CN120660163A - Switch assembly, contactor device and transport vehicle - Google Patents
Switch assembly, contactor device and transport vehicleInfo
- Publication number
- CN120660163A CN120660163A CN202480011672.4A CN202480011672A CN120660163A CN 120660163 A CN120660163 A CN 120660163A CN 202480011672 A CN202480011672 A CN 202480011672A CN 120660163 A CN120660163 A CN 120660163A
- Authority
- CN
- China
- Prior art keywords
- magnetic member
- movable contact
- electrical contacts
- fixed electrical
- actuator
- 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.)
- Pending
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
- H01H50/08—Indicators; Distinguishing marks
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H50/00—Details of electromagnetic relays
- H01H50/54—Contact arrangements
- H01H50/541—Auxiliary contact devices
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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
- H01H9/16—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off"
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Switch Cases, Indication, And Locking (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a switch assembly (10, 10'' ') for switching a medium-to-high voltage contactor device in a transport vehicle, comprising at least two first fixed electrical contacts (2, 3) spaced apart from each other, at least one movable contact (6) configured to be movable between a first position contacting both of the at least two first fixed electrical contacts (2, 3) to electrically connect the at least two first fixed electrical contacts (2, 3) and a second position remote from at least one of the at least two fixed electrical contacts (2, 3) to disconnect the at least two first fixed electrical contacts (2, 3), and at least one actuator (9, 9' '') facing the at least one movable contact (6) and configured to be movable towards and away from the at least one movable contact (6), wherein at least one first member (8 ', 8) comprises at least one magnetic member (9' '') or at least one actuator (9 '' ') configured to be in accordance with the at least one of the at least one magnetic members (9', 9'' ') and (9' '') 9'' '') provides a magnetic force to move the movable contact (6) to the first position.
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a switch assembly for providing information about the open/close state of a medium-to-high voltage contactor device in a transport vehicle, a contactor device for a transport vehicle, and a transport vehicle.
Background
Contactor devices in medium and/or high voltage applications (e.g., contactors, disconnectors or high-speed circuit breakers for rail vehicles, other transportation vehicles or heavy industrial applications) include a switch assembly that switches between an open state and a closed state of the contactor device. For example, the opening and closing of the contactor device may be mechanically repeated by a mechanically operated low voltage miniature snap switch. These miniature snap switches may be capable of allowing the open or closed state of the respective medium/high voltage contactor device to be indirectly detected by an external low voltage circuit that detects the open or closed state of the switch. For example, by opening or closing the contactor device, a lever or cam as a mechanical member moves to apply pressure to a button outside the micro switch. This relative movement is transmitted inside the microswitch by a system of rods, springs, leaf springs or the like. Accordingly, the microswitch moves from an open position to a closed position, or vice versa. The external low voltage circuit detects a change in state of the micro-switch and thus indirectly detects a change in state of the contactor device without being physically connected to the medium/high voltage components.
However, the reliability of the above concept is low because the micro-switch is based on a certain number of mechanical parts, such as buttons, levers, springs, leaf springs, levers etc. necessary for transmitting the motion. Such mechanical components may suffer from manufacturing errors, wear due to contact, or deformation.
Disclosure of Invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide a voltage circuit, preferably a low voltage circuit, with information about the open/closed state of a medium to high voltage contactor device by means of a switch assembly with a reduced number of mechanical parts.
This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Other aspects of the invention relate to the dependent claims.
According to the invention, a switch assembly for providing information about the open/close state of a medium-to-high voltage contactor device in a transport vehicle comprises at least two first fixed electrical contacts spaced apart from each other and at least one movable contact. The movable contact is configured to be movable between a first position electrically connected to the first stationary electrical contact (e.g., to signal an open position of the contactor device) and a second position remote from the first position. The fixed contacts may be two or more. The movement of the movable contacts is achieved by an actuator facing the at least one movable contact and configured to be movable toward and away from the at least one movable contact. More specifically, at least one first magnetic member is included in or secured to the at least one actuator and/or the movable contact, the first magnetic member being configured to provide a magnetic force to move the movable contact into or away from the first position depending on a distance between the at least one movable contact and the at least one actuator.
The medium to high voltage contactor device (hereinafter contactor device) may be any kind of contactor device for medium and/or high voltage applications, such as a contactor, a disconnector or a high speed circuit breaker. First, medium or high voltage is understood to be a voltage that is relatively high compared to the voltage of the low voltage circuit used to detect information about the open/closed state of the contactor device. In particular, the medium voltage may be equal to or greater than 150 volts and equal to or less than 500 volts, preferably between 220 and 400 volts. Thus, the high voltage may be greater than 500 volts and the low voltage may be less than 150 volts.
In the above configuration, at least two first fixed electrical contacts (i.e., at least two first conductive members providing electrical contacts) may be electrically connected by the movable contact. To achieve this connection, the movable contact (which is also at least partially electrically conductive to electrically connect at least two first fixed electrical contacts) is moved into a first position. For example, in the first position, one end of the movable contact contacts one of the first fixed electrical contacts, while the other end of the movable contact contacts the other of the first fixed electrical contacts. Thus, current may flow from one of the first fixed electrical contacts to the other of the first fixed electrical contacts via the movable contact. The connection or disconnection of the movable contact to the at least two first fixed electrical contacts may represent an open or closed state of the contactor device, which activates the movable contact in response to an opening or closing process of the contactor device. The open/closed state of the contactor device may thus be indirectly detected by, for example, impedance measurements of the switch assembly with respect to the at least two first fixed electrical contacts. The connection state of the at least two first fixed electrical contacts (i.e. the movable contact being in the first position) may correspond to the closed state of the contactor device. Alternatively, however, the connection state of the at least two first fixed electrical contacts (i.e. the movable contact being in the first position) may also correspond to the open state of the contactor device. The allocation of the connection state of the at least two first fixed electrical contacts depends on the definition of the respective circuits connected thereto for detection purposes.
In order to move the movable contact into the first position, the switch assembly comprises at least one actuator to drive the movable contact towards and/or away from at least two first fixed electrical contacts. The at least one actuator may be movable in correspondence with the opening and/or closing process of the contactor device. For example, the at least one actuator may be operably coupled to the contactor device actuator or the contactor device switch member by, for example, a mechanical transmission mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one actuator may be controlled by the actuation mechanism in accordance with a control signal provided by the controller to move the at least one actuator.
The movement of the at least one movable contact towards and/or away from the at least two first fixed electrical contacts by the at least one actuator is based on a magnetic force provided by the at least one first magnetic member. The at least one first magnetic member may be fixed to or included in the at least one movable contact. In this case, the at least one actuator is configured to provide magnetic properties (e.g. by being at least partially made of ferromagnetic material, or comprising a ferromagnetic member or other magnetic member) to allow the at least one first magnetic member and thus the at least one movable contact to move towards or away from the at least one actuator depending on the distance between the at least one movable contact and the at least one first magnetic member and the at least one actuator, respectively. For example, the at least one first magnetic member may provide an attractive force to the at least one actuator. When the at least one actuator is moved towards the at least one first magnetic member and the at least one movable contact, respectively, the attractive force increases to allow the at least one movable contact to be moved, for example, into the first position. Alternatively, the attractive force may move the at least one movable contact away from the first position. Alternatively, the at least one first magnetic member may provide a repulsive force to the at least one actuator. When the at least one actuator moves towards the at least one first magnetic member and, correspondingly, the at least one movable contact, the repulsive force increases to allow the at least one movable contact to move, for example, away from the first position. Alternatively, the repulsive force may move the at least one movable contact into the first position. In the case of an electromagnet as at least one first magnetic member with switchable polarity, it is also possible to switch between attractive and repulsive forces to change the direction of movement of the at least one movable contact as required to move the at least one movable contact into or away from the first position.
Alternatively or additionally, at least one first magnetic member may be fixed to or included in the at least one actuator to attract or repel the at least one movable contact, moving it into or away from the first position. Thus, the at least one movable contact is configured to provide magnetic properties (e.g., by being at least partially made of ferromagnetic material, or comprising a ferromagnetic member or other magnetic member) to allow the at least one movable contact to move towards or away from the at least one first magnetic member, and thus towards or away from the at least one actuator, depending on the distance between the at least one movable contact and the at least one actuator and the at least one first magnetic member, respectively.
For example, the at least one first magnetic member may provide an attractive force to the at least one movable contact. When the at least one actuator and correspondingly the at least one movable contact are moved towards the at least one first magnetic member, the attractive force increases to allow the at least one movable contact to be moved, for example, into the first position. Alternatively, the attractive force may move the at least one movable contact away from the first position. Alternatively, the at least one first magnetic member may provide a repulsive force to the at least one movable contact. When the at least one actuator and correspondingly the at least one first magnetic member are moved towards the at least one movable contact, the repulsive force increases to allow the at least one movable contact to move away from the first position, for example. Alternatively, the repulsive force may move the at least one movable contact into the first position. Similarly to the above, in case the electromagnet is as at least one first magnetic member having switchable polarity, it is also possible to switch between attractive force and repulsive force to change the moving direction of the at least one movable contact as required to move the at least one movable contact into or away from the first position.
With respect to the at least one first magnetic member being included in or secured to the at least one actuator and/or the at least one movable member, it is noted that the term "and" means a configuration in which at least one first magnetic member is included in or secured to the at least one actuator and the other at least one first magnetic member is included in or secured to the at least one movable member. The at least one first magnetic member is affixed to the at least one actuator and/or the at least one movable contact by, for example, applying an aviation glue or by welding. But alternative or additional corresponding fastening means, such as screw engagement, may also be employed. In principle, the respective fastening should withstand the magnetic forces exerted on the at least one first magnetic member.
Preferably, at least two first fixed electrical contacts are arranged between the at least one movable contact and the at least one actuator with respect to the direction of movement of the at least one movable contact. Thus, in case of an attractive force moving the at least one movable contact towards the at least one actuator, the at least two first fixed electrical contacts may serve as abutment portions of the movable contact. This may prevent the at least one movable contact from adhering to the at least one actuator, which may otherwise require more force to release the at least one movable contact from the at least one actuator.
In view of the above, the switch assembly is able to provide a switching concept, in particular a miniaturized snap-action switch based on at least one magnetic member instead of mechanical parts or at least with a reduced number of mechanical parts. In other words, the switch assembly is able to replace the mechanical operation of the switch with the action of a mechanism that is moved by the interaction of at least one magnetic member. The switching assembly is thus able to avoid or at least reduce phenomena based on mechanical wear, deformation, etc., and the resulting decrease in the reliability of the function of the switching assembly.
In some embodiments, the at least one second magnetic member is arranged on a side of the at least one movable contact facing away from the at least one actuator.
The second magnetic member may provide a reaction force to the first magnetic member. For example, the at least one movable contact is configured to provide magnetic properties, such as by being at least partially made of ferromagnetic material or comprising a ferromagnetic or other magnetic member, and to be attracted by the at least one second magnetic member. In this configuration, the at least one second magnetic member is capable of holding the at least one movable contact in the rest position, i.e., in a predetermined position such as the second position, in which the at least one actuator does not exert a moving effect on the at least one movable contact, as long as the distance between the at least one actuator and the at least one movable contact is reduced such that the magnetic force between the at least one actuator and the at least one movable contact exceeds the magnetic force between the at least one movable contact and the at least one second magnetic member. The at least one second magnetic member may also provide sufficient magnetic force to hold the at least one movable contact in a rest position for different operating conditions (e.g., mechanical vibrations induced on the switch assembly).
Preferably, the magnetic force provided by the at least one second magnetic member is smaller than the magnetic force provided by the at least one first magnetic member when the distance between the at least one actuator and the at least one movable contact falls below a predetermined distance. Alternatively or additionally, however, the at least one second magnetic member may be an electromagnetic member, which may be configured to be able to switch the polarity and/or the amount of magnetic force to be applied.
In some embodiments, the switch assembly further comprises at least two second fixed electrical contacts spaced apart from each other and opposite the at least two first fixed electrical contacts, and wherein the at least one movable contact is disposed between the at least two first fixed electrical contacts and the at least two second fixed electrical contacts and extends to contact the at least two first fixed electrical contacts in the first position and to contact the at least two second fixed electrical contacts in the second position.
Thus, the at least one movable contact is movable between a first position represented by the at least two first fixed contacts (i.e. the contact surfaces of the at least two first fixed contacts facing the at least one movable contact) and a second position represented by the at least two second fixed contacts (i.e. the contact surfaces of the at least two second fixed contacts facing the at least one movable contact). Thus, the detection circuit may indirectly detect the open or closed state of the contactor device, for example by impedance measuring the switch assembly for the impedance of the at least two first fixed electrical contacts and the at least two second fixed electrical contacts.
For example, the closed state of the contactor device is represented by at least two first fixed electrical contacts being electrically connected by at least one movable contact in a first position. Conversely, the open state of the contactor device is represented by at least two second fixed electrical contacts being electrically connected by at least one movable contact in the second position. According to an exemplary impedance measurement, the detection circuit may detect that there is a low impedance between the at least two first fixed contacts and a high impedance between the at least two second fixed contacts, with the at least one movable contact in the first position. Then, the detection circuit may determine that such impedance characteristics correspond to the closed state of the contactor device. Thus, according to this example, in case the at least one movable contact is located in the second position, the detection circuit may detect that there is a high impedance between the at least two first fixed contacts and a low impedance between the at least two second fixed contacts. In other words, in a configuration in which at least one movable contact is electrically connected to at least two second fixed electrical contacts, the detection circuit may thus determine that such impedance characteristics correspond to the open state of the contactor device.
For example, at least two second fixed electrical contacts are spaced apart from each other and opposite at least two first fixed electrical contacts. Furthermore, in this configuration, at least one movable contact is arranged between at least two first fixed electrical contacts and at least two second fixed electrical contacts. The at least one movable contact extends to contact the at least two first fixed electrical contacts in a first position and to contact the at least two second fixed electrical contacts in a second position. In this configuration, at least two second fixed electrical contacts may be arranged between the at least one movable contact and the at least one second magnetic member. For example, the at least one second magnetic member applies a magnetic attractive force to the at least one movable contact to hold the at least one movable contact in the rest position (here, the second position) because the attractive force urges the at least one movable contact against the at least two second fixed electrical contacts. In the case of the at least one movable contact being in the rest position or respectively in the second position, the at least one actuator is sufficiently distant from the at least one movable contact that the magnetic force between the at least one movable contact and the at least one actuator due to the at least one first magnetic member does not exceed the magnetic force generated by the at least one second magnetic member. But when the at least one actuator approaches the at least one movable contact, a magnetic force between the at least one movable contact and the at least one actuator due to the at least one first magnetic member increases. Accordingly, in case the distance falls below a certain threshold value, the magnetic force between the at least one movable contact and the at least one actuator due to the at least one first magnetic member exceeds the magnetic force exerted by the at least one second magnetic member. In this case, the at least one movable contact is moved into the first position.
In some embodiments, the at least one second magnetic member is preferably fixed to or included in at least one of the at least two second fixed electrical contacts on a side facing the at least one movable contact, and/or the at least one second magnetic member is preferably fixed to or included in the at least one movable contact on at least one side facing the at least one of the at least two second fixed electrical contacts.
Thus, the at least one second magnetic member may not be provided as a separately arranged magnetic member, but directly provided by at least one of the at least two second fixed electrical contacts and/or the at least one movable contact. Providing at least two second magnetic members (i.e. providing at least one of the at least two second magnetic members by each second fixed electrical contact in a respective position opposite to the at least one movable contact and/or by the at least one movable contact in a respective position opposite to one of the at least two second fixed electrical contacts) helps to ensure an electrical connection in the rest position or respectively the second position.
The at least one second magnetic member may be fixed thereto by gluing or welding to at least one of the at least two second fixed electrical contacts and/or to the at least one movable contact. Alternatively, the at least one second magnetic member may be included in (e.g., as an internal second magnetic member) or may directly constitute at least one of the at least two second fixed electrical contacts.
In some embodiments, the at least one movable contact comprises at least one ferromagnetic part facing the at least one actuator, preferably two ferromagnetic parts, which are opposite to each other in the direction of movement of the at least one movable contact between the first position and the second position, the intermediate part being arranged between the two ferromagnetic parts.
Thus, at least one movable contact may be provided as a movable multilayer contact, wherein an intermediate layer as an intermediate portion is provided between two ferromagnetic layers as ferromagnetic portions. The intermediate portion separates the ferromagnetic portions, for example, to provide a greater height in the direction of movement of the at least one movable contact, to allow a shorter distance of movement, so as to electrically connect the at least two first fixed electrical contacts in the first position and to electrically connect the at least two second fixed electrical contacts in the second position. Accordingly, ferromagnetic material consumption for the at least one movable contact may be reduced, which may allow for cost reduction and/or weight reduction. Preferably, the intermediate portion is an insulating portion, depending on the respective material choice. The ferromagnetic portion may be made of or at least comprise a ferromagnetic material of soft ferromagnetic material (e.g. annealed iron), for example to minimize the influence of the remanent magnetization over time.
In some embodiments, at least two first fixed electrical contacts and/or at least two second fixed electrical contacts are at least partially disposed within the housing.
At least two first fixed electrical contacts and/or at least two second fixed electrical contacts are at least partially disposed within the housing to protrude into the housing interior. Thus, the at least one movable contact is also arranged within the housing to allow the at least one movable contact to electrically connect at least two first stationary electrical contacts in the first position. The housing is preferably made of an insulating material.
In some embodiments, the interior of the housing provides a vacuum.
Thereby, the occurrence of undesired arcing can be reduced. Moreover, the movable contact is easier to move.
In some embodiments, at least one actuator is disposed at least partially within the housing.
Since the at least one actuator is at least partially arranged within the housing, the at least one first magnetic member may not have to be configured to provide a magnetic force that has to be effective outside the housing. In other words, since the actuator and the at least one movable contact are not separated by the housing, the magnetic force associated with the at least one first magnetic member is not shielded or weakened by the housing. For example, in case the at least one first magnetic member is fixed to the actuator, the corresponding magnetic force may act directly on the at least one movable contact, without a housing wall in between.
In some embodiments, the at least one actuator is disposed entirely within the housing, and the switch assembly further comprises an operating member disposed at least partially outside the housing, wherein the operating member operates the at least one actuator to move at least toward the at least one movable contact.
Thus, at least one actuator arranged entirely within the housing may provide a modular switch assembly unit with an operating member adapted to specific design requirements of the contactor design. For operating the at least one actuator by the operating member, the housing may provide an interface, for example an opening for the operating member to extend into the housing to actuate the at least one actuator.
In some embodiments, the actuator comprises at least one first magnetic member, and the switch assembly further comprises a stationary magnetic member facing the at least one first magnetic member on a side facing away from the at least one movable contact. The at least one first magnetic member is capable of relative movement with respect to the stationary magnetic member when the actuator is moved toward and away from the at least one movable contact. The facing sides of the stationary magnetic member and the first magnetic member provide opposite polarities.
In other words, the movement direction of the at least one first magnetic member fixed to or comprised in the at least one actuator, or respectively the movement direction of the at least one actuator, between the first position and the second position with respect to the at least one movable contact, is arranged between the stationary magnetic member and the at least one closing contact. Thus, by moving the at least one actuator towards and away from the at least one movable contact, the at least one first magnetic member is moved relative to the stationary magnetic member and the at least one movable contact. In particular, when the at least one actuator moves towards the at least one movable contact, the at least one first magnetic member moves away from the stationary magnetic member towards the at least one movable contact. Since the facing sides of the stationary magnetic member and the first magnetic member provide opposite polarities, the attractive force between the at least one first magnetic member and the stationary magnetic member decreases in case the at least one actuator is moved towards the at least one movable contact. But the actuation force for the corresponding movement must overcome the attractive force between the at least one first magnetic member and the stationary magnetic member. Accidental movement due to vibration or the like, for example, can be prevented. Further, upon release of the actuation force, the at least one first magnetic member may automatically move back towards the stationary magnetic member to move the at least one actuator away from the at least one movable contact, thereby allowing the movable contact to reach the second position.
In some embodiments, the actuator further comprises a retracting magnetic member disposed on a side of the at least one first magnetic member facing away from the at least one movable contact, wherein the stationary magnetic member is disposed between the at least one first magnetic member and the retracting magnetic member, and wherein facing sides of the stationary magnetic member and the retracting magnetic member provide the same polarity.
The retracting magnetic member allows assisting the at least one actuator to automatically move away from the at least one movable contact upon release of the actuation force. This is because, when the at least one actuator moves toward the at least one movable contact (the retracting magnetic member is thus close to the stationary magnetic member), the repulsive force between the stationary magnetic member and the retracting magnetic member increases. Otherwise, i.e. without retracting the magnetic member, it may occur that the attractive force between the at least one first magnetic member and the at least one movable contact and the attractive force between the at least one first magnetic member and the stationary magnetic member counteract each other, or at least the recall force for the at least one actuator is reduced to such an extent that an automatic back-movement is prevented.
In some embodiments, the at least two first fixed electrical contacts and the at least one movable contact are implemented as reed switches.
The use of reed switches allows for a switching capability to be achieved to provide information of the open/closed state of the contactor device by standard components with high availability. Furthermore, reed switches allow for compact designs of switch assemblies suitable for miniaturization.
In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one first magnetic member, the at least one second magnetic member, the stationary magnetic member, and the retracting magnetic member is a permanent magnet.
Permanent magnets provide the ability to stabilize the design in terms of the application of the required magnetic force. But for increased flexibility at least one of the at least one first magnetic member, the at least one second magnetic member, the stationary magnetic member and the retracting magnetic member may be an electromagnet. The electromagnet may provide the ability to be turned on and off and/or to affect the amount and/or polarity of the magnetic force applied.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a contactor device for a transportation vehicle, the contactor device comprising a switch assembly as described above and a detection circuit configured to detect an open/closed state of the contactor device by means of the switch assembly by being configured to detect an impedance between at least two first fixed electrical contacts.
Alternatively or additionally, detection circuitry may also be included in the switch assembly.
Any of the features described for the switch assembly are also applicable to the contactor device. Conversely, any of the features described for the contactor device are applicable to the switch assembly.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a transport vehicle comprising at least one switch assembly as described above and/or a contactor device as described above, wherein the transport vehicle is a rail vehicle, a commercial vehicle and/or an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Drawings
Other advantages, aspects and details of the invention relate to the claims, the following description of exemplary embodiments, and the corresponding exemplary drawings, in which the principles of the invention are applied.
Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a switch assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment;
fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a switch assembly according to a second exemplary embodiment;
fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a switch assembly according to a third exemplary embodiment;
fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a switch assembly according to a fourth exemplary embodiment;
fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a switch assembly according to a fifth exemplary embodiment.
Detailed Description
Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a switch assembly 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment. In a first exemplary embodiment, the switch assembly comprises a housing 1, wherein two first fixed electrical contacts 2, 3 and two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5 extend into the interior of the housing 1. The housing 1 in this exemplary embodiment is made of an insulating material and provides a vacuum inside (into which the two first fixed electrical contacts 2, 3 and the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5 extend). In other embodiments, however, no vacuum may be provided inside the housing 1. The two first fixed electrical contacts 2, 3 are arranged in one plane, here a plane parallel to the bottom of the housing 1. The two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5 are arranged in a plane parallel to the plane of the two first fixed electrical contacts 2, 3 (here between the two first fixed electrical contacts 2, 3 and the bottom of the housing 1).
The switch assembly 10 further comprises a movable contact 6 arranged in the housing 1 between the two first fixed electrical contacts 2,3 and the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5. The movable contact 6 is configured to electrically connect the two first fixed electrical contacts 2,3 in a first position and to electrically connect the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5 in a second position. Thus, here, the movable contact 6 extends in a plane parallel to the planes of the two first fixed electrical contacts 2,3 and the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5, which has a sufficient length in terms of this extension. In this exemplary embodiment, the movable contact 6 will move along a direction of movement perpendicular to the plane of the two first fixed electrical contacts 2,3 and the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5. The movable contact 6 is prevented from moving beyond the first position by the two first fixed electrical contacts 2, 3. Similarly, the movable contact 6 is prevented from moving beyond the second position by the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5. In other words, the electrical connection of the movable contact 6 to the two first fixed electrical contacts 2,3 in the first position and the electrical connection of the movable contact 6 to the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5 in the second position define the movement range of the movable contact 6 in the movement direction.
The movable contact 6 is a multilayer movable contact, and an intermediate layer 6c as an intermediate portion is provided between two ferromagnetic layers 6a, 6b as ferromagnetic portions. The intermediate layer 6c is made of an insulating material. The two ferromagnetic layers 6a, 6b are made of soft ferromagnetic material (here annealed iron).
The switch assembly further comprises a second magnetic member 7 arranged inside the housing 1 on the side of the two first fixed electrical contacts 2,3 where the two second fixed electrical contacts 4,5 face away (here the bottom side of the housing 1). In this exemplary embodiment, the second magnetic member 7 is a permanent magnet that is configured and arranged to provide an attractive force to the movable contact 6 (specifically, to the ferromagnetic layer 6b facing the second magnetic member 7). The magnetic force provided by the second magnetic member 7 is sufficient to attract the movable contact 6 to move to the second position and to hold the movable contact 6 in the second position as a rest position as long as the switch assembly is not actuated as described below.
For actuating the switch assembly 10, the switch assembly 10 further comprises an actuator 9, which is arranged outside the housing 1 on the side facing the movable contact 6 in the direction of movement. On the side of the actuator 9 facing the movable contact 6, the first magnetic member 8 is fixed to the actuator 9 by gluing. The first magnetic member 8 is arranged and configured to provide an attractive force to the movable contact 6. In this exemplary embodiment, the first magnetic member 8 is a permanent magnet that provides an attractive force to the movable contact 6 (specifically, to the ferromagnetic layer 6a facing the first magnetic member 8). When the first magnetic member 8 is at least within a certain distance as explained below with respect to the operation of the switch assembly 10, the magnetic force provided by the first magnetic member 8 is sufficiently greater than the magnetic force of the second magnetic member 7 to move the movable contact 6. The first magnetic member 8 may be provided as a kit, for example with an aviation gel, with or without the actuator 9 and/or other components of the switch assembly 10, to allow modular combination options. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the actuator 9 may be arranged within the housing 1 to be actuated from the outside.
The operation of the switch assembly 10 is described by assuming the presence of a connector device (not shown) with which the actuator 9 is operatively connected to receive an actuation force to move the actuator 9 towards the movable contact 6. The application of the actuation force corresponds to a closing action of the contactor device. Thus, in the open state of the contactor device as a rest condition, the actuator 9 and thus the first magnetic member 8 is positioned at a distance D, wherein the attractive force of the first magnetic member 8 to the movable contact 6 is smaller than the attractive force of the second magnetic member 7. In the rest condition, the second magnetic member 7 holds the movable contact 6 in the second position to electrically connect the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5. A circuit detection circuit (not shown) is operatively connected to the first and second fixed electrical contacts 2,3, 4, 5 to detect the impedance between the first fixed electrical contacts 2,3 and to detect the impedance between the second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5. In the rest condition, in which the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5 are electrically connected by the movable contact 6, the low voltage detection circuit detects a low impedance between the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5 and a high impedance between the two first fixed electrical contacts 2, 3. The low voltage detection circuit determines this state as an open state of the contactor device.
In the case of a closing action of the contactor device, an actuation force is applied to the actuator 9, causing it to move in the direction of movement towards the movable contact 6. Thereby, the distance D between the first magnetic member 8 and the movable contact 6 decreases. In response to the decrease in the distance D, the attractive force of the first magnetic member 8 to the movable contact 6 increases. When the distance D falls below a certain threshold value, the attractive force of the first magnetic member becomes sufficient to overcome the attractive force of the second magnetic member 7 on the movable contact 6, such that the movable contact 6 moves into the first position in which the movable contact 6 electrically connects the two first fixed electrical contacts 2, 3. When the movable contact 6 is in the first position electrically connecting the two first fixed electrical contacts 2,3, the low voltage detection circuit detects a high impedance between the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5 and a low impedance between the two first fixed electrical contacts 2, 3. The low voltage detection circuit determines this state as the closed state of the contactor device.
Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a switch assembly 10' according to a second exemplary embodiment. The same or similar features provide the same or similar functions and therefore the reference numerals are the same as in the first exemplary embodiment according to fig. 1. Therefore, only the differences between the first and second exemplary embodiments will be described.
In the second exemplary embodiment according to fig. 2, the first magnetic member 8' is not fixed to the actuator 9', but is fixed to the movable contact 6 at the side facing the actuator 9' in the moving direction. The first magnetic member 8 'is arranged and configured to provide an attractive force to an actuator 9' which is made of or comprises a ferromagnetic material, respectively. Thus, the magnetic force that moves the movable contact 6 to the first position is provided by the attractive force between the first magnetic member 8 'and the actuator 9'. Here (this may also be applied to other embodiments), the movement of the actuator 9 'is controlled independently of the position of the movable contact 6, so as to avoid moving the actuator 9' towards the movable contact 6 by the attractive force provided between the first magnetic member 8 'and the actuator 9'. In other words, the movement of the actuator 9' towards the movable contact 6 is a result of an actuation force applied thereto, and not of the position of the movable contact 6.
Fig. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a switch assembly 10″ according to a third exemplary embodiment. The same or similar features provide the same or similar functions and therefore the reference numerals are the same as in the first exemplary embodiment according to fig. 1. Therefore, only the differences between the first and third exemplary embodiments will be described.
In the third exemplary embodiment according to fig. 3, the second magnetic member 7 of the first exemplary embodiment has been replaced with two second magnetic members 7a ", 7 b", each fixed to the second fixed electrical member 4, 5 on the side facing the movable contact 6. Alternatively or additionally, according to other embodiments, two second magnetic members 7a ", 7 b" may be fixed to the movable contact 6 on the side facing the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5. In this case, each of the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5 provides for example a ferromagnetic portion to come into contact with one of the two second magnetic members 7a ", 7 b", so as to place the movable contact 6 in the second position. The second magnetic members 7a ", 7 b" in this exemplary embodiment are each permanent magnets that are constructed and arranged to provide an attractive force to the movable contact 6 (specifically, to the ferromagnetic layer 6b facing the second magnetic members 7a ", 7 b"). The pairs of second magnetic members 7a ", 7 b" provide the same functions as the second magnetic member 7 according to the first exemplary embodiment, and thus reference is made to the corresponding description of the second magnetic member 7.
Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a switch assembly 10' "according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. The fourth exemplary embodiment is a combination of the second and third embodiments. Accordingly, reference may be made to the corresponding descriptions of the second and third embodiments.
Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a switch assembly 10' "according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. Here, the housing 1 '"contains a reed switch 30'" (e.g. a reed ampoule) instead of the movable contact 6, the two first fixed electrical contacts 2, 3 and the two second fixed electrical contacts 4, 5 of the previous embodiments. The reed switch 30 '"changes its state, which represents the open/closed state of the contactor device operatively coupled with the operating member 40'", which is configured to move the actuator 9 '"towards the reed switch 30'".
In a fifth exemplary embodiment, the actuator 9' "is accommodated within the housing 1 '", wherein the switch assembly 10' "comprises an operating member 40 '" protruding into the housing 1' "for providing a corresponding actuation force to the actuator 9 '" for moving towards the reed switch 30' "for initiating a switching action. The first magnetic member 8' "and the retracting magnetic member 9a '" are fixed to the actuator 9' "along the moving direction of the actuator 9 '" toward the reed switch 30' ". Further, with respect to the moving direction of the actuator 9' ", a stationary magnetic member 20 '" is provided between the first magnetic member 8' "and the retracting magnetic member 9a '", where it is fixed to the housing 1' ". The first magnetic member 8' ' ', the retracting magnetic member 9a ' ' ' ' and the stationary magnetic member 20' ' ' ' are permanent magnets. The first magnetic member 8 '"and the stationary magnetic member 20'" are constructed and arranged such that facing sides of the first magnetic member 8 '"and the stationary magnetic member 20'" provide opposite polarities, i.e. different magnetic poles face each other. Furthermore, the retracting magnetic member 9a '"and the stationary magnetic member 20'" are configured and arranged such that the facing sides of the retracting magnetic member 9a '"and the stationary magnetic member 20'" provide the same polarity, i.e. the same poles face each other.
In accordance with a closing action of the contactor device (which is operatively connected to the operating member 40 '"to provide a movement of the actuator 9'" towards the reed switch 30 '"to provide a corresponding signal to the low voltage detection circuit in accordance with the principles already described for the first exemplary embodiment), the first magnetic member 8'" is moved towards the reed switch 30 '"by the actuator 9'" as a result of the increased magnetic force upon approaching the reed switch 30 '"providing the reed switch 30'" with an attractive force sufficient to cause a switching action. This movement is performed against the attractive force between the first magnetic member 8 '"and the stationary magnetic member 20'", and against the repulsive force between the retracting magnetic member 9a '"and the stationary magnetic member 20'". If the actuating force on the operating member 40 '"and thus on the actuator 9'" is released, the actuator 9 '"is automatically retracted in a direction of movement away from the reed switch 30'" by the attractive force between the first magnetic member 8 '"and the stationary magnetic member 20'" and the repulsive force between the retracting magnetic member 9a '"and the stationary magnetic member 20'".
The invention has been described with respect to exemplary embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the actuation principle of the reed switch according to the fifth exemplary embodiment is not limited to the use of reed switches, but is for example also applicable to other switching principles according to other embodiments with respect to the first and second fixed electrical contacts.
List of reference numerals
1.1 '' '' Shell
2. First fixed electrical contact
3. First fixed electrical contact
4. Second fixed electrical contact
5. Second fixed electrical contact
6. Movable contact
6A ferromagnetic layer
6B ferromagnetic layer
6C intermediate layer
7. Second magnetic member
7A '' second magnetic member
7B '' second magnetic member
8. 8', 8' ' ' ' First magnetic member
9.9 ', 9' ' ' ' Actuator
9A '' '' retracting magnetic member
10. 10', 10 ", 10'" Switching assembly
20'' '' Stationary magnetic member
30'' '' Reed switch
40'' '' Operating member
Distance D
N pole (North)
S pole (south)
Claims (15)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP23156842.9A EP4418299A1 (en) | 2023-02-15 | 2023-02-15 | Switch assembly, contactor device and transportation vehicle |
| EP23156842.9 | 2023-02-15 | ||
| PCT/EP2024/053451 WO2024170482A1 (en) | 2023-02-15 | 2024-02-12 | Switch assembly, contactor device and transportation vehicle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN120660163A true CN120660163A (en) | 2025-09-16 |
Family
ID=85251914
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202480011672.4A Pending CN120660163A (en) | 2023-02-15 | 2024-02-12 | Switch assembly, contactor device and transport vehicle |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP4418299A1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN120660163A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2024170482A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2919323A (en) * | 1957-07-01 | 1959-12-29 | John F Drescher | Electric relay |
| DE1990414U (en) * | 1960-05-02 | 1968-08-01 | Westmghouse Electric Corporation East Pittsburgh Pa (V St A) | Electrical switchgear |
| US5272458A (en) * | 1988-07-28 | 1993-12-21 | H-U Development Corporation | Solenoid actuator |
| DE102007030391A1 (en) * | 2007-06-29 | 2009-01-02 | Siemens Ag | Manufacturing method for a ram and such a plunger |
| JP2012199115A (en) * | 2011-03-22 | 2012-10-18 | Panasonic Corp | Electromagnetic switch |
| JP2021086815A (en) * | 2019-11-29 | 2021-06-03 | パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 | Electromagnetic relay |
-
2023
- 2023-02-15 EP EP23156842.9A patent/EP4418299A1/en active Pending
-
2024
- 2024-02-12 CN CN202480011672.4A patent/CN120660163A/en active Pending
- 2024-02-12 WO PCT/EP2024/053451 patent/WO2024170482A1/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP4418299A1 (en) | 2024-08-21 |
| WO2024170482A1 (en) | 2024-08-22 |
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