Contact apparatus for making contact, use and switch

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact apparatus (1) for making contact with a contact (2), comprising a contact member (10) with a receptacle (12) for receiving the contact (2) along an axial direction (X1); a base member (20) holding the contact member (10) with a radial play (R1); and a contact element (30) configured for providing an electrical connection between the contact member (10) and the base member (20) and for compensating the radial play (R1).

Description

[0001] HD 42250; P240216W001 1 / 20

[0002] Description

[0003] Contact apparatus for making contact, use and switch Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates to a contact apparatus for making contact with a contact, the contact apparatus receiving the contact along an axial direction.

[0005] Background Art

[0006] Electrical connections in electrical equipment make use of a contact apparatus. The contact apparatus is provided for making contact with a contact along an axial direction in order to provide the electrical connection. For example, the contact can mate with the contact apparatus by a relative movement along the axial direction such that the electrical connection can be connected or disconnected. It is generally desired that making the contact or electrical connection can be done reliably and that the contact apparatus has a high lifetime or number of cycles.

[0007] Summary of invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide solutions ins respect to a contact apparatus that provide for an enhanced lifetime and reliable operation. Particularly it is an object to avoid or reduce disadvantages of known solutions.

[0009] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Preferred implementations are detailed in the dependent claims, in the description and in the figures.

[0010] The object is particularly solved by a contact apparatus for making contact with a contact, e.g. wherein the contact may be a pin, particularly hollow pin, comprising a contact member with a receptacle for receiving the contact along an axial direction;

[0011] a base member holding the contact member with a radial play; andHD 42250; P240216W001 2 / 20

[0012] a contact element configured for providing an electrical connection between the contact member and the base member and for compensating the radial play.

[0013] The proposed solution is based on the idea that a contact apparatus which can mate with a contact has at least two parts, e.g. an outer part (e.g. the base member) holding an inner part (e.g. the contact member), wherein the inner part can be moved radially (e.g. providing the radial play). The contact can be inserted into the inner part axially. The inner part is in electrical contact to the outer part by means of a structure (e.g. the contact element). The structure or contact element can compensate the radial movement or radial play, e.g. meaning that the electrical connection can be present continuously and independent from a radial position of the inner part relative to the outer part, particularly at least within the range of the radial play.

[0014] By means of the invention and by means of aspects described in the present application, an enhanced contact apparatus is provided that can compensate a radial displacement between contact apparatus and contact.

[0015] The invention is based on the idea that the contact element reliably connects the base member and the contact member for transfer of electrical current thereby realizing that the radial play can be compensated. Thus, wear from abrasion of the contact apparatus can be reduced since the contact apparatus can adapt to the displacement of the contact. Also, less likely collisions may occur during making.

[0016] The contact member may be configured as a socket for receiving a contact. The contact member has the receptacle for receiving a contact, e.g. along an axial direction. The contact member, particularly the receptacle or an inside or an inner face of the contact member, e.g. the inner face forming the receptacle, may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The receptacle may at least substantially extend along the axial direction. The contact member may have an annular section forming the receptacle. The contact member may have an outer face or outside. The outer face may have a substantially cylindrical shape and / or may extend along the axial direction.HD 42250; P240216W001 3 / 20

[0017] The base member may hold or support the contact member. The base member may have a receptacle. The receptacle may correspond in size to the contact member, particularly to the outer face of the contact member. The receptacle typically is formed larger in a radial direction than the contact member to provide for the radial play. The base member, particularly the receptacle or an inner face or inside of the base member, may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The receptacle may extend along the axial direction. The base member may have an annular section forming the receptacle. The base member may have an outer face or outside. The outer face may have a substantially cylindrical shape and / or may extend along the axial direction.

[0018] The contact element can electrically connect the contact member and the base member. The contact element is typically configured for compensating the radial play such that radial movements between contact and base members are possible while the electrical connection is given. For example, the contact element is configured to be flexible, e.g. includes a wire, a spring, or the like.

[0019] The contact element, the base member and / or the contact member may be made from a metal alloy, e.g. including at least one of aluminum and copper. Aluminum is relatively cheap and easy to machine, wherein copper has a lower resistivity.

[0020] The base member may have an / the inner face or an / the inside surrounding an / the outer face or an / the outside of the contact member. The contact member may have an / the inner face or an / the inside forming the receptacle at least in part. There may be a radial gap between the inner face of the base member and the outer face of the contact member.

[0021] The inner face(s) and / or the outer face(s) may extend along the axial direction. The inner face(s) and / or the outer face(s) may comprise an at least substantially cylindrical shape. The base member and / or the contact member, particularly the annular section thereof, may have an at least sectionally tube-like shape.

[0022] The contact element may be at least substantially and / or sectionally annular. The contact element may have a ring-like shape or ring shape. The contact element mayHD 42250; P240216W001 4 / 20

[0023] surround the contact member. The contact element may be arranged in an annular seat. The annular seat may be formed in at least one of the contact member and the base member. The annular seat may point inwardly and / or may be arranged on an / the inside of the base member. The annular seat may provide a form fit effective along the axial direction in order to fix or hold the contact element. The annular seat may be formed on the inner face of the base member. An axial size of the annular seat may at least substantially correspond to the contact element or may be greater than an axial size of the contact element, and / or a radial size of the annular seat may be less than a radial size of the contact element. The contact element may protrude from the annular seat for contacting either the contact member or the base member.

[0024] The contact apparatus may comprise a further contact element. The further contact element may be configured for providing an electrical connection between the contact member and the contact, e.g. the particularly hollow pin. The further contact element may be configured for compensating a further radial play. The further contact element may correspond to the contact element, i.e. may be designed according to one or more feature named in respect to the contact element. For example, the further contact element may be substantially annular. The further contact element may be configured to surround the contact. The further contact element may be arranged in a further annular seat formed in the contact member. The further annular seat may point inwardly and / or may be arranged on an / the inside of the contact member.

[0025] The further annular seat, i.e. the seat of the contact member, may provide a form fit effective along the axial direction in order to fix or hold the further contact element. The further annular seat may be formed on the inner face of the contact member. An axial size of the further annular seat may at least substantially correspond to the further contact element or may be greater than the further contact element, and / or a radial size of the further annular seat may be less than a radial size of the further contact element. The further contact element may protrude from the further annular seat for contacting the contact.HD 42250; P240216W001 5 / 20

[0026] There may be two or more, such as three or four, of the contact element, particularly distributed along the axial direction. Alternatively or additionally, there may be two or more of the further contact element, particularly distributed along the axial direction. Contact elements or further contact elements may be formed at least substantially identically. There may be one annular seat per contact element and / or one further annular seat per further contact element. For example, a / each contact element or further contact element may be arranged in one further annular seat. A plurality of contact elements provides stability of the contact apparatus, e.g. in that the contact member can better be aligned to a neutral position within the radial play and / or with respect to the axial direction, for example. Also, more contact elements can enhance technical properties, such as maximum current or lifetime.

[0027] The contact element(s) and / or the further contact element(s) may comprise or consist of metal and / or may be formed with a metal spring, e.g. a spiral spring with spring coils, and / or may be formed with multi-lamellae. The contact element may have two or more metal springs. The metal spring may comprise or form a toroidal shape. The toroidal shape can be understood as an annular shape. In case of a toroidal shape, typically, the metal spring is shaped endlessly, e.g. in that the spring coils do not have ends but are formed from continuous loops of a single wire. A metal spring can be deformed to adapt to the telescoping movement and other displacements, e.g. from thermal expansion.

[0028] The metal spring or metal springs may have a round or an oval-like shape in a section. For example, when viewed from a side in a section or cross-section, an oval can be seen and / or the shape is not round but flattened or elliptical. The metal spring has or metal springs have a radial size and an axial size. The radial size may be at least substantially equal to, e.g. by ± 10% or ± 5% or may be smaller than the axial size, e.g. by at least 5% or by at least 10 %. Thus, the contact element may provide that a round or convex, particularly an enlarged, area of contact can be achieved between the housing members.

[0029] The metal spring or metal springs may have spring coils, especially wherein some or each of the spring coils are tilted in respect to a radial direction. Particularly, the spring coils may be oblique relative to the radial direction. The spring coils may beHD 42250; P240216W001 6 / 20

[0030] tilted about an axis which is parallel to the axial direction. The spring coils may be tilted about an axis which is parallel to the radial direction. The spring coils may be tilted by a tilt angle, e.g. the tilt angle being at least 10° and / or up to 50°, or at least 20° and / or up to 40°, or at least 25° and / or up to 35°. The tilt angle may overlap with a pitch of the spring coils. This can reduce the resistance of the metal spring against deformation, particularly in the radial direction, and particularly may reduce friction between the housing members. In order to reduce friction, the contact element, particularly metal spring, may include at least one of graphite, copper and lead. The contact element, particularly metal spring, may as well be coated.

[0031] The metal spring or metal springs may be formed from a metal wire. The metal wire may have a diameter of at least 0.25 mm or 0.5 mm and / or up to 1.5 mm or 2.5 mm. The diameter may be between 0.25 mm and 2.5 mm, particularly between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm. The metal spring or metal springs may be coated with another metal material, e.g. the another metal material different from the material of the metal spring. The another material may include at least one of zinc, carbon, graphite, iron, aluminum, copper, silver or gold. The metal wire of the metal spring(s) is preferably formed endlessly.

[0032] The base member may comprise a pin contact, e.g. a pin configured to make an electrical contact. The pin contact may comprise or may be made from tungsten and / or copper, e.g. a tungsten copper alloy. A tungsten copper alloy as named herein may comprise at least 10 % tungsten and / or at least 10 % copper, particularly at least 20 % tungsten and / or at least 20 % copper, e.g. in at. -%, wt.-% and / or vol.-%. Such a material may enhance lifetime.

[0033] The pin contact may be arranged in the receptacle. The pin contact may extend along the axial direction. The pin contact may be fixed to the contact member particularly in an electrically conductive manner. The pin contact may be arranged inside the contact member, e.g. in the receptacle. The pin contact may be configured for penetrating the contact, e.g. the particularly hollow pin, when the contact is being received by the receptacle.HD 42250; P240216W001 7 / 20

[0034] The pin contact may be made from two or more parts, e.g. to realize different materials and / or enhance repairability. The pin contact may have a pin tip and a pin base. The pin tip may be coupled, e.g. bonded and / or screwed, to the bin base. The pin contact may have a pin connector. The pin connector may be coupled, e.g. bonded and / or screwed, to one of the pin base or the pin tip. The pin base, if present, may be arranged between the pin tip and the pin connector.

[0035] The contact apparatus may comprise a particularly annular contact shield. The annular contact shield may be arranged to cover a top side of the contact member and / or of the base member. The annular contact shield may be configured to hold back the contact member in the receptacle of the base member. The annular contact shield may be coupled to the base member. The annular contact shield and the contact member may engage with one another, e.g. in the axial direction, such that the radial play is provided perpendicularly to the axial direction at least in part. The annular contact shield may comprise a recess or a protrusion and the contact member may comprise the other one of the recess and the protrusion. The recess and the protrusion may engage with one another in the axial direction. For example, the contact member may have the protrusion and the annular contact shield may have the recess. The annular contact shield and the contact member may loosely engage to provide for the radial play. The annular contact shield may comprise tungsten and / or copper, e.g. a tungsten copper alloy.

[0036] The contact apparatus may comprise a first spacer arranged in the receptacle. The first spacer may be arranged between a bottom side of the contact member and the base member. For example, the first spacer may provide a support or a stop for the contact member along the axial direction. The contact apparatus may comprise a second spacer arranged on a top side of the contact member and / or between the annular contact shield and the contact member. The first spacer and / or the second spacer may be electrically insulating and / or made from a polymer material or ceramic material. The first spacer and / or the second spacer may have a flat shape, a disc shape, an annular shape and / or ring-like shape. The first spacer and / or the second spacer may provide for a reduced friction for the contact member to move along the radial play and / or for a focused flow of electrical current through the contact element(s).HD 42250; P240216W001 8 / 20

[0037] The contact member, particularly a / the bottom side and / or a bottom of the contact member, may abut and / or may be in direct contact with a bottom of the base member or with the first spacer. There may be a contact in terms of area between the contact member and the bottom or first spacer. The contact member may be able move along the bottom or along the first spacer in the radial direction. It can be assured that way that the contact member is substantially aligned with the radial position. It may be avoided that the contact member tilts in the base member. While there may be direct mechanical contact between contact member and base member, it is not necessary that the contact member makes direct electrical contact to the base member via the bottom side and / or bottom of the contact member. The electrical contact, particularly the electrical contact present within any movement along the radial play, between the contact member and the base member may at least substantially or exclusively given via the contact element(s).

[0038] The object is also solved by means of a use of a / the contact apparatus in a switch, particularly earthing switch. The switch may have a switching speed of 0.05 m / s or 0.5 m / s or 3 m / s or more, e.g. a switching speed of 5.5 m / s ± 2 m / s. The contact apparatus may particularly be suitable for high switching speeds due to the effective implementation of the radial play.

[0039] The object is also solved by means of a switch, particularly earthing switch. The switch may comprise a / the contact apparatus and a / the contact. The contact may be movable along an / the axial direction for selectively making contact with the contact apparatus. A tip of the contact may have a radial clearance of 0.5 mm or more. The switch may be configured for moving the contact with a switching speed of 0.05 m / s or 0.5 m / s or 3 m / s more, e.g. with a switching speed of 5.5 m / s ± 2 m / s.

[0040] The base member may be configured for a connection to ground or may be connected to ground. The contact may be configured for a connection to an electrical device or may be connected to an electrical device or may be a part of an electrical device, such as a switchgear or the like.HD 42250; P240216W001 9 / 20

[0041] The contact apparatus, the switch and / or the electrical device may be configured for medium voltages or high voltages. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term medium voltage refers to a voltage from 1 kV to 72.5 kV, and the term high voltage refers to a voltage greater than 72.5 kV, particularly up to 800 kV or 1200 kV.

[0042] The term ‘or’ may be replaced by ‘and / or’ throughout the present disclosure. As such, where ‘or’ is used, it is not necessarily meant that merely alternatives are named.

[0043] Further advantageous implementations of the invention are given as follows. The features named in the implementations may be individually combined with each other or considered alone.

[0044] Brief description of drawings

[0045] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the implementations described hereinafter.

[0046] In the drawings:

[0047] Fig. 1A-B shows a switch with a contact apparatus in sectional perspective views;

[0048] Fig. 2 shows a contact element in a perspective view; and

[0049] Fig. 3 shows the contact element in a further perspective view.

[0050] Description of implementations

[0051] The description contains procedural or methodical aspects upon describing structural features of the disclosed technical features; the structural features can be understood well in that way. It is emphasized to the reader that such structural features can be lifted from the described context without hesitation or the question of an intermediate generalization to form aspects of the invention. It is also emphasized to the reader that any the structural features described in the followingHD 42250; P240216W001 10 / 20

[0052] can be understood as individual aspects of the invention to distinguish from known solutions, despite being possibly lifted from the context.

[0053] It is noted that aspects of the above described and shown embodiments may be combined.

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a contact apparatus 1 that is provided for making contact with a contact 2. The contact apparatus 1 comprises a contact member 10 with a receptacle 12 for receiving the contact 2 along an axial direction X1. A base member 20 is arranged to hold the contact member 10 with a radial play R1.

[0055] Furthermore, the apparatus 1 has three contact elements 30 that are configured to provide an electrical connection between the contact member 10 and the base member 20 while compensating for the radial play R1.

[0056] The base member 20 has an inner face 22 surrounding an outer face 16 of the contact member 10. The contact member 10 includes an inner face 14 which at least partially forms the receptacle 12. The inner faces 14, 22 and the outer face 16 extend along the axial direction X1 and comprise a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0057] Here, the base member 20 has an outer face 26 or outside. The outer face 26 has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends along the axial direction X1. The outer face 26 may provide that the contact apparatus 1 can be attached or inserted into a receptacle receiving the outer face 26.

[0058] The contact elements 30 are annular and surround the contact member 10. Each of the contact elements 30 is arranged in an annular seat 23 formed in the base member 20.

[0059] The contact apparatus 1 comprises two further contact elements 32 configured to provide an electrical connection between the contact member 10 and the contact 2 while compensating for a further radial play R2. The further contact elements 32 are annular and are configured to surround the contact 2. Each further contact element 32 is arranged in a further annular seat 15 formed in the contact member 10.HD 42250; P240216W001 11 / 20

[0060] The contact apparatus 1 comprises two or more of the contact element 30 and of the further contact element 32, in each case distributed along the axial direction X1.

[0061] The contact elements 30 and the further contact elements 32 are formed with a metal spring.

[0062] The contact elements 30 and the further contact elements 32 are in each case a spring-based contact, e.g. a spiral contact and / or a spring-based contact system, are formed with a metal spring, and have a toroidal shape.

[0063] When the contact 2 is inserted into the receptacle 12, the further contact elements 32 make a direct electrical connection to the contact 2 and compensate the further radial play R2 by deformation. The contact elements 30 which are in direct electrical contact to the contact member 10 compensate the radial play R1 by deformation. In total, the contact apparatus 1 may compensate a radial play R1, R2 of at least 0.5 mm or more. When radial play R1 , R2 is compensated, the contact member 10 can move or float in the radial direction in the base member 30.

[0064] The contact apparatus 1 has a mounting section 24. The mounting section 24 may be arranged accessible opposite the receptacle 12. The mounting section may include an opening and / or a thread. The mounting section 24 may be configured for especially reversible mounting the contact apparatus 1. The mounting section 24 may facilitate mounting, fastening assembly and / or disassembly of the contact apparatus 1 in a switch.

[0065] A substantially annular contact element 30, formed with a metal spring and having a toroidal shape is also shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

[0066] It is noted that the contact element 30 may comprise or consist of any kind of radial and / or annular contact element. It is not necessary that spiral contacts, spring contacts, or multi-lamella contacts are used. The embodiment shown is a specific example.HD 42250; P240216W001 12 / 20

[0067] The contact element 30 of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 can be seen representative for the design of the contact elements 30, 32 of Fig. 1A-B.

[0068] The metal spring of the contact element 40 of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 has an round, particularly oval-like, shape in a section and has a radial size H and an axial size W. The radial size H is smaller than the axial size W, e.g. by 5% or more smaller.

[0069] As illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the metal spring includes spring coils. Particularly, the spring coils are tilted in respect to a radial direction and / or in respect to planes defined by the radial and the axial X1 directions.

[0070] As illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the spring coils are tilted about an axis parallel to the axial direction X1.

[0071] As illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the spring coils are tilted by a certain tilt angle T. The tilt angle T is 30° ± 5°. The tilt angle T may overlap with a pitch of the spring coils. The tilt angle T is evident for each spring coil in the view of Fig. 2 which view follows the axial direction X1.

[0072] Not shown is an embodiment where spring coils are tilted about an axis parallel to the radial direction, e.g. by a substantial tilt angle, like more than 10°. Such a substantial tilt angle may be evident in the center of the sectional view of Fig. 3 which view follows the radial direction at least in part.

[0073] As illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the metal spring is formed from a metal wire having a diameter D between 0.25 mm and 2.5 mm. The metal wire of the metal spring is formed endlessly. The metal spring may be coated with another metal material. The metal wire of the metal spring is formed endlessly.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 1 A-B, the contact apparatus 1 comprises a pin contact 40. The pin contact 40 is arranged in the receptacle 12. The pin contact 40 comprises tungsten, extends along the axial direction X1 , and is fixed to the contact member 10.HD 42250; P240216W001 13 / 20

[0075] Here, as a specific example, the pin contact 40 is made from three parts to realize different materials and enhance repairability. The pin contact 40 has a pin tip 42, a pin base 44, and a pin connector 46. The pin tip 42 is coupled to the bin base 44. The pin connector 46 is coupled to the pin base 44. The pin connector 46 is coupled, e.g. screwed, to the contact member 10. The pin base 44 is arranged between the pin tip 42 and the pin connector 46.

[0076] Alternatively, the pin contact 40 is made from two parts or as a single part and / or monolithical part coupled to the contact member 10. For example, in respect to Fig.

[0077] 1A, one or more sections of the pin contact 40 referenced with 42, 44, and 46 may not be present in practice and the pin contact 40 may be a single piece extending from the contact member 10, e.g. coupled or screwed thereto.

[0078] The pin contact 40 may be configured to perform an alignment of the contact 2 in the radial direction. The contact 2 may include a conical, concave or angled inner shape to provide the alignment or self centering effect that in the end moves the contact member 10 radially and compensates for radial dislocation of contact 2.

[0079] The contact apparatus 1 comprises an annular contact shield 50 which is arranged to cover a top side of the contact member 10 and is coupled to the base member 20. The annular contact shield 50 and the contact member 10 engage with one another in the axial direction X1 such that the radial play R1 is provided perpendicularly to the axial direction X1 in part. The annular contact shield 50 comprises a recess 56 and the contact member 10 comprises a protrusion 18. The recess 56 and the protrusion 18 engage with one another in the axial direction X1.

[0080] The recess 56 can limit the radial play R1 to avoid an overstress of the contact elements 30, 32.

[0081] Here, the annular contact shield 50 has a first shield section 52 and a second shield section 54. The second shield section 54 is arranged radially inside the first shield section 52 and / or covers the contact member 10.HD 42250; P240216W001 14 / 20

[0082] The first shield section 52 is arranged radially outside the second shield section 54 and / or covers the base member 20. The first shield section 52 is mounted on and / or coupled to the base member 20, e.g. screwed thereon.

[0083] The first shield section 52 holds the second shield section 54 in the axial direction X1 , e.g. such that when the contact 3 is pulled out of the receptacle 12 the contact member 10 is substantially kept in place.

[0084] The contact apparatus 1 comprises a first spacer 60 arranged in the receptacle 12 between a bottom side of the contact member 10 and the base member 20. A second spacer 70 is arranged on a top side of the contact member 10 and between the annular contact shield 50 and the contact member 10. The first spacer 60 and the second spacer 70 are electrically insulating.

[0085] The contact apparatus 1 can be used in a switch 100, particularly an earthing switch or fast-acting earthing switch, with a switching speed of 0.05 m / s or 3 m / s or more.

[0086] The switch 100, particularly an earthing switch, comprises the contact apparatus 1 and the contact 2. The contact 2 is movable along the axial direction X1 to selectively make contact with the contact apparatus 1. A tip 3 of the contact 2 has a radial clearance of 0.5 mm or more. The switch 100 is configured to move the contact 2 with a switching speed of 0.05 m / s or 3 m / s or more.HD 42250; P240216W001 15 / 20

[0087] Reference signs list

[0088] 1 contact apparatus

[0089] 2 contact

[0090] 3 tip

[0091] 10 contact member

[0092] 12 receptacle

[0093] 14 inner face

[0094] 15 seat

[0095] 16 outer face

[0096] 18 protrusion

[0097] 20 base member

[0098] 22 inner face

[0099] 23 seat

[0100] 24 mounting section

[0101] 26 outer face

[0102] 30 contact element

[0103] 32 further contact element

[0104] 40 pin contact

[0105] 42 pin tip

[0106] 44 pin base

[0107] 46 pin connector

[0108] 50 annular contact shield 52 first shield section

[0109] 54 second shield section 56 recess

[0110] 60 first spacerHD 42250; P240216W001 16 / 20

[0111] 70 second spacer

[0112] 100 switch

[0113] D diameter

[0114] H radial size

[0115] R1 radial play

[0116] R2 further radial play T tilt angle

[0117] W axial size

[0118] X1 axial direction

Claims

HD 42250; P240216W001 17 / 20Claims:

1. Contact apparatus (1 ) for making contact with a contact (2), comprisinga contact member (10) with a receptacle (12) for receiving the contact (2) along an axial direction (X1);a base member (20) holding the contact member (10) with a radial play (R1 ); anda contact element (30) configured for providing an electrical connection between the contact member (10) and the base member (20) and for compensating the radial play (R1).

2. Contact apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, whereinthe base member (20) has an inner face (22) surrounding an outer face (16) of the contact member (10);the contact member (10) has an inner face (14) forming the receptacle (12) at least in part; andthe inner faces (14, 22) and the outer face (16) extend along the axial direction (X1) and comprise a substantially cylindrical shape.

3. Contact apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, whereinthe contact element (30) is substantially annular and surrounds the contact member (10); andthe contact element (30) is arranged in an annular seat (23) formed in at least one of the contact member (10) and the base member (20).

4. Contact apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a further contact element (32) configured for providing an electrical connection between the contact member (10) and the contact (2) and configured for compensating a further radial play (R2); whereinthe further contact element (32) is substantially annular and configured to surround the contact (2); andthe further contact element (32) is arranged in a further annular seat (15) formed in the contact member (10).HD 42250; P240216W001 18 / 205. Contact apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two or more of the contact element (30) and / or, if present, of the further contact element (32) distributed along the axial direction (X1).

6. Contact apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, whereinthe contact element(s) (30) and, if present, the further contact element(s) (32), is / are formed with a metal spring, particularly the metal spring comprising a toroidal shape.

7. Contact apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, whereinthe metal spring(s) has / have a radial (H) and an axial size (W), the radial size (H) being equal to or smaller than the axial size (W).

8. Contact apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding two claims, wherein the metal spring(s) has / have spring coils each of which are tilted in respect to the axial direction (X1).

9. Contact apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding three claims, wherein the metal spring(s) is / are formed from a metal wire of a diameter (D) between 0.25 and 2.5 mm and optionally is / are coated with another metal material.

10. Contact apparatus (1 ) according to one of the preceding four claims, wherein the metal wire of the metal spring(s) is formed endlessly.

11. Contact apparatus (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a pin contact (40) comprising at least one of tungsten and copper, arranged in the receptacle (12), extending along the axial direction (X1) and fixed to the contact member (10).

12. Contact apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an annular contact shield (50) arranged to cover a top side of the contact member (10) and coupled to the base member (20); whereinHD 42250; P240216W001 19 / 20the annular contact shield (50) and the contact member (10) engage with one another in the axial direction (X1) such that the radial play (R1) is provided perpendicularly to the axial direction (X1) at least in part; and optionallythe annular contact shield (50) comprises a recess (56) and the contact member (10) comprises a protrusion (18), the recess (52) and the protrusion (18) engaging with one another in the axial direction (X1).

13. Contact apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a first spacer (60) arranged in the receptacle (12) and between a bottom side of the contact member (10) and the base member (20);optionally comprising a second spacer (70) arranged on a top side of the contact member (10) and between the annular contact shield (50) and the contact member (10);wherein the first spacer (60) and, if present, the second spacer (70) is / are electrically insulating.

14. Use of a contact apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 in a switch (100), particularly earthing switch, with a switching speed of 0.05 m / s or 3 m / s more.

15. Switch (100), particularly earthing switch, comprisinga contact apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13; anda contact (2); whereinthe contact (2) is movable along the axial direction (X1 ) for selectively making contact with the contact apparatus (1 );a tip (3) of the contact (2) has a radial clearance of 0.5 mm or more; and the switch (100) is configured for moving the contact (2) with a switching speed of 0.05 m / s or 3 m / s more.

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