ELECTRICAL CONTACTOR COMPRISING A RELEASABLE MAGNETIC CONNECTION

Abstract

 An electrical contactor (100) comprising: at least one first electrical contact (1), at least one second electrical contact (3), wherein at least one of the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3) is adapted to be movable with respect to the other one of the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3), a first contactor assembly (10) comprising at least one first magnetic connection element (21), a second contactor assembly (30) comprising at least one second magnetic connection element (31), wherein at least one of the first magnetic connection element (11) and the second magnetic connection element (31) is formed as a permanent magnet, wherein at least one of the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) is adapted to be movable with respect to the other one of the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31), wherein the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) are adapted to form a releasable magnetic connection with each other, wherein a first electrical connection can be established between the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3), wherein the first electrical connection can be disconnected by disconnecting the magnetic connection.

Description

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to an electrical contactor and a first contactor assembly.

2. BACKGROUND

[0002] In electrical contactors, electrical connections should usually be quickly established and disconnected. A common problem of electrical contactors is the occurrence of peak currents during an initial closing of an electrical connection. Prior art approaches try to overcome this issue by employing assemblies that a may allow a temporary electrical connection. For this purpose prior art contactors employ mechanical means or electronical means for establishing and disconnecting the respective electrical connections. However, the prior art approaches often face drawbacks like an increased susceptibility to temperature, friction and wear of the respective parts and are also complex, bulky, expensive and difficult to implement.

[0003] Thus, a need exists for an improved electrical contactor that addresses the above drawbacks.

3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The object is achieved by the present invention according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are provided in the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying figures.

[0005] The present invention relates to an electrical contactor comprising at least one first electrical contact, and at least one second electrical contact.

[0006] The electrical contactor further comprises that at least one of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is adapted to be movable with respect to the other one of the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

[0007] The electrical contactor further comprises a first contactor assembly comprising at least one first magnetic connection element, a second contactor assembly comprising at least one second magnetic connection element.

[0008] The electrical contactor further comprises that at least one of the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element is formed as a permanent magnet.

[0009] The electrical contactor further comprises that at least one of the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element is adapted to be movable with respect to the other one of the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element.

[0010] The electrical contactor further comprises that the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element are adapted to form a releasable magnetic connection with each other.

[0011] The electrical contactor further comprises that a first electrical connection can be established between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

[0012] The electrical contactor further comprises that the first electrical connection can be disconnected by disconnecting the magnetic connection.

[0013] Thus, a simple, robust and cheap solution for establishing and disconnecting a first electrical connection by employing a permanent magnet may be provided. The first electrical connection may be established, for instance temporarily, such as for 3 to 4 ms. Thus, the present invention may enable peak currents to be discharged, for instance before a permanent second electrical connection is established. The discharged peak currents may be accordingly converted into heat by respective conversion means, such as resistors. Thus, damages at the electrical contactor due to undesired peak currents may be avoided. No further mechanical and/or electromagnetic means may be accordingly necessary to establish and disconnect the first electrical connection. Further, the electrical contactor may be provided in a more compact manner.

[0014] An electrical contactor according to the present invention may be any contactor or connector that allows establishing an electrical connection between different electrically conducting parts and may include electrical contactors employing high- or low voltages and/or high or low electrical currents.

[0015] A contactor housing may be provided, which may enclose at least partially the respective parts of the electrical contactor to protect the housed components from any negative impacts such as an ingress of, for instance, dust and moisture. The contactor housing may be made of any suitable material, e.g. any suitable insulating materials, and may be formed integrally in one piece or may be composed by separate parts that can be connected to each other, for instance via respective clips or screws to form the contactor housing.

[0016] An electrical contact may comprise or consist of an electrically conducting material providing a flow of electrical current. Also more than one first and second electrical contacts may be provided. The first and second electrical contacts may be configured to be at least partially movable or be configured to be at least partially fixed. For instance, the first electrical contact may be movable with respect to the second electrical contact, wherein the second electrical contact maintains fixed. Or the first electrical contact may be fixed, and the second electrical contact may be movable with respect to the first electrical contact. Or both, the first and the second electrical contacts may be movable with respect to each other.

[0017] A movement may be understood as a movement from one electrical contact towards to and/or away from the other electrical contact. The movement must not necessarily be a straight movement with respect to the other electrical contact, such as a straight movement along an axis, but may comprise also movements perpendicular or oblique to the immediate approaching direction. An electrical connection may be established when the first and second electrical contacts move towards each other and accordingly contact each other or when they are arranged in close proximity to each other. The first electrical connection may be disconnected when the first and second electrical contacts are separated again. The first and second electrical contacts may also be referred to as "block contacts".

[0018] The first and second contactor assemblies may be subassemblies of the electrical contactor comprising one or more parts which may be integrally formed or be provided as separate parts and which and may be housed in the contactor housing or be provided in separate housings that could be connected to each other.

[0019] A magnetic connection element may be understood in a broad manner as an element that may generally allow a magnetic connection with another magnetic connection element. Thus, as an example, the first magnetic connection element may be a magnet and the second magnetic connection element may be an element that is magnetically attractable by the magnet to establish a magnetic connection. Or the second magnetic connection element may be a magnet and the first magnetic connection element may be an element that is magnetically attractable by the magnet to establish a magnetic connection. Or the first and the second magnetic connection elements may be magnets, which are attractable to each other to establish a magnetic connection. The first and second magnetic connection elements may also be only partially configured as magnets or magnetically attractable elements to establish magnetic connection. A magnetically attractable material may be, for instance, a ferromagnetic material and may comprise, for instance, metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt and their alloys. Also more than one first magnetic connection element and/or more than one second magnetic connection element may be provided.

[0020] A permanent magnet may be understood as an element that permanently creates its own persistent magnetic field. It may be accordingly distinguished, e.g. from an electromagnet, which only produces an electrical field when a current flow is present. The permanent magnet may comprise any suitable material that may allow creating a persistent magnetic field. The permanent magnet may be of any suitable shape, which may allow arranging the magnetic field in a manner that it attracts the other magnetic connection element. This may include a respective orientation of the respective poles of the permanent magnet.

[0021] The first and second magnetic connection elements may be configured to be at least partially movable or at least partially fixed. For instance, the first magnetic connection element may be movable with respect to the second magnetic connection element, wherein the second magnetic connection element maintains fixed. Or the first magnetic connection element may be fixed, and the second magnetic connection element may be movable with respect to the first magnetic connection element. Or both, the first and the second magnetic connection elements may be movable with respect to each other. A movement may be understood as a movement from one magnetic connection element towards and/or away from the other magnetic connection element. The movement must not necessarily be a straight movement toward the other magnetic connection element, such as a straight movement along an axis, but may comprise also movements perpendicular or oblique to the immediate approaching direction.

[0022] The first magnetic connection element in the second magnetic connection element may be accordingly adapted to form a magnetic connection. Thus, the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element may be accordingly arranged such that the magnetic connection elements may be attracted towards each other by a magnetic field created by at least one of the magnetic connection elements. The magnetic connection may be releasable, such that the magnetic force established may be overcome by the application of external forces, for instance by pulling apart the magnetic connection elements. Thus, magnetic connection elements which have been sufficiently distanced from each other, may no longer provide a magnetic connection.

[0023] A magnetic connection may be established when the first and second magnetic connection elements approach each other and accordingly contact each other or when they are arranged in close proximity to each other. The magnetic connection may be disconnected when the first and second magnetic connection elements are separated again.

[0024] The first electrical connection between the first electrical contact and second electrical contact may be accordingly in dependence and controllable by the connection of the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element. For instance, the electrical contactor may be configured such that the first electrical connection may be disconnected, when the magnetic connection between first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element are disconnected. The electrical contactor may be configured such that a releasable magnetic connection may be formed by the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element, but, at the same time, the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact may be spaced apart, such that no first electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact is established. Thus, the establishment of a first electrical connection may be provided independent from the establishment of the magnetic connection, but the disconnection of the first electrical connection may be dependent on the disconnection of the magnetic connection.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic connection element forms the permanent magnet, and the first contactor assembly comprises at least one first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion adapted to hold the first magnetic connection element.

[0026] Thus, the permanent magnet may be provided in the first contactor assembly and not in the second contactor assembly, and a particular reduced size of the electrical contactor may be accordingly achieved. Further, the first contactor assembly may provide means for establishing a magnetic connection with one or more further cooperating magnetic means of the electrical contactor, such as the second magnetic connection element. The permanent magnet may be held in a way that it may move together with the first connector assembly. The holding portion may be a formed as a housing, space or enclosure, into which the permanent magnet may be inserted and held. The first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion may be configured to allow an easy assembly and disassembly of the magnetic connection element. The first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion may be arranged at a portion of the first contactor assembly, which may enable to bring the housed permanent magnet in proximity to the second magnetic connection element to establish a magnetic connection. The first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion may be integrally formed with the first contactor assembly or may be a separate element. Also more than one first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion may be provided.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the first contactor assembly further comprises at least one magnetic flux transmission element holding portion, arranged proximate to the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion, and adapted to hold at least one magnetic flux transmission element.

[0028] Thus, an improved flexibility in establishing the magnetic connection may be achieved. The magnetic flux transmission element may be an element, which may not create an own magnetic field, but which may be magnetizable by external magnetic fields and which may forward said external magnetic fields, for instance the magnetic field created by the first magnetic connection element. The magnetic flux transmission element holding portion may be accordingly arranged sufficiently close to the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion to allow that the magnetic flux transmission element could be arranged or held in close proximity to the first magnetic connection element. For instance, the magnetic flux transmission element holding portion may be configured such that the correspondingly held magnetic flux transmission element contacts the first magnetic connection element. The magnetic flux transmission element may comprise or at least partially consist of any suitable magnetizable material for allowing a transfer of the magnetic flux, which may be, for instance, a metal such as iron or steel.

[0029] The magnetic flux transmission element may be held such that it may move together with the first connector assembly. The holding portion may be a housing, space or enclosure, into which the magnetic flux transmission element may be inserted and held. The first contactor assembly magnetic flux transmission element holding portion may be configured to allow an easy assembly and disassembly of the magnetic flux transmission element. The first contactor assembly magnetic flux transmission element holding portion may be arranged at a portion of the first contactor assembly such that it may bring a housed magnetic flux transmission element in proximity to the second magnetic connection element to establish a magnetic connection. The first contactor assembly magnetic flux transmission element holding portion may be integrally formed with the first contactor assembly or may be a separate element. Also more than one magnetic flux transmission element holding portion and more than one magnetic flux transmission element may be provided.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the permanent magnet is a cylindrical permanent magnet comprising an essentially circular front surface and an essentially circular back surface, wherein the first contactor assembly comprises first and second magnetic flux transmission element holding portions, arranged at opposing sides of the of the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion, each of the first and second magnetic flux transmission element holding portions holding at least one magnetic flux transmission element, wherein the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion is arranged at a front side of the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion and the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion is arranged at a back side of the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion.

[0031] The use of a cylindrical permanent magnet may allow to easily establish a magnetic field in the correct orientation. This may be advantageous over other shapes of permanent magnets, e.g. cubic or parallel piped shapes, for which it may be difficult to distinguish the magnetic poles and the extension and force of the magnetic field. A broad variety of different cylindrical shapes may be used to establish the magnetic field, e.g. in a certain extension, orientation and strength, as desired. Thus, the extension length of the cylindrical magnet and/or the diameter may be suitably adapted to the desired magnetic connection. "Cylindrical" and "circular" may not be understood in a narrow mathematical sense. Thus, for instance, a circular front surface may also have an oval shape and/or a diameter of the cylinder may vary along its extension direction. Also the front surface and the back surface may differ in shape and size. A cylinder may be, for instance, not only be a right cylinder but may also be an oblique cylinder. Between the front surface and the opposing back surface of the cylindrical magnet, a shell surface may extend essentially along a main extension direction of the cylindrical magnet, which may also correspond to the height of the cylinder. Further, a "front side" and a "back side" may not be construed to a narrow technical meaning but may be defined as desired, for instance for distinguishing opposing sides of a respective element. Thus, the first magnetic flux transmission element may be held such that it may be arranged in close proximity to a front surface of the cylindrical magnet and the second magnetic flux transmission element may be held such that it may be arranged preferably in close proximity to a back surface of the cylindrical magnet.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second magnetic flux transmission elements are formed as first and second plate-shaped elements, wherein each of the magnetic flux transmission element holding portions is configured to allow an insertion of at least one of the first and second plate-shaped elements to the magnetic flux transmission element holding portions from a top side of the first contactor assembly, wherein the plate-shaped elements can be inserted in the magnetic flux transmission element holding portions such that, in an inserted state, a main surface of the first plate-shaped element contacts the circular front surface of the cylindrical magnet, and wherein a main surface of a second plate-shaped element contacts the circular back surface of the cylindrical magnet.

[0033] Thus, an easy and robust assembly of the first contactor assembly may be provided. In this context, a "top side" may not be construed to a technical meaning but may be defined as desired and may be a side opposing to a corresponding "bottom side" of the respective element. A top side may be, for instance, an upper side extending in a plane essentially perpendicular to and connecting the front side and the back side. It will be understood that, in different embodiments, the respective elements may be also inserted from a different side, such as the front, back, bottom, or lateral sides of the first contactor assembly. The terms "top" and "bottom" may also not refer to a certain absolute orientation of the respective element. Thus, a "top side" of the first contactor assembly may accordingly also face in a downward direction and a "bottom side" may accordingly also face in an upward direction, for instance dependent on the installation direction of the respective parts.

[0034] A plate-shaped element may be any element that has a plate-like appearance with two main surfaces that extend essentially parallel and that are spaced by a certain distance, which may define the thickness of the plate. The plate-shaped element may comprise any suitable shape, such as a square or rectangular shape but may also comprise a curved shape. Further, the plate-shaped element may comprise protrusions at its surface to allow a fixation of the plate-shaped element in the magnetic flux transmission element holding portions. The magnetic flux transmission element holding portions may accordingly be provided with respective reception means to receive and hold the protrusions of the plate-shaped element, such as recesses. In different embodiments, the magnetic flux transmission element holding portions may comprise respective protrusions and the plate-shaped element may comprise respective recesses to allow a fixation of the plate-shaped element in the magnetic flux transmission element holding portion.

[0035] The insertion direction of the plate-shaped elements may be essentially perpendicular to the main extension direction of the cylindrical magnet. In other words, the plate-shaped elements may be inserted parallel to the essentially circular surfaces at the front side and at the back side of the cylindrical magnet. A "main surface" may be understood as one of the two major surfaces each plate-shaped element defines. Thus, a plate-shaped element may define two main surfaces, wherein one of the main surfaces of the first plate-shaped element faces, in an assembled condition, one circular end surface of the cylindrical magnet, and one of the main surfaces of the second plate-shaped element faces, in an assembled condition, the other opposing circular end surface of the cylindrical magnet. Thus, a sandwich structure like appearance may be achieved. The contact between the main surfaces of the plate shaped elements and the respective circular surfaces of the cylindrical magnet may also be an indirect contact with elements arranged in between. Or it may be a direct contact with no further elements arranged in between.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the first and second plate-shaped elements extends, in an inserted state, beyond the top side of the first contactor assembly.

[0037] Thus, a magnetic connection may be suitably defined by the magnetic field created by the first magnetic connection element and a contact created between one or more of the first and second plate-shaped elements with the second magnetic connection element. For instance, the magnetic connection may be suitably adapted regarding a desired certain magnetic strength. Further, a direct contact of the second contactor assembly and/or the second magnetic connection element with the first contactor assembly may be prevented. The extension of the first and/or second plate-shaped elements beyond the top side may be a perpendicular or oblique protrusion from the top side or top surface of the first contactor assembly.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the first contactor assembly comprises at least one insertion opening arranged at the front side of the first contactor assembly, wherein the insertion opening is essentially circularly formed and adapted to allow an insertion of the cylindrical magnet from the outside into the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion.

[0039] Thus, a facilitated assembly of the first contactor assembly may be provided. This may allow for an easy exchange of the first magnetic connection element. The insertion opening may also be arranged as desired at any other side, for instance at the back side, at the bottom side or at the lateral sides of the first contactor assembly. The opening may be suitably formed to receive the cylindrical magnet and may accordingly be adapted to a cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical magnet to snugly receive the permanent magnet in a distinct orientation. The first magnetic connection element may be inserted completely or partially via the opening into the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, a back side of the first contactor assembly, opposite to the front side of the first contactor assembly, does not comprise an opening.

[0041] Thus, a facilitated assembly of the first contactor assembly may be provided, wherein the first magnetic connection element can only be inserted from one distinct side. When inserting the magnetic connection element from one side, a further movement of the magnetic connection element may be accordingly blocked by a corresponding wall, or any other movement restriction means, which may allow for a proper positioning of the first magnetic connection element.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion is arranged at the front side of the first contactor assembly, and the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion is arranged at the back side of the first contactor assembly.

[0043] Thus, a defined positioning of the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion and the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion with respect to the orientation of the first contactor assembly may be achieved. The first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion and the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion may be arranged at any position from the center toward the very edges of the respective front and back side of the first contactor assembly, as desired.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the first contactor assembly is configured to be assemblable by the following steps in the given order: Inserting, from the top side of the first contactor assembly, the second plate-shaped element into the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion; Inserting, from the front side of the first contactor assembly, the cylindrical magnet into the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion; and Inserting, from the top side of the first contactor assembly, the first plate-shaped element in the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion.

[0045] Thus, a particular easy and simple to carry out method for assembling the first contactor assembly may be obtained. The disassembly may be accordingly provided in the reversed order, such that the first plate shaped element may be removed from the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion, the cylindrical magnet may be removed from the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion, and the second plate-shaped element may be removed from the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion. In case that only one or no plate-shaped elements are provided, the respective steps for assembly and disassembly may be accordingly adapted, e.g. by omitting the respective steps.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the second contactor assembly comprises at least one second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion adapted to hold the second magnetic connection element, wherein the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion and the second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion are arranged such that the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element face each other.

[0047] Thus, a suitable relative arrangement of the first and second magnetic connection elements for creating a suitable magnetic connection may be achieved. The second magnetic connection element may be held in a reversable manner, such that the second magnetic connection element might be easily assembled or disassembled from the second contactor assembly. Thus, the second magnetic connection element may comprise respective means for interacting with corresponding means of the second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion, such as protrusions or recesses, to ensure a proper holding. The second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion may be integrally formed with the second contactor assembly or may be provided as a separate part. The second contactor assembly may be provided to allow a proper annealing of the first and second magnetic connection elements. For instance, if the second contactor assembly is arranged above the first contactor assembly, the second magnetic connection element may be held at the bottom side of the second contactor assembly facing towards the below arranged first contactor assembly and the first magnetic connection element may be held at a top side of the first contactor assembly facing towards the above arranged second contactor assembly. In this case, when the first and second contactor assemblies approach each other, the first and second magnetic connection elements may be accordingly brought in the vicinity to each other to establish a magnetic connection.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the second magnetic connection element is adapted to contact the first plate-shaped element and/or the second plate-shaped element extending from the top side of the first contactor assembly to establish the magnetic connection.

[0049] Thus, defined contact points or areas of the second magnetic connection element with the first and/or second plate-shaped elements may be defined. Thus, the magnetic connection may be easily adapted, for instance in terms of a holding strength of the magnetic connection. The second magnetic connection element may also not directly contact the first magnetic connection element but may be attracted and contact only at least partially the first and/or second plate-shaped elements.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical contactor further comprises: at least one third electrical contact, at least one fourth electrical contact, wherein at least one of the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact is adapted to be movable with respect to the other one of the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact, and wherein a second electrical connection can be established between the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact.

[0051] Thus, the second electrical connection, which is different to the first electrical connection may be established. The second electrical connection may enable peak currents to be discharged before a permanent current flow via the second electrical connection is established. Thus, damages at the electrical contactor due to the peak currents may be avoided.

[0052] The third and fourth electrical contacts may also be referred to as "main contacts". Also more than one third and fourth electrical contacts may be provided. The third and fourth electrical contacts may be configured in a movable or in a partially fixed manner. For instance, the third electrical contact may be movable with respect to the fourth electrical contact, wherein the fourth electrical contact may be fixed. Or the third electrical contact may be fixed, and the fourth electrical contact may be movable with respect to the third electrical contact. Or both, the third and the fourth electrical contacts may be movable with respect to each other. A movement may be understood as a movement from one electrical contact towards and away from the other electrical contact. The movement must not necessarily be a straight movement toward the other electrical contact, such as a movement along an axis, but may comprise also movements perpendicular or oblique to the immediate approaching direction. An electrical connection may be established when the third and fourth electrical contacts move towards each other and accordingly contact each other or are in close proximity to each other. The second electrical connection may be disconnected when the third and fourth electrical contacts are separated again.

[0053] The second electrical connection may be different from the first electrical connection in that it may be independent from an establishment or non-establishment of the magnetic connection. The second electric connection may be a temporal or be a permanent connection, which may be established during or after the first electrical connection. The second electric connection may also stay in an established condition when the first electrical connection is disconnected. Thus, a permanent current may be provided by the second electrical connection.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the electrical contactor is configured to assume one or more of the following states: a first state, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are spaced apart from each other such that no first electrical connection is established, wherein the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact are spaced apart from each other such that no second electrical connection is established, and wherein the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element are brought into contact with each other to form the magnetic connection; a second state, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are brought into contact with each other such that the first electrical connection is established, wherein the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact maintain spaced apart, and wherein the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element maintain in contact with each other; a third state, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact maintain in contact with each other, wherein the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact are brought into contact with each other such that the second electrical connection is established, and wherein the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element maintain in contact with each other; a fourth state, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are brought out of contact such that the first electrical connection is disconnected, wherein the third electrical contact and the fourth electrical contact maintain in contact with each other, and wherein the first magnetic connection element and the second magnetic connection element are brought out of contact such that the magnetic connection is disconnected.

[0055] Hence, a suitable control to achieve a save and reliable switching of the first and the second electrical connections may be achieved. It is noted that the above states are not limiting but also further states may be provided in addition or alternatively to the above noted states and/or certain states may be omitted. The respective states may be controlled via respective controlling means and may depend on the dimensioning of the respective parts involved for establishing the first and second electrical connection and the magnetic connection. For instance, the respective distance between the first and second magnetic connection elements and the distances between the electrical contacts may be accordingly adapted. Thus, a movement or stroke of one or more elements in a certain direction, e.g. a downward stroke, may allow to establish respective first and second electrical connections for certain predetermined times, such as an establishment of the first electrical connection for 3 to 4 ms and an establishment of the second electrical connection for a longer time, for instance permanently. Further, the second electrical connection may also be disconnected, and the electrical contactor may return to the first state again.

[0056] The present invention further relates to a first contactor assembly useable with an electrical contactor as described in this disclosure, wherein the first contactor assembly is formed and/or arranged as described in this disclosure.

[0057] Thus, a particular easy to manufacture and robust first contactor assembly may be provided that can be employed in an electrical contactor. In particular, the use of the cylindrical permanent magnet in connection with the first contactor assembly described herein may allow a simple and robust assembly and the establishment of respective magnetic connection and disconnection with another magnetic connection element. Thus, in particular the first electric connection may be suitably established or disconnected based on the magnetic connection provided by the first magnetic connection element held at the first contactor assembly according to the present invention.

[0058] Further features, examples, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to illustrate its practicality, figures are provided in the following and reference is made thereto. It should be understood that the figures represent only exemplary embodiments and thus in no way limit the scope of the claimed invention. Identical or like-acting elements are indicated throughout by the same reference signs. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. In the drawings, reference signs may be partially omitted to ensure a proper representability of the depicted embodiments.

[0060] In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1

schematically illustrates an electrical contactor according to the present invention;

Figure 2

schematically illustrates an electrical contactor according to the present invention;

Figure 3

schematically illustrates an electrical contactor according to the present invention;

Figure 4

schematically illustrates an electrical contactor according to the present invention;

Figure 5

schematically illustrates the working principle of an electrical contactor according to the present invention;

Figure 6

schematically illustrates a first contactor assembly according to the present invention;

Figure 7

schematically illustrates a second contactor assembly according to the present invention.

5. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0061] Figure 1 depicts an electrical contactor 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As is apparent from the depicted embodiment, the electrical contactor 100 is configured in a mirror-symmetrical manner. Thus, respective components shown on the left side of the electrical contactor 100 are similarly provided on the right side. For the sake of representability, only a part of the same components of the electrical connector 100 are denoted with reference signs. However, it should be clear from the mirror-symmetrical arrangement, that the same components are also present on the respective other side. For instance, the depicted electrical contactor comprises first electrical contacts 1 and second electrical contacts 3, which may also be referred to as "block contacts", wherein the first and second electrical contacts are only annotated on the left side. However, in the depicted embodiment, further first and second electrical contacts are provided in a mirror-symmetrical manner also on the right side of the electrical contactor 100 but not additionally provided with reference signs. In the depicted embodiment, the second electrical contact 3 is fixed and the first electrical contact 1 is movable in an up- and downward direction.

[0062] A second contactor assembly 30 is provided at the upper portion of the top side electrical connector 100. The second contactor assembly 30 is movable in an up- and downward direction. The first electrical contact 1 is movable together with the second contactor assembly 30 in a downward direction and the first electrical contact 3 is fixed. At its bottom side, the second contactor assembly 30 comprises a second magnetic connection element 31. Further, a first contactor assembly 10 is arranged below the second contactor assembly 30. The first contactor assembly 10 comprises a first magnetic connection element 21 arranged at its top side wherein the first magnetic connection element 21 is a permanent magnet. Further, the first contactor assembly 10 comprises two magnetic flux transmission elements 27. In the depicted state S1 of the electrical contactor 100, the second magnetic connection element 31 contacts the magnetic flux transmission elements 27 and accordingly establishes a magnetic connection between the first contactor assembly 10 and the second contactor assembly 30.

[0063] The electrical contactor 100 further comprises third and fourth electrical contacts 5, 7, which may also be referred to as "main contacts", wherein, similar as for the first and second electrical contacts 1, 3, only the left side is annotated with reference signs for the sake of representability, but wherein, at the right side, also third and fourth electrical contacts 5, 7 are provided in a mirror-symmetrical manner. The third electrical contact 5 is movable in a downward direction and the fourth electrical contact 7 is fixed.

[0064] The electrical contactor 100 further comprises resistors 35, in form of resistor cables, through which a first electrical peak current could flow, when the first electrical contact 1 and the second electrical contact 3 come into contact with each other and establish a first electrical connection (cf. Fig. 2). Further, an electrical line 37 is depicted through which a second peak current and also a permanent current could flow when the third electrical contact 5 in the fourth electrical contact 7 establish a second electrical connection. The electrical connector 100 further comprises electromagnetic coils 39, which provide, when energized, a closing movement 70 of the respective parts of the electrical contactor in a downward direction to establish the first and the second electrical connection.

[0065] As depicted, in the first state S1, the first electrical contact 1 and the second electrical contact 3 are spaced apart from each other such that no first electrical connection is established. Further, the third electrical contact 5 and the fourth electrical contact 7 are spaced apart from each other such that no second electrical connection is established. Further, the first magnetic connection element 21 and the second magnetic connection element 31 are brought into contact with each other to form a magnetic connection. In the depicted embodiment, the magnetic connection is not established via a direct contact between the first magnetic connection element 21 and the second magnetic connection element 31 but via the magnetic flux transmission elements 27 contacting the second magnetic connection element 31. In the depicted embodiment, the first magnetic connection element 21 is a cylindrical permanent magnet, the second magnetic connection element 31 is a steel plate, and the magnetic flux transmission elements are also steel plates.

[0066] Figure 2 depicts the electrical contactor 100 of Figure 1 in a different subsequent state S2, wherein, compared to the state S1, a respective downward movement of the parts in the closing direction 70 has been induced by the electromagnetic coil 39. Thus, the first contactor assembly 10 has been pulled downward in the closing direction 70 and, since first contactor assembly 10 is magnetically connected to the second contactor assembly 30 via the magnetic contact between the first magnetic connection element 21 and the second magnetic connection element 31, also the second contactor assembly 30 is pulled downward in the closing direction 70 against a counteracting spring force provided by respective springs. Consequently, the first electrical contact 1 and the second electrical contact 3 are brought into contact with each other such that the first electrical connection is established. Thus, a first current peak 40 can be guided through the resistors 35, wherein the current is transformed into heat. Further, also the third electrical contact 5 has approached the fourth electrical contact 7. However, the third electrical contact 5 and the fourth electrical contact 7 are still sufficiently spaced apart such that no second electrical connection is established. Thus, in the state S2, no electrical current flows through the electrical line 37.

[0067] Figure 3 depicts the electrical contactor 100 of Figures 1 and 2 in a different subsequent state S3, wherein, compared to the state S2, a respective further downward movement of the parts in the closing direction 70 has been induced by the electromagnetic coil 39. Thus, the second connector assembly 30 has been pulled further downward in the closing direction 70 by the first contactor assembly 10 to which the second contactor assembly 30 is still magnetically connected. The contact between the first electrical contact 1 and the second electrical contact 3 is maintained and respective restoring springs are further compressed. The third electrical contact 5 has approached and contacted the fourth electrical contact 7. Consequently, the second electrical connection is established by the third electrical contact 5 and the fourth electrical contact 7. Thus, a second current peak 50 can be guided through the electrical line 37.

[0068] Figure 4 depicts the electrical contactor 100 of Figures 1 to 3 in a different subsequent state S4, wherein, compared to the state S3, a respective further downward movement of the parts in the closing direction 70 has been induced by the electromagnetic coil 39. Thus, the first contactor assembly 10 has been pulled further downward in the closing direction 70. However, the movement of the second contactor assembly 30 is delimited by a contact of the second contactor assembly 30 with parts of the housing 9. Thus, the first contactor assembly 10 has been pulled away from and out of magnetic contact with the second connector assembly 30. Thus, due to the restoring forces by the compressed springs, the second connector assembly 30 has returned to its original position. Accordingly, also the first electrical contact 1 and the second electrical contact 3 have been brought out of contact and thus the first electrical connection is disconnected. The third electrical contact 5 and the fourth electrical contact 7 are still in contact with each other such that the second electrical connection is maintained. Thus, a permanent current flow 60 through the electrical line 37 is established.

[0069] The electrical contactor 100 can return to its initial state (cf. Fig. 1) when the electrical coil 39 is deenergized and thus the respective parts are moved again upwards via respective spring restoring forces.

[0070] Figure 5 illustrates, in the upper portion, the displacement or downward movement or stroke of the block contacts, and, in the lower portion, the displacement or downward movement or stroke of the main contacts in the displacement, downward or closing direction 70. In the depicted embodiment, the displacement stroke in the closing direction 70 induced by the electrical coil 39 is given in cm. The values of the depicted embodiment are merely exemplarily, and different embodiments may comprise different values. As illustrated in the lower table (cf. line "contact distance"), the main contacts, i.e. the third electrical contact 5 and the fourth electrical contact 7, contact each other at a displacement stroke of 5.5 cm. Further, the block contacts, i.e. the first electrical contact 1 and the second electrical contact 3, contact each other at a displacement stroke of 2 cm. Thus, in the state S1, the block contacts and the main contacts are open. Hence, since no contact between the first and second contacts 1, 3 is established, no compression stroke is provided. At 2 cm downward stroke, which corresponds to the state S2 depicted above in Fig. 2, the block contacts contact each other, while the main contacts are still spaced apart. Accordingly, for the block contacts, a compression stroke occurs during the further downward stroke. At 5.5 cm downward stroke, which corresponds to the state S3 depicted above in Fig. 3, the main contacts contact each other and the block contacts are also in contact with each other. Accordingly, for the block contacts and the main contacts, a compression stroke occurs during the further downward stroke. At 6.5 cm downward stroke, which corresponds to the state S4 depicted above in Fig. 4, the main contacts are brought out of contact due to the disconnection of the magnetic connection elements. The main contacts are still in contact. Accordingly, only for the main contacts, a compression stroke occurs during the further downward stroke. In the depicted embodiment, a maximum displacement stroke is reached at 7.5 cm. At this stage the main contacts are closed and a permanent current is guided through the electrical contactor 100. The lower line of the depicted table (cf. "compression stroke") indicates the sum of compression stroke distances for the main contacts (2 cm) and the block contacts (4.5 cm). However, in different embodiments, different values may be provided, dependent on the particular configuration, e.g. dependent on the form and arrangement of the main contacts and the block contacts and/or the first and/or second contactor assemblies providing the magnetic connection used to control the first electrical connection.

[0071] Figure 6 schematically illustrates in the left subfigure A) an embodiment of a first contactor assembly 10 according to the present invention in a non-assembled condition. Further, figure 6 schematically illustrates in the right subfigure B) an embodiment of a first contactor assembly 10 according to the present invention in an assembled condition. As will be appreciated, the embodiments of subfigures A) and B) slightly vary in shape. However, as is apparent from the figures and the description, a similar or same arrangement and functionality of the described features is provided. The first contactor assembly 10 comprises a front side 11 and an opposing back side 13. At the front side 11, an insertion opening 16 is provided. The back side 13 is closed by a wall and thus no opening is provided at this side. The insertion opening 16 is dimensioned such that it can receive the first magnetic connection element 21, which is, in the depicted embodiment, a cylindrical permanent magnet. The first magnetic connection element 21 comprises a circular front surface 23a and an opposing circular back surface 23b. Further, the first magnetic connection element 21 comprises a cylindrical shell surface 25 between the frond surface 23a and the back surface 23b. The first magnetic connection element 21 can be inserted from the front side 11 through the insertion opening 16 to a magnetic connection element holding portion 17 arranged at an upper central part of the first contactor assembly 10.

[0072] The first contactor assembly 10 further comprises openings at its top side 15 to allow access from the outside to a first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion 19a and a second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion 19b arranged at the upper part of the first contactor assembly 10 next to the magnetic connection element holding portion 17. A first magnetic flux transmission element 27a can be accordingly inserted from the top side 15 to the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion 19a, and a second magnetic flux transmission element 27b can be inserted from the top side 15 to the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion 19b along direction 70. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second magnetic flux transmission elements 27a, 27b are formed as metal plates having protrusions at their outer edges to engage with respective recesses in the lateral walls of the first contactor assembly 10. The first contactor assembly 10 can be assembled by initially inserting the second magnetic flux transmission element 27b, then inserting the first magnetic connection element 21 and finally inserting the first magnetic flux transmission element 27a. Thus, the first magnetic connection element 21 is snugly received and held in place. The finally assembled state is depicted in subfigure B. One main surface of the first magnetic flux transmission element 27a contacts, in an assembled condition, the front surface 23a of the magnetic connection element 21 and one main surface of the first magnetic flux transmission element 27b contacts, in an assembled condition, the back surface 23b of the magnetic connection element 21. Further, as is illustrated in subfigure B, the first and second magnetic flux transmission elements 27a, 27b extend or protrude, in an assembled condition, beyond the top side 15 or top surface of the first contactor assembly 10. The first contactor assembly 10 further comprises a bottom side 14, which comprises means for attaching the first contactor assembly 10 to further below arranged parts of the electrical contactor 100.

[0073] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a second contactor assembly 30 according to the present invention comprising multiple first contacts 1. Further, at the bottom side of the second contactor assembly 30, a second magnetic connection element 31 is held by respective holding means at a second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion 33. In the depicted embodiment, the second magnetic connection element 31 is a metal plate.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0074] 

1

first electrical contact

3

second electrical contact

5

third electrical contact

7

fourth electrical contact

9

housing

10

first contactor assembly

11

first contactor assembly front side

13

first contactor assembly back side

14

first contactor assembly bottom side

15

first contactor assembly top side

16

insertion opening

17

first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion

19

magnetic flux transmission element holding portion

19a

first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion

19b

second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion

21

first magnetic connection element

23a

magnetic connection element front surface

23b

magnetic connection element back surface

25

magnetic connection element shell surface

27

magnetic flux transmission element

27a

first magnetic flux transmission element

27b

second magnetic flux transmission element

30

second contactor assembly

31

second magnetic connection element

33

second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion

35

resistors

37

electrical line

39

electromagnetic coil

40

first current peak

50

second current peak

60

current flow

70

closing direction

100

electrical contactor

S1

first state

S2

second state

S3

third state

S4

fourth state

Claims

1. An electrical contactor (100) comprising:

at least one first electrical contact (1),

at least one second electrical contact (3),

wherein at least one of the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3) is adapted to be movable with respect to the other one of the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3),

a first contactor assembly (10) comprising at least one first magnetic connection element (21),

a second contactor assembly (30) comprising at least one second magnetic connection element (31),

wherein at least one of the first magnetic connection element (11) and the second magnetic connection element (31) is formed as a permanent magnet,

wherein at least one of the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) is adapted to be movable with respect to the other one of the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31),

wherein the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) are adapted to form a releasable magnetic connection with each other,

wherein a first electrical connection can be established between the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3),

wherein the first electrical connection can be disconnected by disconnecting the magnetic connection.

2. The electrical contactor (100) according to the preceding claim,

wherein the first magnetic connection element (21) forms the permanent magnet, and

wherein the first contactor assembly (10) comprises at least one first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (17) adapted to hold the first magnetic connection element (21).

3. The electrical contactor (100) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the first contactor assembly (10) further comprises at least one magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19), arranged proximate to the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (17), and adapted to hold at least one magnetic flux transmission element (27).

4. The electrical contactor (100) according to one of the preceding claim 2 or 3,

wherein the permanent magnet is a cylindrical permanent magnet comprising an essentially circular front surface (23a) and an essentially circular back surface (23b),

wherein the first contactor assembly (10) comprises first and second magnetic flux transmission element holding portions (19a, 19b), arranged at opposing sides of the of the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (17), each of the first and second magnetic flux transmission element holding portions (19a, 19b) holding at least one magnetic flux transmission element (27);

wherein the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19a) is arranged at a front side of the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (17) and the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19b) is arranged at a back side of the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (17).

5. The electrical contactor (100) according to the preceding claim,

wherein the first and second magnetic flux transmission elements (27a, 27b) are formed as first and second plate-shaped elements,

wherein each of the magnetic flux transmission element holding portions (19a, 19b) is configured to allow an insertion of at least one of the first and second plate-shaped elements to the magnetic flux transmission element holding portions (19a, 19b) from a top side (15) of the first contactor assembly (10),

wherein the plate-shaped elements can be inserted in the magnetic flux transmission element holding portions (19a, 19b) such that, in an inserted state, a main surface of the first plate-shaped element contacts the circular front surface (23a) of the cylindrical magnet, and wherein a main surface of a second plate-shaped element contacts the circular back surface (23b) of the cylindrical magnet.

6. The electrical contactor (100) according to the preceding claim,
wherein at least one of the first and second plate-shaped elements extends, in an inserted state, beyond the top side (15) of the first contactor assembly (10).

7. The electrical contactor (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the first contactor assembly (10) comprises at least one insertion opening (16) arranged at the front side of the first contactor assembly (10),

wherein the insertion opening (16) is essentially circularly formed and adapted to allow an insertion of the cylindrical magnet from the outside into the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (17).

8. The electrical contactor (100) according to the preceding claim,
wherein a back side (13) of the first contactor assembly (10), opposite to the front side (11) of the first contactor assembly (10), does not comprise an opening.

9. The electrical contactor (100) according to the preceding claim,

wherein the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19a) is arranged at the front side (11) of the first contactor assembly (10), and

wherein the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19b) is arranged at the back side (13) of the first contactor assembly (10).

10. The electrical contactor (100) according to the preceding claims 5 to 9,
wherein the first contactor assembly (10) is configured to be assemblable by the following steps in the given order:

Inserting, from the top side (15) of the first contactor assembly (10), the second plate-shaped element into the second magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19b);

Inserting, from the front side of the first contactor assembly (10), the cylindrical magnet into the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (17); and

Inserting, from the top side (15) of the first contactor assembly (10), the first plate-shaped element in the first magnetic flux transmission element holding portion (19a).

11. The electrical contactor (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the second contactor assembly (30) comprises at least one second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (33) adapted to hold the second magnetic connection element (31),

wherein the first contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (17) and the second contactor assembly magnetic connection element holding portion (33) are arranged such that the first magnetic connection element (11) and the second magnetic connection element (31) face each other.

12. The electrical contactor (100) according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 11,
wherein the second magnetic connection element (31) is adapted to contact the first plate-shaped element and/or the second plate-shaped element extending from the top side (15) of the first contactor assembly (10) to establish the magnetic connection.

13. The electrical contactor (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

at least one third electrical contact (5),

at least one fourth electrical contact (7),

wherein at least one of the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7) is adapted to be movable with respect to the other one of the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7),

and wherein a second electrical connection can be established between the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7).

14. The electrical contactor (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electrical contactor (100) is configured to assume one or more of the following states:

a first state (S1), wherein the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3) are spaced apart from each other such that no first electrical connection is established,

wherein the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7) are spaced apart from each other such that no second electrical connection is established,

and wherein the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) are brought into contact with each other to form the magnetic connection;

a second state (S2), wherein the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3) are brought into contact with each other such that the first electrical connection is established,

wherein the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7) maintain spaced apart,

and wherein the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) maintain in contact with each other;

a third state (S3), wherein the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3) maintain in contact with each other,

wherein the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7) are brought into contact with each other such that the second electrical connection is established,

and wherein the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) maintain in contact with each other;

a fourth state (S4), wherein the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (3) are brought out of contact such that the first electrical connection is disconnected,

wherein the third electrical contact (5) and the fourth electrical contact (7) maintain in contact with each other,

and wherein the first magnetic connection element (21) and the second magnetic connection element (31) are brought out of contact such that the magnetic connection is disconnected.

15. A first contactor assembly (10) useable with an electrical contactor (100) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 14, wherein the first contactor assembly (10) is formed and/or arranged as defined in one of the preceding claims 1 to 14.

Drawing