions 91, 92, and 93 are also shown in the following figures to make the directions and cross-sectional planes easier to recognize.

[0060] Figures 2A and 2B show a portion of the switch device 100 in three-dimensional and two-dimensional cross-sectional views, mainly showing the airtight area 14 and the switch chamber 11. The cross-sectional planes shown in Figures 2A and 2B are perpendicular to the vertical direction 92. Figure 2C shows a diagram based on Figure 2A, in which the switch device 100 is in a different switch state. Figure 2D shows a three-dimensional external view of the airtight area 14. Figures 2E and 2F show the contact plate 31 and the spring contact 30. Figures 2G to 2M show different views of the switch chamber wall 12 and the switch chamber bottom 13. The following description also applies to Figures 2A to 2M.

[0061] In contrast to the switch device in Figure 1, the switch device 100 shown in Figures 2A to 2M has two auxiliary contacts 25 that are positioned in the opening 125 of the switch chamber wall 12 and enter the cavity 15 of the switch chamber 11, similar to the fixed contacts 2 and 3.

[0062] In the shown embodiment, between the auxiliary contacts 25 arranged laterally 93, another opening 126 is further formed in which a gas filling nozzle 26 is positioned. The gas filling nozzle 26 can be used to fill an airtight area with atmospheric gas and, after filling, is closed, for example, by pressure.

[0063] The auxiliary contact 25 and the gas filling nozzle 26 are preferably soldered into the openings 125 and 126 of the switch chamber 11, so that they can penetrate the switch chamber 11 in the same way as the fixed contacts 2 and 3 by a tightly sealed connection, such as brazing. The contacts 2 and 3, the auxiliary contact 25, and the gas filling nozzle 26 may preferably be completed in the same process.

[0064] The auxiliary contact 25 is preferably entirely located within the housing. For example, the auxiliary contact 25 is accessible from the outside by an internal feeder wire (not shown) that is electrically connected to an external electrical coupling on the housing. Alternatively, the auxiliary contact 25 may protrude from the housing, similar to the fixed contacts 2 and 3, and be accessible from the outside of the housing.

[0065] The switch device 100 further comprises two spring contacts 30 and one contact plate 31, which are located within the switch chamber 11. Specifically, the spring contacts 30 and the contact plate 31 are entirely located within the cavity 15 of the switch chamber 11. Each of the spring contacts 30 extends from one of the auxiliary contacts 25 to the contact plate 31 and has a first contact area 301 and a second contact area 302 connected via a connecting area 303, as shown in Figure 2F. Each of the spring contacts 30 contacts one of the auxiliary contacts 25 at its first contact area 301. Specifically, each of the spring contacts 30 may permanently contact one of the auxiliary contacts 25 during normal operation at its first contact area 301, regardless of the switch state of the switch device 100. As shown in the figure, the first contact area 301 of the spring contact 30 contacts directly and therefore mechanically abuts the auxiliary contact 25.

[0066] The contact plate 31 can move together with the movable contact 4. For this purpose, the contact plate 31 is connected together with the movable contact 4 to the mechanical drive mechanism described above with reference to Figure 1. In the non-conductive switch state of the switch device 100 shown in Figures 2A and 2B, i.e., the stationary state, the contact plate 31 is separated from the second contact area 302 of the spring contact 30. In the conductive switch state shown in Figure 2C, when the fixed contacts 2 and 3 and the movable contact 4 are in contact, the contact plate 31 mechanically contacts the second contact area 302. For this purpose, for example, as shown in Figure 2E, the contact plate 31 has a contact area 312. The conductive state of the switch device 100 shown in Figure 2C is the first switch state of the switch device 100, and the non-conductive switch state of the switch device 100 shown in Figures 2A and 2B is the second switch state. Therefore, in the second switch state, a switch gap exists between the movable contact 4 and the fixed contacts 2 and 3. In the first switch state, the spring contact 30 and the auxiliary contact 25 are electrically connected via the contact plate 31 through mechanical and electrical contact between the second contact area 302 of the spring contact 30 and the contact area 312 of the contact plate 31. This makes it possible to distinguish between the first and second switch states, for example, by measuring the resistance at the auxiliary contact 25.

[0067] The movable contact 4 and contact plate 31 are arranged on an electrically insulating contact holder 47. The contact holder 47 has an opening for the insertion of the shaft 7 and is fastened to the shaft 7 of the armature 5 and to the mechanical drive of the switch device 100. The contact holder 47 may be configured as a single unit or as a combination of multiple units.

[0068] The movable contact 4 and contact plate 31 are electrically insulated from the shaft 7 by the contact holder 47. This ensures that the movable contact 4 and contact plate 31 are electrically insulated from the components of the mechanical drive, i.e., the components of the armature 5. For this purpose, the contact holder includes or consists of an electrically insulating material, which is a polymer and ceramic material, for example, (CH2O) n The material is selected from structured polyoxymethylene (POM), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), glass fiber-reinforced PBT, and electrically insulating metal oxides such as Al2O3.

[0069] The contact plate 31 is fixed onto the contact holder 47. Fixation may be done, for example, by clamping, or, particularly preferably, by deformation, as shown in the figure. For this purpose, the contact plate 31 is partially overmolded with the material of the contact holder 47, for example, by casting or injection molding. To contact the second contact area 302 of the spring contact 30, the contact area 312 of the contact plate 31 protrudes laterally 93 from the contact holder 47.

[0070] As shown in Figure 2E, the contact plate 31 is configured, for example, as a sheet and has a central opening 313 through which the shaft 7 passes and protrudes when mounted. As shown in the figure, the contact plate 31 may further have an anchor hole 314 through which the material of the contact holder 47 can pass, thereby fixing the contact plate 31 on the contact holder 47 and locking it, for example, to prevent rotation.

[0071] The contact holder 47 further includes a lower stopper 471 and an upper stopper 472. The contact plate 31 is positioned on the lower stopper 471, which may be laid flat on the bottom 13 of the switch chamber in the second switch state. The movable contact 4 abuts against the upper stopper 472 in the second switch state. A contact spring 40, shown in Figure 1, is positioned between the movable contact 4 and the lower stopper 471, and the contact spring presses the movable contact 4 against the upper stopper 472, pushing it toward the fixed contacts 2 and 3.

[0072] The armature 5 having the movable contact 4 refers to an overtravel system, in which the movable contact 4 is movably positioned on a contact holder 47. When the movable contact 4 contacts the fixed contacts 2 and 3 and the switch gap is completely closed in the first switched state, the contact spring 40 may be compressed, and the armature 5 may move further, for example, until the magnetic core 6 contacts the yoke 9. The armature may move, for example, up a distance of 1 mm or less, particularly preferably about 0.5 mm, above the movable contact 4 along the vertical direction 91. Because the contact spring 40 is compressed by the overtravel, the contact pressure of the movable contact 4 against the fixed contacts 2 and 3 can be increased, and a certain resistance to vibration and mechanical shock can be achieved.

[0073] In particular, as can be seen from Figures 2G to 2I, the switch chamber wall 12 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape or at least a cross-sectional shape close to a rectangle in the horizontal cross-sectional view, and as shown in the figures, the cross-sectional shape may be, for example, rounded. The switch chamber wall 12 has opposing lateral side wall portions 121 and opposing vertical side wall portions 122, and these side wall portions have at least a shape close to a rectangle. The lateral side wall portions 121, the vertical side wall portions 122, the lid portion 119 having openings 120 for fixed contacts 2 and 3 and openings 125 and 126 for auxiliary contacts 25, and the gas filling nozzle 26 are integrally molded as shown in the illustrated embodiment to form the switch chamber wall 12. Particularly preferably, the switch chamber wall 12 is formed of the aforementioned ceramic material.

[0074] As described above, each of the spring contacts 30 has a connection region 303 between the first and second contact regions 301 and 302, and as shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the connection region extends along the longitudinal side wall 122. The first and second contact regions 301 and 302 of each of the spring contacts 30 may preferably extend at least 93 laterally from the corresponding longitudinal side wall 122 into the cavity 15 of the switch chamber 11.

[0075] The spring contact 30 and / or contact plate 31 preferably contain a material containing copper or a copper alloy. Particularly preferably, the material may be selected from CuBe, CuSn4, and CuSn6. Such materials can have good conductivity and a low tendency to weld. The auxiliary contact 25 may be made of the materials described above for the fixed contacts 2 and 3, or the materials described above for the spring contact 30 and / or contact plate 31.

[0076] As shown in the figure, the spring contact 30 is preferably strip-shaped, and in particular, is made of a metal strip. At least one of the contact regions 301, 302 of the spring contact 30 may be configured to be elastic. For example, the first contact region 301 of each spring contact 30 may be elastic and configured to apply a spring force to the auxiliary contact 25. Thus, the first contact region 301 may be pressed against the auxiliary contact 25 in the installed state to apply a spring force.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, the second spring region 302 is preferably configured to be elastic. Particularly preferably, the second contact region 302 applies a spring force to the contact plate 31, particularly the contact region 312 of the contact plate, in the first switch state. The elastic action of the second contact region 302 can enhance the resistance of the mechanical contact between the contact plate 31 and the second contact region 302 of the spring contact 30 to vibration and mechanical shock. Particularly preferably, the spring force acting on the contact plate 31 of the second contact region 302 and the counter-pressure acting on the armature, particularly the counter-pressure acting on the contact holder 47, may be smaller than the reset spring force of the reset spring 10 of the mechanical drive, and this reset spring force allows the armature to move from the conductive switch state to the non-conductive switch state. Particularly preferably, the spring force acting on the contact plate 31 of the second contact region 302 may be 20% or less of the reset spring force. When the switch device 100 transitions from a first switch state to a second switch state, the contact plate 31 may lose mechanical contact with the second contact area 302 of the spring contact 30 after moving a path greater than the overtravel. In other words, as long as the overtravel is not exhausted, the second contact area 302 maintains mechanical contact with the contact area 312 of the contact plate 31. The second contact area 302 loses mechanical contact with the contact plate 31 only after the overtravel is exhausted and the armature 5, in particular the contact holder 47 to which the contact plate 31 is fastened, moves downward by a certain distance so that the movable contact 4 is separated from the fixed contacts 2 and 3 by the armature 5. This ensures that the contact plate 31 remains in mechanical contact with the spring contact 30 even if the movable contact 4 mechanically contacts at least one of the fixed contacts 2 and 3, for example, due to unintended welding. In other words, in this case, the movable contact 4 remains in a conductive state simply by exhausting the overtravel, and this can be detected by the auxiliary contact short-circuited by the contact plate even if the mechanical drive of the switch device 100 is disconnected.

[0078] Therefore, the switch device 100 in the embodiment shown in Figures 2A to 2M can reliably recognize the "safely closed" state, and this is combined with a simple mechanical structure used for detection and output of a signal from the sealed switch chamber.

[0079] In particular, as can be seen from Figures 2H and 2I, the switch chamber wall 12 further has at least two connecting plates 123, each of which is positioned between at least two fixed contacts 2, 3 in the longitudinal direction 92 and extends from at least one longitudinal side wall portion 122 into the switch chamber 11 in the transverse direction 93. The connecting plates 123 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction 92. Specifically, the connecting plates 123 extend transversely 93 beyond the movable contact 4 in the cavity 15 of the switch chamber 11 from one longitudinal side wall portion 122 to the other longitudinal side wall portion 122. Each connecting plate 123 also has a groove 124 through which the movable contact 4 can move during the switching process. As shown in the figures, the connecting plates 123 may preferably be directly connected to the lid portion 119 of the switch chamber 12. Specifically, the connecting plates 123 may extend along and immediately adjacent to the lid portion 119 of the switch chamber 11. Particularly preferably, the connecting plate 123 is integrally molded with the side wall portion 122 and / or the cover portion 119 of the switch chamber wall 12.

[0080] The two connecting plates 123 form an electrically insulated region in the cavity 15 between the fixed contacts 2 and 3, at least partially separated from the fixed contacts 2 and 3. The auxiliary contact 25, the spring contact 30, and the gas filling nozzle 26 are arranged within this insulated space 127.

[0081] Particularly preferably, the auxiliary contact 25 is positioned between the two connecting plates 123 symmetrically with respect to the movable contact 4. The spring contact 30 is also positioned between the two connecting plates 123 symmetrically with respect to the movable contact 4. At least one of the connecting plates 123 is configured between each of the auxiliary contacts 25 and the fixed contacts 2 and 3, and between each of the spring contacts 30 and the fixed contacts 2 and 3, so that the auxiliary contacts 25 and the spring contacts 30 are at least partially insulated from the fixed contacts 2 and 3.

[0082] For example, as shown in Figures 2K to 2M, the switch chamber bottom 13, which is particularly preferably formed of POM or another of the above-mentioned plastics, has a bottom plate 130 including an opening 131 through which the shaft 7 passes. The switch chamber bottom 13 has side walls 132, 133 that at least partially encircle the edge of the bottom plate 130, and these side walls are inserted into the switch chamber wall 12 along the side walls 121, 122 of the switch chamber wall 12 when assembling the switch chamber 11. The side walls 132, 133 of the switch chamber bottom are preferably integrally molded with the bottom plate 130 of the switch chamber bottom 13. In the assembled switch chamber 11, the side walls 132, 133 of the switch chamber bottom 13 may be surrounded by the side walls 121, 122 of the switch chamber wall 12, so that the side walls 132, 133 of the switch chamber bottom 13 can form an insertion portion into the switch chamber wall 12. At least a portion of the side walls 132 and 133 at the bottom of the switch chamber may be spaced apart from the side walls of the switch chamber wall. The bottom plate 130 can be used as a mating fastener for the lower fastener 471 of the contact holder 47 in at least a portion of the area surrounding the opening 131. For mechanical stabilization, as shown in the figure, the bottom plate 130 may have, for example, intersecting connecting plates.

[0083] The spring contacts 30 are positioned on the side walls 132 of the switch chamber bottom 13. These side walls face each other in the lateral direction 93 and are spaced apart from the vertical side walls 122 of the switch chamber wall 12. When viewed from the movable contact 4 in the lateral direction 93, each connection area 303 of the spring contacts 30 may be positioned behind the side walls 132. Thus, for each spring contact 30, the side walls 132 of the switch chamber bottom 13 are positioned between the movable contact 4 and the connection area 303. Therefore, each connection area 303 of the spring contacts 30 is positioned in the lateral direction 93 between the side walls 122 of the switch chamber wall 12 and the side walls 132 of the switch chamber bottom 13.

[0084] The bottom of the switch chamber 13 has an opening 134 in the side wall 132 corresponding to each spring contact 30, and the second contact area 302 of the spring contact 30 protrudes through the side wall 132 of the bottom of the switch chamber through this opening. As a result, the second contact area 302 of each spring contact 30 can protrude laterally 93 toward the movable contact 4. For example, as can be seen from Figure 2M, each of the side wall 132 may be provided with another opening 134 at a different height. Specifically, these other openings 134 are provided within the area of ​​the bottom plate 130. Therefore, when using other spring contacts with longer connection areas, the second contact area may be guided toward the movable contact 4 and the contact plate 31 at a different height, as will be described later with reference to Figures 3A and 3B.

[0085] Each of the spring contacts 30 has at least one opening 304 within the connection region 303, and the fastening elements 135 of the corresponding side wall portion 132 of the switch chamber bottom 13 protrude through the opening. Particularly preferably, the fastening elements are integrally molded with the corresponding side wall portion and are used to fasten the corresponding spring contacts. In the shown embodiment, each spring contact 30 has two openings 304 and is fastened to the side wall portion 132 by two fastening elements 135. As shown in the figure, the fastening elements 135 may be configured as, for example, bolt members, and riveting can be achieved.

[0086] The bottom of the switch chamber 13 has wall portions 136 on both sides of the opening 131. When viewed in the vertical direction 92, these wall portions are arranged side by side between the connecting plates 123 of the switch chamber wall 12, and together with the side wall portion 132 on which the spring contact 30 is provided, form an insertion region 139. Permanent magnets 17, particularly arc-extinguishing magnets, are placed in the insertion region 139. Specifically, each of the permanent magnets 17 may be laid flat on a support surface 138 formed in the wall portion 136 and fastened to the insertion region 139 by a snap mechanism 137 formed by a hook. Therefore, the bottom of the switch chamber 13 may particularly preferably have two insertion regions 139, and when viewed in the horizontal direction 93, the movable contact 4 is positioned between these two insertion regions. Preferably, when transitioning from the first switch state to the second switch state, and from the second switch state to the first switch state, the movable contact 4 may move along the insertion region 139 in the vertical direction 91. Other wall portions 136' of the insertion region 139 may connect the wall portions 136 to each other and be positioned between the permanent magnet 17 and the movable contact 4. Below the other wall portions 136', openings may be formed between the wall portions 136, and the contact region 312 of the contact plate 31 may move within these openings.

[0087] For example, as shown in Figure 2J, the clamping element 32 is positioned flat above the contact 4 so as to abut against the other wall portion 136' of the insertion region 139, and the clamping element may be made of the same material as the switch chamber bottom 13. The clamping element 32, which can be kept at a distance from the cover portion 119 by a spacer 321 which can be configured as a spherical projection, can, for example, separate the gas filling nozzle 26 from the contacts 2, 3, and 4, and prevent arc generation within the area of ​​the gas filling nozzle 26.

[0088] In another embodiment, Figures 3A and 3B show a part of the switch device 100 corresponding to the figures shown in Figures 2A and 2M, and in particular, the spring contact 30 is longer, so the second contact area 302 of the spring contact 30 penetrates the lower opening 134 in the aforementioned side wall portion 132. As a result, as can be seen from Figure 3A, the switch device 100 in the first switch state, where the contact plate 31 is mechanically in contact with the spring contact 30, is in a non-conductive switch state, i.e., a stationary state. In the second switch state, where the contact plate 31 is separated from the spring contact 30, the switch device 100 is in a conductive switch state. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the stationary state of the switch device 100 can be detected by short-circuiting the auxiliary contact 25 with the spring contact 30 and the contact plate 31. Therefore, compared to the embodiments shown in Figures 2A to 2M, the embodiments shown in Figures 3A and 3B have the opposite switch state detection characteristics, and these opposite switch state detection characteristics can be achieved simply by using other spring contacts 30. In this way, the desired switch state detection characteristics can be easily set for the switch device 100 according to the client's needs without changing the rest of the structure.

[0089] The second contact area 302 of the spring contact 30 is preferably configured such that, when the switch device 100 transitions from a first switch state to a second switch state, the contact plate 31 loses mechanical contact with the second contact area 302 of the spring contact 30 after moving a path of 20% or less of the switch gap. This makes it possible to very short the path that the armature 5 must move from the first switch state to the second switch state before contact between the contact plate 31 and the spring contact 30 is broken. The second contact area 302 of the spring contact 30 is particularly preferably configured in this way and, for example, slightly curved upward so that these second contact areas are pushed down by about 0.5 mm when the armature 5 and contact plate 31 make contact with the contact area 312 of the contact plate 31 as the armature 5 and contact plate 31 move downward to the lower stopper of the armature 5, and in turn the armature 5 and contact plate 31 lose contact with the contact plate 31 after moving upward by a corresponding distance.

[0090] If the movable contact 4 remains conductive due to sticking or mechanical failure, the mechanical drive should be disconnected and the switch device 100 should return to the first switched state. However, the contact plate 31 remains separated from the second contact area 302 of the spring contact 30, and the first switched state cannot be read at the auxiliary contact 25. This is possible even considering overtravel, as the armature 5 with the contact plate 31 has fallen a certain distance toward the bottom 13 of the switch chamber relative to the movable contact 4, but the distance between the contact plate 31 and the second contact area 302 of the spring contact 30 is still sufficiently large to ensure that no conductive connection occurs between the auxiliary contacts 25. The mechanical effect of the impact depends on the characteristics of the mechanical drive and the movable contact 4. That is, after the movable contact 4 detaches from the fixed contacts 2 and 3 due to acceleration, the electrical contact between the auxiliary contacts 25 still correctly indicates an incomplete disconnection. Therefore, the switch device 100 in the embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B can reliably recognize the "safely open" state, and this is combined with a simple mechanical structure used for detection and output of a signal from a sealed switch chamber.

[0091] The embodiment conforming to the IEC 60947-5-1 standard can also detect the condition where the switch device cannot be closed, i.e., the condition where the movable system gets stuck in the open position. It can also detect whether the switch device is in a non-conductive state even if the upper part of the switch device is damaged.

[0092] One of the advantages of the switch device 100 described here is its extremely low manufacturing cost because it does not require wiring or integrated circuits. Furthermore, the detection is unaffected by magnetism. In addition, in these two implementation variations, the switch state is detected at a distance sufficiently far from the main contacts, i.e., sufficiently far from the fixed and movable contacts, so insulation problems and the risk of destruction due to switching arcs do not occur.

[0093] The features and embodiments described with reference to the drawings are not fully described in detail, but all combinations can be combined with each other by other embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, the embodiments described with reference to the drawings may have other features as described in the general parts.

[0094] The present invention is not limited by the examples described herein. More precisely, the present invention includes any novel features and any combination of features, in particular any combination of features in the claims, even if such features or combinations themselves are not explicitly described in the claims or examples. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1 Housing 2,3 Fixed contacts 4 Movable contacts 5 Armature 6 magnetic core 7 axes 8 coils 9 York 10 springs 11 Switch Chamber 12 Switch Chamber Wall 13. Bottom of the switch chamber 14. Airtight zone 15 Cavity 16 flange 17 Permanent Magnets 18 Wall 25 Auxiliary contacts 26 Gas filling nozzle 30 Spring contacts 31 Contact plate 32 clamping elements 40 Contact spring 47 Contact holder 91 vertical direction 92 Vertical 93 Horizontal 100 Switching device 119 Lid 120 opening 121 Lateral side wall section 122 Vertical side wall section 123 Connecting plate 124 grooves 125 Auxiliary contact opening 126 Opening of the gas filling nozzle 127 Space 130 Bottom plate 131 Opening 132 Side wall section 133 Side wall section 134 Opening 135 Fastening elements 136,136' wall 137 Support surface 138 Snap Mechanism 139 Insertion area 301,302 contact area 303 Connection Area 304 Opening 312 Contact area 313 Opening 314 Anchor holes 321 Spacer 471,472 Fasteners

Claims

1. The movable contact (4) located inside the switch chamber (11), A switch device (100) having at least two auxiliary contacts (25), two spring contacts (30), and one contact plate (31) located within the switch chamber, The switch chamber (11) has side wall portions (132, 133), Each of the spring contacts has a first contact area (301) and a second contact area (302), and the first contact area and the second contact area are connected via a connecting area (303). A side wall portion (132) is positioned between each connection region of the spring contact and the movable contact. The contact plate is capable of moving together with the movable contact. Switching device (100).

2. The switch device according to the claim, wherein the switch chamber has a bottom plate (130) and a switch chamber bottom (13) including a side wall.

3. The switch chamber (11) has a switch chamber wall (12) having opposing lateral side walls (121) and opposing vertical side walls (122), Each of the connection regions of the spring contact extends between the vertical side wall and the side wall of the bottom of the switch chamber. The switch device according to the above claim.

4. The switch device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the bottom of the switch chamber has an insertion region (139) between each of the spring contacts and the movable contact, in which a permanent magnet (17) is arranged.

5. The switch device according to the claim, wherein each of the insertion regions has a snap mechanism (138) for fastening the corresponding permanent magnet.

6. The switch device has at least two fixed contacts (2, 3), The switch chamber has at least two connecting plates (123), the connecting plates are arranged vertically between the at least two fixed contacts, and each of the connecting plates extends laterally from at least one vertical side wall into the switch chamber. The insertion region is positioned between the connecting plates. The switch device according to claim 3 and any one of claims 4 and 5.

7. Each of the spring contacts has at least one opening (304) in the connection area, and the fastening element (135) of the corresponding side wall of the bottom of the switch chamber protrudes through the opening, according to any one of the above claims.

8. Each of the side wall portions has an opening (134) between one of the spring contacts and the movable contact, and the corresponding second contact region protrudes through the opening, the switch device according to any one of the above claims.

9. The switch device according to the claim, wherein the corresponding second contact region protrudes through the corresponding opening toward the contact plate.

10. The switch device according to any one of the above claims, wherein the switch device has at least two fixed contacts (2, 3), the fixed contacts are arranged side by side in the vertical direction (92), and the auxiliary contacts are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (93).

11. The switch device has a mechanical drive for moving the movable contact and the contact plate, and the mechanical drive has an armature (5) including a shaft (7) on which the movable contact and the contact plate are arranged. The auxiliary contact, the spring contact, and the contact plate are arranged to be electrically insulated from the fixed contact, the movable contact, and the mechanical drive mechanism. A switch device according to any one of the above claims.

12. The switch device according to any one of the above claims, wherein the movable contact and the contact plate are arranged on an electrically insulating contact holder (47).

13. The switch device according to claim 12, wherein the contact plate is fixed on the contact holder and the movable contact is movably arranged on the contact holder.

14. The switch device according to any one of the above claims, wherein the second contact area applies a spring force to the contact plate in the first switch state.

15. A contact spring (40) is arranged on the contact holder, the contact spring applies a spring force to the movable contact in the direction of the fixed contact, and the spring force of the second contact region is less than the spring force of the contact spring, the switch device according to the above claim.

16. The contact plate is positioned to contact the second contact area of ​​the spring contact in the first switch state of the switch device, and to be spaced apart from the second contact area of ​​the spring contact in the second switch state. The movable contact separates from the fixed contact by the switch gap in the first or second switch state, and when the switch device transitions from the first switch state to the second switch state, the contact plate loses mechanical contact with the second contact area of ​​the spring contact after moving along a path of 20% or less of the switch gap. A switch device according to any one of the above claims.

17. Each of the first contact regions (301) of the spring contacts applies a spring force to one of the auxiliary contacts, as described in any one of the above claims.

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