Sliding contact member for high currrent densities

US5270504A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Deutsche Carbone AG · DE

Inventors

• Erhard Grohs · Oberursel, DE
• Lothar Biering · Frankfurt, DE
• Klaus Groht · Florstadt, DE
• Conrad Reynvaan · Frankfurt am Main, DE
• Jurgen Spangenberg · Bad Vilbel, DE
• Arwed Uecker · Farmville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 21, 1992
• Grant date: Dec 14, 1993
• Expiry date: Jul 21, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01R39/24
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A sliding contact member substantially free of the toxic metals lead and antimony, includes copper, carbon, and at least one added material which is selected from the group consisting of a metal and a metal alloy having a melting temperature which is substantially below that of copper. The sliding contact member contains less than 10 percent by weight of the at least one added material. The sliding contact member is electrically conductive and capable of carrying high current densities, and the at least one added material provides a good cleaning effect, promotes cooling of the sliding contact member during operation, and provides good slidability against a mating contact member. This is achieved by keeping the at least one added material separate from the copper so that alloy formation is inhibited and, preferably, prevented.