EP0736887B1 - Electrical contact assembly - Google Patents

Electrical contact assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0736887B1
EP0736887B1 EP96104820A EP96104820A EP0736887B1 EP 0736887 B1 EP0736887 B1 EP 0736887B1 EP 96104820 A EP96104820 A EP 96104820A EP 96104820 A EP96104820 A EP 96104820A EP 0736887 B1 EP0736887 B1 EP 0736887B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
arrangement
contact carrier
bridge
carrier
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP96104820A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0736887A3 (en
EP0736887A2 (en
Inventor
William L. Weber
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Tyco Electromechanical Components Inc
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Tyco Electronics Corp
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0736887A2 publication Critical patent/EP0736887A2/en
Publication of EP0736887A3 publication Critical patent/EP0736887A3/en
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Publication of EP0736887B1 publication Critical patent/EP0736887B1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/46—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts using arcing horns
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/44—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts using blow-out magnet

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrical contact arrangement for a switching device with a fixed contact carrier arrangement and a movable contact carrier assembly, each bear opposite contacts, the movable contact carrier arrangement by an actuator towards the fixed contact carrier arrangement is movable to interconnect the contacts, and with at least one arc discharge device, which by one of the contact arrangements in the direction of the other contact arrangement projects.
  • the invention is applied in Switchgear, especially in electromagnetic relays or the like for switching alternating or direct currents.
  • DE-A-29 shows 16 276 an electrical contact arrangement in which the two Diverter plates in the form of beads on both ends of the Bridge contact carrier are arranged, being in the middle of these beads slots are still available for centering the arcs.
  • EP-A-0 124 620 is a switch with a device for Deletion of arcs occurring on the contact pieces is known.
  • This device consists of a recess in one of the Contact carrier, the material of the recess in the direction of opposite contact carrier is bent up. The hereby The effect achieved is that the current flow to the contact at the the recess provided contact carrier in the area of the contact is deflected, consequently the forces acting on the arc so unbalanced that the arc is in the direction of Recess or to the deflector located on the recess is moved.
  • the object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of known systems avoid and create an electrical contact arrangement which is suitable for switching off high currents and one Arc extinguishing mechanism, which is easy in the Structure is required, few parts and a compact arrangement with a small footprint.
  • This arc extinguishing mechanism also no additional facility for Arc motion, such as a magnet, is required.
  • this goal is achieved with a contact arrangement achieved in that the baffles each obliquely from the side edges of the ones carrying them Contact carrier arrangement in the direction of the opposite Extend contact carrier assembly.
  • the two contact arms are preferably elongated Sheet metal strips arranged in a common plane while the bridge contact carrier as a leaf spring strip approximately in a parallel plane is arranged. You can either the two contact arms provided with connections form a fixed contact carrier arrangement, while the bridge contact carrier serves as a movable contact arrangement, or a reverse function is also possible.
  • the two baffles are preferably in one piece either at each other facing outer edges of the two contact arms or molded onto the outer edges of the bridge contact carrier; she are each at least a portion of the bridge contact carrier or a contact arm opposite, in the vicinity the actual switch contacts to the function of the Arc discharge can also meet.
  • the contact arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 3 comprises a pair of fixed contact arms 1 and 2, which are parallel to each other in a common Level are arranged and fastened in a suitable manner could be.
  • the contact arms 1 and 2 each have connection ends 1a and 2a, which in an insulating contact carrier or a relay housing (for example according to FIG 6) are anchored.
  • the contact arms 1 and 2 each have free ones End sections 1b and 2b, on each of which a fixed Contact 3 or 4 is attached.
  • the fixed contact arms 1 and 2 can be made of sheet material with high conductivity, such as such as copper or a copper alloy.
  • the connection ends 1a and 2a are provided with connecting lugs 5 and 6, for example as shown in FIGS. 4 or 6, by means of which the contact arms 1 and 2 to one Circuit connected to a power source (not shown) can be.
  • the contact arrangement comprises a movable contact arm 7, which is basically T-shaped with a longitudinal or Main leg 7a and a transverse leg or front end 7b is designed.
  • An elongated bridge contact 8 is on the Fixed front end 7b.
  • the movable contact arm 7 is in one parallel to the level of the fixed contact arms 1 and 2 Level arranged so that the bridge contact 8 in one the two fixed contacts 3 and 4 opposite Position is held.
  • the movable contact arm 7 can resilient sheet material, preferably stainless steel or the like, consist. Because the movable contact arm has no connection the end of the main leg 7a in the insulating Contact carrier or relay housing (see for example Figure 6) be attached.
  • the movable contact arm 7 can be operated by a slide, or it can also be operated directly be connected to a relay anchor.
  • the main thigh 7a can be divided into two legs by a recess 9 be, as shown in Figure 1, or it can be one have single leg according to Figure 4 or 6.
  • Two arc discharge plates 11 and 12 are on the two Provided sides of the movable contact arm 7, they extend from the cross leg 7b along the main leg 7a and at an acute angle towards the opposite fixed contact arms 1 and 2 bent are.
  • the arrangement and dimensions of the fixed Contact arms 1 and 2 and the movable contact arm 7 are chosen so that the baffles 11 and 12 of the surface of the opposite fixed contact arms 1 and 2, respectively face or at least overlap. following the function of the contact arrangements according to FIGS. 1 to 3, 4 and 6 are described.
  • the contacts are in the open state shown.
  • a current i from the fixed contact arm 2 through the fixed contact 4, then over the bridge contact 8 second fixed contact 3 to the fixed contact arm 1.
  • This current i generates in the contact arm 2 and the fixed Contact 4 a magnetic field M1 with a first Field direction while the same current i in the fixed Contact arm 1 flows in the opposite direction and so in this Contact arm 1 and the fixed contact 3 a magnetic field M2 generated with a field direction that of the magnetic field M1 is opposite.
  • opposite magnetic fields M1 and M2 a magnetic repulsive force between the fixed contacts 3 and 4, the is indicated in the drawing with the double arrow 13.
  • Figure 5 shows a modification of the contact arrangement of Figure 4.
  • This figure shows a pair of fixed contact arms 21 and 22 with their respective connection ends 21a and 22a and the associated front ends 21b and 22b, the latter with fixed contacts 23 and 24 are provided.
  • Similar to the contact arrangement of Figure 4 is a movable one in this case Contact arm 27 provided a widened front end 27b and has a bridge contact 28 fastened thereon.
  • the baffles 25 and 26 are towards the widened front end 27b of the movable contact arm 27 bent so that it can move at least a portion of this Facing contact arms.
  • the function of the modified Contact arrangement is the same as described above.
  • FIG. 6 shows a relay without a housing cap, which another Modification of the contact arrangement of Figure 4 contains.
  • the Relay comprises an excitation coil 51 (on the unwound coil carrier shown) on a bobbin 52, the inside contains a continuous magnetic core 53.
  • the relay includes further an anchor 54 which is supported at one end on a yoke and is coupled at the other end to a slide 56 is.
  • the slider suspended on a return spring 55 56 couples the armature 54 to the movable contact arm 7 Contact arrangement.
  • the contact arrangement Connection ends 1a and 2a of the fixed contact arms 1 and 2 in such a configuration, that they facilitate assembly of the relay.
  • Figure 6 shows in this case connection ends 1a and 2a, the side protrude from the fixed contact arms 1 and 2, respectively.
  • the function of this modified contact arrangement is that same as described above. It should be noted that each modified the contact arrangements described in a similar manner can be.
  • baffles like already mentioned, either on the movable or the fixed Contact arms are provided. It is essential in any case that regardless of the special design of the contact arms and the actuating mechanism two opposite to each other Current paths are provided on the contacts, which mutually repelling magnetic fields for arising when switching off Generate arcs.
  • the baffles can of course with any shape and from any material are shaped to deflect an arc from the Contacts on the diverters and then deleting the Arc.
  • the baffles are preferably made made of stainless steel and extend obliquely from the concerned Contact arm gone.

Landscapes

  • Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)
  • Contacts (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Abstract

The contact device has a stationary contact carrier (1,2) and a relatively movable contact carrier (7), supporting opposing contacts (3,4). One of the contact carriers has a pair of contact arms (1,2) lying in a common plane, the other contact carrier supporting a bridge contact (8) for bridging the individual contacts (3,4) attached to the ends of each of the contact arms. A pair of diverter plates (11,12) are mounted on the outside of the bridge contact carrier, for diverting the switching arcs away from the contacts. Pref. the diverter plates are formed integral with the sheet metal contact carrier.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine elektrische Kontaktanordnung für ein Schaltgerät mit einer feststehenden Kontaktträgeranordnung und einer beweglichen Kontaktträgeranordnung, die jeweils einander gegenüberstehende Kontakte tragen, wobei die bewegliche Kontaktträgeranordnung durch eine Betätigungseinrichtung in Richtung auf die feststehende Kontaktträgeranordnung bewegbar ist, um die Kontakte zusammenzuschalten, und mit mindestens einer Lichtbogen-Ableiteinrichtung, die von einer der Kontaktanordnungen in Richtung auf die andere Kontaktanordnung absteht. Die Erfindung wird angewendet in Schaltgeräten, insbesondere in elektromagnetischen Relais oder dergleichen zum Schalten von Wechsel- oder Gleichströmen.The invention relates to an electrical contact arrangement for a switching device with a fixed contact carrier arrangement and a movable contact carrier assembly, each bear opposite contacts, the movable contact carrier arrangement by an actuator towards the fixed contact carrier arrangement is movable to interconnect the contacts, and with at least one arc discharge device, which by one of the contact arrangements in the direction of the other contact arrangement projects. The invention is applied in Switchgear, especially in electromagnetic relays or the like for switching alternating or direct currents.

In elektromagnetischen Relais oder ähnlichen Schaltgeräten können bestimmte, oberhalb einer gegebenen Grenze liegende Strom- und Spannungsbedingungen beim Abschalten einen Lichtbogen verursachen, der die Stromunterbrechung zwischen den Kontakten verhindert. Für solche Fälle ist eine Lichtbogen-Löscheinrichtung erforderlich.In electromagnetic relays or similar switching devices can be certain that are above a given limit Current and voltage conditions when switching off an arc cause the power cut between the Prevents contacts. For such cases there is an arc extinguisher required.

Eine elektrische Kontaktanordnung der eingangs genannten Art ist aus der US-A-5 109 146 bekannt. Beschrieben ist dort ein Schalter mit feststehenden und beweglichen Kontaktelementen sowie einem Lichtbogen-Löschmechanismus. Dieser Löschmechanismus umfaßt ein Ableitglied, welches sich schräg von einem vorderen Endabschnitt des feststehenden Kontaktelementes in Richtung auf ein feststehendes Anschlußelement des beweglichen Kontaktelementes erstreckt. Dieser bekannte Schalter erfordert jedoch ein aufwendiges System von Kontaktelementen mit vorspringenden Abschnitten und mit einem Anschlußelement, welches sich über den beweglichen und den festen Kontakt hinaus erstreckt. Außerdem benötigt dieser bekannte Schalter ein zusätzliches getrenntes Magnetsystem zur Ableitung des Lichtbogens in Richtung auf den Lichtbogen-Löschmechanismus.An electrical contact arrangement of the type mentioned is known from US-A-5 109 146. There is a description Switches with fixed and movable contact elements and an arc extinguishing mechanism. This deletion mechanism comprises a discharge member, which is inclined from one front end portion of the fixed contact element in Direction to a fixed connection element of the movable Contact element extends. This known switch requires however, a complex system of contact elements with projecting sections and with a connecting element, which extends beyond the moving and the fixed contact extends. This known switch also requires one additional separate magnet system for dissipating the arc towards the arc extinguishing mechanism.

In Übereinstimmung mit dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 zeigt die DE-A-29 16 276 eine elektrische Kontaktanordnung, bei der die beiden Ableitbleche in Form von Wülsten an den beiden Enden des Brückenkontaktträgers angeordnet sind, wobei mittig in diesen Wülsten noch Schlitze zum Zentrieren der Lichtbögen vorhanden sind.In accordance with the preamble of claim 1, DE-A-29 shows 16 276 an electrical contact arrangement in which the two Diverter plates in the form of beads on both ends of the Bridge contact carrier are arranged, being in the middle of these beads slots are still available for centering the arcs.

Aus der EP-A-0 124 620 ist ein Schalter mit einer Einrichtung zum Löschen von an den Kontaktstücken auftretenden Lichtbögen bekannt. Diese Einrichtung besteht aus einer Aussparung in einem der Kontaktträger, wobei das Material der Aussparung in Richtung des gegenüberliegenden Kontaktträgers hochgebogen ist. Der hierdurch erzielte Effekt liegt darin, daß der Stromfluß zu dem Kontakt an dem mit der Aussparung versehenen Kontaktträger im Bereich des Kontakts umgelenkt wird, demzufolge die auf den Lichtbogen wirkenden Kräfte derart ins Ungleichgewicht geraten, daß der Lichtbogen in Richtung der Aussparung bzw. zu dem an der Aussparung befindlichen Ableitblech verschoben wird. From EP-A-0 124 620 is a switch with a device for Deletion of arcs occurring on the contact pieces is known. This device consists of a recess in one of the Contact carrier, the material of the recess in the direction of opposite contact carrier is bent up. The hereby The effect achieved is that the current flow to the contact at the the recess provided contact carrier in the area of the contact is deflected, consequently the forces acting on the arc so unbalanced that the arc is in the direction of Recess or to the deflector located on the recess is moved.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, die Nachteile bekannter Systeme zu vermeiden und eine elektrische Kontaktanordnung zu schaffen, welche zum Abschalten hoher Ströme geeignet ist und dabei einen Lichtbogen-Löschmechanismus bietet, welcher einfach im Aufbau ist, wenig Teile benötigt und eine kompakte Anordnung mit geringem Platzbedarf ermöglicht. Dabei soll dieser Lichtbogen-Löschmechanismus auch keine zusätzliche Einrichtung zur Bewegung des Lichtbogens, wie etwa einen Magneten, benötigen.The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of known systems avoid and create an electrical contact arrangement which is suitable for switching off high currents and one Arc extinguishing mechanism, which is easy in the Structure is required, few parts and a compact arrangement with a small footprint. This arc extinguishing mechanism also no additional facility for Arc motion, such as a magnet, is required.

Erfindungsgemäß wird dieses Ziel mit einer Kontaktanordnung der eingangs genannten Art dadurch erreicht, daß sich die Ableitbleche jeweils schräg von den Seitenkanten der sie tragenden Kontaktträgeranordnung in Richtung auf die gegenüberliegende Kontaktträgeranordnung erstrecken. According to the invention, this goal is achieved with a contact arrangement achieved in that the baffles each obliquely from the side edges of the ones carrying them Contact carrier arrangement in the direction of the opposite Extend contact carrier assembly.

Vorzugsweise sind die beiden Kontaktarme als langgestreckte Blechstreifen in einer gemeinsamen Ebene angeordnet, während der Brückenkontaktträger als Blattfederstreifen annähernd in einer dazu parallelen Ebene angeordnet ist. Dabei können entweder die beiden mit Anschlüssen versehenen Kontaktarme die feststehende Kontaktträgeranordnung bilden, während der Brükkenkontaktträger als bewegliche Kontaktanordnung dient, oder es ist auch eine umgekehrte Funktion möglich. Die beiden Ableitbleche sind vorzugsweise einstückig entweder an den voneinander abgewandten Außenkanten der beiden Kontaktarme oder an den Außenkanten des Brückenkontaktträgers angeformt; sie stehen jeweils zumindest einem Abschnitt des Brückenkontaktträgers bzw. eines Kontaktarms gegenüber, und zwar in der Nähe der eigentlichen Schaltkontakte, um die Funktion der Lichtbogenableitung auch erfüllen zu können.The two contact arms are preferably elongated Sheet metal strips arranged in a common plane while the bridge contact carrier as a leaf spring strip approximately in a parallel plane is arranged. You can either the two contact arms provided with connections form a fixed contact carrier arrangement, while the bridge contact carrier serves as a movable contact arrangement, or a reverse function is also possible. The two baffles are preferably in one piece either at each other facing outer edges of the two contact arms or molded onto the outer edges of the bridge contact carrier; she are each at least a portion of the bridge contact carrier or a contact arm opposite, in the vicinity the actual switch contacts to the function of the Arc discharge can also meet.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend an einem Ausführungsbeispiel näher erläutert. Es zeigt

  • Figur 1 in Draufsicht eine erfindungsgemäß gestaltete Kontaktanordnung, die zum Einsatz in einem elektromagnetischen Relais oder dergleichen geeignet ist,
  • Figur 2 eine Vorderansicht der Kontaktanordnung von Figur 1 in Richtung des Pfeiles II,
  • Figur 3 eine Seitenansicht in Richtung des Pfeiles III auf die Kontaktanordnung von Figur 1,
  • Figur 4 eine perspektivische Ansicht auf eine zweite Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Kontaktanordnung,
  • Figur 5 eine perspektivische Ansicht auf eine gegenüber Figur 4 modifizierte Kontaktanordnung und
  • Figur 6 eine perspektivische Ansicht auf ein Relais, ohne Gehäusekappe, das eine weitere Abwandlung der in Figur 4 gezeigten Kontaktanordnung enthält.
    • The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. It shows
  • FIG. 1 shows a top view of a contact arrangement designed according to the invention, which is suitable for use in an electromagnetic relay or the like,
  • FIG. 2 shows a front view of the contact arrangement from FIG. 1 in the direction of arrow II,
  • FIG. 3 shows a side view in the direction of arrow III of the contact arrangement from FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a contact arrangement according to the invention,
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modified contact arrangement compared to Figure 4 and
  • FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a relay, without a housing cap, which contains a further modification of the contact arrangement shown in FIG. 4.

    • Die in den Figuren 1 bis 3 dargestellte Kontaktanordnung gemäß der Erfindung umfaßt ein Paar von feststehenden Kontaktarmen 1 und 2, welche parallel zueinander in einer gemeinsamen Ebene angeordnet sind und auf geeignete Weise befestigt sein können. Die Kontaktarme 1 und 2 besitzen jeweils Anschlußenden 1a und 2a, welche in einem isolierenden Kontaktträger oder einem Relaisgehäuse (beispielsweise gemäß Figur 6) verankert sind.The contact arrangement shown in Figures 1 to 3 according to the invention comprises a pair of fixed contact arms 1 and 2, which are parallel to each other in a common Level are arranged and fastened in a suitable manner could be. The contact arms 1 and 2 each have connection ends 1a and 2a, which in an insulating contact carrier or a relay housing (for example according to FIG 6) are anchored.

    Weiterhin besitzen die Kontaktarme 1 und 2 jeweils freie Endabschnitte 1b bzw. 2b, auf denen jeweils ein feststehender Kontakt 3 bzw. 4 befestigt ist. Die feststehenden Kontaktarme 1 und 2 können aus Blechmaterial mit hoher Leitfähigkeit, wie etwa aus Kupfer oder einer Kupferlegierung, bestehen. Die Anschlußenden 1a und 2a sind mit Anschlußfahnen 5 bzw. 6 versehen, beispielsweise gemäß der Darstellung in den Figuren 4 oder 6, mittels derer die Kontaktarme 1 und 2 an einen Schaltkreis mit einer Stromquelle (nicht dargestellt) angeschlossen werden können.Furthermore, the contact arms 1 and 2 each have free ones End sections 1b and 2b, on each of which a fixed Contact 3 or 4 is attached. The fixed contact arms 1 and 2 can be made of sheet material with high conductivity, such as such as copper or a copper alloy. The connection ends 1a and 2a are provided with connecting lugs 5 and 6, for example as shown in FIGS. 4 or 6, by means of which the contact arms 1 and 2 to one Circuit connected to a power source (not shown) can be.

    Außerdem umfaßt die Kontaktanordnung einen beweglichen Kontaktarm 7, der grundsätzlich T-förmig mit einem Längs- oder Hauptschenkel 7a und einem Querschenkel oder Vorderende 7b gestaltet ist. Ein länglicher Brückenkontakt 8 ist auf dem Vorderende 7b befestigt. Der bewegliche Kontaktarm 7 ist in einer zur Ebene der feststehenden Kontaktarme 1 und 2 parallelen Ebene angeordnet, so daß der Brückenkontakt 8 in einer den beiden feststehenden Kontakten 3 und 4 gegenüberstehenden Position gehalten wird. Der bewegliche Kontaktarm 7 kann aus federndem Blechmaterial, vorzugsweise Edelstahl oder dergleichen, bestehen. Da der bewegliche Kontaktarm keinen Anschluß benötigt, kann das Ende des Hauptschenkels 7a in dem isolierenden Kontaktträger bzw. Relaisgehäuse (siehe beispielsweise Figur 6) befestigt sein. Der bewegliche Kontaktarm 7 kann durch einen Schieber betätigt werden, oder er kann auch direkt mit einem Relaisanker verbunden sein. Der Hauptschenkel 7a kann durch eine Ausnehmung 9 in zwei Schenkel unterteilt sein, wie in Figur 1 gezeigt ist, oder er kann auch einen einzigen Schenkel gemäß Figur 4 oder 6 besitzen.In addition, the contact arrangement comprises a movable contact arm 7, which is basically T-shaped with a longitudinal or Main leg 7a and a transverse leg or front end 7b is designed. An elongated bridge contact 8 is on the Fixed front end 7b. The movable contact arm 7 is in one parallel to the level of the fixed contact arms 1 and 2 Level arranged so that the bridge contact 8 in one the two fixed contacts 3 and 4 opposite Position is held. The movable contact arm 7 can resilient sheet material, preferably stainless steel or the like, consist. Because the movable contact arm has no connection the end of the main leg 7a in the insulating Contact carrier or relay housing (see for example Figure 6) be attached. The movable contact arm 7 can can be operated by a slide, or it can also be operated directly be connected to a relay anchor. The main thigh 7a can be divided into two legs by a recess 9 be, as shown in Figure 1, or it can be one have single leg according to Figure 4 or 6.

    Zwei Lichtbogen-Ableitbleche 11 und 12 sind an den beiden Seiten des beweglichen Kontaktarms 7 vorgesehen, wobei sie sich von dem Querschenkel 7b entlang dem Hauptschenkel 7a erstrecken und in einem spitzen Winkel in Richtung auf die gegenüberstehenden feststehenden Kontaktarme 1 und 2 gebogen sind. Die Anordnung und die Abmessungen der feststehenden Kontaktarme 1 und 2 sowie des beweglichen Kontaktarms 7 sind so gewählt, daß die Ableitbleche 11 und 12 der Oberfläche des jeweils gegenüberliegenden feststehenden Kontaktarms 1 bzw. 2 gegenüberstehen oder sie zumindest überlappen. Nachfolgend soll die Funktion der Kontaktanordnungen gemäß den Figuren 1 bis 3, 4 und 6 beschrieben werden.Two arc discharge plates 11 and 12 are on the two Provided sides of the movable contact arm 7, they extend from the cross leg 7b along the main leg 7a and at an acute angle towards the opposite fixed contact arms 1 and 2 bent are. The arrangement and dimensions of the fixed Contact arms 1 and 2 and the movable contact arm 7 are chosen so that the baffles 11 and 12 of the surface of the opposite fixed contact arms 1 and 2, respectively face or at least overlap. following the function of the contact arrangements according to FIGS. 1 to 3, 4 and 6 are described.

    Bei der Darstellung in Figur 2 sind die Kontakte im Öffnungszustand gezeigt. Wenn die Kontakte geschlossen werden, fließt ein Strom i von dem feststehenden Kontaktarm 2 durch den feststehenden Kontakt 4, dann über den Brückenkontakt 8, den zweiten feststehenden Kontakt 3 zum feststehenden Kontaktarm 1. Dieser Strom i erzeugt in dem Kontaktarm 2 und dem feststehenden Kontakt 4 ein Magnetfeld M1 mit einer ersten Feldrichtung, während der gleiche Strom i in dem feststehenden Kontaktarm 1 in der Gegenrichtung fließt und so in diesem Kontaktarm 1 und dem feststehenden Kontakt 3 ein Magnetfeld M2 mit einer Feldrichtung erzeugt, die derjenigen des Magnetfeldes M1 entgegengerichtet ist. Im Ergebnis bewirken die entgegengesetzten Magnetfelder M1 und M2 eine magnetische Abstoßkraft zwischen den feststehenden Kontakten 3 und 4, die in der Zeichnung mit dem Doppelpfeil 13 bezeichnet ist.In the illustration in Figure 2, the contacts are in the open state shown. When the contacts are closed, flows a current i from the fixed contact arm 2 through the fixed contact 4, then over the bridge contact 8 second fixed contact 3 to the fixed contact arm 1. This current i generates in the contact arm 2 and the fixed Contact 4 a magnetic field M1 with a first Field direction while the same current i in the fixed Contact arm 1 flows in the opposite direction and so in this Contact arm 1 and the fixed contact 3 a magnetic field M2 generated with a field direction that of the magnetic field M1 is opposite. The result is that opposite magnetic fields M1 and M2 a magnetic repulsive force between the fixed contacts 3 and 4, the is indicated in the drawing with the double arrow 13.

    Wenn die Kontakte geöffnet werden und sich Lichtbögen 14 und 15 bilden (siehe Figuren 2 und 3), wirken die Magnetfelder M1 und M2 noch weiter, und die resultierende Abstoßkraft 13 bewegt die beiden Lichtbögen 14 und 15 voneinander weg in Richtung auf die Lichtbogen-Ableitbleche 11 und 12. Die Lichtbogen-Ableitbleche 11 und 12 bieten zusätzliches Material und eine zusätzliche Oberfläche für die Lichtbögen, wo sie weiterbrennen, bis die Bedingungen derart sind, daß sie nicht länger bestehen können. Somit sind bei der erfindungsgemäßen Kontaktanordnung keine zusätzlichen magnetischen Mittel erforderlich, um einen Lichtbogen in Richtung auf das zugehörige Ableitblech abzulenken und den Lichtbogen zu löschen.When the contacts are opened and arcs 14 and 15 form (see Figures 2 and 3), the magnetic fields M1 act and M2 still further, and the resulting repulsive force 13 moves the two arcs 14 and 15 away from each other in the direction on the arc deflector plates 11 and 12. The arc deflector plates 11 and 12 offer additional material and an additional surface for the arcs, where they continue to burn, until the conditions are such that they are not can last longer. Thus, in the invention Contact arrangement no additional magnetic means required around an arc towards the associated one Deflect deflector plate and extinguish the arc.

    Figur 5 zeigt eine Abwandlung der Kontaktanordnung von Figur 4. Diese Figur zeigt ein Paar von feststehenden Kontaktarmen 21 und 22 mit ihren jeweiligen Anschlußenden 21a bzw. 22a und den zugehörigen Vorderenden 21b bzw. 22b, welch letztere mit feststehenden Kontakten 23 und 24 versehen sind. Weiterhin sind zwei Lichtbogen-Ableitbleche 25 und 26 vorgesehen, welche sich von den Vorderenden 21b bzw. 22b der feststehenden Kontaktarme 21 und 22 weg erstrecken. Ähnlich zu der Kontaktanordnung von Figur 4 ist in diesem Fall ein beweglicher Kontaktarm 27 vorgesehen, der ein verbreitertes Vorderende 27b sowie einen darauf befestigten Brückenkontakt 28 aufweist. Die Ableitbleche 25 und 26 sind in Richtung auf das verbreiterte Vorderende 27b des beweglichen Kontaktarms 27 gebogen, so daß sie zumindest einem Abschnitt dieses beweglichen Kontaktarms gegenüberstehen. Die Funktion der abgewandelten Kontaktanordnung ist die gleiche wie oben beschrieben.Figure 5 shows a modification of the contact arrangement of Figure 4. This figure shows a pair of fixed contact arms 21 and 22 with their respective connection ends 21a and 22a and the associated front ends 21b and 22b, the latter with fixed contacts 23 and 24 are provided. Farther there are two arc deflector plates 25 and 26, which from the front ends 21b and 22b of the fixed Extend contact arms 21 and 22 away. Similar to the contact arrangement of Figure 4 is a movable one in this case Contact arm 27 provided a widened front end 27b and has a bridge contact 28 fastened thereon. The baffles 25 and 26 are towards the widened front end 27b of the movable contact arm 27 bent so that it can move at least a portion of this Facing contact arms. The function of the modified Contact arrangement is the same as described above.

    Figur 6 zeigt ein Relais ohne Gehäusekappe, welches eine weitere Abwandlung der Kontaktanordnung von Figur 4 enthält. Das Relais umfaßt eine Erregerspule 51 (am unbewickelten Spulenträger dargstellt) auf einem Spulenkörper 52, der im Inneren einen durchgehenden Magnetkern 53 enthält. Das Relais umfaßt weiterhin einen Anker 54, der an einem Ende an einem Joch gelagert ist und am anderen Ende mit einem Schieber 56 gekoppelt ist. Der an einer Rückstellfeder 55 eingehängte Schieber 56 koppelt den Anker 54 mit dem beweglichen Kontaktarm 7 der Kontaktanordnung. Wie dort gezeigt ist, kann die Kontaktanordnung Anschlußenden 1a und 2a der feststehenden Kontaktarme 1 und 2 in einer derartigen Konfiguration aufweisen, daß sie den Zusammenbau des Relais erleichtern. Die Figur 6 zeigt in diesem Fall Anschlußenden 1a und 2a, die seitlich jeweils von den feststehenden Kontaktarmen 1 und 2 abstehen. Die Funktion dieser modifizierten Kontaktanordnung ist die gleiche wie oben beschrieben. Es sei noch bemerkt, daß jede der beschriebenen Kontaktanordnungen in ähnlicher Weise modifiziert werden kann. Figure 6 shows a relay without a housing cap, which another Modification of the contact arrangement of Figure 4 contains. The Relay comprises an excitation coil 51 (on the unwound coil carrier shown) on a bobbin 52, the inside contains a continuous magnetic core 53. The relay includes further an anchor 54 which is supported at one end on a yoke and is coupled at the other end to a slide 56 is. The slider suspended on a return spring 55 56 couples the armature 54 to the movable contact arm 7 Contact arrangement. As shown there, the contact arrangement Connection ends 1a and 2a of the fixed contact arms 1 and 2 in such a configuration, that they facilitate assembly of the relay. Figure 6 shows in this case connection ends 1a and 2a, the side protrude from the fixed contact arms 1 and 2, respectively. The function of this modified contact arrangement is that same as described above. It should be noted that each modified the contact arrangements described in a similar manner can be.

    Weitere Abwandlungen sind im Rahmen der Erfindung durchaus möglich. So können beispielsweise die mit Einzelkontakten versehenen Kontaktarme beweglich sein, während der gegenüberliegende Kontaktarm mit dem Brückenkontakt feststehend ausgebildet sein kann. Auch können die Ableitbleche, wie bereits erwähnt, wahlweise an den beweglichen oder den feststehenden Kontaktarmen vorgesehen werden. Wesentlich ist in jedem Fall, daß unabhängig von der speziellen Gestaltung der Kontaktarme und des Betätigungsmechanismus zwei einander entgegengerichtete Strompfade an den Kontakten vorgesehen werden, welche einander abstoßende Magnetfelder für beim Abschalten entstehende Lichtbögen erzeugen. Die Ableitbleche können natürlich mit jeder beliebigen Gestalt und aus jedem beliebigen Material geformt werden, um die Ablenkung eines Lichtbogens von den Kontakten auf die Ableitbleche und dann das Löschen des Lichtbogens zu bewirken. Vorzugsweise bestehen die Ableitbleche aus Edelstahl und erstrecken sich schräg von dem betreffenden Kontaktarm weg.Further modifications are entirely within the scope of the invention possible. For example, those with individual contacts provided contact arms to be movable, while the opposite Contact arm designed to be stationary with the bridge contact can be. Also, the baffles, like already mentioned, either on the movable or the fixed Contact arms are provided. It is essential in any case that regardless of the special design of the contact arms and the actuating mechanism two opposite to each other Current paths are provided on the contacts, which mutually repelling magnetic fields for arising when switching off Generate arcs. The baffles can of course with any shape and from any material are shaped to deflect an arc from the Contacts on the diverters and then deleting the Arc. The baffles are preferably made made of stainless steel and extend obliquely from the concerned Contact arm gone.

    Claims (9)

    1. An electrical contact arrangement for a switching device, having a fixed contact carrier arrangement (1, 2; 21, 22) and a movable contact carrier arrangement (7; 27) which each carry contacts (3, 4, 8; 23, 24, 28) opposite one another, the movable contact carrier arrangement (7; 27) being movable by an actuation device (56) in the direction of the fixed contact carrier arrangement (1, 2; 21, 22) in order to connect the contacts to one another, having at least one arc deflection device (11, 12; 25, 26) which projects from one of the contact carrier arrangements in the direction of the other contact carrier arrangement, one of the two contact carrier arrangements being formed from two contact limbs (1, 2; 21, 22) which are each provided with a terminal (5, 6) and whereof the contacts (3, 4; 23, 24) lie next to one another in a plane, the other contact carrier arrangement (7; 27) having a bridge contact carrier with a bridge contact (8; 28) which in the closed position (make-contact position) bridges the two above-mentioned contacts (3, 4; 23, 24), and two deflection plates (11, 12; 25, 26) being provided on the outsides of the contact limbs (1, 2; 21, 22) or of the bridge contact carrier (7; 27) approximately on either side of the contacts (3, 4; 23, 24), characterised in that the deflection plates (11, 12; 25, 26) each extend obliquely from the side edges of the contact carrier arrangement carrying them in the direction of the opposing contact carrier arrangement.
    2. A contact arrangement according to Claim 1, characterised in that the two contact limbs (1, 2; 21, 22) are arranged as elongate sheet-metal strips in a common plane, and in that the bridge contact carrier (7; 27) is arranged as a sheet-metal strip approximately in a plane parallel thereto.
    3. A contact arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the two contact limbs (1, 2; 21, 22) form the fixed contact carrier arrangement and the bridge contact carrier (7; 27) forms the movable contact carrier arrangement.
    4. A contact arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the bridge contact carrier forms the fixed contact carrier arrangement and the two contact limbs form the movable contact carrier arrangement.
    5. A contact arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the deflection plates (11, 12) are integrally formed in one piece with the bridge contact carrier (7).
    6. A contact arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the deflection plates (25, 26) are respectively integrally formed in one piece with the contact limbs (21, 22).
    7. A contact arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the bridge contact arrangement (7; 27) has a generally T-shaped form with a longitudinal limb (7a) and a transverse limb (7b), the bridge contact being arranged on the transverse limb (7b) thereof in the longitudinal direction thereof, and in that the deflection plates (11, 12) extend from the two ends of the transverse limb (7b) approximately parallel to the longitudinal limb (7a).
    8. A contact arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the bridge contact carrier (7; 27) is made from spring sheet metal, and in that the two contact limbs (1, 2; 21, 22) are made from a material of high conductivity.
    9. A contact arrangement according to Claim 8, characterised in that the bridge contact carrier (7; 27) is made from spring stainless steel.
    EP96104820A 1995-03-30 1996-03-26 Electrical contact assembly Expired - Lifetime EP0736887B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    US41329595A 1995-03-30 1995-03-30
    US413295 1995-03-30

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    EP0736887A2 EP0736887A2 (en) 1996-10-09
    EP0736887A3 EP0736887A3 (en) 1998-04-22
    EP0736887B1 true EP0736887B1 (en) 2002-05-29

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    ID=23636688

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP96104820A Expired - Lifetime EP0736887B1 (en) 1995-03-30 1996-03-26 Electrical contact assembly

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    US (1) US5686712A (en)
    EP (1) EP0736887B1 (en)
    AT (1) ATE218244T1 (en)
    DE (1) DE59609248D1 (en)

    Families Citing this family (3)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE102011114996A1 (en) 2011-10-06 2012-06-06 Daimler Ag Electrode arrangement for electrical contactor used for interrupting power supply for e.g. electric car, has electrodes including contact tips at edges, where tips face each other and do not contact in closing position of electrodes
    JP5923932B2 (en) * 2011-11-04 2016-05-25 オムロン株式会社 Contact switching mechanism and electromagnetic relay
    US8947181B2 (en) 2012-11-15 2015-02-03 Eaton Corporation Arc runner assembly and circuit interrupter

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    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US2733312A (en) * 1956-01-31 christensen
    US1862631A (en) * 1928-07-16 1932-06-14 Penn Electric Switch Co Switch structure
    US2571951A (en) * 1949-09-09 1951-10-16 Westinghouse Electric Corp Electrical apparatus
    CA671520A (en) * 1959-08-07 1963-10-01 C. Wells Bruce Electrical interlock
    FR1541532A (en) * 1966-10-22 1968-10-04 Siemens Ag Electric arc extinguishing device for direct current switching devices
    US4028513A (en) * 1975-05-08 1977-06-07 I-T-E Imperial Corporation Steel arcing contact for circuit breaker
    US4006439A (en) * 1975-09-11 1977-02-01 Westinghouse Electric Corporation Circuit interrupter having an insulated bridging contact
    KR880001427Y1 (en) * 1981-08-13 1988-04-15 미쓰비시전기 주식회사 Electromagnetic switchgear
    DE3175072D1 (en) * 1981-11-21 1986-09-11 Sprecher & Schuh Ag Contact piece for an electric switch apparatus, in particular for a protrective switch
    EP0079978A1 (en) * 1981-11-21 1983-06-01 Sprecher & Schuh AG Contact piece for an electric switch apparatus, in particular for a protective switch
    US4612427A (en) * 1982-11-10 1986-09-16 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Switch
    US4568805A (en) * 1984-08-24 1986-02-04 Eaton Corporation J-Plate arc interruption chamber for electric switching devices
    US4810841A (en) * 1986-07-31 1989-03-07 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Current-limiting switching element
    JP2658170B2 (en) * 1988-05-11 1997-09-30 オムロン株式会社 Switch
    FR2714520B1 (en) * 1993-12-24 1996-01-19 Telemecanique Electric switch device with separable contacts.

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    ATE218244T1 (en) 2002-06-15
    EP0736887A3 (en) 1998-04-22
    EP0736887A2 (en) 1996-10-09
    DE59609248D1 (en) 2002-07-04
    US5686712A (en) 1997-11-11

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