slipringskontakt

Slipringskontakt, or slip ring contact, is the electrical contact used in a slip ring assembly to pass power, signals, and data between stationary and rotating parts of a machine. It enables continuous electrical connection across a 360-degree rotation and is a common solution in rotating or oscillating equipment.

A slip ring assembly consists of conductive rings mounted on the rotating part and stationary brushes that ride on the rings, forming sliding electrical contacts. The rings are typically copper or copper alloys, sometimes coated or insulated, while the brushes are made from carbon, graphite, or other low-wear materials. Variants include pancake, through-bore, hollow-shaft, and coaxial designs, each suited to different mechanical layouts and space constraints.

Key performance parameters include the number of circuits (channels), current rating, operating voltage, rotational speed, and environmental conditions. Wear of brushes and rings leads to maintenance needs, so many designs emphasize low friction, reliable seals, and corrosion resistance. Sealing and cooling may be incorporated to withstand dust, moisture, or heat in industrial settings.

Applications span industrial automation, robotics, wind turbine yaw and electrical systems in cranes, packaging machinery, and medical or scientific equipment requiring rotational movement while maintaining electrical connections. Slip rings may also integrate signal conditioning or data transmission for sensors and communication lines on rotating platforms.

Historically, slip rings were developed in the late 19th century to solve rotating electrical connections. Today, they are a standard component in systems requiring uninterrupted electrical transfer across rotating interfaces.