EP3175466A2

EP3175466A2 - Electric switch, in particular for high voltages and/or high currents

Info

Publication number: EP3175466A2
Application number: EP15754106.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Lell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-07-30
Filing date: 2015-07-30
Publication date: 2017-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-30
Also published as: DE102014110825A1; WO2016015719A2; US20170229267A1; SI3175466T1; EP3175466B1; US10236148B2; JP2017525114A; WO2016015719A3; KR20170030647A

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical switch, in particular for high voltages and/or high currents, comprising a contact unit (4) which comprises at least two contact (3, 5, 7, 7'), a switching element (9) and a drive (11) for the switching element (9). The drive (11) is designed such that it can move the switching element (9) from an initial position into an end position. According to the invention, the switching element (9) is accelerated during an acceleration phase directly or indirectly by the drive (11) and it passes subsequently through a free movement phase until it has reached the end position.

Description

Electrical switch, in particular for high voltages and / or high currents

The invention relates to an electrical switch, in particular for high voltages and / or high currents, having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1.

For switching high voltages and possibly additionally high currents electrical switches are used in which a switching member is linearly moved from a starting position to an end position to trigger the desired switching operation, for example, two electrically isolated in the starting position terminal contacts of a contact unit in to connect the end position of the switching element.

For example, from DE 10 2010 010 669 A1 discloses a switch for bridging submodules of an inverter is known in which is dispensed with a vacuum interrupter. This is achieved by the fact that the switching element of the switch is pyrotechnically driven, whereby such high movement speeds for the switching element are achieved that longer switching paths are possible, which are necessary by dispensing with the arrangement of the contacts in a high vacuum to the required isolation distances observed. The pyrotechnic drive unit here comprises electrically conductive outer walls, within which a telescopically displaceable sliding element is arranged. When igniting a pyrotechnic propellant charge the displacement element is acted upon at the rear side with the gas pressure which is generated by the propellant charge, and moves while maintaining the gas pressure to a fixed contact. The previously interrupted contact between the electrical outer wall of the drive and the fixed contact is thereby closed, wherein the electrical connection via the outer wall of the drive, which thus also in the end position electrically connected displacement element and the fixed contact extends.

The disadvantage of this is that with such a construction of the pyrotechnic drive only a relatively limited switching path and thus only a limited Isolationsab- is feasible, which is available in the starting position. In addition, with the telescopic arrangement of the displacement element within the stationary walls of the drive only a two-pole switch with closing function can be realized.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide an electrical switch, in particular for high voltages and / or high currents, which has larger switching paths and in terms of the number of contacts and the type of switching operations - opening or closing Schaltvorgänge- variably configured.

The invention solves this problem with the features of patent claim 1. Further embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the recognition that the switching element can be accelerated directly or indirectly by the drive during an acceleration phase and then passes through a free movement phase until reaching the end position. This results in greater degrees of freedom in the design of the switch, in particular, larger switching paths and isolation distances can be realized.

The switching element and the contacts, with a suitable design, also enable the virtually simultaneous opening and / or closing of several contacts.

In one variant, the actual switching element can be decoupled from the drive after reaching a certain pulse or a certain kinetic energy and then passes through a free movement phase in which the switching element is no longer subjected to drive forces. In this variant, the switching element is thus coupled to the drive only until reaching the free movement phase. In this way, significantly larger paths of movement for the switching element and greater isolation distances can be realized as in switches, in which the switching element is always coupled to the drive, ie in which the switching element is practically applied during the entire switching path between the starting position and end position of the driving forces , The drive itself must be in this variant However, the invention should always be positioned so close to the switching element or on the contact unit that a coupling with the switching element during the acceleration phase is possible.

In another variant, the driving forces are not transmitted directly to the switching element during the acceleration phase, but indirectly via a pulse transmission element. In this case, the pulse transmission element directly coupled to the drive is first accelerated to a predetermined kinetic energy or a predetermined pulse and then decoupled from the drive. The momentum transfer element can then undergo a free movement phase before it hits a projectile on the switching element and transmits at least a substantial part of its pulse to the switching element. The switching element is thereby accelerated to a specific kinetic energy or a particular pulse, which is or is chosen so that there is a sufficient switching speed. In this variant, therefore, the actual drive is always decoupled from the switching element and accelerates only the momentum transfer element. The drive can therefore be positioned further away from the switching element. This makes it possible, for example, to realize switches in which the contact unit is at a high potential and only a partial voltage of a total voltage can be present between the contacts. The drive in this case does not have to be arranged at the high potential as well, but may be at a lower or even zero potential. The switching element is accelerated in these embodiments by impulse transmission to a desired kinetic energy or a desired pulse, which is sufficient to realize the required switching time.

The drive may preferably be designed as a pyrotechnic drive, in which a gas-generating material is activated activated. In this case, substances can be used, which simply disintegrate when activated in gas, such as tetracene, and detonative substances are here in principle possible if particularly fast processes are desired or required. It should be mentioned that in pyrotechnics worldwide is spoken of a detonative implementation when flame front velocities of more than 2000 m / s by definition are achieved. However, the use of a detonative will implement Material mostly for safety reasons in the manufacture of the drive or its handling come only in exceptional cases in question. The required very short switching times can also be achieved with non-detonatively converting, ie deflagrating materials. Typically achievable switching times are between 0.5 to 2 ms, with geometrically very large switches between 2 ms and 20 ms, the speed of the switching element or the pulse transmission mass here is between 20 m / sec and 1000 m / sec.

The drive can also be realized in any other suitable manner, in particular also as an electrodynamic drive, in which a "magnetic field pulse" is generated by means of a coil which is subjected to a short current impulse, which generates eddy currents in a metallic, non-magnetic drive element. In turn, correspondingly high driving forces can be generated which accelerate the drive element in such a way that a desired kinetic energy or a desired kinetic pulse is achieved.

The drive may be independent of the acceleration mechanism, e.g. an acceleration by forces, which are generated in an electrodynamic or pyrotechnic manner, be formed as a unit. In this case, the drive has a drive element which transmits the accelerating forces directly or indirectly to the switching element. The drive is designed in this case so that the drive element remains in the drive even after the triggering of the drive. Preferably, the drive element does not project out of the housing of the drive during or after the triggering of the drive. This results in additional security during assembly or handling of the drive unit, in particular in the case of an accidental release.

However, it is also possible to use the switching element (in an immediate acceleration of the switching element by the drive) itself or the pulse transmission element itself (at an indirect acceleration of the switching member by the drive) as a drive element, which is acted upon by the driving forces. According to one embodiment of the invention, a moving drive element of the drive is connected to the switching member such that the switching member separates during a following on an acceleration phase of the moving element stop phase of the drive element and then passes through the free movement phase. For this purpose, the switching member may be connected, for example via a press fit with the drive element. It is also possible to form the drive element and the switching element in one piece and to provide a predetermined breaking point between the drive element and the switching element, which is such that it tears due to the delay during the stop phase, so that the switching element passes into its free movement phase.

As already described above, the drive may also, optionally in addition to a drive element, have a pulse transmission element which accelerates upon initiation of a switching operation by activating the drive in the direction of the switching element and is then decoupled from the drive, so that the pulse transmission element with a predetermined pulse passes through a free-flying phase and transmits at least one such part of the pulse to the switching member that the switching member is moved from the starting position to the end position. Again, a corresponding mechanical coupling, for example via a press fit, can be used between the momentum transfer element and a drive element. Also, a one-piece design of pulse transmission element and drive element with a predetermined breaking point between the two parts is possible.

In one embodiment of the invention, the pulse transmission element and the switching element can be such that the pulse transmission element connects when hitting the switching member with this, in particular welded, and is moved together with the switching member from the starting position to the end position.

At least when the switching element is held in its initial position without substantial or negligible holding forces generated by the impingement of the momentum transfer element, the resulting for the entire unit of switching element and momentum transfer element Pulse after the acceleration phase according to the relationship for the completely inelastic shock can be determined.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the switching element, seen in its direction of movement, consist of at least one contact part of an electrically conductive material and at least one insulator part of an electrically insulating material, for example, seen in the direction of movement, front contact part and a rear insulator part. As a result, a plurality of switching operations can be performed simultaneously with a single switching element, wherein the required isolation distances can be maintained.

The contact unit and the switching member may be formed so that the switching member is held in the end position with the at least one insulator part in such a contact of the contact unit that a minimum required isolation distance between the contact part and the contact is given. In this case, the at least one insulator part can also form the rear end of the switching element viewed in the direction of movement. In this case, the insulator part serves to securely hold the switching element in its rear area in the contact unit or to fix.

In one embodiment, the switching element may have a stop region, which is preferably provided on the front end of the switching element viewed in the direction of movement and is designed such that the switching element is braked at the end of the free movement phase until reaching the end position. Area cooperates with a separate stationary brake element of the contact unit or designed as a brake element brake contact of the contact unit.

The stop area can cooperate with a breakthrough provided in the brake element or in the brake contact, which is provided coaxially in the brake element or in the brake contact with respect to the direction of movement and the longitudinal axis of the shift element, wherein the stop area at least during a stop phase until reaching the end position in the breakthrough intervenes. The stop region can have a radial stop flange or one or more stop projections extending radially outwards, which cooperate with a wall surrounding the aperture in the brake element or in the brake contact for limiting the axial movement of the switching element in the free movement phase. However, this results in a sudden stop process with a corresponding impact on the brake element, which can of course also be transferred to the rest of the contact unit, if the contact unit is arranged, for example, on a common base to comply with the distances of the contacts.

In another embodiment, the stop portion may have a tapered towards the front end of the switching member portion which cooperates with the inner wall of the opening in the brake element or in brake contact for braking the axial movement of the switching member in the free movement phase, also the inner wall of the aperture, based on the longitudinal axis and the direction of movement of the switching member, is conically tapered, wherein the cone angle of the inner wall of the aperture is preferably equal to or greater, ie is more tapered, is formed as the cone angle of the tapered portion of the switching element. This results in a less severe deceleration braking of the switching member than in the case of a stop.

The stop area may have in its circumference and / or the opening in its inner wall structuring, which is formed so that when an intervention of the stop area in the opening in the switching movement of the switching element results in a material flow, preferably for welding of the stop area with the contact.

The stop region may in particular have axially extending grooves or axially extending and radially outwardly extending projections, the axially extending outer surfaces of which are each located on an imaginary cone which tapers in the direction of the front end of the switching element. In another embodiment, or in addition, the inner wall of the aperture may have axially extending grooves or axially extending and radially inwardly extending projections have, the axially extending inner surfaces are each on an imaginary cone which tapers in the direction of movement of the switching member, wherein the geometry of the stop region and the aperture and the material of at least the projections is such that when braking the Switching a material flow results.

In another variant, an axially displaceable, preferably slotted ring may be provided in the stop area, which is formed and so cooperates with the breakthrough in the brake element or brake contact that during the stop phase with progressive axial movement of the switching element or the Contact part results in an increasing radial contact pressure between the inner wall of the aperture and the outer wall of the switching member or contact part in the stop region, whereby an axial braking effect is generated until reaching the end position.

The stop area and the breakthrough can be formed with respect to the geometry and the materials so and be tuned to the kinetic energy of the braking element to be braked, that at braking of the switching member welding at least a portion of the stop area with the brake element or the brake contact results. This results in a permanent and secure mechanical and electrical contact between the switching element and the brake element or the contact acting as a brake element.

Such structures in the stop area and / or in the breakdown of a brake contact can also be used independently of other features that relate to the drive or the rest of the switching element (also in terms of their functionality), to provide a switch, the safe closing of an electric Contact causes. In particular, the connection of such a brake contact with another contact, in whose breakthrough for the switching element a multi-contact (see below) is used, leads to a switch that ensures excellent and long-term stable electrical contact. Of course, a switch with this core feature of the use of such structures in the stop area and / or in the breakthrough of a brake contact also have other features, the above or described below in connection with the various embodiments.

The switching element can pass through one or more contacts in a breakthrough in the starting position and in the end position, wherein for the production of an electrical contact on the inner wall of each opening a plurality of distributed over the inner circumference, resiliently formed contact elements are provided, which act on the outer periphery of the switching member , For this type of contacting commercially available finished products can be used, which are also referred to as multicontact elements and realize detachable electrical connectors. These usually comprise resilient contact elements inserted in grooves. The grooves usually extend in the axial direction in the inner wall of a breakthrough, which passes through the switching element in the contact position. Such a multicontact element can be designed as an annular insert part, which is inserted into a corresponding opening in the relevant contact of the contact unit in such a way that a minimal electrical contact resistance results between the contact and the annular insert part and the insert part or the multicontact firmly held in contact. Such multi-contact connections allow extremely low contact resistance, are contact-proof and long-term stable.

The use of the general structure of a rod-shaped switching element, which cooperates with at least two contacts, each having an opening for the shutter member to make contact in a switching position of the switching member between the contact and the switching element and interrupt the contact in another switching position , may also be used independently of other features relating to the drive or the remainder of the switching element (also with regard to their functionality) in order to enable a flexible configuration of the switch with respect to the function as normally open, normally closed and / or changeover and / or branching. For this purpose, only the number and the positions of the contacts with respect to the switching element (taking into account its length and configuration in terms of the number and the respective length of the contact parts and insulator parts of the switching element) must be selected so that the desired functionality results. To design the switch in this regard must therefore granted be that for a given number of contacts in each case in the starting position and end position, the desired contacts are electrically connected via the switching element or not connected.

Of course, a switch with this core feature also have other features that are described above or below in connection with the various embodiments.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the drawing. In the drawing show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a monopolar opener formed as electrical switch according to the invention with a switching member directly driving pyrotechnic drive, wherein the switching member in the starting position (Fig. 1 a) and the end position (Fig. 1 b) shown is;

2 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a trained as a single-pole contact breaker electrical switch according to the invention with a switching member indirectly via a pulse transmitting element driving pyrotechnic drive, wherein the switching member in the starting position (Fig. 2a) and the end position (Fig. 2b). is shown;

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment similar to

Embodiment in Figure 1, wherein the drive is designed as an electrodynamic drive.

4 shows a schematic illustration of a fourth embodiment of an electric switch designed as a one-pole branch switch according to the invention with an electrodynamic drive directly driving the switching element, the switching element being shown in the starting position (FIG. 4 a) and the end position (FIG. 4 b); 5 shows a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of an electric switch designed as a one-pole changeover switch according to the invention with an electrodynamic drive directly driving the switching element, wherein the switching element is shown in the starting position (FIG. 5a) and the end position (FIG. 5b);

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a sixth embodiment similar to the embodiment of Figure 5, wherein the stop portion of the switching member has a radial stop flange.

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a seventh embodiment similar to

Embodiment in Figure 6, wherein the electrodynamic drive comprises a lever mechanism.

8 shows a schematic illustration of an eighth embodiment similar to the embodiment in FIG. 6, wherein the drive comprises a spring element as energy store;

Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a ninth embodiment similar to the embodiment of Fig. 2, wherein the contact unit is arranged in a sealed housing;

Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a tenth embodiment similar to the embodiment in Figure 9, wherein the drive acts on the switching member directly via a housing membrane.

Fig. 1 1 is a schematic representation of a 1 1. Embodiment similar to the embodiment in Figure 1, wherein the switch has a sealed housing in which the drive, the contact unit and the switching element are arranged.

Figure 12 is a schematic representation of a 12th embodiment similar to the embodiment in Figure 2, wherein the switching member is press-fitted with its rear end in a blind recess in the rear contact. Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of a 13th embodiment similar to the embodiment in Fig. 12, wherein the switching member is integrally formed with the two contacts and are provided between the switching member and the contacts predetermined breaking points;

14 shows a longitudinal section through a switching element with structured stop regions;

15 is a sectional view of a brake contact or a separate braking element with a structured aperture for receiving the stop region of a switching element. and

Fig. 16 is a schematic representation of a brake contact or a separate

Brake elements and a front end of a switching member having an annular, conical braking element in a position before the engagement of the switching member in an opening of the brake contact or the separate braking element (Fig. 16a) and in an end position of the switching member.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an electrical switch 1, the two contacts 3, 5, a brake element 7, a switching element 9 and a drive 1 1 for the switching element 9, which is formed in this embodiment as a pyrotechnic drive 1 1 is. In the illustrated embodiment, the individual components of the electrical switch 1 are connected via connecting elements 13, so that in each case a predetermined distance is maintained between the individual components. Of course, any number of connecting elements 13 may be provided. Also, the respective position is variable, as long as the functionality of the connecting elements 13 is ensured.

It should be noted that the exact shape and structure of the individual components may of course differ from the variants shown in the entire drawing, as long as the respective function is guaranteed. The figures in the present case are merely schematic figures which serve to explain the function of the relevant switch. The illustrated in Fig. 1 pyrotechnic drive 1 has a drive element 15 which acts on the rear end of the rod-shaped switching member 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear end of the switching member 9 has an axial connecting pin 17 which engages in a corresponding Sackaus- recess in the front of the piston 15 acting as a drive element. This connection serves to fix the switching element in the starting position of the electric switch 1 shown in FIG. 1, in order to prevent inadvertent displacement of the switching element 9.

The drive element 15 of the drive 1 1 is arranged displaceably in a housing 19 in the axial direction of the switching member 9. Fig. 1 a shows the drive element 15 in its initial position. In this position, the drive element 1 1 in turn via a holding means 21 to the housing 19 and a fixed part of the drive 1 1 connected thereto. The holding means 21 is formed in the illustrated embodiment as a pin-shaped element which is received in an axial recess in the rear end face of the drive element 15 and a recess in the front side of a fixedly connected to the housing part 23. The reception of the pin-shaped holding means 21 is such that the holding means 21 releases the drive element 15 only when a certain minimum axial release force acts on the drive element 15 in the direction of the switching member 9. For this purpose, the pin-shaped holding means 21 can be pressed into the two recesses, screwed or glued.

Upon reaching the release force, the holding means 21 is torn out of one of the two recesses. In another variant, however, the holding means 21 may also be designed so that it has a predetermined breaking point, for example centrally between the drive element 15 and the housing part 23. In this case, the predetermined breaking point and the fastening of the holding means 21 in the two receiving recesses are carried out such that when the triggering force is reached, the holding means 21 ruptures at its predetermined breaking point and releases the drive element 15.

In the illustrated in Fig. 1 pyrotechnic design of the drive 1 1 is thus ensured by the holding means 21, a desired confinement. hereby it is ensured that the movement of the drive element 15 and thus of the switching element 9 only begins when a certain minimum force, namely the release force for releasing the holding means 21 is reached.

Of course, the holding means 21 may be realized in any other suitable manner, for example by a crimp connection between the drive member and the housing 19 or the housing part 23, or by a radially in the starting position of the drive member 15 in this engaging shear pin, the only on reaching the release force is sheared off. A locking of the drive element 15 in the housing is possible.

As shown in Fig. 1, the drive 1 1 comprises a triggering device 25, which may be formed in particular electrically controlled. The triggering device 25 serves to activate a pyrotechnic material, which is accommodated in a receiving space 27 which is formed as an annular groove in the rear end face of the drive element 15. Of course, the receiving space 27 may also or additionally be formed in the part 23 of the housing 19.

Upon activation of the pyrotechnic material thus a gas pressure is generated which causes a corresponding axial compressive force on the drive element 1 1 in the direction of the switching member 9.

As can be seen from Fig. 1, the drive element 15 at its rear, the housing part 23 facing the end of a circumferential sealing edge 29 in order to ensure adequate sealing of the receiving space 27 relative to the housing 19.

If the drive 1 1 triggered by a corresponding control of the triggering device 25, a gas pressure is generated by the preferably deflagrating converting material of the pyrotechnic charge in the receiving space, which initially rises rapidly due to the confinement, which is achieved by the holding means 21. When the tripping force is exceeded, the holding means 21 releases the drive element 15. As a result, the drive element, which with the switching element 9 via the axial Connecting pin 17 is coupled, displaced in the axial direction of the switching member 9 with a sufficiently high switching speed. As a result, the switching member is moved from the initial position shown in Fig. 1 a in the end position shown in Fig. 1 b.

The switching member consists in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 of a front contact part 9a and a rear insulator part 9b, which are fixedly connected together. The connection between the contact part 9a and the insulator part 9b, as shown in Fig. 1, take place in that in the rear end of the contact part 9a a receiving recess is provided, in which engages the front end of the insulator part 9b. The connection can be made by pressing, gluing, crimping or the like.

The insulator part 9b of the switching member 9 ensures a sufficient insulation distance between the rear end of the contact material part 9a made of a conductive material. For this purpose, the insulator part 9b consisting of an insulating material, for example a plastic, may be structured on its circumference in such a way that there is a longer path in the axial direction for surface currents or leakage currents. This can be done by the milling of circumferential grooves, as shown in Fig. 1, leading in longitudinal section to a meandering path between the rear end of the switching part 9a and the front of the drive 1 1 and the housing 19 of the drive 1 1.

As can be seen from Fig. 1 b, the drive element 15 is stopped after reaching an end position within the housing 19 of the drive 1 1 in its axial displacement movement. For this purpose, the sealing edge 29 of the drive element 15 cooperates with a stop shoulder between a front region of the housing 19 with a smaller diameter and a further region within the housing 19 with a larger diameter. In the area with a larger diameter is also the gas which is generated when a triggering of the pyrotechnic drive 1 1. This, the generated gas receiving space may be approximately dense by a corresponding design of the housing and the sealing edge 29 of the drive member 15 after reaching the final position of the drive member 15 so that there is no risk that by leakage of the fuel gas damage or injury to persons be caused. In order to avoid that the drive 1 1 is constantly under pressure after triggering, small outlet openings may be provided for the gas in the housing, which are preferably chosen so small that no injury or damage can be caused by leakage of the heating gas. Such outlet openings may also be provided so that they only become effective in the end position of the drive element 15. For example, axially extending grooves may be provided in the front portion of the smaller diameter housing 19 having such a radial depth that even when the sealing rim 29 abuts the shoulder between the smaller and larger diameter gas from the interior via the Grooves can emerge forward.

As can be seen from Fig. 1 b, the connection is achieved by the sudden stopping of the axial displacement movement of the drive member 15 via the connecting pin 17 between the switching member 9 and the insulator part 9b of the switching member 9 and the drive member 15, so that the switching member 9 due its inertia with appropriate speed until it has reached its end position (Fig. 1 b). The connection between the switching element 9 and the drive element 15 will be designed so that practically no or only a negligible or in certain cases, a desired part of the kinetic energy for releasing the connection is lost, which the switching member 9 at the time of reaching the end position of the drive element 15 in the housing 19 of the drive 1 1 has.

The switching element 1 1 thus performs a free movement phase after it has been decoupled from the drive 9 and is no longer acted upon by a force. As a result, can be realized practically arbitrarily large switching paths for the switching element 9. Because the switching path is no longer determined by the movement, which can be provided by the drive 1 1 available. In principle, it would also be possible to act on the switching element 9 or the insulator element 9b directly on its rear side with the gas pressure of the drive 1 1. However, this would complicate the production of the unit of drive 1 1 and switching element 9. In addition, it could no longer be guaranteed that at a triggering of the pyrotechnic drive 1 1, the generated hot gases at least not so enter the environment that there is a risk of damage or injury.

The movement path of the switching element 9 is limited in the embodiment of a switch 1 shown in FIG. 1 by the separate braking element 7. This has in the axis of the switching member, which is aligned with the movement axis of the switching member, an opening 31, which is conically tapered in its longitudinal section (seen in the direction of movement of the switching member) is formed, i. the inner diameter of the opening 31 decreases in the direction of the switching movement.

The front end of the switching member 9 and the contact part 9a is also conical, wherein the cone angle corresponds approximately to the cone angle of the opening 31. Of course, for the desired braking of the switching member in an intervention in the opening 31, the minimum diameter of the opening 31 must be smaller than the maximum diameter of the switching member 9a in its front region. This results in a relatively slow deceleration of the switching part 9, which occurs at high speed with its front end in the opening 31 of the brake element 7. This relatively slow deceleration of the sliding movement of the switching element 9 leads to lower mechanical loads of the switch first

As can be seen from FIG. 1, a sensor 33 is provided in the separate brake element 7, which may be designed, for example, as a sensor wire. This runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the switching member 9 in a region which is chosen so that the sensor 33 is destroyed in an occurrence of the switching element 9 in the opening 31. As a result, a signal can be generated by a simple resistance measurement as soon as the switch has been triggered. The signal then includes the Information that the switch has actually been triggered and that the switching element 9 has reached its correct end position.

In the embodiment of the switch 1 shown in Fig. 1, the two contacts 3 and 5 in the initial position (Fig. 1 a) are electrically connected. This is indicated by the respective arrows for a current I flowing through the switch. The contacting of the contacts 3, 5 of the switch 1 can of course be done in any suitable manner.

In the end position shown in Fig. 1b, the switching member 9 has been moved so far into its final position that the contact part 9a, which in the initial position shown in Fig. 1a, the two contacts 3, 5 electrically conductively connects, no longer in an electrical Contact with the contact 5 stands. In the end position of the electrical switch 1 designed as an opener thus the circuit has broken through the contacts 3 and 5.

In its final position, the switching part is still held in the contact 5 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 with its insulator part 9b. In this way, in particular with large switches 1 and thus large switching elements 9, sufficient stability can be achieved. The insulator part 9b is dimensioned so that even in the end position in Fig. 1 b, a sufficient minimum isolation distance between the switching part 9a and the contact 5 is ensured.

Due to the large displacement, which is possible by the free movement phase of the switching element 9 after uncoupling from the drive 1 1, thus the clock intervals between the contacts 3, 5 are chosen so large that the switch for high voltages, especially voltages of More than 10 kV, is usable, which is applied to the contacts 3, 5 after disconnecting the circuit. In addition, large distances between the contact unit 4 and the drive 1 1 can be realized with appropriate dimensioning of the insulator part 9b. This is particularly important if, however, the maximum switching voltage that can be applied to the contact unit 4 or the contacts 3, 5, not too high, however the contact unit is at a much higher potential than the drive unit 1 1.

It should be noted at this point that the switch 1 can of course be realized in any suitable size. This is particularly dependent on the voltage to be switched and the current to be switched. The size can range from small sizes for voltages in the range of a few 10 to a few 100 volts up to large sizes for voltages of several thousand, several tens of thousands or even several 100 000 volts. For large switches, the switching element can easily reach lengths in the range of one to several meters.

In the switch 1 shown in Fig. 2, the drive 1 1 is already arranged in the starting position of the switching element 9 in a remote from the rear end of the switching element 9 position, i. the drive 1 1 does not act on the switching element 9 directly.

The pyrotechnic drive 1 1 in the embodiment of FIG. 2 is substantially identical to the drive 1 1 of the variant in Fig. 1. In contrast to this variant, however, the drive 1 1 includes a pulse transmission element 35 which is received in the front region of the housing 19 of the drive 1 1. The impulse transmission element 35 may, like the insulator part 9b in the variant according to FIG. 1, be connected to the drive element 15 in order to avoid an unnecessary release of the impulse transmission element 35 from the drive 11.

The pulse transmission element 35 is formed so that it has sufficient mass to transmit a correspondingly large pulse to the switching member 9, which causes the switching member 9 accelerated by this indirect application of the drive 1 1 and from its initial position ( Fig. 2a) is moved to its end position (Fig. 2b).

The function of the switch 1 shown in Fig. 2 is thus largely identical to the function of the switch of FIG. It differs only in that the switching element 9 is no longer acted upon directly by the drive 1 1, but that the drive 1 1 accelerates when it is triggered the pulse transmission element 35 and shoots like a projectile on the rear end of the switching element 9 and the insulator part 9b.

To avoid that the momentum transfer element 25 flies uncontrollably in the switch 1 after hitting the switching element 9 or lying around, the switching element, in particular the insulator part 9b, and the pulse transmission element 35 may be formed so that the pulse transmission element 35 after its impact on the rear end of the switching element 9 and the insulator part 9b connects with this. For this purpose, as indicated in Fig. 2a, the rear end face of the insulator part 9b have a small recess or recess 37, in which engages the front side of the momentum transfer element 35 at its impact. Alternatively or additionally, the materials of the switching element 9 or of the insulator part 9b and of the impulse transmission element may be selected such that a fusion or welding of the impulse transmission element 25 with the switching element 9 or the insulator part 9b results. In this case, the switching member 9 and the pulse transmitting member 35 move together toward the end position (Fig. 2b).

In the embodiment of the switch 1 shown in Fig. 2, the switching element 9 is thus indirectly driven by the drive by pulse transmission by means of the pulse transmission element 35. This results in the advantage that the drive 1 1 no longer needs to be positioned directly at the end of the switching element 9 in its initial position. In particular, in the case of large switches for very high voltages, it is thereby possible to realize distances of several meters between the contact unit 4 and the drive 11. Such switches can thus be used for such cases in which a very high potential difference between the contact unit 4 and the contacts 3, 5 and the drive 1 1 may occur. In particular, it is no longer necessary to design drive 1 1 in such a way that it is at the same potential as contact unit 4. Even potential separation can be realized. It should be noted at this point that in Fig. 2, the connecting elements 13 between the contacts, the brake element and the drive are not shown. Of course, the mounting of these components can be realized by any suitable means.

The embodiment according to FIG. 3 largely corresponds to the embodiment according to FIG. 1. This switch 1, which in turn is designed as a single-pole opener, but instead of a pyrotechnic drive comprises an electrodynamic drive 1 1. Such an electrodynamic drive 1 1 may for example comprise a coil 39, which is acted upon by a short current pulse with a very high current. As a result, a magnetic field is generated, which generates in the appropriately designed drive element 15 eddy currents, which in turn lead to a repulsive magnetic field. If the current through the coil 39 is sufficiently high, the drive element 15, as in the case of a pyrotechnic drive, is thus moved from its initial position into its end position (FIG. 3b) with the appropriate force and speed.

Incidentally, the operation of the switch 1 in FIG. 3 is similar to the operation of the switch 1 in FIG. 1. Only the insulator part 9b protrudes in the end position of the switching member 9 slightly in the direction of the drive 1 1 out of the opening in the contact 5, resulting from a slightly different dimensioning of the distances between the contacts or the lengths of the contact part 9a and the insulator part 9b results.

The switch 1 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 differs from the embodiment in Fig. 3 substantially by a different dimensioning of the switching element 9 with respect to the lengths of the contact part 9a and the insulator part 9b with respect to the distances of the contacts 3, 5 and of the brake element 7. For as can be seen from Fig. 4, this switch 1 implements a branch function. In the initial position according to FIG. 4 a, the contact part 9 a closes the two contacts 3 and 5 briefly or establishes an electrical contact between them. In the end position of the switching element 9, as shown in Fig. 4b, there is still an electrical contact between the contacts 3 and 5, since the contact part 9a of the switching element 9 correspondingly long is trained. In addition, in this embodiment, the brake element as a brake contact 7 'is formed. In the end position of the switching element 9, the middle contact 3 is thus short-circuited with the two contacts 7 'and 5, so that a current I supplied to the contact 3 is divided into partial flows 11 via the contact 5 and 12 via the brake contact 7'.

The switch 1 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 in turn has an electro-dynamic drive 1 1, which acts on the switching element 9 in its initial position (and during the acceleration phase) directly. The mechanical operation is thus largely identical to the embodiment of FIG. 4. However, here the switching element with regard to its axial division into the contact part 9a and the insulator element 9b dimensioned so that in the starting position (FIG. 5a) only the contacts 3 and 5 are short-circuited and in the final position, only the contacts 3 and 7 '. This is therefore a switch.

As in the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 4, the brake contact 7 may of course likewise include a sensor 33, for example in the form of a sensor wire, a sensor film, in particular a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) film or PVDF wire, or an optical fiber.

As can be seen from FIG. 5 b, in this switch 1, the dimensioning of the switching element with respect to the contact unit 4 is made so that the insulator part is no longer held in the contact 5 in the end position.

The switch 1 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 6 shows in this regard a variant in which an additional support of the insulator part 9b is given in the end position. This switch also realizes a switching function and largely corresponds to the variant according to FIG. 5.

In contrast to the embodiments described above, however, the contact part 9a in the brake contact 7 'is not decelerated via a conical opening and the conical front end of the switching member 9, but by extending over the circumference of the front end of the contact part 9a of the switching member 9 Stop flange 41. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the front side of the stop flange 41 can be covered with a damping material, for example a plastic, in order to design the braking of the switching element 9 somewhat slower than in the case of a completely rigid stop flange.

In order to ensure a secure electrical contact between the contact part 9a and the brake contact 7 in this case, the brake contact 7 has contacting means 43, as may also be used in the case of the other contacts, both before and after the displacement movement of the Switching element 9 must cause an electrical contact. Such contact means 43 can of course also be used in such contacts, which must be electrically connected to the switching element either only in the starting position or in the end position of the switching element 9.

The contact means 43 may be formed in particular as a so-called multi-contact. A multicontact usually has on the inner wall of the respective breakthrough in the contact 3, 5, 7 'on resilient elements which are arranged distributed over the inner circumference. The resilient elements are electrically connected at one end to the respective contact 3, 5, 7 'and, at the other end, act on the outer circumference of the switching element 9 or the contact part 9a. This ensures a secure contact. Such multicontacts are commercially available as prefabricated components and may be formed, for example, annular. In the inner wall of the ring axial grooves may extend, in which lie the resilient contact parts, wherein the contact parts project with a free end in the radial direction over the inner circumference of the ring. The outer circumference of the switching element or the contact part 9a is chosen so that it substantially corresponds to the inner circumference of the ring of the multi-contact. As a result, the outer circumference of the switching element is reliably acted upon by the resilient contact elements. Such a multi-contact also allows multiple insertion and removal or movement of the switching element while maintaining the electrical contact between the switching element 9 and the contact part 9a and the respective contact part 3, 5, 7 '. The switch 1 shown in Fig. 7 corresponds to the contact unit 4 and the switching element 9 of the embodiment of FIG. 6. Instead of an electrodynamic drive here, however, a drive 1 1 is used, which includes a plunger coil 5, in which an actuating element 47 engages. The actuator has at its end a flange, the ferromagnetic material is attracted to a loading of the plunger coil 45 with a sufficiently high current through the magnetic field generated by the plunger coil 45. As a result, a lever mechanism is actuated, which acts on a lever 49 applied on one side. With its longer lever arm, the lever 49 acts on the switching member 9 at its rear end, ie at the rear end of the insulator part 9b. As a result, a translation of the switching path is achieved, which is generated by the plunger coil 45. Incidentally, the functionality of this switch 1 corresponds to the variant according to FIG. 6.

Fig. 8 shows a further variant of a drive 1 1, which has a compressed coil spring 41 as an energy store. This acts on one end of the drive element 15 via a pressure plate 53. Of course, a direct loading of the drive element 15 would be possible.

The pressure plate can be released with a triggering device in its axial mobility. The triggering can of course be done manually or controlled, depending on the design of the triggering device 55. A controllable triggering device, for example, be designed so that a radially engaging in the pressure plate pin is moved by means of an electromagnet of the triggering device 55 from a blocking position to a release position ,

Incidentally, the functionality of this variant of a switch 1 again corresponds to the embodiment in FIG. 6 or FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of an electrical switch 1, in which the contact unit 4 and the switching element 9 are arranged in a sealed housing 57. The switching member 9 extends with its rear end substantially to a deformable membrane or a membrane region of the housing 57 zoom. In this case, in turn, a pyrotechnic drive 1 1 is used as drive. rather, for indirectly acting on the switching element 9 by means of a pulse transmission element 35, as in the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 2.

When the drive 1 1 is triggered, the pulse transmission element 35 is no longer projected directly onto the rear end face of the switching element 9 or of the insulator part 9b, but onto the diaphragm 59 arranged therebetween. In this case, the pulse transmission thus takes place indirectly from the pulse transmission element 35 via the membrane 59 on the switching element. 9

The membrane is preferably designed and tuned to the pulse to be transmitted so that it deforms during the impulse transmission. As a result, the pulse transmission element can be braked slower.

It is also possible to configure the diaphragm and the momentum transfer element 35 such that the momentum transfer element is connected to the diaphragm 59 after impact thereon, for example by providing a corresponding receiving means or by welding the respective materials through the impact energy.

Incidentally, the functionality of the switch 1 illustrated in FIG. 9 corresponds to the functionality of the variant in FIG. 2.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 10 corresponds largely to the embodiment in Fig. 9, but wherein the drive 1 1 in the starting position (ie in the untripped state) has moved so far to the housing 57 that the pulse transmission element with its front already the membrane 59 charged. So it is practically an immediate loading of the switching element 9 given by the drive 1 1, since the switching element rests in the starting position on the diaphragm 59.

The embodiment of a switch 1 according to FIG. 11 corresponds to the functionality of the embodiment in FIG. 1. In addition to the variant in Fig. 1 (on the illustration of the connecting elements 13 is in Fig. 1 1, as well as in the other Variations according to FIGS 2-10, omitted), a housing 57 is provided, which surrounds not only the contact unit 4, but the entire switch 1.

Fig. 12 shows a switch 1, in which again a pyrotechnic drive 1 1 is used, which is designed to transmit a pulse by means of a pulse transmission element 35 to the switching element 9 of a contact unit 4. This contact unit 4 comprises only a first contact 3 and a second contact 5. An additional braking element or a sensor was omitted here. The switching member 9 has a stop flange 41, which serves to brake the switching movement at the contact 3. The contact 3 contacts the switching element 9 again via contact means 43, for example a multicontact.

As a special feature of this contact unit, the switching element 9 is held with its rear end in a receiving recess in the rear contact 5. The contact element can be pressed in here for example during manufacture. The stop flange 41 can serve here with its back as a limitation for a press-fit. There remains thus only a thin wall at the bottom of the receiving recess of the contact 5, which forms a breaking-away region 61. Upon impact of the contact transfer member 35 on the breakout portion 61, it is broken out of the contact 5, and the pulse (at least a sufficient portion thereof) of the pulse transmitting member 35 is transmitted to the switch member 9. The switching member 9 is then moved to its end position, which is shown in Fig. 12b. The wall or the Ausbrechbereich 61 may be welded due to the impact energy with the back of the switching element 9.

As shown in Fig. 12b, the momentum transfer element 35 may be configured in terms of its geometry or the recess or the resulting breakthrough in the contact 5 be tuned to the momentum transfer element that the momentum transfer element is collected in the resulting breakthrough.

The switch in FIG. 13 differs from the embodiment according to FIG. 12 only in that the contact unit 4 is deviating. Here is the switching element 9, which as in the variant of FIG. 12 only from a contact part is made (there is no insulating portion) formed integrally with the contact 5. The contact 5 can thus be produced in a process with the switching element 9. It is only necessary to provide a corresponding thin point in the contact, which represents a predetermined breaking point between the switching element 9 and the contact 5.

In addition, in the embodiment of FIG. 13, the front contact 3 is formed integrally with the switching member. Again, a thin spot 63 is provided between the switching member and the contact.

In the variant shown in FIG. 13, the thin point 63 can be produced, for example, by a welding operation, when the switching element 9 is inserted into an initially existing opening in the contact 5.

Of course, if the stop flange 41 is not located directly on the contact 5, then the thin spot can also be produced in the contact 5 by means of a cutting or milling process. Furthermore, it is possible to produce such a complicated part, as shown in FIG. 13a, in one piece with methods of so-called rapid prototyping. This is also possible for metallic materials.

14 shows a switching element 9 with a circumferentially structured front region 9 'and a further circumferentially structured region 9 ". The illustrated switching element 9, which consists only of a contact part made of an electrically conductive material, can of course also be extended to the right, The structured regions 9 ', 9 "are each provided for effecting a secure electrical contact when the switching element 9 is inserted into corresponding contacts (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the structuring of grooves 73 'and 73 "and raised projections 75' and 75", as can be seen from the section BB in Fig. 14. The switching member 9 can engage with these structured stop areas in corresponding openings in two brake contacts, so that they are electrically connected at a triggering of the switch. The structuring allows a flow of material, in particular the material of the elevations of the structures in the areas in which no material rial exists. The material flow is caused by the high pressure, the friction and the temperature generated thereby. The front region 9 'of the switching element 9 in FIG. 14 can be used, for example, in conjunction with the switching element according to FIG. 5. When injecting the thus structured structured area 9 'into the brake contact 7, a material flow and, due to the high temperature and the softening of the material, a welding of the structured area 9' to the inner wall of the break-through of the brake contact 7 results.

The structuring is very crucial for the production of a secure contact and for the desired welding of the materials of the switching element and the brake contact. The rear structured region 9 "can also serve to establish a secure electrical contact with a second contact (not shown) .The switching element 9 of FIG. 14 can already engage in an initially de-energized (ie unused) brake contact in an initial position in that the region of the switching element 9 between the two structured regions 9 'and 9 "is in the opening of that contact which is to be contacted in the end position of the switching element by means of the structured region 9".

The switching element 9 according to FIG. 14 thus makes it possible to produce two secure electrical, optionally welded connections between the switching element 9 in the two structured regions 9 'and 9 "and in each case one contact.

Instead of or in addition to a structuring of the switching member 9 in a region or axial portion of the switching member 9 in which a contacting or welding with the inner wall of a corresponding contact is desired, and the inner wall of the respective breakthrough in a brake contact 7 'provided with a structure be. Then, instead of or in addition to the material flow in the structured region of the switching element 9, material flows in the region of the inner wall of the opening in the relevant contact are produced. Such a structured breakdown in a brake contact 7 'is shown in Fig. 15. The breakthrough with an axial section conical profile has grooves 77 on its inner wall, which extend substantially axially. These grooves 77 form free spaces, in which can be deformed material, which is supplied at a softening or melting of the material of protrusions 79.

Instead of grooves, of course, any other structuring is conceivable that creates appropriate space for receiving softening material.

Fig. 16 shows the front end of a switching member 9, on which a cylindrical member 65 is arranged. The element 65 can, as shown in FIG. 16, be screwed with a threaded region into a corresponding axial threaded bore in the front side of the switching element 9. Of course, the cylindrical member 65 may also be formed integrally with the switching member 9. The cylindrical member 65 has an outer diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the adjacent portion of the switching member 9. This creates a stop shoulder 67th

On the cylindrical member 65, an annular cone portion 69 is pushed. For this purpose, the cone part has an inner diameter which substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the cylindrical element 65. The conical part 69 may also have one or more axially extending longitudinal sections or longitudinal grooves. The conical outer wall of the cone portion 69 is selected so that it is acted upon insertion of the switching element 9 in the opening 31 of the contact 3 of the inner wall of the also conically shaped opening 31 so that radially inwardly directed forces acting on the cone portion 69 , This initially leads to frictional forces between the inner wall of the opening 31 of the contact 3 and the outer wall of the cone portion 69 and between the inner wall of the cone portion 69 and the outer wall of the cylindrical member 65. Due to the high energy with which the switching member 9 is inserted, this leads to a temperature increase and to material flows, which in turn can be absorbed by the longitudinal slots or the longitudinal grooves in the outer wall of the conical part 69. The stop shoulder stops the sliding movement of the cone part 69 on the element 65, so that from reaching the stop, the cone part 69 is pressed together with the rest of the switching element 9 in the opening 31. The longitudinal slots in the cone portion 69 may be uniformly distributed over the circumference. However, it is also possible, as shown in Fig. 16, to provide only a single, axially continuous longitudinal slot 71. In addition, it is possible to provide in the outer circumference of the cone part 69 and / or the inner circumference of the opening 31 any other structuring which can accommodate flowing material. Regarding their functionality, reference may be made to the comments on FIGS. 14 and 15.

Finally, it should be mentioned that, of course, features that are explained only in connection with one or more of the embodiments described above, of course, can also be combined with other embodiments. This applies in particular to the configuration of the stop region of the switching element 9, which may be formed as a bare cone, or may comprise a stop flange 41. Of course, combinations thereof are also conceivable. Also, the structuring described in connection with Figures 14, 15 and 16 to allow material flows and the possible welding of the switching element with the respective contact can of course be provided in all variants. This structuring or welding of the switching element with a contact would also be independent of a possible free movement phase of the switching element 9 can be realized.

This also applies to the different variants of contact units, switching elements and switching functions described in the figures. If no such high switching paths are required, then the drive can be driven continuously, i. during the entire movement between the starting position and the end position of the switching element, be coupled to the switching member. The advantages of the above-described contact units and Kontaktierungsvarianten, in particular the flexible design of switching functions by providing a rod-shaped switching element, which engages in openings in the contacts or in the brake element remain intact.

Further, not shown variants are briefly described below. In a variant, the circular member shown in the drawing, usually in the cross section circular another, for example rectangular, in particular flat, rectangular cross-section. The openings in the contacts then have a correspondingly complementary shape. This leads to the advantage that the switch can be configured to a flat assembly.

It is also possible to use a plurality of switching elements, wherein at least two contacts cooperate with at least two switching elements. In this way, on the one hand a redundancy can be generated and on the other hand, for example, different contacts can be connected to or disconnected from the same contact.

The housing of the switch, which, as described above, certain components or all components of the switch surrounds, can also serve and be designed so that the state of the switch is made visible from the outside. At the same time, the material of the housing or one or more coatings may be selected on the inside or outside so that there is an electromagnetic shielding effect.

The visualization of the switch state, for example, take place in that the housing consists at least in relevant areas of such a material or coated with such a material that a power loss generated in the switch at certain switching states, or electromagnetic fields in certain switching states be generated, leading to a change in the state of the material of the housing or the housing coating. In particular, materials can be used that react to the presence of electromagnetic fields or temperature changes caused by the power loss with a color change. In this way, the switch state can be detected or monitored visually, even from a greater distance.

In general, the housing can be made of any material, provided that its specific electrical conductivity is small compared to the specific conductivity of the materials in the current path. For example, graphite can also be used as the housing material, as a result of which the housing or the entire switch can be used for high-temperature applications.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 electrical switch

3 contact

4 contact unit

5 contact unit

7 brake element, 7 'brake contact

9 switching element

9a contact part

9b insulator part

1 1 drive

13 fasteners

15 drive element

17 axial connecting pin

19 housing

21 holding means

23 housing part

25 triggering device

27 recording room

29 sealing edge

31 breakthrough

33 sensor

35 pulse transmission element

37 recess

39 coil

41 stop flange

43 contact agents

45 plunger coil

47 actuator

49 levers

51 coil spring

53 pressure plate

55 triggering device

57 tight housing membrane

Break-out area Thin point Cylindrical element Stop shoulder Cone part

longitudinal slot

'Groove

"Groove

' Head Start

" Head Start

groove

head Start

Claims

claims

1 . Electrical switch, in particular for high voltages and / or high currents, comprising a contact unit (4) which comprises at least two contacts (3, 5, 7, 7 '), a switching element (9) and a drive (11) for the Switching member (9), wherein the drive (1 1) is designed such that it moves the switching member (9) from an initial position to an end position, characterized in that the switching member (9) during an acceleration phase directly or indirectly from the drive (1 1) is accelerated and then passes through to a free movement phase until reaching the end position.

2. Switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive (1 1) is coupled to reach the free movement phase with the switching member (9).

3. A switch according to claim 2, characterized in that a moving drive element (15) of the drive (1 1) is connected to the switching member (9) such that the switching member (9) during an acceleration phase of the drive element (15) following stop phase of the drive element (15) separates and then passes through the free movement phase.

4. Switch according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive (1 1) has a pulse transmission element (35), which is accelerated upon initiation of a switching operation in the direction of the switching member (9) and then decoupled from the drive (1 1), so in that the pulse transmission element (35) passes through a free-flying phase with a predetermined pulse and transmits at least such a part of the pulse to the switching element (9) that the switching element (9) is moved from the starting position to the end position.

5. A switch according to claim 4, characterized in that the pulse transmission element (35) after its free-flight phase impinges on the switching member (9), wherein the momentum transfer element (35) and the switching member (9) are such that the momentum transfer element (35) when striking the switching member (9) connects to this, in particular welded, and is moved together with the switching member (9) from the starting position to the end position.

6. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching member (9), seen in the direction of movement, consist of at least one contact part (9a) of an electrically conductive material and at least one insulator part (9b) of an electrically insulating material, for example, seen from a direction of movement, front contact part (9a) and a rear insulator part (9b).

7. Switch according to claim 6, characterized in that the contact unit (4) and the switching member (9) are formed so that the switching member (9) in the end position with the at least one insulator part (9b) in such a contact (5) the contact unit (4) is held, that a minimum required isolation distance between the contact part (9 a) and the contact (5) is given.

8. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching member (9) has a stop region, which is preferably provided on - seen in the direction of movement - front end of the switching element (9) and designed so that the switching element (9 ) is braked at the end of the free movement phase until reaching the end position, the stop area for this purpose with a separate stationary brake element (7) of the contact unit (4) or a braking element (7 ') formed as a braking element of the contact unit (4) cooperates.

9. Switch according to claim 8, characterized in that the stop area cooperates with a in the brake element (7) or in the brake contact (7 ') provided opening (31), which with respect to the direction of movement and the Longitudinal axis of the switching member (9) coaxially in the brake element (7) or in the brake contact (7 ') is provided, wherein the stop region engages at least during a stop phase until reaching the end position in the opening.

10. A switch according to claim 9, characterized in that the stop region has a radial stop flange (41) or one or more, radially outwardly extending abutment projections, which with a breakthrough (31) in the brake element (7) or in brake contact (7 ') surrounding wall for limiting the axial movement of the switching member (9) in the free movement phase.

1 1. Switch according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the stop region has a tapering in the direction of the front end of the switching member (9) area, which with the inner wall of the opening (31) in the brake element (7) or in braking contact (7 ') for braking the axial movement of the switching member (9) cooperates in the free movement phase, wherein the inner wall of the aperture (31), based on the longitudinal axis and the direction of movement of the switching member (9), is conically tapered, wherein the cone angle of the inner wall of the opening (31) preferably equal to or greater, ie is formed more tapered than the cone angle of the tapered portion of the switching element (9).

12. Switch according to one of claims 9 to 1 1, characterized in that the stop area in its periphery and / or the opening (31) in its inner wall structuring (73 ', 73 ", 75', 75"; 77 , 79), which are formed so that when an engagement of the stop region in the breakthrough in the switching movement of the switching member (9) results in a material flow, preferably for welding the stop region with the brake element (7) or the Brake contact (7 ') leads.

13. A switch according to claim 12, characterized in that the stop region has axially extending grooves (73 ', 75') or axially extending and radially outwardly extending projections (75 ", 75"), the axially extending outer surfaces are each located on an imaginary cone that tapers in the direction of the front end of the switching element and / or that the inner wall of the opening (31) axially extending grooves (77) or axially extending and radially inwardly extending projections (79) has, the axially extending inner surfaces are each located on an imaginary cone, which tapers in the direction of movement of the switching member (9).

14. Switch according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that in the stop area, an axially displaceable, preferably slotted ring (69) is provided, which is formed so and with the opening (31) in the brake element (7) or Brake contact (7 ') cooperates, that during the stop phase with progressive axial movement of the switching member (9), an increasing radial contact pressure between the inner wall of the aperture (31) and the outer wall of the switching member (9) results in the stop region, whereby an axial braking effect is generated until reaching the end position.

15. Switch according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the stop region of the switching member (9) and the opening (31) of the braking element (7) or the brake contact (7 ') with respect to the geometry and the materials so formed and are tuned to the kinetic energy of the braking element to be braked (9), that during braking of the switching member (9) welding at least a portion of the stop area with the brake element (7) or the brake contact (7 ') results.

16. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching member (9) in the starting position and in the end position one or more contacts (3, 5, 7 ') in an opening (31) passes through, wherein for the manufacture of a electrical contact on the inner wall of each opening (31) a plurality of distributed over the inner circumference, resiliently formed contact elements are provided, which act on the outer periphery of the switching member (9).

17. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the generally round / concentric switching member is wholly or partially to a flat assembly, in which case then at least the contacts are also configured accordingly for the flat switching member.

18. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least switching element and contacts are formed as a unit coaxial.

19. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing in which the switching member and the contacts are made entirely of electrically full / good insulating materials.

20. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing in which the switching member and the contacts are completely or partially made of electrically poorly insulating materials, such as graphite or electrically weakly conductive plastics.

21. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing in which the switching element and the contacts are, although well constructed to be electrically insulating inward, but has at least one well electrically conductive layer to the outside, so as to provide a potential reference and thus to mitigate or prevent electromagnetic interference during and after the triggering of the switch.

22. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing in which the switching member and the contacts are coated or surrounded with a solid, gelatinous or liquid layer inside or outside to special dielectric or photo or temperature properties to be able to use this layer.