阅读说明：本技术 开关装置 (Switching device ) 是由 A·格鲁纳克 T·克林格 于 2019-08-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种开关装置(100),其具有至少一个固定的触头(2、3)、一个能够运动的触头(4)、一个磁衔铁(5)、一个永磁体(17)和一个磁开关(19),其中所述能够运动的触头借助于磁衔铁能够运动,所述永磁体固定在磁衔铁上并且所述磁开关是霍尔开关。(The invention relates to a switching device (100) having at least one fixed contact (2, 3), one movable contact (4), one magnetic armature (5), one permanent magnet (17) and one magnetic switch (19), wherein the movable contact is movable by means of the magnetic armature, the permanent magnet is fixed to the magnetic armature and the magnetic switch is a Hall switch.)

1. A switching device (100) has

-at least one fixed contact (2, 3), a movable contact (4) and a magnetic armature (5), and

-a permanent magnet (17) and a magnetic switch (19),

wherein

The movable contact can be moved by means of a magnetic armature,

the permanent magnet is fixed to the magnetic armature, and

-the magnetic switch is a hall switch.

2. A switching device according to the preceding claim, wherein the magnetic switch is in one state selected from the first state and the second state in operation in dependence on a magnetic field.

3. The switching device according to the preceding claim, wherein the magnetic switch generates a first current in a first state and a second current different from the first current in a second state.

4. A switching device according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the magnetic switch is in the first or second state depending on the spacing of the permanent magnet from the magnetic switch.

5. A switching device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the permanent magnet is arranged on an end of the magnetic armature facing away from the movable contact.

6. Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic armature has a magnetic core (6) and a shaft (7) and the permanent magnet is fixed on the magnetic core and/or the shaft.

7. A switching device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the permanent magnet is a ring magnet arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the magnetic armature.

8. Switching device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contacts, the magnetic armature and the permanent magnet are arranged within a gastight region (16).

9. The switching device according to the preceding claim, wherein the magnetic switch is arranged outside the gastight region.

10. The switching device according to any one of the preceding claims, furthermore having a signal processing device (20), the magnetic switch being wired with the signal processing device.

11. Switching device according to the preceding claim, wherein the signal processing device has a measuring resistor connected in series with the magnetic switch.

12. Switching device according to the preceding claim, wherein the signal processing device has a comparator which compares the voltage dropped across the measuring resistor with a reference voltage.

13. The switching device according to the preceding claim, wherein the reference voltage is determined by a zener diode.

14. Switching device according to the preceding claim, wherein the magnetic switch, the zener diode and the comparator are connected on a common voltage supply.

15. The switching device according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the signal processing device has an electronic switch with a control input which is connected to the output of the comparator.

16. Switching device according to the preceding claim, wherein a control input of the electronic switch is connected with an output of the comparator via a voltage divider.

Technical Field

The invention provides a switch device.

Background

The switching device is in particular designed as an electromagnetically acting, remotely actuated switch which can be operated by an electrically conductive current. The switching means may be activated by the control current loop and may switch the load current loop. In particular, the switching device can be designed as a relay or as a contactor (schutz), in particular as a power contactor. Particularly preferably, the switching device can be designed as a gas-filled power contactor.

A possible application of such a switching device, in particular a power contactor, is the opening and disconnection of a battery current circuit, for example in a motor vehicle, such as in a motor vehicle operated electrically or with a component operated electrically. These vehicles may be, for example, battery-only vehicles (BEV: "battery-powered vehicles"), hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV: "plug-in hybrid electric vehicles") and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV: "hybrid electric vehicles") that can be charged by means of a socket or charging station. In this case, usually both the positive and the negative contact of the battery are separated by means of a power contactor. This separation is carried out in normal operation, for example, in a stationary state of the vehicle and also in the event of a fault, such as an accident or the like. The main task of the power contactor is to switch the vehicle to no voltage and to interrupt the current flow.

A particularly serious fault situation which can occur in such switches is the so-called "contactor adhesion" (schutzkleber) (english "seize, stuck"). In this case, the elements of the switch are "glued" together by welding during the switching off or on, so that a reliable separation of the load current circuits cannot be ensured even when the supply voltage of the switch is switched off. For safety reasons, therefore, when using power contactors in circuits with life-threatening voltages, it is expedient for the detection of the switch position to be able to react to this fault behavior with appropriate measures in the event of a contactor sticking.

One possible way of detecting the switch position is to use separate switching elements, in particular microswitches, which are actuated together by mechanical coupling to the main switch contacts by a switching movement of the main switch contacts. However, such microswitches are subject to common wear phenomena as every mechanical switch. Another possibility consists in using a reed switch (reedschallter) which is switched by the magnet moving with it as the switch of the contactor moves, by the resulting approach and distancing of the magnet relative to the reed switch. However, reed switches, due to their manner of construction, also react to any sufficiently strong magnetic or electromagnetic field in their surroundings.

At least one object of a particular embodiment is to provide a switching device, particularly preferably a switching device, for which the described disadvantages can be prevented or at least reduced.

Disclosure of Invention

This object is achieved by the subject matter according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the subject matter are indicated in the dependent claims and can also be gathered from the following description and the drawings.

According to at least one embodiment, the switching device has at least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact. At least one fixed contact and at least one movable contact are provided and set up for switching in and out a load current circuit connectable to the switching device. The movable contact can be moved in the switching device between a non-conductive state (also called non-active or switched-off state below) and a conductive state (also called active or switched-in state below) of the switching device in such a way that the movable contact is spaced apart from the at least one fixed contact in the non-conductive state of the switching device and is therefore electrically separated from the at least one fixed contact, and in the conductive state has a mechanical contact with the at least one fixed contact and is therefore electrically connected to the at least one fixed contact. The switching device has at least one fixed contact, which may also mean that the switching device has at least two fixed contacts which are arranged separately from one another in the switching device and which can be connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner or electrically separated from one another by the movable contacts in the described manner as a function of the state of the movable contacts. The description relating to at least one fixed contact also applies to the plurality of fixed contacts, and in particular all fixed contacts, present in the switching device.

The at least one fixed contact and/or the at least one movable contact can have or consist of Cu, a Cu alloy, one or more refractory metals such as, for example, W, Ni and/or Cr, or mixtures of the mentioned materials, for example, copper, with at least one further metal, for example W, Ni and/or Cr, for example.

According to another embodiment, the switching device has a housing in which the movable contact and the at least one fixed contact are arranged. The movable contact can in particular be arranged completely in the housing. The stationary contact is arranged in the housing, which may mean, in particular, that a contact region of the stationary contact, which is in mechanical contact with the movable contact in the on-state, is arranged in the housing. For connecting the supply lines of the current circuit to be switched by the switching device, fixed contacts arranged in the housing can be electrically contacted from the outside, i.e. from outside the housing. For this purpose, the fixed contacts arranged in the housing can project with a portion out of the housing and have connection possibilities for the leads outside the housing.

According to a further embodiment, the switching device has a switching chamber in which a movable contact and at least one fixed contact are arranged. The switching chamber can in particular be arranged in the housing. The movable contact can particularly preferably be arranged completely in the switching chamber. The stationary contact is arranged in the switching chamber, which may mean, in particular, that at least one contact region of the stationary contact is arranged in the switching chamber, which contact region is in mechanical contact with the movable contact in the conducting state. For connecting the supply lines of the current circuit to be switched by the switching device, the fixed contacts arranged in the switching chamber can be electrically contacted from the outside, i.e. from the outside of the switching chamber. For this purpose, the fixed contact arranged in the switching chamber can project with a portion out of the switching chamber and have a connection possibility for the supply line outside the switching chamber.

According to another embodiment, the movable contact can be moved by means of a magnetic armature. For this purpose, the magnetic armature may have a shaft which is connected at one end to the movable contact in such a way that the movable contact can be moved by means of the shaft, i.e. by means of the shaft, it is likewise moved when the shaft is moved. The shaft can project into the switching chamber, in particular, through an opening in the switching chamber. In particular, the switching chamber can have a switching chamber bottom with an opening through which the shaft extends. The magnetic armature can be moved by a magnetic circuit in order to cause the switching process described above. For this purpose, the magnetic circuit may have a magnetic yoke with an opening through which the shaft of the magnetic armature extends. Furthermore, the magnetic armature may have a magnetic core, which may be fastened to the end of the shaft opposite the movable contact and is part of the magnetic circuit. A magnetic field can be generated in the magnetic circuit by means of a coil, which can be connected to a control current circuit, by means of which the magnetic armature is moved.

The shaft can preferably have stainless steel or be made of stainless steel. The magnetic yoke and/or the magnetic core can preferably comprise or consist of pure iron or a low-doped iron alloy. The switching chamber, i.e. in particular the switching chamber walls and/or the switching chamber bottom, can at least partially preferably comprise a metal oxide ceramic, such as, for example, Al₂O₃Or plastic or consist thereof. In particular, plastics having sufficient heat resistance are suitable as the plastic. For example, the switching chamber may have Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polyethylene (PE) and/or glass-filled polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as plastics. The switching chamber may also have Polyoxymethylene (POM), in particular the structure (CH)₂O）_nOf (a) polyoxymethylene。

According to another embodiment, the contact is arranged in a gaseous environment. This may mean, in particular, that the movable contact is arranged completely in the gas environment and that, in addition, at least a part of the at least one fixed contact, such as a contact region of the at least one fixed contact, is arranged in the gas environment. For this purpose, the switching device can have a gas-tight region in which a gas environment is held in a gas-tight manner with respect to the surroundings and in which the described components can be arranged. The gas-tight area may be formed by parts of the housing and/or by additional walls and/or by components within the housing. For example, the gas-tight region can be formed by parts of the switch chamber wall and the magnet yoke in combination with additional wall parts (e.g. with or consisting of aluminum or stainless steel). In particular, the switching chamber can be arranged in a gastight region of the switching device. Furthermore, the magnetic armature can also be arranged completely within the gastight region. The switching device may accordingly particularly preferably be a gas-filled switching device, such as a gas-filled contactor. The gaseous environment may in particular promote the extinguishing of an arc that may occur between the contacts during the switching process. The gas of the gaseous environment may preferably have at least 50% H₂The fraction of (c). In addition to hydrogen, the gas may be an inert gas, more preferably N₂And/or one or more noble gases. Furthermore, the gas, i.e. at least a part of the gas atmosphere, may be located in particular in the switching chamber.

According to another embodiment, the switching device has a magnetic switch, i.e. a switch which can be switched back and forth between different states by the action of an external magnetic field. The magnetic switch may in particular have a first state and a second state between which it can be switched by the action of an external magnetic field. Particularly preferably, the magnetic switch can have exactly two states. The magnetic switch can be, in particular, an electronically activated (altiv) component, i.e., a component which must be supplied with an operating voltage for its operation, i.e., in particular a switching operation, while the magnetic switch is not operable with or without the operating voltage being switched off. The above-described and the following switching actions of the magnetic switch therefore always relate to the magnetic switch connected to the operating voltage. Accordingly, the magnetic switch can be brought into one state, preferably selected from a first state and a second state, depending on the magnetic field during operation.

According to another embodiment, the magnetic switch is a hall switch. The hall switch can have a switching circuit with a hall sensor having a sensitive area, for example, or be formed in such a way. The hall sensor can be set up and wired in a switching loop in such a way that, when the field lines of the magnetic field cross the sensitive surface of the hall sensor at the position of the hall switch, a hall voltage is generated which is proportional to the vertical component of the field lines. The hall voltage can be compared with a reference voltage by means of a comparator in the switching loop. If the hall voltage and, accordingly, the magnetic field is below a certain threshold value, the output of the switching circuit and, consequently, the output of the hall switch can remain in the first state. In other words, the hall switch is in the first state when the magnetic field is less than the threshold magnetic field. The output can be switched into the second state when the hall voltage and accordingly the magnetic field exceeds a threshold value. Accordingly, when the magnetic field is greater than the threshold magnetic field, the hall switch is in the second state.

The magnetic field described in connection with the hall switch can always represent, even if not explicitly described, a magnetic field acting at the position of the hall switch. Furthermore, with regard to the mode of action of the hall switch, the term "magnetic field" or "threshold magnetic field" can be used in advance and in the following to indicate, in particular, the component of the field that passes through the sensitive area and is perpendicular to the sensitive area of the hall switch.

According to another embodiment, the switching device has a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet can in particular be fixed to the magnetic armature. Thus, together with the contacts and the magnetic armature of the switching device, the permanent magnet can be arranged in the gastight region. In particular, the permanent magnet may be arranged on the end of the magnetic armature facing away from the movable contact. For example, the permanent magnet can be fixed to the magnet core and/or to the shaft of the magnetic armature. The permanent magnet may be a bar magnet or a disc magnet or a ring magnet. Particularly preferably, the permanent magnet can be a ring magnet arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the magnetic armature.

By fastening the permanent magnet to the magnetic armature, the permanent magnet can be moved together by a switching movement of the magnetic armature when the switching device switches. The magnetic switch and the permanent magnet can be arranged in particular relative to one another in such a way that the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet is weaker in the switched-in state of the switching device in the position of the magnetic switch than in the switched-off state of the switching device. The magnetic switch can be arranged, for example, below the permanent magnet, i.e. on the end of the magnetic armature on which the permanent magnet is fixed, in the direction of movement of the magnetic armature. In particular, the magnetic switch can be arranged centrally along an imaginary extension of the axis of the magnetic armature or slightly offset therefrom below the magnetic armature and the permanent magnet. In the switched-in state of the switching device, the permanent magnet can have a greater distance to the magnetic switch than in the switched-off state of the switching device.

According to a further embodiment, the magnetic switch is in the first or second state during operation as a function of the distance of the permanent magnet from the magnetic switch. The permanent magnet can particularly preferably be arranged in such a way that it has a magnetic pole, for example a magnetic south pole, on the side facing the magnetic switch. The magnetic switch may be constructed and arranged such that the magnetic switch is in the first or second state depending on the spacing from the magnetic pole. In particular, the magnetic switch and the permanent magnet can be designed and arranged in such a way that the magnetic switch remains in the state caused by the permanent magnet, even when the coil of the switching device (by means of which the magnetic armature and thus the movable contact are moved) is operated, independently of the stray field caused by the coil at the position of the magnetic switch. If the switching device is in the inactive state, the spacing of the permanent magnet from the magnetic sensor is smaller than if the switching device is in the active state. Accordingly, the magnetic switch may purely exemplarily be in the first state when the switching device is in the inactive state and in the second state when the switching device is in the active state.

According to another embodiment, the magnetic switch generates a first current in the first state and a second current different from the first current in the second state. Therefore, the output of the magnetic switch may preferably be a current output. For example only, the first current may be less than the second current.

According to a further embodiment, the switching device has a signal processing device to which the magnetic switch is connected. The signal processing means may preferably be arranged in the housing together with the magnetic switch. For example, the signal processing device may be fixed on a portion of the housing and/or within the housing along with the magnetic switch. For example, the magnetic switch and the signal processing device can be arranged on a common circuit board and wired to one another, which circuit board is arranged in a housing of the switching device. In particular, the signal processing means and the magnetic switch may be arranged outside the gas-tight area. This allows a simple contacting of the magnetic switch and the signal processing device.

According to a further embodiment, the signal processing device has a measuring resistor, which is connected in series with the magnetic switch. In other words, the measuring resistor may be wired to the output terminal of the magnetic switch. Since, as described above, the magnetic switch generates the first current or the second current depending on its state, the voltage drop over the measuring resistor depends on the state of the magnetic switch and thus on the position of the permanent magnet relative to the magnetic switch. Since the permanent magnet is fixed to the magnetic armature, the switching state of the switching device can be inferred by a voltage measurement at the measuring resistor.

According to a further embodiment, the signal processing device has a comparator which compares the voltage dropped across the measuring resistor with a reference voltage. The reference voltage can be predetermined, for example, by means of a zener diode which is connected to the voltage supply via a resistor in parallel with the magnetic switch. The comparator can have an operational amplifier or such an operational amplifier. In particular, the magnetic switch, the zener diode and the comparator can be connected to a common voltage supply and connected during operation. Preferably, the voltage supply portion is capable of supplying a voltage greater than or equal to 3V and less than or equal to 24V. For example, the voltage provided by the voltage supply may be an on-board system voltage of the motor vehicle, which may be 12V or 24V. It has been found that the components of the signal processing device can be designed such that the operational amplifier can be operated with the same supply voltage with respect to ground as the magnetic switch and the reference branch with the zener diode, even when the operational amplifier according to the specification is to be operated with a usual supply voltage with +/-15V.

The comparator may have an output which may assume different states depending on the voltage across the measurement resistor compared to the reference voltage. In particular, the output of the comparator may have a number of states corresponding to the number of states of the magnetic switch and thus the number of states corresponding to the number of states of the voltage across the measuring resistor. Furthermore, the signal processing device can have an electronic switch with a control input which is connected to the output of the comparator. The electronic switch can be, for example, a transistor, in particular a field effect transistor. Particularly preferably, the control input of the electronic switch can be connected to the output of the comparator via a voltage divider. The voltage divider can be designed such that, in the preferred two states of the magnetic switch, a defined high signal and low signal are generated for the control input of the electronic switch.

The aforementioned components of the signal processing device can be designed in particular together with the magnetic switch such that the electronic switch is in the open, i.e. blocked, state when the switching device is in the inactive switching state. Furthermore, the signal processing device and the magnetic switch can be designed such that the electronic switch is in a closed, i.e. conductive, state when the switching device is in the active switching state. In other words, the electronic switch is preferably open or at least high ohmic when the load current loop on the contacts of the switching device is open, and the electronic switch is preferably closed or at least ohmic when the load current loop on the contacts of the switching device is closed.

Thus, in the switching device described herein, the state of the contacts of the switching device, i.e. open or closed, can be identified based on the state of the magnetic switch or the state of the electronic switch of the signal processing device. This also allows the contact adhesion to be clearly recognized. Since the detection of the state of the switching device takes place electronically, the detection method is counter to vibrations and other mechanical effects on the switching device, contrary to the use of mechanical switches. By using hall switches, the influence of disturbing magnetic fields can be significantly reduced, as opposed to simple hall sensors.

Drawings

Further advantages, advantageous embodiments and improvements result from the exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the figures. In which is shown:

figures 1A and 1B show schematic diagrams of one example of a switching device,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a portion of a switching apparatus according to an embodiment, and

fig. 3A to 3C show schematic diagrams of a signal processing apparatus and portions thereof according to other embodiments.

In the exemplary embodiments and the figures, identical, analogous or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols. The elements shown and their dimensional relationships to one another are not to be considered to be true to scale, rather individual elements such as layers, members, structural elements and regions, for example, can be shown exaggerated for better visibility and/or for better understanding.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A and 1B show a switching device 100 which can be used, for example, for switching high currents and/or high voltages and which can be a relay or a contactor, in particular a power contactor. Fig. 1A shows a three-dimensional cross-sectional view, while fig. 1B shows a two-dimensional cross-sectional view. The following description also refers to fig. 1A and 1B. The geometry shown is to be understood as being merely exemplary and not restrictive and may also be constructed alternatively.

The switching device 100 has two fixed contacts 2, 3 and one movable contact 4 in a housing 1. The movable contact 4 is designed as a contact plate. The fixed contacts 2, 3 form switching contacts together with the movable contact 4. As an alternative to the number of contacts shown, other numbers of fixed and/or movable contacts are also possible. The housing 1 serves in particular as a touch protection for components arranged in the interior and has or consists of plastic, for example PBT or glass-fiber-filled PBT. The contacts 2, 3, 4 can, for example, comprise or consist of Cu, a Cu alloy or a mixture of Cu with at least one further metal, for example W, Ni and/or Cr.

Fig. 1A and 1B show the switching device 100 in a rest state, in which the movable contact 4 is spaced apart from the fixed contacts 2, 3, so that the contacts 2, 3, 4 are electrically separated from one another. The embodiments of the switching contact shown and in particular its geometry are to be understood as purely exemplary and not restrictive. Alternatively, the switching contact can also be configured differently. For example, it is possible for only one of the switching contacts to be of fixed design.

The switching device 100 has a movable magnetic armature 5, which essentially carries out a switching movement. The magnetic armature 5 has a magnetic core 6, for example, a magnetic core made of or having a ferromagnetic material. Furthermore, the magnetic armature 5 has a shaft 7 which is guided through the magnetic core 6 and is fixedly connected to the magnetic core 6 at one shaft end. At the other shaft end opposite the magnet core 6, the magnet armature 5 has a movable contact 4 which is likewise connected to the shaft 7. The shaft 7 may preferably be made of stainless steel or of stainless steel.

The magnetic core 6 is surrounded by a coil 8. The current flow in the coil 8, which can be switched on from the outside by the control current circuit, produces a movement of the magnet core 6 and thus of the entire magnet armature 5 in the axial direction until the movable contact 4 contacts the fixed contacts 2, 3. In the illustration shown, the magnetic armature moves upward. The magnetic armature 5 is thus moved from a first position, which corresponds to the illustrated rest state and at the same time to a separated, i.e. non-conductive and therefore switched-off state, into a second position, which corresponds to an activated, i.e. conductive and therefore switched-in state. In the activated state, the contacts 2, 3, 4 are electrically connected to each other. In a further embodiment, the magnetic armature 5 can alternatively also execute a rotary motion. The magnetic armature 5 can be designed in particular as a trailing armature or as a flip armature. If the current flow in the coil 8 is interrupted, the magnetic armature 5 is moved back into the first position by one or more springs 10. In the illustration shown, the magnetic armature 5 is thus moved downward again. The switching device 100 is then again in the rest state, in which the contacts 2, 3, 4 are open.

When the contacts 2, 3, 4 are opened, an arc may occur, which may damage the contact surfaces. There may thus be a risk that the contacts 2, 3, 4 remain "glued" to one another and no longer separate from one another by welding caused by the arc. Thus, the switching device continues to be in the switched-in state even if the current in the coil is switched off and thus the load current loop would have to be disconnected. In order to prevent such an arc from occurring or at least to support the extinction of an occurring arc, the contacts 2, 3, 4 are arranged in a gas atmosphere, so that the switching device 100 is designed as a gas-filled relay or a gas-filled contactor. For this purpose, the contacts 2, 3, 4 are arranged in a gas-tight region 16 formed by the hermetically closed parts inside a switching chamber 11 formed by a switching chamber wall 12 and a switching chamber bottom 13. The gas-tight region 16 completely surrounds the magnetic armature 5 and the contacts 2, 3, 4, except for the parts of the fixed contacts 2, 3 which are provided for external connection. The gas-tight region 16 and thus also the switching chamber 11 are filled with gas 14. The gas-tight region 16 is formed mainly by parts of the switching chamber 11, the yoke 9 and additional wall parts. The gas 14 which can be introduced into the gas-tight region 16 via the gas filling connection 15 in the context of the production of the switching device 100 can particularly preferably be hydrogen-containing, for example having 50% or more of H in an inert gas₂Or even with 100% H₂Since hydrogen containing gases may promote the extinction of the arc. Furthermore, so-called blow-out magnets (not shown), i.e. permanent magnets which can lead to an extension of the arc gap and thus can improve the arc extinction, can be present inside or outside the switching chamber 11. The switching chamber wall 12 and the switching chamber bottom 13 can have, for example, a metal oxide, such as Al₂O₃Or made therefrom. Furthermore, plastics having sufficiently high heat resistance, such as PEEK, PE and/or glass-filled PBT, are also suitable for this purpose. Alternatively or additionally, the switching chamber 11 may also have a POM, in particular a structure (CH), at least in part₂O）_nThe POM of (1).

In order to obtain information about the actual position of the movable contact 4 and thus, for example, about possible contact bonds, the switching device 100 has further components which are not shown in fig. 1A and 1B for reasons of clarity and are described in connection with fig. 2 and 3A to 3C. The switching device 100 also has, in particular, a permanent magnet 17 and a magnetic switch 19. Furthermore, the switching device 100 has a signal processing device 20 in the exemplary embodiment shown. As an alternative to this, the switching device according to a further embodiment may also have no signal processing device. In fig. 2, only the components and parts of the switching device 100 of fig. 1A and 1B are primarily shown, which form the gas-tight region 16 of the switching device 100. An embodiment of the signal processing device 20 and parts thereof is shown in fig. 3A to 3C. Unless otherwise specified, components and portions shown in fig. 2 and components and portions of the switching device 100 not shown in fig. 2 as compared with fig. 1A and 1B correspond to the components and portions described in conjunction with fig. 1A and 1B.

The permanent magnet 17 is arranged together with the contacts 2, 3, 4 and the magnetic armature 5 in the gas-tight region 16 and is fastened to the magnetic armature 5, in particular at the end of the magnetic armature 5 facing away from the movable contact 4. The permanent magnet 17 can thus be moved together with the movable contact 4 by the magnetic armature 5.

As shown in fig. 2, the permanent magnet 17 can be designed as a ring magnet and can be fixed to the magnetic core 6 of the magnetic armature 5. Alternatively, the permanent magnet 17 can also be designed as a bar magnet or a disk magnet and can alternatively or additionally also be fastened to the shaft 7. As an alternative to the illustrated arrangement of the permanent magnet 17, which is symmetrical with respect to the axis 7, the permanent magnet 17 can also be arranged and fixed in other positions, in particular if the functionality described below can thus be improved in conjunction with the magnetic switch 19.

The magnetic switch 19 is arranged together with the signal processing device 20 outside the gas-tight region 16 inside the housing, not shown in fig. 2, of the switching device 100. Particularly preferably, the magnetic switch 19 and the signal processing device 20 can be connected to one another and can furthermore be arranged on a common circuit board, as is indicated by the dashed lines in fig. 2.

The magnetic switch 19 is a hall switch as generally described above having a current output at which either the first or second current is provided depending on the state of the hall switch. In particular, the magnetic switch 19 is designed as a hall switch, which is sensitive to the magnetic south pole of the permanent magnet 17, which is correspondingly arranged with its south pole pointing towards the magnetic switch 19. In accordance with the mode of action described above in general, the magnetic switch 19 is otherwise relatively insensitive to interference fields. In order to operate the magnetic switch 19, it is permanently connected to a voltage supply (not shown) at least during use of the switching device 100, as described in detail in connection with fig. 3A to 3C.

By fastening the permanent magnet 17 to the magnetic armature 5, the permanent magnet 17 can be moved together by the switching movement of the magnetic armature 5 when the switching device 100 is switched, as described above, and is moved away from the magnetic switch 19 when the switching device 100 is switched into its active switching state and toward the magnetic switch 19 again when the switching device 100 is switched into its inactive switching state, so that the permanent magnet 17 has a greater distance to the magnetic switch 19 in the switched-in state of the switching device 100 than in the switched-off state of the switching device 100. Accordingly, the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 17 at the location of the magnetic switch 19 is weaker in the switched-in state of the switching device 100 than in the switched-off state of the switching device 100. In particular, in the position of the magnetic switch 19, a first magnetic field strength is present in the switched-off state of the switching device 100, caused by the permanent magnet 17, and a second magnetic field strength is present in the switched-in state of the switching device 100, wherein the magnetic field strength, as explained above in general, relates in particular to the component of the applied magnetic field to which the magnetic switch is sensitive.

The magnetic switch 19 is designed and dimensioned such that, in operation, the magnetic switch 19 is in the first or second state depending on the distance of the permanent magnet 17 from the magnetic switch 19. In other words, this means that the magnetic field caused by the permanent magnet 17 at the position of the magnetic switch 19 lies above a threshold magnetic field in the switched-off state of the switching device 100 and below a threshold magnetic field in the switched-on state of the switching device 100, wherein the threshold magnetic field describes the magnetic field strength detected by the magnetic switch at which the magnetic switch 19 changes from the first state to the second state or vice versa. Purely by way of example, the state in which the magnetic switch 19 is in the switched-off state of the switching device 100, i.e. when the distance of the permanent magnet 17 from the magnetic switch 19 is small, is referred to as the first state of the magnetic switch 19, while the state in which the magnetic switch 19 is in the switched-in state of the switching device 100, i.e. when the distance of the permanent magnet 17 from the magnetic switch 19 is large, is referred to as the second state. The magnetic switch 19 generates a first current in a first state and a second current different from the first current in a second state. The magnetic switch 19 may particularly preferably be designed such that the first current when the switching device 100 is switched off is smaller than the second current when the switching device 100 is switched on. For example, the first current may be in the range of 5 to 7 mA and the second current may be in the range of 12 to 17 mA.

Thus, by detecting the state of the magnetic switch 19, i.e. for example by a current measurement on the output of the magnetic switch 19, the state of the switching device 100 can be directly recognized. In particular, when the switching device 100 is still in the active state due to the contact adhesion, it can be easily recognized, even though the current of the coil for moving the magnetic armature 5 has been switched off and the switching device 100 accordingly has to be in the inactive state.

As described above, the switching device 100 according to the illustrated embodiment also has the signal processing device 20 wired with the magnetic switch 19. The signal processing device 20 can be provided and set up in particular for measuring the current generated by the magnetic switch 19. As shown in fig. 3A, the magnetic switch 19 has a terminal 190 with which the magnetic switch 19 is connected to the voltage supply and can therefore be put into operation. The signal processing device 20 has a measuring resistor 201 connected in series with the magnetic switch 19. This means, in particular, that the measuring resistor 201 is wired to the output of the magnetic switch 19, so that the current generated by the magnetic switch flows through the measuring resistor 201. Since the magnetic switch 19 generates the first current or the second current as described above depending on its state, the voltage drop over the measuring resistor 201 can accordingly assume two values depending on the state of the magnetic switch 19 and thus depending on the position of the permanent magnet relative to the magnetic switch 19. By measuring the voltage measurement (which is indicated by an arrow) over the resistor 201, the switching state of the switching device 100 can thus be inferred.

A modification of the signal processing device 20 according to another embodiment is shown in fig. 3B. In contrast to the preceding exemplary embodiment, the signal processing device 20 has, in a branch parallel to the measuring branch formed by the magnetic switch 19 and the measuring resistor 201 connected thereto, in a reference branch, a zener diode 202 which can be connected to the voltage supply via a terminal 200 and generates a reference voltage. Which may be an operational amplifier and may be connected to a comparator 203 on the voltage supply via another terminal 200, compares the voltage drop over the measurement resistor 201 with the voltage drop over the zener diode 202. As shown, it may be advantageous for the zener diode 202 to be connected to the voltage supply via a resistor 204. In particular, the comparator 203 has two inputs 2031 and 2032, to which the aforementioned voltages of the measurement branch and the reference branch are applied. With the arrangement shown, it is possible to operate the circuit formed by the magnetic switch 19 and the signal processing means 20 with an arbitrary supply voltage over a wide range. In particular, the magnetic switch 19, the zener diode 202 and the comparator 203 can be connected via the terminals 190, 200 to a common voltage supply. The voltage supply section is preferably capable of supplying a voltage of 3V or more and 24V or less. For example, the voltage provided by the voltage supply may be an on-board system voltage of the motor vehicle, which may be 12V or 24V.

The comparator 203 has an output 2033 which can assume two different states depending on the voltage across the measuring resistor 201 (which can assume two values depending on the state of the magnetic switch 19 as described) compared to the reference voltage across the zener diode 202. Furthermore, the signal processing device has an electronic switch 207 with a control input which is connected to the output 2033 of the comparator 203. The electronic switch 207, as shown, can particularly preferably be a field effect transistor, which is preferably connected to the output of the comparator 203 via a voltage divider formed by resistors 205, 206. The voltage divider is designed in such a way that a well-defined high signal and low signal are generated for the control input of the electronic switch 207.

The components of the signal processing device 20 together with the magnetic switch 19 are designed in particular such that the electronic switch 207 is in an open, i.e. off or at least high-ohmic state when the switching device is in the inactive switching state, and the electronic switch 207 is in a closed, i.e. on or at least low-ohmic state when the switching device is in the active switching state. In short, the electronic switch 207, which is configured as a field effect transistor, thus becomes low-ohmic if the permanent magnet is far from the magnetic switch, and becomes high-ohmic if the permanent magnet is sufficiently close to the magnetic switch, so that the electronic switch 207 exhibits the same behavior as the switching device 100. The electronic switch 207 behaves in particular like a reed switch, however does not require mechanical parts as in a reed switch.

As shown in fig. 3C, the electronic switch 207 can be wired, for example, such that an output voltage can be generated or also no output voltage can be present at the voltage source between the terminals 209 via the terminal 208 depending on the switching state, since in the off state there is no connection to ground, so that the state of the electronic switch 207 can be detected.

Features and embodiments described in connection with the figures can be combined with each other according to other embodiments, even if not all combinations are explicitly described. Furthermore, the embodiments described in connection with the figures can alternatively or additionally have other features according to the general description.

The invention is not limited thereto by the description according to the embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses any novel feature and any combination of features, which in particular encompasses any combination of features in the claims, even if said feature or said combination itself is not explicitly specified in the claims or exemplary embodiments.

List of reference numerals

1 casing

2. 3 fixed contact

4 movable contact

5 magnetic armature

6 magnetic core

7 shaft

8 coil

9 magnetic yoke

10 spring

11 switch chamber

12 switch chamber wall

13 bottom of switch chamber

14 gas

15 gas filling connection pipe

16 gas tight area

17 permanent magnet

19 magnetic switch

20 Signal processing device

100 switching device

190. 200 terminal

201 measuring resistor

202 Zener diode

203 comparator

204. 205, 206 resistor

207 electronic switch

208. 209 terminal

2031. 2032 input terminal

2033 an output terminal.