Coil terminal for a pluggable contactor and method for mounting the same

Abstract

The present application provides a coil terminal for a pluggable contactor, wherein the coil terminal is inserted into or pulled out of the contactor alternately, and the contactor comprises a coil frame, wherein the contactor further comprises: a plurality of first engaging portions respectively arranged at a plurality of end portions of the coil frame, and each of the plurality of first engaging portions is electrically conductive with a coil arranged on the coil frame; a second engaging portion of the coil terminal protruding from the coil terminal towards one side, and when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor, the second engaging portion can form an electrically conductive form lock with any first engaging portion in the coil frame. According to the coil terminal for the contactor of the present application, flexible installation of the coil terminal can be achieved, which further leads to compact installation of the contactor and provides a conveniently installed interface for expanding installation of other intelligent components. Further, the present application also provides a method for installing the coil terminal for the contactor.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of contactors, and in particular to a coil terminal for a pluggable contactor and a method of installing the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] AC contactors are widely used in the field of power equipment, such as the on-off of electric machines. A contactor can include a contactor housing, an electromagnetic mechanism including a coil, a static core and a moving core (armature), and a contact unit, and the basic working principle is that by energizing the coil, an electromagnetic attraction is generated between the static core and the armature, whereby the armature is attracted close to and eventually contacts the static core against the spring force of a counteracting spring, so that the contact unit of the contactor is engaged, or vice versa.

[0003] Conventionally, a coil terminal is used to connect the power from outside to the contactor. It is known to fixedly connect the coil terminal to the body of the contactor. Typically, 2 or 3 coil terminals are provided on the body of the contactor to achieve the on-off of the contactor. In use, the user normally uses the coil terminal located at the upper end of the contactor. This brings the following problems: when the contactor is used in a compact installation situation (or there is a potential for adding an intelligent expansion component), the coil terminal protruding outside the body of the contactor will interfere with other functional elements, or there will be a situation of inconvenient or repeated wiring due to the obstruction of other functional elements. In summary, the coil terminal of the contactor cannot be flexibly installed, which causes various inconveniences.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the industry to improve at least one of the above deficiencies of the coil terminal to meet the requirement of flexible installation of the coil terminal. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application aims to provide a coil terminal for a pluggable contactor and a method of installing the same, which can meet the requirement of flexible installation.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided a coil terminal for a pluggable contactor, wherein the coil terminal is exchangeably inserted into or pulled out of the contactor, the contactor including a coil former and a plurality of first engaging portions respectively provided at a plurality of end portions of the coil former, the plurality of first engaging portions each being in electrical conduction with a coil provided on the coil former, wherein the coil terminal includes a second engaging portion protruding from the coil terminal toward one side, the second engaging portion being configured to form a form-locking electrical conduction with any one of the first engaging portions in the coil former when the coil terminal is exchangeably inserted into the contactor.

[0007] Compared with the traditional contactor with coil terminals fixedly arranged on the contactor, the contactor according to the present application can directly pull out the coil terminals from the contactor as needed, and further can be arbitrarily installed on the upper end or the lower end of the contactor, which is very meaningful for compact installation of the contactor. Further, since the contactor is provided with interfaces on both upper and lower sides, it can be considered to install an intelligent expansion module on the side without the coil terminals as needed, which is also very meaningful for expanding the function of the contactor.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the first engaging part is a pair of terminal lugs extending outward from the end of the coil bobbin, and the second engaging part is a pair of connecting feet of the coil terminal, wherein each of the connecting feet comprises a clamping groove formed integrally with the connecting foot and an electrical connecting piece for interference fit with the corresponding terminal lug and realizing electrical conduction when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor.

[0009] Thus, the electrical conduction between the coil terminal and the contactor is achieved in a simple, low-cost and easy-to-batch manner.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the contactor further comprises a contactor housing with a plug-in hole for the coil terminal, and the coil terminal comprises a coil terminal cover and a coil terminal base, and a clamping mechanism is further arranged between the contactor housing and the coil terminal to prevent relative movement between the contactor housing and the coil terminal when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor.

[0011] Thus, the relative movement between the coil terminal and the contactor is prevented in a simple, low-cost and easy-to-batch manner, while preventing accidental pulling out of the coil terminal in the inserted state and ensuring long-term stable operation of the contactor.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping mechanism comprises two first clamping parts symmetrically arranged at two opposite ends of the contactor housing, respectively, and a second clamping part arranged on both sides of the coil terminal base, wherein the second clamping part forms a shape lock with the first clamping part when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor.

[0013] Thus, the relative movement between the coil terminal and the contactor is prevented in a simple, low-cost and easy-to-batch manner.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the first clamping part is a pair of side recesses integrally formed with the contactor housing and arranged on two opposite side walls of the contactor housing, respectively, and the second clamping part is a pair of side protrusions integrally formed with the coil terminal base.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the snap-fit mechanism comprises two limiting snap slots symmetrically arranged on the side walls of the two opposite ends of the contactor housing, and a push rod arranged to be movable relative to the coil terminal cover and the coil terminal base, the push rod being movable between a biased position and a retracted position, and when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor, the push rod forms a shape lock with the limiting snap slots when the push rod is in the biased position.

[0016] Thus, a snap-fit mechanism between the coil terminal and the contactor which can be easily operated by the user and is low in cost is provided, so that the coil terminal can be prevented from being accidentally pulled out in the inserted state, and the long-term stable operation of the contactor is ensured.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, further comprising a pair of guide slots arranged on the contactor housing, and a pair of guide ribs integrally formed on the side surface of the coil terminal base, wherein the guide ribs cooperate with the guide slots to guide the insertion of the coil terminal into the insertion hole of the contactor housing.

[0018] Thus, a simple and low-cost structure for accurately guiding the insertion of the coil terminal is provided.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the contactor further comprises a cover coupled to the contactor housing by a snap-fit mechanism to cover the insertion hole of the contactor housing, wherein the cover has a pair of cover feet extending outward from one side of the cover, the cross-sectional dimension of the cover feet is substantially the same as that of the corresponding insertion hole, and a snap-fit mechanism is further arranged between the contactor housing and the cover to prevent relative movement therebetween when the cover is inserted into the contactor.

[0020] Thus, the adverse effects of the external environment on the electrical components in the contactor housing are avoided, further avoiding the user's incorrect wiring operation on the contactor while improving the electrical clearance.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, further comprising a pair of guide slots arranged on the contactor housing, and a pair of guide ribs integrally formed on the side surface of the cover, wherein the guide ribs cooperate with the corresponding guide slots to guide the insertion of the cover feet of the cover into the insertion hole of the contactor housing.

[0022] Thus, a simple and low-cost structure for accurately guiding the insertion of the cover is provided.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, a wiring screw for energizing the coil terminal is arranged at the coil terminal cover.

[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for installing a coil terminal is provided, wherein the coil terminal is a pluggable contactor coil terminal according to the invention, characterized in that the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor to form an electrically conductive shape lock between the second engagement portion and any first engagement portion in the coil frame.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will partly become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure, and another part will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the detailed description below. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of a contactor with coil terminals according to the invention in an uninserted state is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 A perspective view of a contactor housing without the coil terminals according to the invention inserted is shown;

[0029] Figure 3A A perspective view of a coil terminal for a contactor according to the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 3B A perspective view of a contactor coil terminal according to the present invention is shown, wherein a portion of the coil terminal is removed from the middle of the coil terminal;

[0031] Figure 3C A cross-sectional view is shown of the contactor coil terminals held in the contactor housing according to the invention;

[0032] Figure 4 A perspective view of the cover of the contactor according to the present invention is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a contactor with coil terminals according to the invention in an inserted state is shown;

[0034] Figure 6 A perspective view of a contactor with coil terminals according to the invention in an inserted state is shown, wherein components such as the contactor housing and cover have been removed;

[0035] Figure 7 A side view of the coil terminals and coil frame according to the invention in the inserted state is shown, with components such as the contactor housing and cover removed;

[0036] Figure 8 A perspective view of a contactor with coil terminals in the inserted state is shown;

[0037] Figure 9 A perspective view of a contactor with a coil terminal according to the present application shown in an uninserted state is shown in Figure 1 The difference is that the mounting direction of the coil terminal is reversed;

[0038] Figure 10 A perspective view of a contactor according to the present application with a coil terminal in an inserted state is shown. Figure 9

[0039] List of reference signs

[0040] 1. Coil terminal

[0041] 12. Coil terminal base

[0042] 14. Side protrusion

[0043] 16. Connection foot

[0044] 162. Clamping groove

[0045] 2. Contactor

[0046] 22. Side recess

[0047] 24. Coil former

[0048] 26. Guide groove

[0049] 28. Limiting clamping groove

[0050] 31. Side protrusion

[0051] 33. Guide rib

[0052] 11. Coil terminal cover

[0053] 13. Terminal screw

[0054] 15. Push rod

[0055] 161. Electrical connection tab

[0056] 17. Guide rib

[0057] 21. Contactor housing

[0058] 23. Insertion hole

[0059] 25. Terminal tab

[0060] 27. Coil

[0061] 3. Cover

[0062] 32. Cover foot DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] ​Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe the exemplary embodiments of the contactor with coil terminal and the method of installing the same disclosed herein. Although the drawings are provided to present some embodiments of the present application, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale according to the specific embodiments, and certain features can be exaggerated, removed, or sectioned to better illustrate and explain the disclosure of the present application. Some components in the drawings can be adjusted in position according to actual needs without affecting the technical effects. The phrase "in the drawings" or similar language appearing in the specification is not necessarily referred to all the drawings or examples.

[0064] In the following, certain directional terms used to describe the drawings, such as "front", "back", "inner", "outer", "above", "below", and other directional terms, will be understood to have their normal meanings and refer to those directions involved when normally viewing the drawings. Unless otherwise indicated, the directional terms described in the specification are basically according to the conventional directions as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0065] The terms "first", "second", and the like, as used in the present application, do not denote any order, number, or importance, but are used to distinguish one component from another.

[0066] In Figure 1 a perspective view showing a contactor with a pluggable coil terminal according to the present application in an uninserted state is shown in Figure 1 In the xyz spatial coordinate system, the spatial orientation of the contactor and the coil terminal and the like is indicated in detail, in which the x coordinate axis represents the front-back direction of the contactor, the arrow points to the front direction, the y coordinate axis represents the left-right direction of the contactor, the arrow points to the right direction, and the z coordinate axis represents the up-down direction of the contactor, the arrow points to the upper direction.

[0067] As Figure 1 shown, it includes the contactor 2, the coil terminal 1 above the contactor 2, and the cover 3 below the contactor 2. Of course, those skilled in the art know that the installation of the coil terminal 1 from above the contactor 2 is only shown as an example, and the coil terminal 1 can be inserted from any direction relative to the contactor 2 as needed, such as but not limited to the left-right direction or the front-back direction, and the like.

[0068] In the present application, the contactor 2 includes a contactor housing 21 and an electromagnetic mechanism of a coil, a coil skeleton, a static iron core, and a moving iron core in the housing, and a contact unit (not shown for illustration). Those skilled in the art know that the electrical structure in the contactor housing is known in the art, and is not described herein for simplicity.

[0069] Further, as Figure 1As shown, the contactor housing 21 according to the present invention is generally rectangular in shape, and can be, for example, formed by the mutual mating of two housing parts assembled along the front-to-back direction. Specifically, in Figure 2 The figure shows a housing component within the contactor housing 21. As shown, a cavity is formed inside this housing component of the contactor housing 21 to accommodate components such as the coil, coil frame 24, stationary iron core, moving iron core, electromagnetic mechanism, and contact unit. The following will be combined with... Figure 2 The contactor housing 21 is described in detail.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, based on the xyz spatial coordinate system (and) shown therein Figure 1 The x-axis represents the front-to-back direction of the contactor, the y-axis represents the left-to-right direction, and the z-axis represents the up-to-down direction. The contactor housing 21 is, for example, a generally rectangular, integrally molded part, with a cavity in the middle portion of the cuboid for accommodating the coil frame 24. The coil frame 24 extends exemplarily along the z-axis direction, and a coil (not shown in the figure) may be provided on the coil frame 24. When the coil on the coil frame 24 is electrically conductive, an electromagnetic attraction is generated between the stationary iron core and the armature within the contactor. This causes the armature to overcome the spring force of the reaction spring and be attracted closer to and eventually contact the stationary iron core, thereby engaging the contact units of the contactor. The components that realize the above working process and their interactions are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, a pair of connecting pieces 25 serving as first joints are respectively provided at both ends of the coil frame 24. As shown, a pair of connecting pieces 25 are respectively provided above and below the contactor housing 21, wherein the paired connecting pieces 25 extend outward from the inner cavity of the contactor housing 21 along the vertical direction of the contactor housing 21. Thus, the pair of connecting pieces 25 can achieve electrical conduction with the coil provided on the coil frame 24 through an electrical connection (not shown in the figure), which can be achieved, for example, through electrical contacts or wires molded in the coil frame 24. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the specific implementation of the joint should not be limited to the connecting pieces 25, but can be reasonably designed and modified according to the desired form of the joint structure.

[0072] Furthermore, on the upper and lower walls of the contactor housing 21 in the z-direction, pairs of insertion holes 23 are respectively provided at positions corresponding to the paired terminal pieces 25 for inserting coil terminals, such as... Figure 2The plug-in holes 23 and the tabs 25 are arranged in pairs on the upper and lower walls, respectively, as shown. The plug-in holes 23 are shaped as generally square, but are not limited to square, as long as they are adapted to the shape of the insertion portions of the coil terminals. Figure 2 The plug-in holes 23 are shaped as generally square, but are not limited to square, as long as they are adapted to the shape of the insertion portions of the coil terminals.

[0073] Further, pairs of side grooves 22 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right side walls of the contactor housing 21 in the y direction, respectively. It is noted that the pairs of side grooves 22 are not only formed on the upper side of the contactor housing 21 in the z direction, but also on the lower side of the contactor housing 21 in the z direction, as shown in Figure 2 The pairs of side grooves 22 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right side walls of the contactor housing 21 in the y direction, respectively. It is noted that the pairs of side grooves 22 are not only formed on the upper side of the contactor housing 21 in the z direction, but also on the lower side of the contactor housing 21 in the z direction, as shown in Figure 2 The side grooves 22 can be integrally molded with the contactor housing 21, and can be outwardly protruding structures slightly facing each other in the y direction, to the extent that they do not interfere with the insertion of the coil terminals into the plug-in holes 23.

[0074] Further, pairs of side grooves 22 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right side walls of the contactor housing 21 in the y direction, respectively. It is noted that the pairs of side grooves 22 are not only formed on the upper side of the contactor housing 21 in the z direction, but also on the lower side of the contactor housing 21 in the z direction, as shown in

[0075] Next, the coil terminal 1 according to the present application will be described in detail. Figure 3A As shown in

[0076] As shown in Figure 3A As shown in Figure 2 The coil terminal 1 is a component composed of a coil terminal cover 11 and a coil terminal base 12, for example, and is used to conduct current from an external power source into the contactor 2 when it is inserted into the contactor 2. In order to achieve electrical connection with the external power source, as shown in Figure 3A As shown in

[0077] In Figure 3AA coil terminal base 12 is connected to the lower part of the coil terminal cover 11 along the x-direction. The coil terminal base 12 is generally rectangular and has a pair of connecting feet 16 extending and protruding from its lower side along the z-direction. The connecting feet 16 can be, for example, a U-shaped structure with slots 162. The width or spacing of the slots 162 can be designed to ensure that when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor, the electrical connecting piece 161 on the surface of the slot 162 can form an interference fit with the corresponding connecting piece 25 of the pair of connecting pieces, thereby achieving electrical conduction between them. The slot 162 is an integral part of the connecting feet 16. The electrical connecting piece 161 can be provided on the surface of the slot 162, for example, by adhesive, so that the slot 162 can prevent accidental deformation of the electrical connecting piece 161. The electrical connecting piece 161 is made of, for example, but not limited to, metal foil. The coil terminal base 12 also has Figure 3A An internal cavity, not shown, contains an electrical structure for achieving electrical conduction between the wiring screw 13 and the electrical connector 161. This electrical structure is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here for the sake of simplicity.

[0078] Furthermore, two side protrusions 14 protruding outward in the y-direction are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the coil terminal base 12. These side protrusions 14 can be integrally formed with the coil terminal base 12, or they can be separate components connected to the coil terminal base 12. In this embodiment, the side protrusions 14 are shaped to form a shape-locking engagement with the side grooves 22 in the contactor housing 21 when the coil terminal 1 is inserted into the contactor 2. Thus, this shape-locking engagement prevents relative movement between the contactor housing 21 and the coil terminal 1 when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor.

[0079] Furthermore, in Figure 3A and Figure 3B The diagram shows a push rod 15 disposed between the coil terminal cover 11 and the coil terminal base 12, wherein the push rod 15 is movable between the coil terminal cover 11 and the coil terminal base 12 in its biased position and retracted position. Figure 3B As shown, the push rod 15 is generally a U-shaped member slidably disposed in a corresponding groove in the coil terminal base 12. An elastic element (not shown, for example a spring) is provided between the side of the U-shaped member facing away from the coil terminal cover 11 and the coil terminal base 12 to bias the push rod 15 toward the coil terminal cover 11. Under the action of this elastic element, the push rod 15 remains in its position without external force. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The bias position is shown in the figure.

[0080] exist Figure 3CFig. 2 shows the situation when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor. As Figure 3C As shown in Fig. 2, a limiting catch 28 is provided on the upper and lower walls of the contactor housing 21, and it is understood that the limiting catch 28 can be provided on the housing walls in the appropriate orientation according to the insertion direction of the coil terminal. The limiting catch 28 is preferably shaped and dimensioned to match the shape and dimension of the push rod 15. In operation, when it is desired to insert the coil terminal into the contactor, the user can, as an example, move the push rod 15 to its retracted position by pressing one end of the push rod 15 against the bias of the resilient member, so that the push rod 15 does not interfere with the limiting catch 28 when the coil terminal is inserted, and the coil terminal 1 can be smoothly inserted into the contactor 2. When the coil terminal 1 has been inserted into the contactor 2, the user releases the force on one end of the push rod 15, and under the bias of the resilient member, the push rod 15 is in its biased position and forms a form-fit with the limiting catch 28. Thus, the relative movement between the contactor housing 21 and the coil terminal 1 is prevented when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor via the form-fit.

[0081] It is particularly desirable to point out that although the push rod 15 and the side projection 14 are shown in Figure 3A as two kinds of engagement mechanisms for preventing the relative movement between the contactor housing 21 and the coil terminal 1 when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor. However, those skilled in the art can understand that the two engagement mechanisms are independently implemented and arranged independently of each other. Thus, Figure 3A the structure shown in does not mean that the two kinds of engagement mechanisms including the push rod 15 and the side projection 15 must be simultaneously provided in the coil terminal 1, but any one of the two kinds of engagement mechanisms can be selected as needed.

[0082] Further as shown in Figure 3A and 3B , a pair of guide ribs 17 is provided on the side surface of the coil terminal base 12 opposite to the coil terminal cover 11, and the guide ribs 17 are preferably integrally formed with the coil terminal base 12 parallel to each other. Further preferably, the guide ribs 17 extend over the entire height of the coil terminal cover 11. As Figure 1 described, when the coil terminal 1 is inserted into the contactor 2, the pair of guide ribs 17 can move in the up-and-down extending guide slots 26 in the bosses on the upper and lower walls of the contactor housing 21, thereby achieving accurate guidance of the coil terminal during insertion.

[0083] The cover 3 according to the present application will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 4 .

[0084] In order to avoid adverse effects of the external environment on the electrical components within the contactor housing 21, to further avoid incorrect wiring operations by the user on the contactor 2 and to improve the electrical clearance, the application further provides a cover 3 which can be snap-connected to the contactor housing 21 and which covers the plug-in opening of the contactor housing 21. As shown, the cover 3 is generally plate-shaped and is preferably integrally molded from a corrosion-resistant, electrically insulating, age-resistant engineering plastic. On the side of the cover 3 facing upwards in the z direction, a pair of cover feet 32 extends upwards in the z direction. The cover feet are preferably integrally formed with the cover 3, but can of course also be connected to the cover 3 as separate components. In order to achieve a close fit between the cover feet 32 and the plug-in opening 23 of the contactor housing 21, the cross-sectional dimension of the cover feet 32 is designed to be substantially the same as the cross-sectional dimension of the corresponding plug-in opening 23.

[0085] Further, as shown in Figure 4 , on the left and right sides of the cover 3 in the y direction, two side projections 31 are provided which project outwards in the y direction. The side projections 31 can be integrally formed with the cover 3, but can of course also be separate components connected to the cover 3. In the present embodiment, the side projections 31 are shaped so that, when the cover 3 is inserted into the contactor, a form-fit with the side recesses 22 in the contactor housing 21 is formed. By means of this form-fit, relative movement between the contactor housing 21 and the cover 3 is prevented when the cover 3 is inserted into the contactor.

[0086] Further, as shown in Figure 4 , on the rear side of the cover 3 in the x direction, a pair of guide ribs 33 is provided which are preferably integrally formed with the cover 3 parallel to one another. Further preferably, the guide ribs 33 extend over the entire thickness of the cover 3. As Figure 1 mentioned, when the cover 3 is inserted into the contactor 2, the pair of guide ribs 33 can move in the guide slots 26 extending upwards and downwards in the bosses on the upper and lower walls of the contactor housing 21, whereby accurate guidance of the cover 3 when it is inserted is achieved, facilitating insertion of the cover feet 32 of the cover 3 into the plug-in opening 23 of the contactor housing 21.

[0087] Next, the method of installing the plug-in coil terminal according to the application into a contactor will be described in detail. Figures 5-8

[0088] First, in Figure 8 , a state diagram is shown in which the coil terminal 1 and the cover 3 have already been inserted into the contactor 2.

[0089] As Figure 8 ​As shown, the wiring screw 13 of the coil terminal 1, which is used to electrically connect to an external power source, faces forward, thus facilitating wiring operations for the user. Furthermore, because the wiring screw 13 is positioned at the front, the height of the coil terminal 1 can be designed to be no higher than the overall height of the contactor housing 21, which is highly beneficial for the compact installation of the contactor 2. Moreover, although in Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, since a cover 3 is inserted below the contactor 2 for sealing, the adverse effects of the external environment (moisture, dust, etc.) on the electrical components inside the contactor 2 can be reduced, and the probability of user misoperation during wiring operations is also reduced.

[0090] During installation, such as Figure 1 and 8 As shown, firstly, coil terminal 1 and cover 3 are respectively positioned above and below contactor 2, and the connecting feet of coil terminal 1 and cover feet of cover 3 are aligned with the corresponding insertion holes. This can preferably be achieved using guide ribs of coil terminal 1 and cover 3. When insertion is required, the user applies downward pressure to coil terminal 1, causing the side protrusions 14 on both sides of coil terminal 1 to push against the side grooves 22 on the side walls of the corresponding contactor housing 21. Due to the properties of the side wall material of contactor housing 21, the side walls can expand outward in a way that opens to both sides under the action of the side protrusions 14, thereby causing the side protrusions 14 to push open the side grooves 22 under the action of the pressure and engage within the side grooves 22. When the side protrusion 14 is fully seated in the side groove 22, the user releases the pressure on the coil terminal 1. This causes the side wall of the contactor housing 21 to return to its initial position under the restoring elasticity of its own material, thus locking the side protrusion 14 into the side groove 22 and preventing relative movement between the contactor housing 21 and the coil terminal 1. Based on a substantially similar structure, the user can also use a substantially similar operation to insert the cover 3 into the contactor housing 21 and use the locking mechanism to prevent relative movement between the contactor housing 21 and the cover 3.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, after installation and insertion, the connecting foot 16 of the coil terminal 1 is inserted into the insertion hole 23 of the contactor housing 21. Preferably, the cross-sectional dimensions between the connecting foot 16 and the corresponding insertion hole 23 are designed to be substantially the same, thereby ensuring that... Figure 5 As shown, the relative motion along the x and y coordinate axes is restricted by the abutting action of the hole wall of the insertion hole 23, which further ensures that the coil terminal 1 can be stably fixed in the contactor 2. Furthermore, as... Figure 5As shown, the connecting foot 16 can form an interference fit with the electrically conductive tabs 25 at the upper end of the coil former 24 via the electrically conductive tabs 161 provided on the clamping groove 162 of the connecting foot 16, which further helps to prevent the coil terminal 1 from being accidentally pulled out in the up-down direction. Since the electrically conductive tabs are provided on the surface of the clamping groove 162 for electrical conduction with the corresponding tabs, a form-fit is formed between the coil terminal 1 and the coil former 24 for electrical conduction. In the case of electrical conduction, the desired operational control of the contactor 2 is achieved by directing the electric current to the coil 27 provided on the coil former 24. Further, as shown in Figure 5 the cover is also shown in the installed state.

[0092] In order to better describe the form-fit for electrical conduction between the coil terminal 1 and the coil former 24, a view is shown in Figures 6-7 in which the contactor housing 21 and other components are removed. As shown, Figures 6-7 the coil former 24 is provided with a pair of tabs 25 at its upper end and lower end, respectively, which facilitates the insertion of the coil terminal 1 from above and from below, so that the coil terminal 1 can be flexibly arranged and a form-fit for electrical conduction is formed. Further, the interference fit between the clamping groove 162 of the connecting foot 16 of the coil terminal and the tabs 25 on one side of the coil former 24 is shown more clearly in Figure 7 further, the form-fit for electrical conduction between the coil terminal and the coil former 24 can be achieved by electrically conductive tabs not shown in Figure 7 .

[0093] In Figures 9-10 a perspective view is shown of the installation of the coil terminal 1 from below the contactor 2 and a perspective view is shown of the coil terminal 1 already installed from below the contactor 2. Among other things, Figure 9 the connecting foot 16 of the coil terminal 1 is shown, which is used to be inserted into the contactor 2 from below to finally achieve a form-fit for electrical conduction between the coil terminal 1 and the contactor 2. Further, the cover 3 and its side protrusion 31 are also shown in Figures 9-10 the installation from above the contactor 2. The cover 3 can be installed onto the contactor housing 21 and prevented from relative movement therebetween via the snap-fit between the side protrusion 31 of the cover 3 and the side recess 22 on the contactor housing 21, which insertion process can be more advantageously carried out via the guide slot 26 shown in Figure 9 .

[0094] In Figure 10As shown in the figure, the cover 3 has been installed above the contactor 2, and correspondingly, the coil terminal 1 has been installed below the contactor 2. The coil terminal 1 can be engaged with the side recess on the side wall of the contactor housing 21 via its own side protrusion 14, and can also be engaged with the limiting slot on the housing wall of the contactor 2 via the push rod 15, or both.

[0095] From the above description, compared with the conventional case of fixing the coil terminal on the contactor, the contactor with the coil terminal according to the present application can directly pull out the coil terminal from the contactor as needed, and further can be arbitrarily installed on the upper end or lower end of the contactor, which is very meaningful for the compact installation of the contactor. Further, since the contactor is provided with interfaces on both upper and lower sides, it can be considered to install an intelligent expansion module on the side without the coil terminal as needed, which is also very meaningful for expanding the function of the contactor.

[0096] It should be understood that although the present specification is described in terms of various embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution, and the description of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be combined to form other embodiments that those skilled in the art can understand.

[0097] The above description is only a specific embodiment of the present application, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. Without departing from the concept and principle of the present application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes, modifications and combinations, which should all fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A contactor, comprising: a coil terminal which is pluggable into or out of the contactor; a coil frame and a plurality of first engaging portions provided at upper and lower end portions of the coil frame, respectively, each of the first engaging portions being electrically conductive with a coil provided on the coil frame; characterized in that, the coil terminal comprises: a second engaging portion protruding from the coil terminal toward one side, the second engaging portion being configured to form a form-locking electrical conduction with any one of the first engaging portions of the coil frame when the coil terminal is pluggably inserted into the contactor; the contactor further comprises a contactor housing having a plug-in hole into which the coil terminal is inserted; the contactor further comprises a cover which is snap-coupled to the contactor housing to close the plug-in hole of the contactor housing; the contactor further comprises a snap mechanism between the contactor housing and the coil terminal which prevents relative movement between the contactor housing and the coil terminal when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor; the contactor further comprises a snap mechanism between the contactor housing and the cover which prevents relative movement between the contactor housing and the cover when the cover is inserted into the contactor; the contactor further comprises guide grooves provided on upper and lower walls of the contactor housing, each of the guide grooves of the upper or lower wall of the contactor housing being configured to guide the inserted coil terminal or cover.

2. The contactor of claim 1, wherein the first engaging portion is a pair of terminal lugs extending outward from the end portions of the coil frame, and the second engaging portion is a pair of connecting feet of the coil terminal, each of the connecting feet including a snap groove formed integrally with the connecting foot and an electrical connecting piece for interference fit with a corresponding terminal lug and electrical conduction when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor.

3. The contactor of claim 1, wherein the coil terminal comprises a coil terminal cover and a coil terminal base.

4. The contactor of claim 3, wherein the snap mechanism comprises: two first snap portions symmetrically provided at two opposite end portions of the contactor housing, respectively; and two second snap portions provided at both sides of the coil terminal base, wherein the second snap portions form a form-locking with the first snap portions when the coil terminal is inserted into the contactor.

5. The contactor of claim 4 wherein, the first snap portions are a pair of side recesses formed integrally with the contactor housing and provided on two opposite side walls of the contactor housing, and the second snap portions are a pair of side protrusions formed integrally with the coil terminal base.

6. The contactor of claim 3 wherein, the snap mechanism comprises: two limiting snap grooves symmetrically provided on two opposite end portion side walls of the contactor housing, respectively; and a push rod configured to be relatively movable between the coil terminal cover and the coil terminal base, the push rod being movable between a biased position and a retracted position, the push rod forming a form-locking with the limiting snap grooves when the coil terminal has been inserted into the contactor and the push rod is in the biased position.

7. The contactor of any one of claims 3-6, further comprises: A pair of guide ribs formed integral with the coil terminal base on a side of the coil terminal base, wherein the guide ribs cooperate with the guide slots to guide insertion of the coil terminal into the plug-in hole of the contactor housing.

8. The contactor of any one of claims 3-6, wherein, The cover has a pair of cover feet extending outwardly from a side of the cover, the cover feet having substantially the same cross-sectional size as the corresponding plug-in hole.

9. The contactor of claim 8, further Comprising: A pair of guide ribs formed integral with the cover on a side of the cover, wherein the guide ribs cooperate with the corresponding guide slots to guide insertion of the cover feet of the cover into the plug-in hole of the contactor housing.

10. The contactor of any one of claims 3-6, wherein, A terminal screw is provided at the coil terminal cover for energizing the coil terminal.

11. A method for mounting a coil terminal to a contactor, wherein the contactor is the contactor of any one of claims 1-10, characterized by, Inserting a coil terminal into a contactor to form a form lock between the second engagement portion and any first engagement portion in the coil backbone. A pair of guide ribs formed integral with the coil terminal base on a side of the coil terminal base, wherein the guide ribs cooperate with the guide slots to guide insertion of the coil terminal into the plug-in hole of the contactor housing. The cover has a pair of cover feet extending outwardly from a side of the cover, the cover feet having substantially the same cross-sectional size as the corresponding plug-in hole. Comprising: A pair of guide ribs formed integral with the cover on a side of the cover, wherein the guide ribs cooperate with the corresponding guide slots to guide insertion of the cover feet of the cover into the plug-in hole of the contactor housing. A terminal screw is provided at the coil terminal cover for energizing the coil terminal. Inserting a coil terminal into a contactor to form a form lock between the second engagement portion and any first engagement portion in the coil backbone.

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