DE102008025179A1 - contact rocker - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact rocker for a relay and an electromagnetic relay with such a contact rocker. The special approach of the invention is to arrange the movable switch contact on a solid contact bar with high current carrying capacity, which is electrically and mechanically connected by means of a short film strip of thin spring material with the fixed connection. Advantageously, the film strip can be designed so that it can also take over the function of a return spring and / or an overstroke spring for contact force. With this contact rocker, a high current relay, especially for automotive use, can be specified, which is characterized by a low load circuit resistance, high reliability and low manufacturing and material costs.

Description

The The present invention relates to a contact rocker for a relay as well as an electromagnetic relay, in particular a high current relay, with such a contact rocker.

At Electromagnetic relays vary depending on the field of application Requirements made. When switching high currents (> 100 A), these affect Requirements essentially the size of the load circuit resistance and thus the conductor cross sections in the load circuit. To make continuous currents of To be able to carry a few 100 A, the load circuit resistance should be in the order of 0.1 mΩ, about the power loss and the associated warming to keep the relay within limits. Find such requirements For example, in the automotive field, especially in context with the energy management in the automotive electrical system.

When The main problem in this context is the electrical Connection between the fixed connection and the movable switching contact of the relay proved, since here numerous contrary Requirements must be reconciled. On the one hand is because of the required low load circuit resistance a large conductor cross-section and good conductivity of the material required. At the same time, the force influence on the switching contact must not Too big to avoid the on and off movement of the switch contact to hinder. The electrical connection to the movable switching contact must therefore have a high flexibility, on the other hand But also has a sufficient mechanical stability be guaranteed to the usual in relay applications high Guarantee number of switching movements.

From the DE 100 2004 013 471 A1 a high-current relay is known in which the movable switching contact is connected via a flat strand of large cross section with the fixed terminal. A disadvantage of this approach is the undesirable and undefined force influence of non-dimensionally stable flat braid on the movable switching contact.

From the DE 34 46 203 A1 is also a high-current relay is known in which instead of a single conventional contact spring, a spring assembly of a plurality of spring blades is used to increase the current carrying capacity without unduly increasing the force on the movable switching contact. A disadvantage of this approach but the structurally complex spring assembly and despite all increased force influence of the spring blades on the movable switching contact.

From the DE 199 33 797 A1 In addition, a relay is known in which the problem of the electrical connection of the movable switching contact with the fixed connection by means of a bridge contact arrangement is avoided. In the bridge contact arrangement, an additional movable switching contact is provided which lies electrically in series with the first switching contact. However, this results in other disadvantages, in particular with regard to an increase in the load circuit resistance and an increase in manufacturing costs due to the additional switching contact. In addition, the different switching behavior of the series switching contacts leads to a different contact erosion, whereby the life of the relay is shortened.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, an improved electrical connection between a movable switching contact and a permanent connection. It is also An object of the present invention is a relay, in particular to specify a high current relay characterized by a low load circuit resistance, high reliability and low manufacturing and material costs distinguished.

According to the invention This object is achieved by the features of the independent claim solved. Preferred embodiments are the subject of dependent claims.

It is the particular approach of the present invention, the movable Switching contact to arrange on a contact rocker, which consists of a solid Contact bars high current carrying capacity and a short Foil strip is made of thin spring material, wherein the foil strips both the electrical and the mechanical Connection to the fixed connection takes over.

According to one The first aspect of the present invention is a contact rocker for a relay, in particular for a high-current relay, to close or open a circuit between a first and a second permanent connection available posed. The contact rocker comprises a contact bar and a Spring strip, wherein one end of the contact bar by means of the spring strip is conductively connected to the first permanent connection and the other, free end of the contact bar, depending on the position of the contact rocker, makes an electrical connection with the second permanent connection or interrupts.

According to one second aspect of the present invention is a relay, in particular a high current relay for use in motor vehicles, with Such a contact rocker provided.

Preferably the contact rocker comprises a fixed contact with the second Fixed connection is conductively connected, and a moving contact, the free end of the contact bar is attached and depending on the position the contact rocker cooperates with the fixed contact. Both the festival as well as the moving contact are before geous legally with a precious metal surface provided to ensure a good electrical contact and to reduce the contact erosion when switching high currents.

advantageously, In addition, the contact bar is made of a material with good electrical conductivity, in particular copper or aluminum, manufactured. Advantageously, also the spring strip made of an elastic material with good conductivity, preferably a low alloy, high strength, electrically good conductive copper alloy, formed. In this way can even with low material use a low load circuit resistance be achieved.

advantageously, is the strength of the spring strip between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, preferably 0.2 mm. These values have proved to be good compromise for the satisfaction of the opposing Requirements for electrical resistance and mechanical Stability with simultaneous flexibility of the proved by the spring strip formed film hinge. The strenght the contact beam depends essentially on the required Current carrying capacity and may for example 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably 2 mm.

Preferably the contact beam extends substantially over the entire length of the contact pad so that the area of the Foil joints short is in comparison to the length of the contact rocker. This will ensure that the flow is essentially through the contact bar flows and the contribution of the foil strip to the total resistance correspondingly low fails.

advantageously, the spring strip is designed as a planar leaf spring, resulting in a particularly simple design. alternative can the spring strip in the transition region between the first Fixed connection and the contact beam also bent S-shaped so that variants in terms of attachment of the spring strip be made possible on the top or the bottom of the contact bar.

Preferably is the spring strip at least at the fixed end of the contact bar riveted or welded to the contact beam. Depending on Design of the spring strip can this advantageously but also or in addition to the free end of the contact bar riveted or welded to the contact beam. As a result, a safe mechanical manufacturing technology in a simple manner and electrical connection ensured.

In a particular embodiment, the contact rocker also an overstroke spring for contact force on, wherein the overstroke spring and the spring strip preferably are made in one piece. advantageously, The spring strip protrudes over the free end of the contact bar in addition, so that the protruding portion of the spring strip the overstroke spring forms.

In a further particular embodiment, the contact rocker also a return spring for opening or closing the contact, wherein the return spring and the spring strip is preferably made in one piece are. Advantageously, the spring strip is with spring clips provided on the contact beam for power application a position between the fixed end and the free end attack.

The Invention will be described below with reference to the attached Illustrated illustrations in which same components with the same Reference signs are marked. It shows:

1A a schematic view of the contact rocker according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

1B a schematic view of the contact rocker according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

2 a perspective view of the contact rocker according to a third embodiment of the present invention,

3A a perspective view of the underside of the contact rocker according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,

3B a perspective view of the top of the contact rocker according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention,

4A a schematic view of a relay according to another aspect of the present invention with an open switch contact, and

4B a schematic view of the relay 4A with closed switching contact.

1A shows a schematic view of the contact rocker according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The contact rocker consists of a solid contact bar ( 2 ) and egg a short foil or spring strip ( 3 ), which connects to the fixed line ( 4 ) takes over. The contact bar ( 2 ) is preferably made of good conductive material, such as copper or aluminum. The cross-section of the contact beam is dimensioned according to the requirements of current carrying capacity. The short film strip is preferably made of thin spring material with high electrical conductivity. In this way, the electrical resistance of the load circuit can be kept low. Preferred materials for this purpose are special copper alloys, in particular low-alloy, high-strength, electrically highly conductive alloys.

Due to the elastic properties of the foil strip ( 3 ), the contact bar is movable, so that on the contact bar ( 2 ) attached moving contact ( 1 ), depending on the position of the contact rocker, with a (not shown) fixed contact can interact. The film strip thus assumes a joint function, the thin spring material ensures high flexibility and the necessary stability of the joint.

Because of the shortness of the spring strip ( 3 ), the proportion of the spring strip on the load circuit resistance is correspondingly low. Moreover, the width of the strip can be dimensioned according to the current carrying capacity requirements.

The contact bar extends substantially over the entire length of the contact rocker, so that due to the lever length ( 6 ) the force influence of the spring strip ( 3 ) on the moving contact ( 1 ) is very low. At the same time the deflection of the contact switching movement is reduced to the joint through this lever length, so that the spring strip ( 3 ) is only slightly loaded mechanically and a long life can be achieved.

1B shows a schematic view of the contact rocker according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from that in FIG 1A shown embodiment only in that the spring strip ( 3 ) not just, but in a section ( 7 ) between the fixed connection ( 4 ) and the contact bar ( 2 ) Is S-shaped and is not attached to the underside of the contact bar, but on the top.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to a particular embodiment of the spring strip. In addition to the in 1A and 1B shown embodiments, the spring strip z. B. also double-S-shaped or Z-shaped to achieve a higher flexibility of the connection.

2 shows a perspective view of the contact rocker according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In contrast to the above embodiments, the spring strip ( 3 ) over the free end of the contact bar ( 2 ) and thereby forms an overstroke spring ( 8th ) to contact force. An electromagnetic actuating mechanism (not shown) engages the extreme end of the over-travel spring (FIG. 8th ) and can produce the required contact force in this way without further spring elements.

The spring strip is preferably at both ends of the contact bar ( 2 ) attached. Advantageous attachment methods are riveting or contact welding.

3A and 3B show perspective views of the contact rocker according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In addition to the functions described above, the spring strip ( 3 ) according to the fourth embodiment, the function of a return spring for opening (or closing) of the contact. This can be achieved for example by a corresponding bias of the spring strip or by a special shape of the spring strip. As in the 3A and 3B By way of example, narrow spring clips ( 9 ) are formed, which engage at a position between the free and the fixed end of the contact beam and unfold there a defined application of force.

4A and 4B show a schematic view of a relay according to a further aspect of the present invention with open or closed switch contact, which is substantially by the contact rocker according to the invention ( 2 . 3 ) is formed, and a circuit between a first and a second fixed connection ( 4 . 11 ) opens or closes. This is on the contact bar ( 2 ) a moving contact ( 1 ), which depending on the position of the contact rocker with the attached on the fixed terminal fixed contact ( 10 ) cooperates.

4A shows the relay in rest position, with the contact bar ( 2 ) through the spring clip ( 9 ) of the spring strip ( 3 ) with a defined force (F) against an opener stop ( 12 ) is pressed, so the contact ( 1 . 10 ) to keep open even in case of external shocks that may occur.

The relay is equipped with a mechanical actuator ( 13 ), preferably an electromagnet with Anchor provided directly or indirectly on the formed on the spring strip over-stroke spring ( 8th ) acts. 4B shows the actuator in working position, in addition to the comparison in 4A shown rest positions of the contact bar, the spring strip and the overstroke spring are shown by dashed lines. Like from the 4B can be seen, the actuator deflects the overstroke spring from its rest position, so that a force (F) on the switch contacts ( 1 . 10 ) is exercised.

The entire structure of the relay can be mounted on a carrier plate ( 14 ) and / or in a housing ( 15 ) be mounted. The electrical contact ( 16 ) to the environment can be over the out of the housing ( 15 ) led outgoing connections ( 4 . 11 ), for example by means of screwing, soldering, or via plug contacts.

The in the 4A and 4B shown embodiment of the contact rocker corresponds to in 3 shown fourth embodiment, but the high-current relay according to the invention can also be based on the contact rocker according to the first, the second or the third embodiment. Moreover, the electromagnetic actuator ( 13 ) can also be replaced by another actuator, for example by a manual operating unit, so that the present invention is also applicable to manual switches and buttons.

The The invention thus relates to a contact rocker for a relay and an electromagnetic relay with such a contact rocker. The special approach of the invention is thereby, the movable switching contact on a massive contact beam with high current carrying capacity to arrange, by means of a short film strip of thin Spring material electrically and mechanically connected to the fixed connection is. Advantageously, the film strip can be designed in this way be that at the same time the function of a return spring and / or take over a Überhubfeder for contact force can. With this contact rocker, a high-current relay, in particular be specified for the car use, which is characterized by a low load circuit resistance, high reliability and low manufacturing and material costs.

1

portable switching contact

2

contact bars

3

film strips

4

fixed connection

5

joint

6

length the lever arm

7

section of the spring strip

8th

travel spring

9

Return spring

10

Fester switching contact

11

fixed connection

12

Öffneranschlag

13

electromagnet as a mechanical actuator

14

support plate

15

casing

16

electrical Contacting the environment

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 1002004013471 A1 [0004]
• - DE 3446203 A1 [0005]
• - DE 19933797 A1 [0006]

Claims (16)

Contact rocker for a relay, in particular for a high-current relay, for closing or opening a circuit between a first permanent connection ( 4 ) and a second permanent connection ( 11 ), characterized by a contact bar ( 2 ) and a spring strip ( 3 ), one end of the contact bar ( 2 ) by means of the spring strip ( 3 ) conducting with the first permanent connection ( 4 ) and the other, free end of the contact bar ( 2 ), depending on the position of the contact rocker ( 2 . 3 ), an electrical connection to the second fixed connection ( 11 ) or interrupts. Contact rocker according to claim 1, further comprising a fixed contact ( 10 ) connected to the second permanent connection ( 11 ) is conductively connected, and a moving contact ( 1 ) at the free end of the contact bar ( 2 ) and depending on the position of the contact rocker ( 2 . 3 ) with the fixed contact ( 10 ) cooperates. Contact rocker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact bar ( 2 ) is formed of a material with good current conductivity, in particular copper or aluminum. Contact rocker according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spring strip ( 3 ) is formed of an elastic material with good current conductivity, preferably a low-alloy, high-strength, good electrical conductivity copper alloy. Contact rocker according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the strength of the spring strip ( 3 ) is between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, preferably 0.2 mm. Contact rocker according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the thickness of the contact beam ( 2 ) is between 1 mm and 5 mm, preferably 2 mm. Contact rocker according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the contact bar ( 2 ) substantially over the entire length of the contact rocker ( 2 . 3 ). Contact rocker according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the spring strip ( 3 ) is designed as a flat leaf spring. Contact rocker according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the spring strip ( 3 ) in the transition area ( 7 ) between the first fixed connection ( 4 ) and the contact bar ( 2 ) Is bent in an S-shape. Contact rocker according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the spring strip ( 3 ) at least at one end of the contact beam ( 2 ) with the contact bar ( 2 ) is riveted or welded. Contact rocker according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an overstroke spring ( 8th ) to the contact force, wherein the over-stroke spring ( 8th ) and the spring strip ( 3 ) are preferably made in one piece. Contact rocker according to claim 11, wherein the spring strip ( 3 ) over the free end of the contact bar ( 2 ) protrudes and the protruding portion of the spring strip the overtravel spring ( 8th ). Contact rocker according to claim 12, wherein the spring strip ( 3 ) at least at the free end of the contact bar ( 2 ) with the contact bar ( 2 ) is riveted or welded. Contact rocker according to one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a return spring ( 9 ) for opening or closing the contact, wherein the return spring ( 9 ) and the spring strip ( 3 ) are preferably made in one piece. Contact rocker according to claim 14, wherein the spring strip ( 3 ) with spring clips ( 9 ) attached to the contact beam ( 2 ) to apply force at a position between the fixed end and the free end. Relays, in particular high-current relays for use in motor vehicles, having a contact rocker ( 2 . 3 ) according to one of claims 1 to 15.