Single-phase contactor actuation mechanism

Abstract

An electrical contactor is described. In an example, an electrical contactor includes a solenoid assembly configured to hold a plunger rod in at least a normal position and a depressed position. The electrical contactor further includes a high voltage switch assembly including a fixed pair of high voltage contacts, an actuator configured to receive the plunger rod, and a movable high voltage contact connected to the actuator and movable by the plunger rod; and a low voltage switch assembly. When in the normal position, the plunger rod causes the actuator to simultaneously separate the movable high-voltage contact from the fixed high-voltage contact pair and switch the low-voltage switch assembly. When in the depressed position, the plunger rod causes the actuator to move the movable high-voltage contact into contact with the fixed pair of high-voltage contacts and to switch the low-voltage switch assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the invention relates to electrical contactors. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the invention relates to improved electrical contactors that can switch multiple circuits simultaneously. Background Art

[0002] Contactors are used to switch circuits, and in some cases, multiple circuits are switched simultaneously. For example, a contactor may include a high voltage contact set that switches a high voltage circuit (e.g., a power supply). The contactor may also include a second or auxiliary contact set that switches a low voltage circuit while switching the high voltage contact set. Switching these low voltage circuits enables feedback that the switch has been transformed via a status light operated at low voltage or by connecting or disconnecting an auxiliary circuit.

[0003] Contactors are commonly used in aerospace applications. Aerospace specifications typically require that high-voltage contacts and low-voltage contacts close and open within a certain time tolerance. However, due to the various components located at different locations within the contactor and required to actuate the two switches, and the tolerances of these components, configuring the contactor so that the switches operate simultaneously is difficult.

[0004] Therefore, existing solutions for manufacturing contactors may require a specific construction process and adjustments to components during assembly. For example, existing solutions often use a switch adjustment mechanism to adjust various components during assembly. Then, when the contactor assembly is complete, the simultaneity is measured. If the simultaneity of the switching components is too far off, the contactor is partially or completely disassembled and readjusted. The process is repeated until the contactor switches have sufficient simultaneity. Because this process is cumbersome and difficult, a new solution is needed. Summary of the invention

[0005] The terms "invention," "present invention," "the invention," and "current invention" as used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all subject matter of this patent and the following patent claims. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the following patent claims. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the following claims rather than by this summary. This summary is a high-level summary of various aspects of the invention and introduces some concepts that are further described in the following detailed description section. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all of the drawings, and each claim.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an electrical contactor includes a solenoid assembly, a high-voltage switch assembly, and a low-voltage switch assembly. The solenoid assembly includes a plunger rod and is configured to keep the plunger rod at least in a normal position and a depressed position. The high-voltage switch assembly is configured to receive the plunger rod and includes: a fixed high-voltage contact pair; an actuator, the actuator is configured to receive the plunger rod and includes one or more guides, each of which is operable to cooperate with a corresponding fixed high-voltage contact; and a movable high-voltage contact, the movable high-voltage contact is connected to the actuator and can be moved by the plunger rod. The low-voltage switch assembly is configured to receive the plunger rod and includes: a fixed low-voltage contact and a movable low-voltage contact. The movable low-voltage contact can be moved by one or more ridges attached to the actuator. The ridge switches the low-voltage switch assembly between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the movable low-voltage contact contacts the fixed low-voltage contact. The movable low-voltage contact does not contact the fixed low-voltage contact. When in the normal position, the plunger rod causes the actuator to simultaneously separate the movable high-voltage contact from the fixed high-voltage contact pair, and the plunger rod causes the ridge to switch the movable low-voltage contact and the fixed low-voltage contact. When in the depressed position, the plunger rod causes the actuator to (i) move the movable high-voltage contact to contact the fixed high-voltage contact pair, and (ii) cause the ridge to switch the movable low-voltage contact and the fixed low-voltage contact.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a switch is provided. The switch includes a plunger assembly, the plunger assembly includes a plunger rod, an actuator connected to the plunger rod, a movable high-voltage contact connected to the actuator, a low-voltage switch assembly, and a fixed high-voltage contact pair. The low-voltage switch assembly includes a fixed low-voltage contact and a movable low-voltage contact. The actuator and the plunger rod are configured to be able to move between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the movable high-voltage contact is separated from the fixed high-voltage contact pair, and the movable low-voltage contact is separated from the fixed low-voltage contact. When in the second position, the movable high-voltage contact is in contact with the fixed high-voltage contact pair, and the movable low-voltage contact is in contact with the fixed low-voltage contact.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an actuator for an electrical contactor is provided. The actuator includes a first portion, the first portion including a first guide extending through a first spring and operable to cooperate with a first fixed high-voltage contact; a second portion, the second portion including a second guide extending through a second spring and operable to cooperate with a second fixed high-voltage contact, and an intermediate portion located between the first portion and the second portion. The intermediate portion is circular. The intermediate portion is configured to receive an attachment device. The attachment device attaches the actuator to one or more of the first fixed high-voltage contact and the second fixed high-voltage contact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1is a cross-sectional view of an electrical contactor according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 is a view of a plunger assembly of an electrical contactor according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 (including Figure 3A and Figure 3B ) shows a view of an actuator of an electrical contactor according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 (including Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D ) shows the attachment of a switch actuator to contacts according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 (including Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C ) is a view of a solenoid plunger rod connected to an actuator according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 6 is a view of an auxiliary plate assembly on an actuator according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7 is a diagram of a low voltage switch assembly of an actuator according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The subject matter of the embodiments of the present invention is specifically described herein to meet statutory requirements, but the description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be implemented in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. The description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between the various steps or elements, unless the order of the various steps or the arrangement of the elements is explicitly described.

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to improved electrical contactors that are capable of simultaneously switching multiple circuits (e.g., high voltage circuits and low voltage circuits) while eliminating or minimizing any necessary adjustments to components within the contactor during assembly. Thus, the disclosed system reduces cost and improves performance.

[0018] Now turning to the attached figure, Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrical contactor according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1A contactor 100 is shown that includes a solenoid assembly 110, an actuator assembly 140, a high voltage switch assembly 160, a low voltage switch assembly 170, and a housing 180. As shown, the solenoid assembly 110, the low voltage switch assembly 170, and the actuator assembly 140 are located within the housing 180. Components of the high voltage switch assembly 160 extend outside of the housing 180. However, other arrangements are possible.

[0019] As shown, the contactor 100 includes two switch assemblies, but any number of switch assemblies is possible. Additional switch assemblies (particularly low voltage switch assemblies) may also be included in the contactor 100.

[0020] In an example, when the solenoid assembly 110 is activated (e.g., by an electrical signal through the coil of the solenoid assembly 110), the solenoid assembly 110 causes the actuator within the actuator assembly 140 to open or close one or more switches in a synchronized manner. The design of the contactor 100 electrically isolates all switches from each other and ensures that all switches are sufficiently close together to enable all switches to be actuated simultaneously using a single actuating member.

[0021] The solenoid assembly 110 includes a solenoid plunger 112, a plunger rod 114, a plunger stop 116, a tube 118, a solenoid core 122, a bearing 124, and a spring 126. The solenoid plunger 112 is connected to the plunger rod 114 and can be configured to hold the plunger rod 114 in various positions. The plunger rod 114 can be attached to a nut that is electrically isolated from all switches and is held by an actuator 142 so that the nut does not rotate during assembly.

[0022] In one example, the plunger rod 114 can move between a normal position (upright) and a depressed position (downward). When the plunger rod 114 is in the normal position, the contacts in the high-voltage switch assembly 160 are open. When the plunger rod 114 is in the downward position, the contacts in the high-voltage switch assembly 160 are closed. The low-voltage switch assembly 170 can include a normally open contact set and a normally closed contact set.

[0023] The solenoid plunger 112 and the plunger rod 114 are both cylindrical in shape. The tube 118 is cylindrical in shape and has a diameter greater than the diameter of the solenoid plunger 112 and the plunger rod 114. The tube 118 can be made of metal (e.g., brass). The spring 126 is configured to return the plunger rod 114 to a normal position adjacent to or close to the plunger stop 116. The plunger rod 114 can freely travel in a linear direction at the center of the solenoid core 122, for example, upward or downward as shown. The bearing 124 helps to make the plunger rod 114 move smoothly.

[0024] The solenoid core 122 includes one or more electrical coils that allow the circuit to be automatically switched via the excitation of the plunger rod 114, which in turn moves the actuator of the actuator assembly 140. The coil can be powered by a low voltage power supply (e.g., 28 volts DC). When current flows through the coil, the coil generates a magnetic force, which in turn moves the plunger rod 114 downward to a depressed position. Conversely, when current stops flowing through the coil, no magnetic force is generated, and the spring 126 pushes the plunger rod 114 back upward to a normal position, where the plunger rod 114 is stopped by the plunger stop 116. This movement then moves the components within the actuator assembly, thereby switching one or more switches, such as the high voltage switch assembly 160. In some cases, the solenoid assembly 110 can be manually triggered, such as by force.

[0025] The high voltage switch assembly 160 includes components for switching high voltage and / or high current circuits (e.g., auxiliary power of an aircraft, etc.). The high voltage switch assembly 160 includes a movable contact 162, a fixed contact 164, and a fixed contact 166. When the actuator assembly 140 brings the movable contact 162 into contact with the fixed contact 164 and the fixed contact 166, a circuit is formed between the fixed contact 164 and the fixed contact 166. The movable contact 162, the fixed contact 164, and the fixed contact 166 are formed of a conductive material (e.g., copper, silver, aluminum, or an alloy).

[0026] The actuator assembly 140 includes an actuator 142, an attachment device 144, an insulator 148, and a guide 146. The actuator 142 is formed into a unique shape so that a single switch actuator can switch both low current circuits and high current circuits at the same time and maintain insulation between the contacts of the corresponding circuits and between the circuits. For example, the high voltage contacts are insulated from the low voltage contacts and vice versa. The actuator 142 can be formed from a single molded component (e.g., plastic) so that the actuator 142 is in direct contact with all switches and directly actuates all switches at the same time.

[0027] The actuator 142 can receive or be attached to the plunger rod 114. In an example, the plunger rod 114 is attached to the actuator 142, for example, with a simple washer that plugs into the switch actuator, as further described with reference to FIG4. The attachment means 144 (which can be a screw, nail or other suitable fastener) holds the actuator 142 in place and can be anchored into the movable contact of the high voltage switch assembly 160.

[0028] Similarly, the actuator 142 may include one or more guides 146, optionally located on either side of the attachment 144. Each guide 146 guides downward travel and contacts the top surface of the movable contact 162 to distribute the force of the actuator 142 on the top surface of the contact 162, thereby moving the contact 162 into engagement with the fixed contacts 164 and 166.

[0029] In some cases, a spring is also sleeved around each of the guides, extending from the respective guide to the movable contact 162. The spring helps push the actuator 142 back upward when the force is released.

[0030] The actuator 142 may include one or more insulators 148 surrounding the attachment 144 and / or the guide 146. The insulators 148 insulate the actuator 142 and various components from the fixed contacts 162, 164, and 166.

[0031] The actuator 142 interacts with the high voltage switch assembly 160 such that when the plunger rod 114 is in the normal position, the actuator 142 holds the movable contact 162 in a position separated from the fixed contacts 164 and 166. Conversely, when the plunger rod 114 is in the depressed position, the actuator 142 compresses the movable contact 162 onto a portion of the fixed contact 164 and a portion of the fixed contact 166, thereby completing an electrical circuit from the fixed contact 164 to the fixed contact 166, and vice versa.

[0032] The low voltage switch assembly 170 includes one or more auxiliary switches. Examples of the use of the auxiliary switches include switching secondary circuits or providing feedback to a user of the switch (e.g., via a status light). The low voltage switch assembly 170 includes one or more fixed low voltage contacts and a movable low voltage contact. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The actuator assembly 140 may include one or more ridges (not shown) that open or close one or more low voltage contacts when the plunger rod 114 moves the actuator 142 .

[0033] For example, in the normal position, the actuator 142 separates the first fixed low-voltage contact and the first movable low-voltage contact (normally open), and contacts the second fixed low-voltage contact and the second movable low-voltage contact (normally closed). In the depressed position, the actuator 142 contacts the first fixed low-voltage contact and the first movable low-voltage contact, and separates the second fixed low-voltage contact and the second movable low-voltage contact.

[0034] The actuator 142 moves the contacts in the high-voltage switch assembly 160 and the low-voltage switch assembly 170 in unison. For example, when in the normal position, the plunger rod 114 causes the actuator to simultaneously (i) separate the movable high-voltage contact 162 from the fixed contacts 164, 166, and (ii) cause the ridges to switch the movable low-voltage contact and the fixed low-voltage contact. Conversely, when in the depressed position, the plunger rod 114 causes the actuator to move the movable high-voltage contact into contact with the fixed high-voltage contact pair and cause the ridges to switch the movable low-voltage contact and the fixed low-voltage contact.

[0035] Figure 2is a view of a plunger assembly of an electrical contactor according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 Shown are the contactor 100, plunger rod 114, solenoid assembly 110, spring 126, and housing 180. As shown, the solenoid assembly 110 is assembled by inserting the solenoid plunger 112 into the spring 126, which is in turn inserted into the solenoid assembly 110, positioned on the plunger rod 114, and engaged to the actuator assembly 140.

[0036] Figure 3 (including Figure 3A and Figure 3B ) shows a view of an actuator of a contactor 100 according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3A A first side view of the actuator 142 of the contactor 100 is shown. Figure 3B A second side view of the actuator 142 of the contactor 100 is shown, the actuator 142 being relative to Figure 3A Rotate approximately 180 degrees.

[0037] The actuator 142 includes at least three parts: a first part 302, a second part 304, and a middle part 306 located between the first part 302 and the second part 304. Each of the first part 302 and the second part 304 includes a guide member, in particular, the first part includes a guide member 310 and the second part includes a guide member 312. The guide members 310 and 312 are about Figure 1 An example of guide 146 is depicted. Each guide 310 and 312 can cooperate with a portion of a fixed high voltage electrical contact (eg, fixed electrical contacts 164, 166). In this way, actuator 142 is secure.

[0038] Figure 4 (including Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C and Figure 4D ) shows the attachment of the switch actuator to the contact according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows in detail the attachment of the actuator 142 to the movable contact 162 using the attachment device 144 and the washer 452.

[0039] Figure 4A A front view of the actuator 142 and the movable contact 162 is shown with the washer 452 inserted into the actuator 142 . Figure 4B A rear view of the actuator 142 and movable contact 162 is shown with the washer 452 inserted into the actuator 142 as the attachment device 144 is inserted into the top of the actuator 142 . Figure 4C A rear view of the actuator 142 and the movable contact 162 is shown, with the attachment device 142 being fastened into the actuator 142. Finally, Figure 4DA rear side view of the actuator 142 is shown with the attachment device 142 removed from the actuator 142 .

[0040] Figure 5 (including Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C ) is a view of a solenoid plunger rod connected to an actuator according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5A The plunger rod 114, the actuator 142 and the movable contact 162 are shown. The actuator 142 is attached to the movable contact 162 via the attachment means 144. Figure 5B Shows relative to Figure 5A Rear view of.

[0041] Figure 5C An example of the plunger rod 114 being attached to the actuator 142 is shown. The attachment device 144 is inserted into the actuator 142 and anchored. Then, the nut 550 is inserted upside down and above the attachment device 144. Then, the plunger rod 114 is inserted, through the washer 552, through the top of the middle portion of the actuator 142 into the nut 550. The final rotation of the plunger rod 114 fixes the moving actuator. The rotation of the plunger can then be easily used to simultaneously and perfectly set the switch arc gaps of the high current switch and the auxiliary switch. No additional adjustments or additional parts are required.

[0042] Figure 6 is a view of an auxiliary plate assembly on an actuator according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 A view of the actuator 142 is shown with various components including circuit boards 602 and 604. The circuit boards 602 and 604 surround the actuator 142 so that the actuator 142 moves within the circuit boards 602 and 604 to open or close one or more low voltage contacts. Contacts 610 and 612 are located on the circuit board mounted between the coil and the high current switch.

[0043] Circuit board 602 includes a normally open switch 610 having contacts 612 and 614. When actuator 142 moves from the normal position to the depressed position, the actuator moves contact 614 to make contact with contact 612. Circuit board 604 includes a normally closed switch 620 having contacts 622 and 624. When actuator 142 moves from the normal position to the depressed position, the actuator moves contact 624 to break contact with contact 622.

[0044] Other contact types and arrangements are also possible on the circuit board. Examples include a pair of plug and socket type contacts, contacts that are soldered to the circuit board, contacts that can be removed from the circuit board, etc.

[0045] Figure 7 is a view of a low voltage switch assembly of an actuator according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7A circuit board 702 is shown with contacts 710. Circuit board 702 is an example of circuit board 610 or 612. As can be seen, contacts 710 are spoon-shaped. Contacts 710 are actuated by one or more ridges on actuator 142.

[0046] Hereinafter, additional examples are described to facilitate understanding of the present invention.

[0047] An electrical contactor, comprising: a solenoid assembly, the solenoid assembly including a plunger rod and being configured to be able to maintain the plunger rod in at least a normal position and a depressed position; a high-voltage switch assembly, the high-voltage switch assembly being configured to be able to receive the plunger rod and comprising: a pair of fixed high-voltage contacts; an actuator, the actuator being configured to be able to receive the plunger rod and comprising one or more guides, each guide being operable to cooperate with a corresponding fixed high-voltage contact; and a movable high-voltage contact, the movable high-voltage contact being connected to the actuator and being movable by the plunger rod; and a low-voltage switch assembly, the low-voltage switch assembly being configured to be able to receive the plunger rod and comprising: a fixed low-voltage contact; a movable low-voltage contact, the movable low-voltage contact The point can be moved by one or more ridges attached to the actuator, wherein the ridges switch the low-voltage switch assembly between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the movable low-voltage contact contacts the fixed low-voltage contact, wherein in the second position the movable low-voltage contact does not contact the fixed low-voltage contact, and wherein: when in the normal position, the plunger rod causes the actuator to simultaneously (i) separate the movable high-voltage contact from the fixed high-voltage contact pair, and the plunger rod causes (ii) the ridges to switch the movable low-voltage contact and the fixed low-voltage contact, and when in the depressed position, the plunger rod causes the actuator to (i) move the movable high-voltage contact to contact the fixed high-voltage contact pair, and (ii) the ridges switch the movable low-voltage contact and the fixed low-voltage contact.

[0048] An electrical contactor as described above or below, wherein each of the one or more guides cooperates with its corresponding fixed high voltage contact when in the normal position.

[0049] An electrical contactor as described above or below, wherein the movable high voltage contact includes an opening that receives a portion of the actuator when the plunger rod is depressed.

[0050] As the electrical contactor described above or below, the electrical contactor further comprises one or more insulators located between the guide member and the actuator or between the opening and the actuator.

[0051] An electrical contactor as described above or below, wherein the solenoid assembly includes: a solenoid plunger configured to receive the plunger rod and maintain the plunger rod in at least a normal position and a depressed position; and a spring configured to be compressed and return the plunger rod to the normal position when the solenoid plunger is in the depressed position.

[0052] An electrical contactor as described above or below, wherein the actuator is formed of plastic.

[0053] An electrical contactor as described above or below, wherein the guide member is a screw.

[0054] An electrical contactor as described above or below, wherein the actuator is formed of plastic.

[0055] An electrical contactor as described above or below, wherein separation ensures that the movable high voltage contact does not contact the fixed high voltage contact pair.

[0056] A switch comprising: a plunger assembly including a plunger rod; an actuator connected to the plunger rod; a movable high-voltage contact connected to the actuator; a low-voltage switch assembly comprising: a fixed low-voltage contact; and a movable low-voltage contact; and a fixed high-voltage contact pair; wherein the actuator and the plunger rod are configured to be movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when in the first position, the movable high-voltage contact is separated from the fixed high-voltage contact pair and the movable low-voltage contact is separated from the fixed low-voltage contact, and wherein when in the second position, the movable high-voltage contact is in contact with the fixed high-voltage contact pair and the movable low-voltage contact is in contact with the fixed low-voltage contact.

[0057] An actuator for an electrical contactor, the actuator comprising: a first part, the first part comprising a first guide extending through a first spring and operable to cooperate with a first fixed high-voltage contact; a second part, the second part comprising a second guide extending through a second spring and operable to cooperate with a second fixed high-voltage contact; an intermediate part located between the first part and the second part, wherein the intermediate part is circular, wherein the intermediate part is configured to receive an attachment device, and wherein the attachment device attaches the actuator to one or more of the first fixed high-voltage contact and the second fixed high-voltage contact.

[0058] An electrical contactor as described above or below, wherein the actuator is formed from plastic, and wherein the attachment means is a screw.

[0059] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described, are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and can be used without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or shown in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be implemented without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electric contactor, comprising: a solenoid assembly including a plunger rod and configured to retain the plunger rod in at least a normal position and a depressed position; A high voltage switch assembly, the high voltage switch assembly being configured to receive the plunger rod and comprising: Fixed high voltage contact pair; an actuator configured to receive the plunger rod and including one or more guides, each guide operable to engage a corresponding fixed high voltage contact; and a movable high voltage contact connected to the actuator and capable of being moved by the plunger rod; and A low-pressure switch assembly, the low-pressure switch assembly being configured to receive the plunger rod and comprising: Fixed low voltage contacts; a movable low-voltage contact, one or more ridges attached to the actuator enabling movement of the movable low-voltage contact, wherein the ridges switch the low-voltage switch assembly between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the movable low-voltage contact contacts the fixed low-voltage contact, wherein in the second position the movable low-voltage contact does not contact the fixed low-voltage contact, and wherein: When in the normal position, the plunger rod causes the actuator to simultaneously (i) The movable high voltage contact is separated from the fixed high voltage contact pair, and the plunger rod causes (ii) the ridge to switch the movable low voltage contact and the fixed low voltage contact, and When in the depressed position, the plunger rod causes the actuator to (i) move the movable high voltage contact into contact with the pair of fixed high voltage contacts and (ii) cause the ridge to switch the movable low voltage contact and the fixed low voltage contact.

2. The electrical contactor according to claim 1, wherein: When in the normal position, each of the one or more guides cooperates with its corresponding fixed high voltage contact.

3. The electrical contactor according to claim 1, wherein: The movable high voltage contact includes an opening that receives a portion of the actuator when the plunger rod is depressed. 4 . The electrical contactor of claim 2 , further comprising one or more insulators positioned between the guide and the actuator or between the opening and the actuator.

5. The electrical contactor according to claim 1, wherein: The solenoid assembly comprises: a solenoid plunger configured to receive the plunger rod and to hold the plunger rod in at least a normal position and a depressed position; and A spring is configured to be compressed when the solenoid plunger is in the depressed position and to return the plunger rod to the normal position.

6. The electrical contactor according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator is formed from plastic.

7. The electrical contactor according to claim 1, wherein: The guide member is a screw.

8. The electrical contactor according to claim 1, wherein: The actuator is formed from plastic.

9. The electrical contactor according to claim 1, wherein: The separation ensures that the movable high voltage contact is not in contact with the pair of fixed high voltage contacts.

10. A switch, comprising: a plunger assembly, the plunger assembly comprising a plunger rod; an actuator connected to the plunger rod; a movable high voltage contact connected to the actuator; A low-voltage switch assembly, comprising: Fixed low voltage contacts; and Movable low voltage contacts; and Fixed high voltage contact pair; The actuator and the plunger rod are configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein when in the first position, the movable high-voltage contact is separated from the fixed high-voltage contact pair, and the movable low-voltage contact is separated from the fixed low-voltage contact, and wherein when in the second position, the movable high-voltage contact is in contact with the fixed high-voltage contact pair, and the movable low-voltage contact is in contact with the fixed low-voltage contact.

11. An actuator for an electric contactor, the actuator comprising: a first portion including a first guide extending through the first spring and operable to mate with a first fixed high voltage contact; a second portion including a second guide extending through the second spring and operable to mate with a second fixed high voltage contact; an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being located between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the intermediate portion is circular, wherein the intermediate portion is configured to receive an attachment device, and wherein the attachment device attaches the actuator to one or more of the first fixed high voltage contact and the second fixed high voltage contact.

12. The electrical contactor according to claim 11, wherein: The actuator is formed from plastic, and wherein the attachment means is a screw.

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