Switching device

Abstract

Switching device The switching device (1) comprises at least one fixed contact (51, 52) and at least one moveable contact (41, 42) arranged on a contact bridge (40). Furthermore, the switching device comprises (1) a magnetic drive assembly (2) with a moveable armature (20) and a fixed part (21). The switching device (1) further comprises a stopping element (3). The armature (20) is connected to the contact bridge (40) via a spring (4). The magnetic drive assembly (2) and the contact bridge (40) are arranged in a housing (5). In a first switching state (11) of the switching device (1) the fixed contact (51, 52) is electrically connected to the moveable contact (41, 42) and the armature (20) is in contact with the fixed part (21). In a second switching state (12) the fixed contact (51, 52) is separated from the moveable contact (41, 42) and the armature (20) is pulled out of the fixed part (21). The stopping element (3) is configured to stop a motion of the armature (20) during transition from the first switching state (11) to the second switching state (12) at a position such that the armature (20) is spaced apart from the housing (5). The switching device (1) comprises a first damping structure (61) covering at least a part of the fixed part (21) of the magnetic drive assembly (2) such that the mechanical coupling of the housing (5) and the magnetic drive assembly (5) is reduced.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Switching device

[0003] A switching device is speci fied .

[0004] One problem to be solved is , inter alia, to speci fy an improved switching device in particular with reduced acoustic noise during operation .

[0005] This problem is solved, inter alia, by a switching device comprising the features of independent claim 1 . Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subj ect-matter of the respective dependent patent claims .

[0006] In at least one embodiment the switching device comprises at least one fixed contact and at least one moveable contact . The moveable contact is preferably arranged on a contact bridge . Furthermore , the switching device comprises a magnetic drive assembly with a moveable armature and a fixed part . The switching device further comprises a stopping element . The armature is connected to the contact bridge via a spring . The magnetic drive assembly and the contact bridge are arranged in a housing . Preferably, also the spring, the moveable contacts and the fixed contacts are arranged in the housing .

[0007] In a first switching state of the switching device the fixed contact is electrically connected to the moveable contact and the armature is in contact with the fixed part on a side of the magnetic drive assembly facing away from the contact bridge . That is , the first switching state is in particular a closed state of the switching device . In a second switching state the fixed contact is separated from the moveable contact and the armature is pulled out of the fixed part . That is , the first switching state is in particular an open state of the switching device .

[0008] The stopping element is configured to stop a motion of the armature during transition from the first switching state to the second switching state at a position such that the armature is spaced apart from the housing .

[0009] The switching device comprises a first damping structure covering at least a part of the fixed part of the magnetic drive assembly such that the mechanical coupling of the housing and the magnetic drive assembly is reduced .

[0010] In a preferred embodiment it is possible that the spring is coated with a damping material .

[0011] The switching device preferably further comprises at least one or exactly two external contacts . The switching device can be integrated in an external circuit via the external contacts . Preferably, the switching device comprises a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact connected to a first external contact and a second external contact , respectively . The switching device further preferably comprises a first moveable contact and a second movable contact connected to one another by the contact bridge .

[0012] The fixed part may comprise a recess penetrating the fixed part completely . In the recess the armature may be arranged such that a part of the armature penetrates the fixed part completely . During switching of the switching device , the armature may move inside the recess . The contact bridge may be arranged on a carrier that is directly connected to the spring . Preferably, the contact bridge is made of a highly electrically conductive material and the carrier of the contact bridge is made of an insulating material such as a polymer or a plastic .

[0013] The fixed and moveable contacts , the contact bridge and / or the external contacts preferably comprise at least one metal such as copper or aluminum . The spring may comprise a metal or may comprise steel . The housing is made , for example , of plastic .

[0014] For example , the spring is a steel spring . The spring is preferably coated with a damping material comprising a polymer, a rubber material or the like . Vibrations of the spring may be damped by the damping material .

[0015] In particular, the stopping element is arranged such that in the second switching state the fixed part is in contact with the stopping element on a side facing the contact bridge . The stopping element may be connected to or may form the mounting part of the armature , where the spring is mounted .

[0016] The stopping element may comprise or consist of a comparably soft material . For example , the stopping element comprises a polymer, a rubber material or the like . Preferably, the stopping element is , on the one hand, soft in order to damp the impact of the armature . On the other hand, the stopping element preferably shows a certain sti f fness such that the armature stops may stop at a predefined position .

[0017] In particular, the switching device is configured to switch from the first switching state to the second switching state or vice versa in the case of a switching event . In the first switching state the contacts are closed, i . e . , the first fixed contact is connected to the first moveable contact and the second fixed contact is connected to the second moveable contact . Hence , an electrical connection between the first external contact and the second external contact is established in the first switching state .

[0018] For example , the switching event is a short circuit or a power overload . In this case the switching device switches from the first switching state to the second switching state . Another example for a switching event is a reset of the switching device . In this example , the switching device switches form the second switching state to the first switching state .

[0019] I f a switching event such as a short circuit occurs and is optionally detected, the switching device switches from the first switching state to the second switching state by separating the fixed and moveable contacts . For example , the contact bridge and thus the moveable contacts are moved with respect to the housing . Since the armature is connected to the contact bridge via the spring, the spring may be compressed and set the armature in motion . This may cause the armature to move out of the fixed part such that on a side of the magnetic drive assembly facing away from the contact bridge , the armature and the fixed part are spaced apart . Hence , the movement of the contact bridge and the armature opens the connection of the fixed and moveable contacts , and the switching device is "open" .

[0020] The switching device may further comprise a means for resetting the switching device . For example , the means for resetting is a handle or the like . The contact bridge and the armature can be moved from the second switching state to the first switching state by the means for resetting . Hence , the switching device may be reset to "closed" .

[0021] The fixed part of the magnetic drive assembly and the fixed contacts are in particular fixedly connected to the housing . That is , the fixed part of the magnetic drive assembly and the fixed contacts do not move relative to the housing during transition from the first switching state to the second switching state .

[0022] The magnetic drive assembly may comprise a coil arrangement with a coil that may support or cause the movement of the armature and support or initiate switching the switching device when the coil is provided with a current .

[0023] The switching device may be a circuit breaker configured to prevent short circuits and / or power overload . For example , the switching device is used in motor control or in a power train for electric vehicles .

[0024] The switching device described here is based on the following technical considerations . Common switching devices make sounds when switching from a first state to a second state . The sounds are in particular caused by the movement of the moveable parts such as the armature and the contact bridge . Further sound sources may be vibrations caused by compression of the spring or a movement of the housing . For example , the armature may touch, i . e . , hit , the housing when moving from the first position to the second position, thereby creating an acoustic noise . That is in particular, an end stop of the armature may be defined by the housing . In this way, switching operations of the switching device may show a sound power level or sound pressure level of 90 dB or more . In particular, i f such switching devices are used in environments close to human users , for example in electric vehicles , the switching operations may be heard by the user and may be perceived as interfering by the user .

[0025] The switching device described here makes use of the idea of moving the end stop of the armature such that the armature does not touch or impact the housing during switching operations . That is , the stopping element defines the end stop of the movement of the armature . Thereby, the end stop can be controlled and acoustic noise arising from the movement of the armature can be reduced . Advantageously, a material of the stopping element can be adopted such that on the one hand the stopping element is soft to damp an impact of the armature . On the other hand, the stopping element preferably shows a certain sti f fness such that the armature stops may stop at a predefined position .

[0026] Furthermore , acoustic noise from the spring that is compressed during switching operations can be reduced by the damping material coating the spring . In particular, vibrations are damped by the damping material .

[0027] The adj ustment of the end stop and the coating of the spring allows acoustic noise emerging from the switching device to be reduced . For example , the sound power level or the sound pressure level may be decreased to 80 dB or less or preferably to 75 dB or less . For example , the sound power level or the sound pressure level are measured at a distance of 1 meter from the switching device . The switching device comprises a first damping structure covering at least a part of the fixed part of the magnetic drive assembly such that the mechanical coupling of the housing and the magnetic drive assembly is reduced . Preferably, the housing and the magnetic drive assembly are mechanically decoupled or essentially mechanically decoupled . In particular the first damping structure is arranged at the fixed part of the magnetic drive assembly .

[0028] The first damping structure is preferably arranged at a region where the mechanical coupling of the magnetic drive assembly and the housing is comparably high . For example , the first damping structure is arranged at a suspension of the magnetic drive assembly .

[0029] The first damping structure may comprise a comparably soft material such as a rubber . For example , the first damping structure comprises a polymer or a foam such as a polymer foam .

[0030] Mechanical decoupling between the magnetic drive assembly and the housing can be achieved by the first damping structure . In particular, vibrations and motion of the magnetic drive assembly occurring during operation of the switching device can be damped by the first damping structure and are trans ferred to the housing to a lesser extent or essentially not at all . Consequently, acoustic noise from the switching device can be reduced .

[0031] For example , the first damping structure covers a main surface of the fixed part facing the contact bridge at least partially . Preferably, the first damping structure extends to a corner of the main surface . In particular, edges of the main surface are at least partially covered by the first damping structure .

[0032] It is possible that the first damping structure comprises several parts that are not directly connected with each other . For example , the parts are only connected to one another by the fixed part .

[0033] For example , the main surface has a rectangular shape with two opposing long edges and two opposing short edges . It is possible that the first damping structure covers the short edges and extends to the corners connecting the short edges and the long edges of the main surface .

[0034] The first damping structure may additionally or alternatively cover side surfaces of the fixed part at least partially .

[0035] Side surfaces of the fixed part extend traverse to the main surface . For example , the first damping structure covers outwardly exposed side surfaces of the fixed part at least partially . Preferably, the first damping structure covers side surfaces of the fixed part in contact or close to the housing at least partially .

[0036] On the side surfaces , the first damping structure may extend to an edge or a corner where the side surface meets the main surface . For example , the first damping structure may at least partially cover the main surface , a side surface adj oining the main surface and the edge or the corner, where the main surface and the side surface meet .

[0037] The fist damping structure may comprise at least one pinshaped damping element extending from the main surface towards the contact bridge . The pin-shaped damping element and the first damping structure are preferably made as one piece . That is in particular, the damping element and the first damping structure may comprise the same material and may be formed in a common manufacturing process .

[0038] I f the contact bridge moves towards the magnetic drive assembly during a switching event , the contact bridge or the carrier of the contact bridge may come close or touch the magnetic drive assembly . By using the pin-shaped damping element , the movement of the contact bridge or the carrier of the contact bridge in the vicinity of the magnetic drive assembly can be damped, thus resulting in noise reduction .

[0039] According to a further embodiment the switching device comprises a second damping structure . The second damping structure is arranged on an inner bottom surface of the housing facing the armature . The inner bottom surface is , for example , a surface that is oriented to the inside of the housing .

[0040] During a switching event the armature moves towards the inner bottom surface of the housing . Consequently, acoustic noise can be reduced by damping this surface .

[0041] For example , the second damping structure comprises a rubber . Alternatively or additionally, the second damping structure comprises a wire mesh . It is also possible that the second damping structure comprises a polymer or a foam or a polymer foam .

[0042] According to a further embodiment the switching device comprises a third damping structure arranged at a contact surface of the fixed part . At the contact surface the armature contacts the fixed part in the first switching state . In particular i f a switching event switches the switching device from the second switching state to the first switching state , acoustic noise can be reduced by damping the contact surface .

[0043] For example , the third damping structure comprises at least one damping element fixedly attached to the contact surface . Alternatively or additionally, the damping element may also be arranged at a surface of the armature facing the contact surface . The damping element is preferably a rubber or a soft polymer or the like .

[0044] It is possible that the contact surface additionally or alternatively comprises a structure and the armature comprises a corresponding structure interfering with structure of the contact surface . For example , the structure of the contact surface is a rectangular profile or a sawtooth tread design . The structure of the armature may be a negative to the structure of the contact surface such that the structure of the contact surface interferes with the structure of the armature . In this way force per area can be reduced at the contact surface , thus reducing acoustic noise of the switching device during switching operation .

[0045] According to at least one embodiment , the switching device comprises a fourth damping structure arranged on a surface of the armature facing the inner bottom surface of the housing . In particular together with the second damping structure a relatively good damping of the armature motion can be achieved, thus reducing acoustic noise ef ficiently .

[0046] For example , the fourth damping structure comprises a rubber . Alternatively or additionally, the fourth damping structure comprises a wire mesh . It is also possible that the fourth damping structure comprises a polymer or a foam or a polymer foam .

[0047] According to at least one embodiment of the switching device , the housing comprises at least one assembly element for mounting the switching device in application . For example , the switching device may be mounted by the assembly element on a carrier or the like . The assembly element is preferably arranged at an outwardly exposed surface of the housing .

[0048] The assembly element in particular comprises a fi fth damping structure . By the fi fth damping structure a mechanical coupling between the switching device and the application may be achieved . Hence , acoustic noise can be reduced .

[0049] For example , the fi fth damping structure comprises a rubber or a polymer . Preferably the fi fth damping structure is soft , on the one hand, to achieve good damping, but on the other hand comprises a certain sti f fness to achieve a fixed connection between the switching device and the application .

[0050] According to at least one embodiment of the switching device the magnetic drive assembly comprises a coil arrangement at the fixed part . The coil arrangement is preferably surrounded by a sixth damping structure . For example , the coil arrangement comprises a coil surrounding the armature . By supplying the coil with current , the motion of the armature can be supported or caused . It is also possible that the armature is held in position in the first switching state or the second switching state by supplying the coil with current , thereby applying a magnetic force on the armature . The sixth damping structure is preferably a polymer foam . By the sixth damping structure vibrations introduced in the coil arrangement due to the motion of the armature during a switching event can be damped . Thus , acoustic noise can be reduced .

[0051] According to at least one embodiment of the switching device comprising a coil arrangement , the switching device comprises a seventh damping structure arranged at the side of the coil arrangement facing the armature . For example , the seventh damping structure is arranged at the coil of the coil arrangement .

[0052] The seventh damping structure may comprise a rubber or a polymer .

[0053] Preferably a switching characteristic of the switching device is adapted to the stopping element , the coated spring and / or to the damping structures . That is , depending on the damping means present in the switching device , the switching characteristics may be adapted such that a switching behavior of the switching device is constant for di f ferent combinations of damping means . For example , damping the coil arrangement with the sixth or seventh damping structure and / or the coated spring may have an influence on a motion characteristic of the armature . For example , a higher supply current may be needed for the coil arrangement in order to move the armature the same way as in case that the spring comprises no coating or the coil arrangement is not damped . In this way the switching device here can be used in similar applications as a common switching device without the need to adj ust the application . Further advantages and advantageous embodiments and further developments of the switching device described herein will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments shown in connection with schematic drawings . Identical elements , elements of the same kind or elements having the same ef fect are provided with the same reference signs in the figures . The figures and the proportions of the elements shown in the figures are not to be regarded as true to scale . Rather, individual elements may be shown exageratedly large for better representability and / or for better comprehensibility .

[0054] In the figures :

[0055] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a switching device described here according to a first exemplary embodiment in a first switching state ;

[0056] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a switching device described herein according to the first exemplary embodiment in a second switching state ;

[0057] Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a magnetic drive assembly of the switching device according to the first exemplary embodiment in the first switching state ;

[0058] Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a magnetic drive assembly of the switching device according to the first exemplary embodiment in the second switching state ;

[0059] Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a magnetic drive assembly for a switching device described herein according to a second exemplary embodiment ; Figure 6 illustrates a contact surface of a fixed part and an armature of a magnetic drive assembly for a switching device described herein according to a third exemplary embodiment ; and

[0060] Figure 7 shows a schematic front view of a magnetic drive assembly for a switching device described herein according to a fourth exemplary embodiment .

[0061] The switching device 1 according to Figure 1 comprises a first fixed contact 51 and a second fixed contact 52 . The first fixed contact 51 is connected to a first external contact 53 and the second fixed contact 52 is connected to a second external contact 54 . By the first external contact 53 and the second external contact 54 , the switching device may be integrated in a circuit of an application such as a motor control .

[0062] Figure 1 shows the switching device 1 in a first switching state 11 , where the first fixed contact 51 is in contact with a first moveable contact 41 and the second fixed contact 52 is in contact with a second moveable contact 42 . The first moveable contact 41 and the second moveable contact 42 are arranged on a contact bridge 40 .

[0063] The contacts 41 , 42 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 each comprise a metal with a comparably large electrical conductivity such as copper . The contact bridge 40 comprises a material with comparably large electrical conductivity and mechanical robustness such as aluminium, copper and / or steel . The contact bridge 40 is arranged on a carrier 43 . The carrier 43 is preferably made with an electrically insulating material .

[0064] The carrier 43 is connected to a spring 4 , which connects the contact bridge 40 to an armature 20 of a magnetic drive assembly 2 . The spring 4 comprises a damping material configured to damp vibrations emerging from the spring 4 during compression and / or decompression .

[0065] The magnetic drive assembly 2 comprises a fixed part 21 and the armature 20 . The armature 20 is moveable with respect to the fixed part 20 . The armature 20 and the fixed part 21 each comprise a metal and is made with a magnetic material .

[0066] Furthermore , magnetic drive assembly 2 comprises a coil arrangement 22 , which includes a coil . By supplying the coil with current , the armature 20 may be moved or held in position due to magnetic forces emerging from the current- supplied coil .

[0067] A stopping element 3 is arranged at a side of the carrier 43 facing the armature 20 . The stopping element 3 comprises a rubber material or the like . The stopping element 3 is configured to define an end stop of the movement of the armature 20 .

[0068] The switching device 1 further comprises a housing 5 , in which the moveable contacts 51 , 52 , the fixed contacts 41 , 42 , the contact bridge 40 and the magnetic drive assembly 2 are arranged . The housing 5 comprises a plastic, for example . During operation of the switching device 1 the moveable contacts 41 , 42 and the fixed contacts 51 , 52 may be closed or opened . For example , the switching device 1 is a circuit breaker . In the case of an overcurrent or a short circuit , the switching device 1 may switch from the first switching state 11 to a second switching state 12 . In the second switching state 12 , the contact bridge 40 moves towards an inner bottom surface 50 of the housing 5 , thus separating the fixed contacts 51 , 52 from the moveable contacts 41 , 42 ( Figure 2 ) . This causes an electrical connection between the first external contact 53 and the second external contact 54 to be interrupted .

[0069] The movement of the contact bridge 40 causes compression of the spring 4 and a consequently movement of the armature 20 towards the inner bottom surface 50 . Thereby, the armature 20 is pulled out of the fixed part 21 . The movement of the armature 20 may be supported or caused or initiated by the coil arrangement 22 .

[0070] The movement of the contact bridge 40 and the armature 20 as well as the compression of the spring 4 may induce vibrations in the switching device 1 , resulting in acoustic noise during switching operation . Furthermore , the armature 20 may hit other parts of the switching device 1 such as the housing 5 , which also causes acoustic noise . Therefore , the switching device 1 comprises several means for damping and acoustic noise reduction .

[0071] The stopping element 3 is configured to define an end stop of the motion of the armature 20 such that it stops at a distance from the inner bottom surface 50 of the housing 5 . Thus , acoustic noise from the armature 20 hitting the housing 5 can be reduced or prevented . As illustrated in the side views of the magnetic drive assembly 2 of Figures 3 and 4 , the stopping element 3 defines the maximum path the armature can move . That is , when switching from the first switching state 11 to the second switching state 12 , the armature 20 moves downwards until the stopping element 3 hits the fixed part 21 .

[0072] Furthermore , the spring 4 is coated with a damping material to reduce vibrations during compression and decompression of the spring 4 .

[0073] The switching device 1 further comprises a second damping structure 62 and a fourth damping structure 64 . The second damping structure 62 is arranged at the bottom surface 50 of the housing 5 . The fourth damping structure 64 is arranged at the armature 20 on a side facing bottom surface 50 and opposite to the second damping structure 64 . The second and fourth damping structure 62 , 64 are each formed with a rubber or a wire mesh . By the second and fourth damping structure 62 , 64 the motion of the armature 20 may be damped and vibrations in the housing 5 emerging from the movement of the armature 20 may be reduced .

[0074] The switching device 1 comprises a sixth damping structure 66 surrounding the coil arrangement 22 . The sixth damping structure 66 is , for example , a polymer foam . By the sixth damping structure 66 vibrations of the coil arrangement 22 emerging from the movement of the armature 20 can be reduced .

[0075] The switching device 1 further comprises a seventh damping structure 67 arranged at a side of the coil arrangement 22 facing the bottom surface 50 of the housing 5 . By the seventh damping structure 67 vibrations of the coil arrangement 22 emerging from the movement of the armature 20 can be further reduced .

[0076] The switching device 1 further comprises several assembly elements 55 for mounting the switching device 1 in application . Each assembly element 55 comprises a fi fth damping structure 65 . By the fi fth damping structure 65 a mechanical coupling between the switching device 1 and the application may be achieved . Hence , acoustic noise can be reduced . For example , the fi fth damping structure 65 comprises a rubber or a polymer .

[0077] The magnetic drive assembly 2 of Figure 5 comprises a first damping structure 61 . The first damping structure 61 partially covers a main surface 21a of a fixed part 21 of the magnetic drive assembly 2 . The main surface 21a may face a contact bridge 40 of a switching device 1 according to a second exemplary embodiment in which the magnetic drive assembly 2 according to Figure 5 is used .

[0078] Furthermore , the first damping structure 61 covers side surfaces 21c of the fixed part 21 partially . The side surfaces 21c extend transversally to the main surface 21a . The first damping structure 61 covers corners 21b of the first main surface 21a, where the first main surface 21a meets the side surfaces 21c .

[0079] The first damping structure 61 may comprise a rubber material .

[0080] By the first damping structure 61 a mechanical coupling between the magnetic drive assembly 2 and the housing can be reduced . Thus , vibrations of the magnetic drive assembly 2 are less ef fectively trans ferred to the housing, which advantageously reduces acoustic noise of the switching device

[0081] 1 .

[0082] The first damping structure 61 comprises pin-shaped damping elements 61a extending towards the contact bridge 40 . I f the contact bridge 40 moves towards the magnetic drive assembly 2 during a switching event , the contact bridge 40 or the carrier 43 of the contact bridge may come close or touch the magnetic drive assembly 2 . By using the pin-shaped damping elements 61a, the movement of the contact bridge 40 or the carrier 43 in the vicinity of the magnetic drive assembly can be damped, thus resulting in acoustic noise reduction .

[0083] The first damping structure 61 can accordingly be present in all other exemplary embodiments .

[0084] Figure 6 illustrates the configuration of a third damping structure 63 that can be present in all exemplary embodiments . The third damping structure 63 is arranged at a contact surface 25 of the fixed part where , in the first switching state 11 , the fixed part 21 touches the armature 20 . At the contact surface 25 the fixed part comprises a structure 25a . The armature comprises a corresponding structure 25b such that the structure 25a of the contact surface 25 interferes with the corresponding structure 25b . The corresponding structure 25b may be a negative to the structure 25a . By structuring the contact surface 25 and the opposing armature 20 , the force per area when the armature 20 touches the fixed part 21 can be reduced . Hence , vibrations and thus acoustic noise can be reduced .

[0085] Figure 7 illustrates an alternative configuration for the third damping structure 63 . In Figure 7 the third damping structure 63 is formed as a damping element 63a fixedly connected to the fixed part at the contact surface 25 . The damping element 63a is preferably a rubber or a soft polymer or the like . The damping element 63a may also be present in all other exemplary embodiments .

[0086] The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments by the description on the basis of said exemplary embodiments . Rather, the invention encompasses any new feature and also any combination of features , which in particular comprises any combination of features in the patent claims and any combination of features in the exemplary embodiments , even i f this feature or this combination itsel f is not explicitly speci fied in the patent claims or exemplary embodiments .

[0087] References

[0088] 1 switching device

[0089] 2 magnetic drive assembly

[0090] 3 stopping element

[0091] 4 spring

[0092] 5 housing

[0093] 11 first switching state

[0094] 12 second switching state

[0095] 20 armature

[0096] 21 fixed part

[0097] 21a main surface of fixed part

[0098] 21b corner

[0099] 21c side surface of fixed part

[0100] 22 coil arrangement

[0101] 25 contact surface

[0102] 25a, 25b surface structure

[0103] 40 contact bridge

[0104] 41 , 42 moveable contact

[0105] 43 carrier for contact bridge

[0106] 50 inner bottom surface of housing

[0107] 51 , 52 fixed contact

[0108] 53 , 54 external contact

[0109] 55 assembly element

[0110] 61...67 first to seventh damping structure

[0111] 61a, 63a damping element

Claims

Claims1. Switching device (1) comprising- at least one fixed contact (51, 52) ,- at least one moveable contact (41, 42) arranged on a contact bridge (40) ,- a magnetic drive assembly (2) with a moveable armature (20) and fixed part (21) ,- a stopping element (3) , and- a first damping structure (61) , wherein- the armature (20) is connected to the contact bridge (40) via a spring ( 4 ) ,- the magnetic drive assembly (2) and the contact bridge (40) are arranged in a housing (5) ,- in a first switching state (11) the fixed contact (51, 52) is electrically connected to the moveable contact (41, 42) and the armature (20) in contact with fixed part (21) on a side of the magnetic drive assembly (2) facing away from the contact bridge (40) ,- in a second switching state (12) the fixed contact (51, 52) is separated from the moveable contact (41, 42) and the armature (20) is pulled out of fixed part (21) ,- the stopping element (3) is configured to stop a motion of the armature (20) during transition from the first switching state (11) to the second switching state (12) at a position such that the armature (20) is spaced apart from the housing ( 5 ) , and- the first damping structure (61) covers at least a part of the fixed part (21) of the magnetic drive assembly (2) such that a mechanical coupling of the housing (5) and the magnetic drive assembly (2) is reduced.

2. Switching device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the spring (4) is coated with a damping material.

3. Switching device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first damping structure (61) covers a main surface (21a) of the fixed part (21) facing the contact bridge (40) and the first damping structure (61) extends to a corner (21b) of the main surface (21a) .

4. Switching device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first damping structure (61) at least partially covers side surfaces (21c) of the fixed part (21) extending traverse to the main surface (21a) .

5. Switching device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first damping structure (61) comprises at least one pin-shaped damping element (61a) extending from the main side (21a) towards the contact bridge (40) .

6. Switching device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second damping structure (62) arranged on an inner bottom surface (50) of the housing (5) facing the armature (20) .

7. Switching device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the second damping structure (62) comprises a rubber and / or a wire mesh.

8. Switching device (1) according to one of the preceding claims further comprising a third damping structure (63) arranged at a contact surface (25) of the fixed part (21) , wherein at the contact surface (25) the armature (20)contacts the fixed part (21) in the first switching state(11) •9. Switching device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the third damping structure (63) comprises at least one damping element (63a) fixedly attached to the contact surface (25) .

10. Switching device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the contact surface (25) comprises a structure (25a) and the armature (20) comprises a corresponding structure (25b) interfering with the structure (25a) of the contact surface (25) .

11. Switching device (1) according to one of the preceding claims further comprising a fourth damping structure (64) on a surface of the armature (20) facing an inner bottom surface (50) of the housing (5) .

12. Switching device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the fourth damping structure (64) comprises a rubber and / or a wire mesh.

13. Switching device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein- the housing (5) comprises at least one assembly element (55) for mounting the switching device (1) in application, and- the assembly element (55) comprises a fifth damping structure ( 65 ) .

14. Switching device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein- the magnetic drive assembly (2) comprises a coil arrangement arranged (22) at the fixed part (21) , and- the coil arrangement (22) is surrounded by sixth damping structure ( 66) .

15. Switching device (1) according to claim 14, further comprising a seventh damping structure (67) at the side of the coil arrangement (22) facing the armature (20) .

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