Excitation integrated contactor

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of circuit protection and contactors, in particular to an excitation integrated contactor, an excitation action assembly, an auxiliary contact assembly, a melt and a melt disconnection assembly are integrated in the contactor, and the melt is conductively connected with a static contact through the auxiliary contact assembly to form a melt parallel branch; the piston does not act in a normal through-flow state, and the contactor performs switching-on and switching-off in a normal working state; in case of overload current, short-circuit current or abnormal conditions, the fuse body parallel branch is conducted through the excitation action assembly, so that the fuse body is connected into the main loop, and then the fuse body is disconnected after the contactor is forcibly opened through the excitation action assembly. According to the invention, under the normal function of the contactor, the fuse can be connected into the main loop for auxiliary arc extinguishing under the overload, short circuit or abnormal condition, so that the breaking capacity of the contactor is improved, and a large fracture is formed between contact systems of the contactor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to circuit protection, specifically to contactors for circuit protection, and more particularly to an excitation integrated contactor that integrates an excitation actuation component within the contactor. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the protection measures for DC circuit systems (especially wind power, photovoltaics, energy storage, and electric vehicles) consist of fuses and contactors. Contactors primarily handle the connection and disconnection of currents up to the rated load, while fuses mainly provide protective disconnection under overload and short-circuit conditions. However, due to the uncertainty of fuse protection against low overload currents, the matching between the fuse and contactor fails to achieve full-range current protection. Furthermore, it cannot provide a safe and reliable isolation point in special accident situations (such as collisions involving electric vehicles). Additionally, the high resistance of fuses generates significant heat and power consumption during application, and the combination of these two devices presents complexity and a large space requirement.

[0003] Chinese patent application 202210250275.5 discloses a fuse-integrated contactor that integrates an explosive charge, an igniter, and a piston. The igniter ignites the explosive charge, causing a chemical reaction that releases high-pressure gas, which in turn drives the piston to move, forcibly separating the moving and stationary contact assemblies after the circuit is closed. After the circuit is closed, the coil remains energized, providing a continuous magnetic field force to the moving contact towards the stationary contact to maintain the closed state. When the piston is driven by the driving force to forcibly separate the moving and stationary contacts, the magnetic field force provided by the coil must be overcome for the contacts to disengage. A drawback is that under high current conditions, forcibly separating the moving contacts can generate a large electric arc between them. This arc may result in incomplete and unreliable circuit breaking, and can also cause component burn-out, creating a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated contactor that can perform the functions of a contactor during the normal opening and closing of current. In the event of overload or short circuit, the excitation actuation component can connect the fusible element in parallel to the main circuit of the contact system after closing. Then, the excitation actuation component forces the moving contact and stationary contact of the contactor to open, introducing a large current into the parallel branch of the fusible element for arc extinguishing, thereby improving the breaking capacity of traditional contactors. At the same time, it forms a large isolation gap between the moving and stationary contacts of the contactor, preventing arc reignition and contact welding between the contacts. Through integration technology, the functions of a contactor, overload breaking, and zero-current interruption are integrated into one device, which is easy to install, small in size, and does not require consideration of parameter matching between components.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an integrated contactor, comprising: a contact system and a drive system; the contact system includes a moving contact and a stationary contact; the drive system includes a drive coil, a moving iron core, and a moving guide rod; the moving contact is disposed on the moving guide rod; and further comprising: an excitation action component, an auxiliary contact component, a fusible element, and a fusible element disconnection component;

[0006] The excitation action component includes an excitation source and a piston. The excitation source acts according to the received trigger signal, releasing driving force to drive the piston to move.

[0007] The fusible element is electrically connected to the stationary contact via the auxiliary contact assembly to form a parallel branch of the fusible element. The auxiliary contact assembly includes a moving auxiliary contact and a stationary auxiliary contact. In the initial state and during normal opening and closing of the contactor, the auxiliary contact assembly is in a normally open insulating break state, and the parallel branch of the fusible element is not conductive. The moving auxiliary contact is located on the piston or on the displacement path of the piston, and the stationary auxiliary contact is located on the displacement path of the moving auxiliary contact. The fusible element disconnection assembly is located in the direction of the piston displacement path and is configured corresponding to the fusible element or the parallel branch of the fusible element.

[0008] Under normal flow conditions, the piston does not move, and the drive system drives the moving contact to move relative to the piston to perform the opening and closing of the contactor under normal operating conditions.

[0009] When an overload current, short-circuit current, or abnormal condition occurs in the main circuit, the excitation source acts according to the received trigger signal and provides driving force to drive the piston to move. The piston drives the moving auxiliary contact to make conductive contact with the stationary auxiliary contact, so that the parallel branch of the fusible element is connected. After the fusible element is connected to the main circuit in parallel, the moving contact is driven to move, so that the moving contact and the stationary contact are disconnected. After the contact system is disconnected: in the case of overload current and short-circuit current, after the fusible element melts, the piston drives the fusible element disconnection assembly to mechanically disconnect the fusible element or the parallel branch of the fusible element; in the case of abnormal condition, the piston displacement drives the fusible element disconnection assembly to mechanically disconnect the fusible element or the parallel branch of the fusible element.

[0010] Preferably, both ends of the melt are electrically connected to the stationary contact via a set of auxiliary contact assemblies, or one end of the melt is electrically connected to one of the stationary contacts, and the other end of the melt is electrically connected to another stationary contact via a set of auxiliary contact assemblies.

[0011] Preferably, the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact make conductive contact in one of the following ways: flat plate conductive contact, interference fit conductive contact, or stamping deformation fit conductive contact.

[0012] Preferably, when conducting electrical contact in a flat plate manner, both the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact are flat plate structures. When the moving auxiliary contact is driven, the conductive contact surfaces of the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact are planar. When conducting electrical contact in an interference fit manner, one of the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact is a conductive post structure, and the other is provided with a hole structure that mates with the conductive post. When the moving auxiliary contact is driven, the conductive post structure can be inserted into the hole structure. When conducting electrical contact in a stamping deformation insertion manner, the moving auxiliary contact is a deformable sheet structure, and the stationary auxiliary contact is provided with a groove corresponding to the moving auxiliary contact. When the moving auxiliary contact is driven, the moving auxiliary contact is stamped into the groove of the stationary auxiliary contact.

[0013] Preferably, when the moving auxiliary contact is a conductive post, the conductive post is disposed on the impact end face of the piston; when it is inserted into the conductive contact by stamping deformation, a columnar structure corresponding to the groove of the stationary auxiliary contact is disposed on the cross-section of the piston impact end, and the columnar structure can press the moving auxiliary contact into the groove of the stationary auxiliary contact.

[0014] Preferably, when the moving auxiliary contact is a conductive post, a spiked structure is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive post.

[0015] Preferably, when the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact are in conductive contact in a flat plate manner, the stationary auxiliary contact is supported by an elastic element.

[0016] Preferably, when the moving auxiliary contact is disposed on the displacement path of the piston, its structure includes: an auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder fixedly sleeved on the outer periphery of the moving guide rod, the moving guide rod being displaceable relative to the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder; an auxiliary contact carrier and an auxiliary contact carrier support spring are sequentially sleeved on the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder, the auxiliary contact carrier being disposed towards the moving contact and arranged in a cross shape with the moving contact, the auxiliary contact carrier being displaceable along the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder; the moving auxiliary contact is disposed on the auxiliary contact carrier, the stationary auxiliary contact is located on the displacement path of the moving auxiliary contact; the impact end of the piston is respectively disposed corresponding to the auxiliary contact carrier; a contact spring and the moving contact are disposed on the moving guide rod between the end of the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder and the stationary contact; when the piston is displaced, the auxiliary contact carrier can be driven to displace first, so that the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact make conductive contact, and then the moving contact is driven to displace for opening and closing.

[0017] Preferably, a limiting member is provided on the movable guide rod near the end of the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder, and the contact spring and the movable contact are disposed on the movable guide rod between the limiting member and the end of the movable guide rod.

[0018] Preferably, the limiting member is a limiting ring rib or a retaining spring disposed on the outer periphery of the moving guide rod.

[0019] Preferably, it further includes a fuse housing, an arc-extinguishing medium filled in the fuse housing, and the molten material passing through the arc-extinguishing medium to form a fuse structure.

[0020] Preferably, the fuse structure is located between the chamber containing the drive system and the chamber containing the contact system, and the auxiliary contact assembly is located in the chamber containing the contact system; the fuse structure is provided with a displacement channel corresponding to the piston impact end, the fusible element disconnection assembly is located in the displacement channel, and one end of the fusible element disconnection assembly protrudes from the fuse housing; the moving auxiliary contact is provided corresponding to the fusible element disconnection assembly, and the stationary auxiliary contact is provided on the end face of the fusible element disconnection assembly facing the moving auxiliary contact.

[0021] Preferably, the fuse disconnecting component is a push rod, which is integrally connected to the displacement channel on the fuse housing, and the connection between the push rod and the displacement channel has a weak point.

[0022] Preferably, when there are two fuse structures connected in series, the two fuse structures are located on both sides of the drive coil, and the non-connected ends of the two fuse structures are located in the chamber where the contact system is located. They are electrically connected to the stationary contact through the auxiliary contact assembly. The series conductive element between the connected ends of the two fuse structures is located in front of the displacement path of the moving iron core when it is opened. A fuse breaking assembly is provided between the series conductive element and the moving iron core. When the piston displacement pushes the moving contact and the moving iron core to move, the moving iron core can push the fuse breaking assembly to move and disconnect the series conductive element.

[0023] Preferably, the distance between the impact end face of the piston and the moving auxiliary contact is less than the distance between the impact end face of the piston and the moving contact.

[0024] Preferably, the piston impact end face is provided with a groove, the groove extends through both sides of the piston, the moving contact is provided corresponding to the bottom of the groove, and the moving auxiliary contact is provided corresponding to the piston impact end face on both sides of the groove; under normal working conditions, the moving contact does not contact the bottom of the groove.

[0025] Preferably, the groove of the piston has a funnel-shaped structure, and the moving contact passes through the opening end of the funnel-shaped structure of the piston and is located in the funnel-shaped structure.

[0026] Preferably, the melt and the stationary contact are electrically connected to the auxiliary contact assembly via a flexible connection.

[0027] The excitation integrated contactor of the present invention can realize the function of the contactor during normal current opening and closing. In the event of overload and short circuit, it can quickly connect the fuse in the main circuit in parallel through the excitation action component. Then, the excitation action component forces the moving contact and stationary contact of the contactor to open, forming a large-break opening between the moving contact and stationary contact. The large current is introduced into the parallel branch where the fuse is located for current limiting and arc extinguishing, which improves the breaking capacity of the traditional contactor. At the same time, it forms a large-break isolation between the moving and stationary contacts of the contactor, avoiding arc reignition and contact welding between the contacts.

[0028] Since the fusible element is not connected to the main circuit under normal operating current, the power consumption and temperature rise of the excitation integrated contactor proposed in this invention can be greatly reduced compared to the traditional combination of contactor and fuse in series. Moreover, in the event of a special accident (such as a collision involving an electric vehicle), it can achieve zero-current circuit disconnection and provide a safe and reliable large-break isolation.

[0029] Through integration technology, contactor functions, overload breaking functions, and zero-current cut-off functions can be integrated into a single device, which is easy to install, small in size, and does not require consideration of parameter matching between components. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is the circuit schematic of the present invention, where the excitation source is not triggered.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Circuit diagram after triggering.

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figures 1 to 2 The logic timing diagram.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal three-dimensional structure of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of a portion of the diagram.

[0037] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the AA cross-sectional structure.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated excitation contactor with two fuses.

[0039] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 AA sectional view.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact of a flat conductive contact.

[0041] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a moving auxiliary contact and a stationary auxiliary contact that are electrically connected by interference fitting.

[0042] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact in the stamping and deformation insertion conductive contact method.

[0043] Figure Labels

[0044] Mounting components: partition plate 100, stationary contact 1, moving contact 2, moving guide rod 3, auxiliary contact carrier 4, arc extinguishing chamber cover plate 5, support spring 51, fusible element 6, excitation source 7, fuse housing 8, stationary iron core 9, moving iron core 10, drive coil 11, outer shell 12, piston 13, guide part 131, impact part 132, spike structure 133, moving auxiliary contact 14, sealing cover plate 15, stationary auxiliary contact 16, push rod 17, auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder 18, auxiliary contact carrier support spring 19, arc extinguishing medium 20, conductive connector 21, first flexible connector 22, fuse structure 23, second flexible connector 24, fuse structure 28, conductive busbar 29, fusible element disconnection assembly 30, limiting ring rib 31, pad plate 35, contact spring 36. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The excitation integrated contactor of the present invention includes: a contact system and a drive system; the contact system includes a moving contact and a stationary contact; the drive system includes a drive coil, a moving iron core, and a moving guide rod; the moving contact is disposed on the moving guide rod; it also includes: an excitation action assembly, an auxiliary contact assembly, a fusible element, and a fusible element disconnection assembly;

[0046] The excitation motion component includes an excitation source and a piston. The excitation source acts according to the received trigger signal, releasing driving force and driving the piston to move.

[0047] The fusible element is electrically connected to the stationary contact via an auxiliary contact assembly to form a parallel branch of the fusible element. The auxiliary contact assembly includes a moving auxiliary contact and a stationary auxiliary contact. In the initial state and during normal opening and closing of the contactor, the auxiliary contact assembly is in a normally open insulating break state, and the parallel branch of the fusible element is not conductive. The moving auxiliary contact is located on the piston or on the piston's displacement path, and the stationary auxiliary contact is located on the moving auxiliary contact's displacement path. The fusible element disconnection assembly is located in the direction of the piston's displacement path and is set corresponding to the fusible element or the parallel branch of the fusible element.

[0048] Under normal flow conditions, the piston does not move, and the drive system drives the moving contact to move relative to the piston, thus opening and closing the contactor under normal operating conditions.

[0049] When an overload current, short-circuit current, or abnormal condition occurs in the main circuit, the excitation source acts according to the received trigger signal and provides driving force to drive the piston to move. The piston drives the moving auxiliary contact to make conductive contact with the stationary auxiliary contact, so that the parallel branch of the fusible element is connected. After the fusible element is connected to the main circuit in parallel, the moving contact is driven to move, so that the moving contact and the stationary contact are opened. After the contact system is opened: in the case of overload current and short-circuit current, after the fusible element melts, the piston drives the fusible element disconnection assembly to mechanically disconnect the fusible element or the parallel branch of the fusible element; in the case of abnormal condition, the piston displacement drives the fusible element disconnection assembly to mechanically disconnect the fusible element or the parallel branch of the fusible element.

[0050] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is the basic circuit diagram of the present invention. Under normal operating conditions, the fusible element and the stationary contact are not conductive. Under normal operating conditions, the contactor performs normal opening and closing operations, and the actuating assembly does not operate. When the contactor is in the closed state, if an overload current or short-circuit current occurs, the actuating assembly operates. Before the contactor opens, the actuating assembly makes the two ends of the fusible element conductively connected to the two stationary contacts, and connects the fusible element in parallel in the main circuit to form a parallel branch of the fusible element. Then, while maintaining the conduction of the parallel branch of the fusible element, the actuating assembly drives the moving contact to open the main circuit after the stationary contact is opened. The large current in the main circuit after opening flows through the fusible element, causing it to melt and break. As the actuating assembly continues to move, a large break is formed between the moving and stationary contacts. Simultaneously, the actuating assembly drives the fusible element disconnecting assembly to disconnect the fusible element. In abnormal situations, the piston displacement drives the fusible element disconnecting assembly to mechanically disconnect the fusible element or the parallel branch of the fusible element.

[0051] See Figure 3 Its logical timing is as follows:

[0052] Before time t0, it is the normal closing operation period. When an overload current occurs, during the period from t0 to t1, the excitation source receives the trigger signal. At time t1, the excitation source is triggered. During the period from t1 to t2, the piston moves. During the period from t2 to t4, the fuse is connected to the main circuit. During the period from t2 to t3, the moving contact and the stationary contact lose their conductive contact, the main circuit is disconnected, and the current flows through the fuse. During the period from t3 to t4, the fuse is disconnected, completely disconnecting the main circuit.

[0053] Based on the above technical solutions and principles, preferred embodiments are now described in detail with reference to the figures.

[0054] See Figures 4 to 8 The device includes a housing 12, within which a contactor structure, an actuation assembly, an auxiliary contact assembly, and a fusible element are disposed. The contactor structure mainly includes a contact system and a drive system located within the housing 12, with the chamber containing the contact system and the chamber containing the drive system separated by a mounting partition 100.

[0055] The drive system includes a drive coil 11, a moving iron core 10, a stationary iron core 9, a moving guide rod 3, a U-shaped yoke, and a magnetic cylinder. One end of the moving guide rod 3 is fixedly mounted on the moving iron core 10, and the other end passes through the stationary iron core 9 and the partition plate, located in the chamber where the contact system is located. A limiting ring rib 31 is provided on the outer periphery of the moving guide rod 3 located in the chamber where the contact system is located, and a limiting end plate is provided at the end of the moving guide rod 3 facing the stationary contact 1.

[0056] The contact system includes a stationary contact 1 and a moving contact 2. The moving contact 2 is movably mounted on the moving guide rod 3 between the limiting ring rib 31 and the limiting end plate. A moving contact spring 36 is fitted between the moving contact 2 and the limiting ring rib 31 to support the moving contact 2. The moving contact spring 36 is always in a compressed state. The stationary contact 1 is insulated from the moving contact 2. One end of the stationary contact 1 is located in the chamber where the contact system is located, and the other end passes through the top of the chamber and the top of the housing 12, located outside the housing 12 for easy connection to the main circuit. For ease of installation, the limiting ring rib 31 on the moving guide rod 3 can be secured by a retaining spring on the outer circumference of the moving guide rod 3.

[0057] For any issues regarding the contactor structure that are not covered herein, please refer to existing contactor technology.

[0058] A fuse structure 23 is also provided between the chamber containing the drive system and the chamber containing the contact system. The fuse structure 23 includes a fuse housing 8 and a fuse housing cover 5. The fuse housing 8 is located on the mounting partition, and the fuse housing cover 5 covers the fuse housing 8 and closes it. Sleeves protruding towards each other are respectively provided on opposite sides of the fuse housing 8 and the fuse housing cover 5. When the fuse housing cover 5 covers the fuse housing 8, the sleeves on the fuse housing 8 and the fuse housing cover 5 are interlocked to form a channel for the moving guide rod 3 to pass through. The moving guide rod 3 passes through the partition, through the channel of the fuse structure 23, and enters the chamber containing the contact system. Fuse element disconnection components 17 are integrally formed on the fuse housing cover 5 on opposite sides of the moving guide rod 3. In this embodiment, the fuse element disconnection component 17 is a push rod, hereinafter referred to as push rod 17. The connection point between the push rod 17 and the fuse housing cover plate 5 is designed as a weak point to reduce mechanical strength. This weak point is a groove structure surrounding the outer periphery of the push rod 17, or a spoke-shaped perforated connection point surrounding the outer periphery of the push rod 17, or other perforated structures of other shapes, facilitating the disengagement of the push rod 17 from the fuse housing cover plate 5 when driven. One end of the push rod 17 protrudes into the cavity containing the contact system. On both sides of the fuse housing cover plate 5, corresponding to the weak point connected to the outer periphery of the push rod 17, annular bosses are provided. Annular support bosses are provided on the fuse housing 8 at the corresponding annular bosses. When the fuse housing cover plate 5 covers the fuse housing 8, the support bosses located inside the fuse structure mate with the annular bosses to form a displacement channel for the push rod 17 to move after disengaging from the fuse housing cover plate 5. A sealed arc-extinguishing chamber is formed between the fuse housing 8, the fuse housing cover 5, the passage through which the drive rod 3 passes, and the displacement channel. The arc-extinguishing chamber is filled with an arc-extinguishing medium 20. The fusible element 6, as the fusible element of the fuse structure 23, passes through the arc-extinguishing medium 20 and the displacement channel. Both ends of the fusible element 6 protrude from the contact surfaces on opposite sides of the fuse housing 8 and the fuse housing cover 5 and are located in the chamber where the contact system is located.

[0059] Limiting protrusions are spaced apart on the surface of the fuse housing cover 5 facing the contact system. A sealing cover 15 is provided on the fuse housing cover 5, located outside the limiting protrusions of the fuse housing cover 5, and positioned by the limiting protrusions. The fuse housing cover 5 and the sealing cover 15 form the chamber where the contact system is located. The stationary contact 1 is disposed on the sealing cover 15, with one end passing through the sealing cover 15 and the outer casing 12 and located outside the outer casing 12, and the other end located inside the sealing cover 15.

[0060] The actuation assembly includes an excitation source 7 and a piston 13. A cavity is formed in the top of a sealing cover plate 15 located between the two stationary contacts 1, and one end of the excitation source 7 and the piston 13 is disposed in the cavity of the sealing cover plate 15. The trigger signal receiving end of the excitation source 7 passes through the sealing cover plate 15 and the outer casing 12, and can be connected to an external trigger signal circuit. The piston 13 includes a guide portion 131 and an impact portion 132. The guide portion of the piston 13 is disposed in the cavity on the sealing cover plate 15 where the excitation source 7 is located, and the contact surface between the guide portion of the piston 13 and the cavity is in sealed contact, for example, by setting a sealing ring on the outer periphery of the guide portion of the piston 13, or by an interference fit between the guide portion of the piston 13 and the inner wall of the cavity of the sealing cover plate. A groove is formed on the end face of the guide portion of the piston 13 facing the end of the excitation source 7 that releases the driving force. The impact portion of the piston 13 is located between the two stationary contacts 1. The piston 13's impact portion 132 has a flared groove extending through both sides on its end face, with the distance between the open ends of the flared structure greater than the distance between the bottom of the groove. The two sides of the flared impact portion are located on either side of the line connecting the two stationary contacts 1. The bottom of the groove in the piston 13's impact portion faces the moving contact 2; that is, the impact ends on both sides of the piston 13's impact portion cross the moving contact 2 and are located outside the moving contact 2. In the initial position, a certain gap is maintained between the bottom of the groove in the piston 13's impact portion and the moving contact 2. This gap ensures that the moving contact 2 will not contact the piston 13 during normal closing displacement. Figure 4 As shown, the impact part with a horn-shaped structure can provide some displacement space for the moving contact, thereby reducing the overall size of the contactor.

[0061] Excitation source 7 is a gas generator that can ignite and generate high-pressure gas as driving force based on the received trigger signal. The trigger signal received by excitation source 7 can be an external trigger signal or a trigger signal sent by its own internal trigger circuit. The internal trigger circuit is used to monitor the main circuit current. If the current exceeds the threshold, the internal trigger circuit will conduct and send a trigger signal to excitation source 7.

[0062] A support spring 51 is fitted onto an annular protrusion on the fuse housing cover plate 5 located in the contact system chamber. A stationary auxiliary contact 16 is fixedly connected to the support spring 51. The stationary auxiliary contact 16 is electrically connected to the stationary contact 1 through a conductive connector 21 and a first flexible connector 22, respectively. That is, one stationary auxiliary contact 16 is connected to the flexible connector 22, the flexible connector 22 is connected to the conductive connector 21, and the conductive connector 21 is electrically connected to one stationary contact 1. The stationary auxiliary contact 16 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the push rod 17. The connection between the two push rods 7 and the connection between the two stationary contacts are arranged in a cross shape.

[0063] An auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder 18 is fitted onto the moving guide rod 3. One end of the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder 18 is located in the channel through which the moving guide rod 3 passes in the fuse structure 23, and the other end protrudes from the fuse structure 23 and is located in the cavity where the contact system is located. The auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder 18 is fixedly installed, while the moving guide rod 3 can be displaced relative to the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder 18. A limiting ring rib 31 on the moving guide rod 3 is located between the end of the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder 18 and the moving contact 2. The end face of the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder 18 facing the limiting ring rib 31 is turned outward to form an end limiting structure. An auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder 18 located in the contact system chamber is fitted with an auxiliary contact carrier support spring 19. An auxiliary contact carrier 4 is fitted onto the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder 18 between the auxiliary contact carrier support spring 19 and the end limiting structure of the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder 18. The auxiliary contact carrier 4 is supported by the auxiliary contact carrier support spring 19, which is always in a compressed state. The auxiliary contact carrier 4 has a flat plate structure and is arranged in a cross shape with the moving contact 2, corresponding to the impact end of the piston 13. When the piston 13 moves, the impact end of the piston 13 first drives the auxiliary contact carrier 4 to move, and then drives the moving contact 2 to move through the bottom of the groove of the piston 13. The auxiliary contact carrier 4 is made of insulating material, and its two ends are respectively set to the stationary auxiliary contact 16 and the push rod 17. A moving auxiliary contact 14 is fixedly installed at each end of the auxiliary contact carrier 4 corresponding to the position of the stationary auxiliary contact 16. The two moving auxiliary contacts 14 on the auxiliary contact carrier 4 are spaced apart and insulated. A moving auxiliary contact 14 is electrically connected to one end of the molten metal 6 via a second flexible connector 24.

[0064] As can be seen from the above structure, a stationary auxiliary contact 16 extends conductively to one end of each stationary contact, and a moving auxiliary contact 14 extends conductively to both ends of the fusible element 6. One stationary auxiliary contact 16 corresponds to one moving auxiliary contact 14, forming two pairs of auxiliary contact assemblies. That is, both ends of the fusible element 6 are conductively connected to the stationary contact through a set of auxiliary contact assemblies. The auxiliary contact assemblies are made of conductive material, and the first and second flexible connectors are also made of conductive material, such as wires or flexible conductive sheets. In a pair of auxiliary contact assemblies, the stationary auxiliary contact is located on the displacement path of the moving auxiliary contact. In the initial position or normal contactor state, the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact of the auxiliary contact assembly are configured with an insulating break structure, meaning that sufficient insulation distance is maintained between the moving and stationary auxiliary contacts. When the fusible element 16 forms a parallel branch of the fusible element by being electrically connected to the stationary contact through the auxiliary contact assembly, in the initial position or under normal contactor conditions, the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact of the auxiliary contact assembly are set in an insulating break state, and the parallel branch of the fusible element is not conductive. Only when the piston 13 is displaced can the moving auxiliary contact be driven to make conductive contact with the stationary auxiliary contact, so that the insulating break of the auxiliary contact assembly is closed and conductive, and the parallel branch of the fusible element is conductive, so that the fusible element is connected in parallel to the main circuit after the stationary contact and the moving contact are closed.

[0065] When piston 13 moves, driving auxiliary contact carrier 4 to move two moving auxiliary contacts 14, the moving auxiliary contacts 14 and stationary auxiliary contacts 16 make conductive contact. That is, both ends of the molten metal 6 make conductive contact with one of the stationary contacts 1 through a pair of auxiliary contact assemblies, thus realizing that the molten metal 6 enters the main circuit containing the stationary and moving contacts after closing in a parallel manner, forming a parallel molten metal branch in the main circuit. Since the moving and stationary auxiliary contacts are connected by flexible connectors, the displacement of the relevant moving parts will not be affected.

[0066] Working principle:

[0067] Under normal operating conditions, when the drive coil 11 is energized, the stationary iron core 9 attracts the moving iron core 10, and the moving contact 2 makes conductive contact with the stationary contact 1, closing the circuit and connecting the main circuit; when the drive coil 11 is de-energized, the moving contact 2 loses conductive contact with the stationary contact 1, opening the circuit and disconnecting the main circuit.

[0068] When there is an overload current or short-circuit current, the excitation source 7 receives a trigger signal, ignites and releases high-pressure gas as a driving force, driving the piston 13 to move. The impact end of the piston 13 drives the auxiliary contact carrier 4 to move, and the moving auxiliary contact 14 on the auxiliary contact carrier 4 makes conductive contact with the stationary auxiliary contact 16, connecting the fusible element 6 into the main circuit, so that the fusible element 6 and the main circuit are connected in parallel to form a fusible element parallel branch. At this time, the moving contact and the stationary contact are in the closed state, and the piston 13 is not in contact with the moving contact 2. The piston 13 continues to move, and the bottom of the groove of the impact part of the piston 13 drives the moving contact 2 to move, so that the moving contact 2 and the stationary contact 1 are forcibly opened. During the displacement of the piston 13, the auxiliary contact carrier support spring 19 is compressed. When the moving contact 2 and the stationary contact 1 are forcibly opened, the main circuit is disconnected, the fusible element 6 melts, and the piston 13 pushes the push rod 17 to disengage from the fuse housing cover plate 5, and moves along the displacement channel in the fuse structure 23 to disconnect the fusible element 6.

[0069] In abnormal situations (such as a car collision), the working principle is almost identical to that under overload or short-circuit current conditions. The only difference is that the excitation source actively sends the trigger signal and actively cuts off the main circuit, rather than passively sending the trigger signal and cutting off the main circuit due to overload or short circuit in the main circuit. The active trigger signal can be sent by an external control system or by a detection module integrated into the contactor. The detection module includes sensors such as pressure sensors that can detect abnormal situations, an internal trigger circuit, a control switch, and an internal control system. For example, in a car collision, the pressure sensor converts the detected pressure signal into an electrical signal and sends it to the internal control system. The internal control system compares the signals, and when the pressure exceeds a set threshold, it controls the control switch to activate the internal trigger circuit, sending a trigger signal to the excitation source. The excitation source then acts according to the received trigger signal. The principle of sending trigger signals from an external control system is the same as that of sending trigger signals from an internal system.

[0070] Because the stationary auxiliary contact 16 is supported by a support spring, it can buffer the impact energy from the moving auxiliary contact 14 on the stationary auxiliary contact 16, making the conductive contact between the moving auxiliary contact 14 and the stationary auxiliary contact 16 more reliable. Furthermore, the extension and retraction of the support spring provides sufficient displacement distance for the piston 13.

[0071] Arc extinguishing principle and advantages:

[0072] When the contactor is in normal working condition, the fuse 6 is not connected to the main circuit. Therefore, the power consumption of the contactor does not increase during normal working condition and is almost the same as that of a traditional contactor.

[0073] In case of overload, short circuit, or abnormal conditions, before forced tripping, fuse 6 is connected in parallel. Since the resistance of fuse 6 is much greater than the resistance of the main circuit, during normal current flow, almost all the current flows through the main circuit, and the current flowing through fuse 6 is negligible. When forced tripping occurs, as the impedance between the moving and stationary contacts gradually increases and is much higher than the resistance of fuse 6, most of the current flows through fuse 6 just before tripping. Fuse 6 effectively limits the current flowing through it. When the tripping threshold is reached, the current in the main circuit is already very small. After tripping, the arc between the moving and stationary contacts is very small, and it can be easily extinguished by air or the arc-extinguishing gas filled in the cavity of the contact system, without causing arc erosion of the contact system. Then fuse 6 melts or breaks. The break points of fuse 6 are designed in the arc-extinguishing medium, and the arc generated when fuse 6 forms a break is small. The arc-extinguishing medium participates in arc extinguishing, which can effectively achieve arc extinguishing.

[0074] The solution of this invention connects the fuse to the main circuit only in the early stage of tripping, which can greatly reduce the power consumption of the contactor, improve the contactor's breaking capacity and arc extinguishing capacity, and enable it to better match the fuse.

[0075] In the above embodiments, there is one fuse. In other embodiments, there may be at least two fuses, see [reference needed]. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The chamber containing the drive system and the chamber containing the contact system are separated by a mounting partition 100. Limiting protrusions are spaced apart on the mounting partition, and a sealing cover 15 is installed on the mounting partition outside the limiting protrusions, forming the chamber containing the contact system. Two fuse structures 28 are provided in the contact area. The two fuse structures 28 are located outside the drive coil 11, and together with the drive coil 11 and the moving iron core 10, are located in the chamber containing the drive system. Each fuse structure 28 includes a fuse housing, an arc-extinguishing medium, and a fusible element 6. Both ends of the fusible element 6 pass through the fuse housing. The ends of the fusible elements 6 of the two fuse structures 28 furthest from the stationary contact 1 are connected in series via a conductive busbar 29, connecting the two fuse structures 28 together. The other ends of the fusible elements 6 of the two fuse structures 28 pass through the mounting partition into the chamber containing the contact system, and are electrically connected to the moving auxiliary contact 14 provided on the auxiliary contact carrier 4 via a second flexible connector 24. The two stationary contacts 1 are electrically connected to the stationary auxiliary contact 16 mounted on the mounting plate through the conductive connector 21 and the first flexible connector 22, respectively. The stationary auxiliary contact 16 is supported by a support spring.

[0076] A pad 35 is provided between the U-shaped yoke outside the drive coil and the outer casing 12. An annular boss is provided on the pad 35 at the position of the magnetic cylinder where the moving iron core 10 is located. The annular boss of the pad 35 is fitted inside the magnetic cylinder. The conductive bus 29 is located between the pad 35 and the U-shaped yoke. The conductive bus 29 passes through the annular boss of the pad 35 and is recessed towards the inside of the annular boss to form a receiving groove.

[0077] The melt disconnecting assembly 30 is located within the magnetic cylinder between the annular limiting boss, the conductive busbar 29, and the moving iron core 10. The melt disconnecting assembly 30 includes a support block and a piston-like push rod integrally formed on the support block. The connection between the push rod and the support block is designed to disconnect the weak point. The support block of the melt disconnecting assembly 30 is interference-fitted with the magnetic cylinder, and the push rod is positioned corresponding to the accommodating cavity of the conductive busbar 20. The end of the moving guide rod 3 passes through the moving iron core 10 and protrudes towards the melt disconnecting assembly 30, and the push rod is positioned corresponding to the end of the moving guide rod 3.

[0078] Working principle:

[0079] During normal operation, the drive coil is energized and de-energized, the contactor opens and closes normally, and the excitation source does not operate.

[0080] When an overload current or short-circuit current occurs, the excitation source receives a trigger signal and ignites, releasing high-pressure gas as a driving force to drive piston 13 to move. The piston first drives the auxiliary contact carrier 4 to move, making the moving auxiliary contact 14 and the stationary auxiliary contact 16 make conductive contact, connecting the two series-connected fuses 28 into the main circuit. At this time, the moving contact and the stationary contact maintain conductive contact, and the main circuit remains conductive. As piston 13 continues to move, it drives the moving contact 2, the moving guide rod 3, and the moving iron core 10 to move together, causing the moving contact 2 to lose conductive contact with the stationary contact 1, thus disconnecting the main circuit. Due to the connection of the fuse, the current flowing through the main circuit passes through the fuse. Since the resistance of the fuse is much greater than that of the main circuit, the current flowing through the fuse is reduced by a factor of two. The fuse melts under the thermal melting effect, and the piston continues to move, pushing the moving contact 2, the moving guide rod 3 and the moving iron core 10 to continue to move. The end of the moving guide rod 3 pushes the push rod to disengage from the support block of the fuse disconnect assembly 30, driving the push rod to move and disconnect the conductive busbar 29, so that the two fuses connected in series are disconnected, forming a physical break between the two fuses 28, and preventing possible incomplete arc extinguishing.

[0081] In abnormal situations (such as a car collision), the working principle is almost exactly the same as that under overload current or short circuit current. The only difference is that the excitation source actively sends the trigger signal and actively cuts off the main circuit, rather than passively sending the trigger signal due to overload or short circuit of the main circuit current.

[0082] In the above embodiment, two sets of auxiliary contact assemblies are used, wherein the stationary auxiliary contact is connected to the stationary contact and the moving auxiliary contact is connected to both ends of the melt. In other embodiments, the stationary auxiliary contact can be connected to both ends of the melt and the moving auxiliary contact can be connected to both ends of the stationary contact, as long as the connection through the flexible connector does not affect the operation of each component.

[0083] Alternatively, a set of auxiliary contact assemblies can be used. One end of the molten metal is electrically connected to one of the stationary contacts, and the other end is electrically connected to another stationary contact via the auxiliary contact assembly. This connection method can be as follows: the other end of the molten metal is connected to a stationary auxiliary contact, and the other stationary contact is connected to a moving auxiliary contact, positioning the stationary auxiliary contact on the displacement path of the moving auxiliary contact. A piston drive brings the moving auxiliary contact into conductive contact with the stationary auxiliary contact, thus connecting the molten metal in parallel to the main circuit. Alternatively, the other end of the molten metal can be connected to a moving auxiliary contact, and the other stationary contact can be connected to a stationary auxiliary contact.

[0084] The moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact in the auxiliary contact assembly of the present invention make conductive contact in the following ways: flat plate conductive contact, interference fit conductive contact, or stamping deformation fit conductive contact.

[0085] In the above embodiments, the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact are electrically connected via a flat plate. (See attached image) Figure 11 The auxiliary contact carrier 4 is a flat plate on which moving auxiliary contacts 14 are spaced apart. The stationary auxiliary contact 16 is also a flat plate structure, and the stationary auxiliary contact 16 is supported by a support spring 51. The piston 13 drives the auxiliary contact carrier 4 to make conductive contact between the moving auxiliary contact 14 and the stationary auxiliary contact 16. The support spring 51 can buffer the impact force brought by the moving auxiliary contact.

[0086] The moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact make electrical contact via an interference fit. See [link / reference] Figure 12 A moving auxiliary contact is directly mounted on the piston 13 at the impact end corresponding to the stationary auxiliary contact. The moving auxiliary contact is a conductive cylindrical structure, while the piston 13 is made of an insulating material. The stationary auxiliary contact corresponding to the moving auxiliary contact is configured as a conductive structure with a hollow portion. When the piston 13 moves, it can insert the moving auxiliary contact into the hollow portion of the stationary auxiliary contact with an interference fit, achieving conductive contact between the moving and stationary auxiliary contacts. To improve contact reliability, a spiked structure 133 is provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical body of the moving auxiliary contact.

[0087] The moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact make electrical contact through a stamping and deformation insertion method. See [link / reference needed] Figure 13The impact end of the moving auxiliary contact corresponding to piston 13 is configured as a columnar structure. The moving auxiliary contact is positioned along the displacement path of piston 13. It is a conductive sheet structure and is secured by a limiting structure, such as a hollow support member on the fuse housing cover, under which the moving auxiliary contact is adhesively attached. The stationary auxiliary contact, corresponding to the columnar impact end of piston 13, has a hollow structure. When piston 13 moves, it drives the moving auxiliary contact to move onto the stationary auxiliary contact and continues to move, causing the conductive sheet structure of the moving auxiliary contact to deform and be pressed into the hollow portion of the stationary auxiliary contact by the impact end of piston 13, thus achieving conductive contact.

[0088] exist Figure 12 and Figure 13 In this case, there is no need to set up structures such as auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder 18, auxiliary contact carrier support spring 19, and auxiliary contact carrier 4.

Claims

1. An integrated excitation contactor, characterized in that, Includes: contact system and drive system; The contact system includes a moving contact and a stationary contact; The drive system includes a drive coil, a moving iron core, and a moving guide rod; The moving contact is disposed on the moving guide rod; it also includes: an excitation action assembly, an auxiliary contact assembly, a molten element, and a molten element disconnection assembly; The excitation action component includes an excitation source and a piston. The excitation source acts according to the received trigger signal, releasing driving force to drive the piston to move. The fusible element is electrically connected to the stationary contact via the auxiliary contact assembly to form a parallel branch of the fusible element. The auxiliary contact assembly includes a moving auxiliary contact and a stationary auxiliary contact. In the initial state and during normal opening and closing of the contactor, the auxiliary contact assembly is in a normally open insulating break state, and the parallel branch of the fusible element is not conductive. The moving auxiliary contact is located on the piston or on the displacement path of the piston, and the stationary auxiliary contact is located on the displacement path of the moving auxiliary contact. The fusible element disconnection assembly is located in the direction of the piston displacement path and is configured corresponding to the fusible element or the parallel branch of the fusible element. Under normal flow conditions, the piston does not move, and the drive system drives the moving contact to move relative to the piston to perform the opening and closing of the contactor under normal operating conditions. When an overload current, short-circuit current, or abnormal condition occurs in the main circuit, the excitation source acts according to the received trigger signal and provides driving force to drive the piston to move. The piston drives the moving auxiliary contact to make conductive contact with the stationary auxiliary contact, so that the parallel branch of the fusible element is connected. After the fusible element is connected to the main circuit in parallel, the moving contact is driven to move, so that the moving contact and the stationary contact are disconnected. After the contact system is disconnected: in the case of overload current and short-circuit current, after the fusible element melts, the piston drives the fusible element disconnection assembly to mechanically disconnect the fusible element or the parallel branch of the fusible element; in the case of abnormal condition, the piston displacement drives the fusible element disconnection assembly to mechanically disconnect the fusible element or the parallel branch of the fusible element.

2. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both ends of the melt are electrically connected to the stationary contact via a set of auxiliary contact assemblies, or one end of the melt is electrically connected to one of the stationary contacts, and the other end of the melt is electrically connected to another stationary contact via a set of auxiliary contact assemblies.

3. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact make conductive contact in one of the following ways: flat plate conductive contact, interference fit conductive contact, or stamping deformation fit conductive contact.

4. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 3, characterized in that, When conducting electrical contact in a flat plate manner, both the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact are flat plate structures. When the moving auxiliary contact is driven, the conductive contact surfaces of the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact are planar. When conducting electrical contact in an interference fit manner, one of the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact is a conductive post structure, and the other is provided with a hole structure that mates with the conductive post. When the moving auxiliary contact is driven, the conductive post structure can be inserted into the hole structure. When the contact is made by stamping and deformation insertion, the moving auxiliary contact is a sheet structure that is easy to deform. The stationary auxiliary contact is provided with a groove corresponding to the moving auxiliary contact. When the moving auxiliary contact is driven, the moving auxiliary contact is stamped into the groove of the stationary auxiliary contact.

5. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the moving auxiliary contact is a conductive post, the conductive post is disposed on the impact end face of the piston; when it is inserted into the conductive contact by stamping deformation, a columnar structure corresponding to the groove of the stationary auxiliary contact is disposed on the cross-section of the piston impact end, and the columnar structure can press the moving auxiliary contact into the groove of the stationary auxiliary contact.

6. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the moving auxiliary contact is a conductive post, a spiked structure is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the conductive post.

7. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact are in conductive contact in a flat plate manner, the stationary auxiliary contact is supported by an elastic element.

8. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the moving auxiliary contact is disposed on the displacement path of the piston, its structure includes: an auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder fixedly sleeved on the outer periphery of the moving guide rod, the moving guide rod being displaceable relative to the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder; an auxiliary contact carrier and an auxiliary contact carrier support spring are sequentially sleeved on the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder, the auxiliary contact carrier is disposed facing the moving contact and is arranged in a cross shape with the moving contact, the auxiliary contact carrier being displaceable along the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder; the moving auxiliary contact is disposed on the auxiliary contact carrier, the stationary auxiliary contact is located on the displacement path of the moving auxiliary contact; the impact end of the piston is respectively disposed corresponding to the auxiliary contact carrier; a contact spring and the moving contact are disposed on the moving guide rod between the end of the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder and the stationary contact; when the piston is displaced, the auxiliary contact carrier can be driven to displace first, so that the moving auxiliary contact and the stationary auxiliary contact make conductive contact, and then the moving contact is driven to displace for opening and closing.

9. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 8, characterized in that, A limiting element is provided on the moving guide rod near the end of the auxiliary contact carrier fixing cylinder, and the contact spring and the moving contact are disposed on the moving guide rod between the limiting element and the end of the moving guide rod.

10. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 9, characterized in that, The limiting component is a limiting ring rib or a retaining spring disposed on the outer periphery of the moving guide rod.

11. The excitation integrated contactor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, It also includes a fuse housing, an arc-extinguishing medium filled in the fuse housing, and the molten material passing through the arc-extinguishing medium to form a fuse structure.

12. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fuse structure is located between the chamber containing the drive system and the chamber containing the contact system, and the auxiliary contact assembly is located in the chamber containing the contact system; the fuse structure is provided with a displacement channel corresponding to the piston impact end, the fusible element disconnection assembly is located in the displacement channel, and one end of the fusible element disconnection assembly protrudes from the fuse housing; the moving auxiliary contact is provided corresponding to the fusible element disconnection assembly, and the stationary auxiliary contact is provided on the end face of the fusible element disconnection assembly facing the moving auxiliary contact.

13. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 12, characterized in that, The fuse disconnecting component is a push rod, which is integrally connected to the displacement channel on the fuse housing, and there is a weak point at the connection between the push rod and the displacement channel.

14. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 11, characterized in that, When there are two fuse structures connected in series, the two fuse structures are located on both sides of the drive coil. The ends of the two fuse structures that are not connected in series are located in the chamber where the contact system is located, and are electrically connected to the stationary contact through the auxiliary contact assembly. The series conductive element between the ends of the two fuse structures connected in series is located in front of the displacement path of the moving iron core when it is opened. A fuse breaking assembly is provided between the series conductive element and the moving iron core. When the piston displacement pushes the moving contact and the moving iron core to move, the moving iron core can push the fuse breaking assembly to move and disconnect the series conductive element.

15. The excitation integrated contactor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The distance between the impact end face of the piston and the moving auxiliary contact is less than the distance between the impact end face of the piston and the moving contact.

16. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 15, characterized in that, The piston impact end face is provided with a groove, the groove extends through both sides of the piston, the moving contact is provided corresponding to the bottom of the groove, and the moving auxiliary contact is provided corresponding to the piston impact end face on both sides of the groove; under normal working conditions, the moving contact does not contact the bottom of the groove.

17. The excitation integrated contactor according to claim 15, characterized in that, The piston has a funnel-shaped groove, and the moving contact passes through the opening end of the funnel-shaped structure of the piston and is located in the funnel-shaped structure.

18. The excitation integrated contactor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The melt and the stationary contact are electrically connected to the auxiliary contact assembly via a flexible connection.

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