Contactor design with improved short circuit and breaking capability

Abstract

A contact system and electromagnetic contactor are provided in which the contact system includes a movable contact that moves along a closing direction and a pair of stationary contacts that are disposed facing each other along a longitudinal direction transverse to the closing direction. Each stationary contact has a C-shaped body with first and second legs that are oriented toward a center of the contact system and are spaced apart along the closing direction. The movable contact has a first movable contact portion disposed between the first and second legs of the first stationary contact and a second movable contact portion disposed between the first and second legs of the second stationary contact. The first and second stationary contacts each include a terminal portion that extends from the respective second leg in a direction that forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a contactor mechanism based on fixed and movable contacts, operable to interrupt a circuit path in events such as high-current discharge and short circuits. More specifically, the invention relates to a contactor mechanism with a design of fixed and movable contacts that results in a counterbalancing of the repulsive Holm force generated between the contacts when the contactor mechanism is disconnected under high current, and to an electromagnetic contactor including such a contactor mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Electromagnetic switching devices such as contactors and relays are commonly used to protect high-voltage circuits and electrical equipment from overload and / or high-current discharge in a wide range of applications, such as in industrial plants and the electric vehicle industry (e.g., in batteries).

[0003] The electric vehicle industry's continued demand for electrical devices capable of operating at increasingly higher voltages necessitates high-voltage contactors with high short-circuit resistance, capable of withstanding currents up to 21.8 kA without exploding or producing flames. Contactors with high breaking capacity are also required, for example, at currents exceeding 2500 A for a 1000 V load voltage. Furthermore, size constraints imposed by certain applications (such as electrical boxes (E-boxes) for electric vehicles) require contactor designs that can reliably operate under the aforementioned high current and high voltage requirements while occupying the smallest possible footprint.

[0004] A conventional contactor mechanism includes at least one fixed contact fixed to the contactor body, and a movable contact that remains pressed against the opposing fixed contact under the actuation of a contact force. This contact force is typically generated by an electromagnetic drive system, usually an excitation coil coupled to a movable magnetic core, which keeps the contactor mechanism closed under normal operating conditions. In the event of a short circuit or high-current discharge in the contactor mechanism, the electromagnetic drive system is de-energized and the contactor mechanism opens.

[0005] A common drawback of these conventional contactors is that when a very high current is interrupted, a strong repulsive force (often called the Holm force) is generated at the contact point between the stationary and moving contacts. The actual contact area between the stationary and moving contacts is typically smaller than the apparent contact area, and these Holm forces associated with this actual contact point tend to pull the moving and stationary contacts apart, thus counteracting the contact force that holds the contactor closed under normal operating conditions. The strength of the repulsive Holm force increases with the current intensity on the closed contactor and can become very strong at current discharges of 15 kA and above, leading to several undesirable effects. For example, because the repulsive Holm force reduces the contact force that holds the contactor mechanism closed, the contactor mechanism may inadvertently open at lower than desired currents. Furthermore, when a high current is interrupted due to a short-circuit event, the Holm repulsive force can become so strong that the speed at which the moving and stationary contacts open increases significantly, causing the contacts to be pulled apart forcefully. This effect can damage the contactor mechanism, rendering it inoperable for future use.

[0006] The adverse effects of the repulsive Holm force can be minimized by increasing the contact force, for example, by increasing the actuation force generated by the electromagnetic drive system. However, this is not a feasible solution for many applications, namely those that require smaller contactors, because increasing the contact force would necessitate the use of larger magnetic coils and / or the provision of higher excitation currents.

[0007] Several contactor mechanisms have been proposed to mitigate the adverse effects associated with repulsive Holm forces.

[0008] For example, US Patent No. 8,816,801B2 discloses a contact mechanism in which a fixed contactor is configured in an L-shape or C-shape to generate a Lorentz force that resists electromagnetic repulsion in the contactor's opening direction when current flows through the contact mechanism. However, this design introduces a new problem: the extinguishing of the arc generated between the fixed and movable contactors is negatively affected because the Lorentz force causes the arc to extend in a direction orthogonal to the closing direction. To address this, the contact mechanism is provided with magnetic bodies disposed on the fixed and / or movable contactors to suppress the driving force applied to the arc. Therefore, a disadvantage of this contact mechanism is the increased number of parts, thereby increasing the size and manufacturing cost of the contact mechanism.

[0009] Patent application number JP2021093277A aims to provide an electromagnetic contactor that improves cutting performance by preventing the arc generated between the fixed and movable contacts from moving along its length into the interior of the movable contact element, which could lead to a short circuit with the metal components inside the contactor. The contactor includes a C-shaped fixed contact and a movable contact with an elongated intermediate design for generating a Lorentz force across the arc current flowing through the fixed and movable contacts, which can suppress the Lorentz force generated by the C-shaped fixed contact. Furthermore, a magnetic plate can be attached to the inner surface of the fixed contact to shield the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through it, thereby reducing the Lorentz force acting on the arc. However, the proposed design still suffers from the following drawbacks: a relatively large overall size, due to the construction of the input and output terminals arranged on top of the fixed contact, and / or the need for additional magnetic components.

[0010] Therefore, there is still a need for compact contactor mechanisms and electromagnetic contactors that can provide reliable shutdown protection under the aforementioned operational requirements, and that require minimal addition of components, such as magnetic components. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention was made in view of the shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, and its object is to provide a contactor mechanism and an electromagnetic contactor including the contactor mechanism, which can provide enhanced short-circuit protection, improved disconnection capability, and minimize contact resistance in an optimized compact size.

[0012] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims. Specific embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0013] The basic concept of the solution provided by this invention is to provide a contactor mechanism having a specific design of at least one of fixed contacts and movable contacts. This contactor mechanism effectively utilizes the recirculation of current across the contactor mechanism to counterbalance the repulsive Holm force generated between the fixed contacts and the movable contacts, thereby enhancing the effective total contact force during a short circuit.

[0014] Specifically, the contactor mechanism provided by this invention is designed such that current transmitted by at least one of its fixed contacts recirculates around the contact portion of the movable contact, thereby generating a Lorentz force between the fixed and movable contacts. This Lorentz force complements the contact force generated by the electromagnetic drive system to keep the contact system closed. Therefore, by using the recirculating current itself, the repulsive effect associated with the Holm force, which tends to pull the movable and fixed contacts apart and may cause the contact system to collapse in the event of a short circuit, can be counteracted.

[0015] Additionally, the fixed contacts are designed such that the corresponding input and output terminals are oriented with a non-zero angle (e.g., 90°) relative to the longitudinal length of the movable contacts. This 90° rotation allows for an increase in the overlap length of the current paths along the fixed and movable contacts. Furthermore, it allows for additional space perpendicular to the movable contacts and helps to increase the "volume" required to extend the arc length generated between the contacts during a breaking event. The increased available "volume" achieved through the 90° rotation of the input and output terminals opens up the possibility of incorporating one or more arc-extinguishing chambers to enhance breaking capacity or even reduce the overall size of the contactor.

[0016] Therefore, the present invention allows for the production of compact contactor mechanisms (hereinafter also referred to as contact systems) and electromagnetic contactors that can withstand very high current discharges, i.e., on the order of 15kA and above, without failure.

[0017] According to the present invention, a contact system for an electromagnetic contactor is provided, comprising: a movable contact configured to move along a closing direction of the contact system; and a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact disposed facing each other along a longitudinal direction transverse to the closing direction; wherein each of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact has a C-shaped body having a first leg and a second leg oriented toward the center of the contact system and spaced apart along the closing direction, wherein the movable contact has a first movable contact portion disposed between the first leg and the second leg of the first fixed contact and a second movable contact portion disposed between the first leg and the second leg of the second fixed contact, and each of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact includes a terminal portion extending from the respective second leg toward an alignment direction forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction of the contact system.

[0018] According to further development, the alignment direction forms a right angle with the longitudinal direction and the closing direction of the contact system, and / or the terminal portion of the first fixed contact is arranged opposite to the terminal portion of the second fixed contact relative to the longitudinal direction of the contact system.

[0019] According to further development, each of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact includes an intermediate portion between the respective first leg and the second leg, each second leg including an extension portion that extends generally parallel to the longitudinal direction toward the center of the contact system and has an edge, a terminal portion being connected to the edge, and wherein the edge is inclined relative to the longitudinal direction and oriented toward the opposite side of the contact system.

[0020] According to further development, each of the first extension and the second extension extends toward each other in the longitudinal direction and extends over approximately half the length of the movable contact in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] According to further development, the contact system is closed by moving the movable contact to a closed position, in which the first movable contact portion contacts the first leg of the first fixed contact, and the second movable contact portion contacts the first leg of the second fixed contact.

[0022] As further developed, each terminal portion is constructed as a flat plate oriented parallel to both the alignment direction and the longitudinal direction, and is provided with through holes for connecting to input or output terminals of external loads.

[0023] According to a further improvement, the movable contact includes one or more movable contact elements extending longitudinally and arranged side by side, each of the one or more movable contact elements including a first movable contact portion disposed between a first leg and a second leg of a first fixed contact and a second movable contact portion disposed between a first leg and a second leg of a second fixed contact, wherein when the contact system is closed, each of the first movable contact portions is configured to contact the first leg of the first fixed contact, and each of the second movable contact portions is configured to contact the first leg (130a; 430a; 530'a, 530''a; 630a) of the second fixed contact.

[0024] According to further development, each of the one or more movable contact elements is configured as a flat rod extending in the longitudinal direction; or each of the one or more movable contact elements is configured as an inverted U-shaped rod having a middle portion that protrudes through the separation region between the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact in the closing direction.

[0025] As further developed, the contact system also includes one or more permanent magnets arranged within a space surrounded by the U-shaped central portion of the movable contact.

[0026] According to further developments, the contact system also includes a support structure for securing the drive shaft to the intermediate portion of the movable contact, wherein the support structure is configured to support the drive shaft oriented outwards along the closing direction and toward the outside of the contact system. The invention also provides an electromagnetic contactor having a contactor system and an electromagnetic drive system according to the invention, the electromagnetic drive system being configured to operate the contact system to switch between a closed state and an open state.

[0027] According to further development, the electromagnetic drive system includes an electromagnetic coil and a movable magnetic core configured to be coupled to a drive shaft, wherein the movable magnetic core is configured to move the drive shaft in a closing direction when actuated by an electromagnetic actuation force generated by the electromagnetic coil, so as to move the movable contact toward the first and second fixed contacts and close the contact system.

[0028] According to further development, the electromagnetic drive system also includes a return spring connected to a movable magnetic core on the side opposite to the side connected to the drive shaft. When the electromagnetic coil is energized to keep the contact system closed, the return spring is compressed by the movable magnetic core in the closing direction, and when the electromagnetic coil is de-energized to open the contact system, the return spring is de-energized and causes the movable magnetic core and the drive shaft to move in the opposite direction to the closing direction.

[0029] According to further development, the electromagnetic contactor is made into an assembly of a first module unit and a second module unit. The first module unit includes a first half-shell and a contact system housed inside the first half-shell. The first half-shell includes a through-hole for passing a portion of a drive shaft coupled to the contact system through to the outside of the first half-shell. The second module unit includes a second half-shell and an electromagnetic drive system housed inside the second half-shell. The second half-shell includes a through-hole for inserting a portion of a drive shaft protruding from the first half-shell for coupling with the electromagnetic drive system.

[0030] According to further developments, the electromagnetic drive system also includes one or more arc-extinguishing chambers arranged near the contact area between the movable contact and each of the first and second fixed contacts.

[0031] Therefore, this invention enables overcurrent protection to be handled without increasing the power consumed by the electromagnetic drive system. Furthermore, since the additional Lorentz force is generated proportionally to the overcurrent intensity, effective compensation of the repulsive force can always be achieved.

[0032] Another technical advantage of this invention is the increased impact resistance due to the additional attraction between the contacts. This also leads to increased contact force and thus reduced contact resistance.

[0033] For the purpose of explaining the principles of the invention, the accompanying drawings are incorporated in and form a part of this specification. The drawings should not be construed as limiting the invention to the examples shown and described of how the invention can be made and used. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following and more detailed description of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a contactor mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the contactor mechanism is shown in a closed state and the movable contact is oriented upward on the side connected to the drive shaft.

[0036] Figure 2 This is another perspective view of the contactor mechanism according to the first embodiment, wherein the contactor mechanism is shown with the input and output terminals oriented side-up;

[0037] Figure 3 It means that by having Figure 1 The graph shows the simulation results of the magnetic induction intensity B generated by the current flowing in the direction of the horizontal arrow in the contactor mechanism of the shown structure, as well as the direction of the repulsive Lorentz force F1 applied to the movable contact and the repulsive Lorentz force F2 applied to the fixed contact.

[0038] Figure 4 This schematically shows (a) along having Figure 1 The current flow direction of the C-shaped contactor mechanism shown, and the resulting additional Lorentz forces F1 and F2, which close in the opposite direction (i.e., in the downward direction of the solid arrow toward the electromagnetic drive system), and (b) along the current flow direction of a conventional contactor mechanism, which closes in the standard direction (i.e., in the upward direction of the solid arrow away from the electromagnetic drive system).

[0039] Figure 5 It includes having Figure 1 The electromagnetic contactor of the contactor mechanism shown is oriented upwards on one side of the input and output terminals and is cut along the closing direction of the contactor mechanism.

[0040] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic contactor shown.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a contactor mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is shown oriented in an upward direction on one side connected to the drive shaft;

[0042] Figure 8 This is a perspective view (viewed from the side connected to the upward-directing drive shaft) of the contactor mechanism according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

[0043] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a contactor mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the contactor mechanism is shown in an open state and oriented in an upward direction on one side connected to the drive shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Throughout the text, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0045] Figure 1 A contact system 100 according to a first embodiment is shown. The contact system 100 includes a movable contact 110 and a pair of fixed contacts 120, 130 (hereinafter referred to as the first fixed contact 120 and the second fixed contact 130), which are specifically designed to counteract the repulsive Holm force generated between the movable contact 110 and the fixed contacts 120, 130. The movable contact 110 and the fixed contacts 120, 130 are made of a conductive material.

[0046] The movable contact 110 is configured to extend along the longitudinal direction 140 in length L (e.g., along...). Figure 1 A single flat rod extending in the X-axis direction (as shown in the diagram). The movable contact 110 is movable toward the fixed contacts 120, 130 in a closing direction 150 transverse to the longitudinal direction 140, thereby bridging the separation gap between the contact portions 120a, 130a of the fixed contacts 120, 130a, respectively, to close the contact system 100. Electrical contact with each of the fixed contacts 120, 130 is made via contact portions 110a, 110b (hereinafter referred to as the first and second movable contact portions) at opposite ends along the longitudinal direction L of the movable contact 110.

[0047] When from a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 140 (e.g., along...) Figure 1 When viewed in the Z-axis direction, the first and second fixed contacts 120 and 130 are both designed with C-shaped bodies, each C-shaped body having a pair of legs spaced apart in the closing direction 150 and extending toward the center of the contact system 100 in the longitudinal direction 140. Figure 1 As shown, the movable contact 110 is movable in the closing direction 150 within the internal space defined by the first and second fixed contacts 120 and 130, and is arranged such that the first movable contact portion 110a is located between the first leg 120a and the second leg 120c of the first fixed contact 120, and the second movable contact portion 110b is located between the first leg 130a and the second leg 130c of the second fixed contact 130. The first legs 120a and 130a form contact portions to which the movable contact 110 makes electrical contact when the contact system 100 is closed. The C-shaped bodies of the first fixed contacts 120 and 130 cause current to flow across the closed contact system 100 around the movable contact 110, thereby generating a repulsive Lorentz force that helps to push the movable contact 110 against the legs 120a and 130a of the first and second fixed contacts 120 and 130, as will be explained later.

[0048] The contact portions 110a and 110b of the movable contact 110 are connected by a central region 110c, which has protruding features, such as flanges extending from opposite sides in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal length L, for securing the support structure 200 to the movable contact 110. The support structure 200 carries a drive shaft 210, which is coupled to a contact spring 220 positioned to contact the upper side of the central portion 110c to apply a contact force to the movable contact 110. The drive shaft 210 is movable along a closing direction 150, for example along... Figure 1 The movable contact 110 moves along the Y-axis direction as shown, driving it to move between two positions corresponding to the closed and open states of the contact system 100. In the closed position, as... Figure 1 As shown, the movable contact 110 shifts in the closing direction 150 until the contact portions 110a and 110b of the movable contact 110 make electrical contact with the corresponding contact portions 120a and 130a of the fixed contacts 120 and 130, respectively, thereby closing the electrical path between the first and second fixed contacts 120 and 130. In the open position, the movable contact 110 shifts in the opposite direction, away from the contact portions 120a and 130a, thereby interrupting the electrical path between the fixed contacts 120 and 130.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, the support structure 200 is designed to be mounted on the upper side of the movable contact 110, which is the side facing the electromagnetic drive system 310 when installed in the electromagnetic contactor 300. Because the support structure 200 is positioned on the outside of the contact system 100, the internal space between the movable contact 110 and the second legs 120c, 130c of the fixed contacts 120, 130 can be reduced, and thus the distance between currents flowing along these portions can be reduced. This has the benefit of increasing the strength of the generated repulsive Lorentz force and reducing the overall size of the contactor mechanism 100 in the closing direction 150. The contact spring 220 allows good contact to always be maintained between the movable contact 110 and the drive shaft 210 and compensates for oscillations of the movable contact 110 caused by unbalanced repulsive Holm forces generated on the left and right sides of the movable contact 110.

[0050] The first fixed contact 120 and the second fixed contact 130 are each disposed on the opposite side of the movable contact 110 in the longitudinal direction 140, for example, when from Figure 1 When viewed from the side, the contact portions 120a and 130a are respectively positioned on the left and right sides of the movable contact 110, and arranged such that the contact portions 120a and 130a face the upper sides of the contact portions 110a and 110b of the movable contact 110.

[0051] Specifically, the fixed contact 120 is configured with a middle portion 120b, which is bent at approximately 90° towards the movable contact 110 at both its upper and lower portions. A first contact portion 120a (or a first leg) is formed as a flat portion extending from the upper portion of the middle portion 120b, thereby extending in a direction parallel to the upper side of the movable contact 110 and overlapping with the contact portion 110a of the movable contact 110. On the opposite side of the C-shaped body, the fixed contact 120 has a second leg with an extension portion 120c that extends from the lower portion of the middle portion 120b parallel to the lower side of the movable contact 120 and extends over a portion of its longitudinal length L. At approximately half (L / 2) of the longitudinal length of the movable contact 110, the extension 110c takes a curved shape, the curved shape having an edge 120e that faces an alignment direction 160 offset from the longitudinal direction 140. This alignment direction 160 is transverse to the closing direction 150 of the contact system 100 and forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction 140, for example... Figure 1 The 90° angle shown.

[0052] Furthermore, the fixed contact 120 is configured with a terminal portion 120d for connecting the contact system 100 to a terminal of an external load (not shown), such as an output terminal. The terminal portion 120d of the fixed contact 120c is connected to the inclined edge 120e of the extension 120c, such that the terminal portion 120d is not located below the movable contact 110, but is offset from it in the alignment direction 160 at a given non-zero angle, such as 90°. The terminal portion 120d is designed to be in a plane transverse to the closing direction 150 of the contact system 100 (e.g., in...). Figure 1 A flat plate oriented in the plane XZ of the medium is used to connect to the load terminal from the vertical direction.

[0053] The second fixed contact 130 also has a C-shaped body similar to that of the first fixed contact 120. For example... Figure 1As shown, the C-shaped body of the second fixed contact 130 includes a middle portion 130b that bends at approximately 90° towards the movable contact 110 at its upper part, and a contact portion 130a (first leg) extends from the middle portion 130b in a direction parallel to the upper side of the movable contact 110 so as to overlap with the contact portion 110b of the movable contact 110 located below it. Furthermore, the middle portion 130b bends at its lower part, and a second leg having an extension portion 130c extends from this lower part, below the lower side of the movable contact 110, and along the longitudinal direction 140 towards the center of the contact system 100. Both the contact portion 130a and the extension portion 130c are configured as flat plates oriented substantially orthogonal to the closing direction 150. In addition, the extension portion 130c is also designed to be curved, which has an edge 130e that deviates from the longitudinal direction 140 at a non-zero angle, for example -90°, i.e., toward the direction transverse to the closing direction 150 of the contact system 100, and opposite to the deviation direction of the inclined edge 120e of the extension portion 120c of the first fixed contact 120.

[0054] Another terminal of the load (not shown), such as an input terminal, may be electrically connected to a terminal portion 130d of the fixed contact 130, which extends from the inclined edge 130e of the extension portion 130c, such that it is also offset from the longitudinal direction 140. As a result, the terminal portion 130d is not located below the movable contact 110, but is rotated from the movable contact 110 by a given non-zero angle, such as -90°, relative to the alignment direction 160.

[0055] Therefore, according to this configuration, the terminal portions 120d and 130d extending from the second legs 120c and 130c of the fixed contacts 120 and 130 are offset from the longitudinal direction 140 in opposite directions, for example, arranged along an alignment direction 160 that forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction 140 of the contact system 100.

[0056] Figure 2 The movable contact 110 and fixed contacts 120, 130 of the contact system 100, viewed from below, are shown without the support structure 200. This lower side is the side of the terminal portions 120d, 130d to be connected to the load terminals (not shown). Figure 2 As shown, the specific design of the first fixed contact 120 and the second fixed contact 130 results in the contact system 100 having terminal portions 120d and 130d, to which the output and input terminals of the load will be connected, with the terminal portions 120d and 130d aligned along an alignment direction 160 (i.e., along...). Figure 1Alignment is performed in the Z-axis direction of the contact 110, with the alignment direction 160 rotated at an angle opposite to, for example, 90°, relative to the other branches of the corresponding fixed contacts 120, 130. This alignment direction 160 is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 140 of the movable contact 110 and the closing direction 150 of the contact system 100, and is therefore different from the terminal alignment in the longitudinal direction 140 of the movable contact 110 as is conventionally used in the prior art.

[0057] The 90° reverse alignment of the terminal portions 120d and 130d provides several advantages over the standard longitudinal alignment of the input and output terminals used in the prior art (such as in the electromagnetic contactors discussed in the background section above).

[0058] First, the 90° reverse alignment allows for maximizing the lengths of the extensions 120c and 130c, which can extend over approximately half the length L of the movable contact 110. This results in maximized overlap between the current path along the longitudinal length of the movable contact 110 and the current path along the fixed extensions 120c and 130c on both sides of the movable contact 110, thus maximizing the Lorentz force generated between the movable contact 110 and the fixed contacts 120 and 130. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the input current (I_in) to the fixed terminal portion 130d first flows along the extension portion 130c, parallel to the movable contact 110, then around the movable contact portion 110b of the movable contact 110, along the C-shaped fixed contact 130, toward the fixed contact portion 130a, and from the fixed contact portion 130a to the movable contact 110. Then, the input current I travels along the longitudinal direction 140 of the movable contact 110, substantially parallel to the current path on the opposing extension portion 130c, toward the fixed contact 120, which receives the current from the contact portion 120a. The received current then flows along the C-shaped fixed contact 120, around the movable contact portion 110a of the movable contact 110, and in the extension portion 120c along a current path parallel to the current direction I in the movable contact 110, and then exits at the terminal portion 120d (I_out). Therefore, since the C-shape of the fixed contacts 120, 130 at least partially surrounds the movable contact 110, the passage of current along the extensions 120c, 130c generates a repulsive Lorentz force F1 on the movable contact 110 because the direction of current flow is opposite to the current I on the movable contact 110. Similarly, the current flow across the contact system 100 results in a repulsive Lorentz force F2, oriented in the opposite direction to the Lorentz force F1, which is applied to each of the extensions 120c, 130c of the fixed contacts 120, 130. Figure 4(a) shows a simplified representation of the current path (solid arrow) along the movable contact 110 and the fixed contacts 120, 130 when the contact system 100 is closed, and the directions of the corresponding Lorentz forces F1 and F2.

[0059] Figure 3 The simulation results show the direction of the magnetic induction B and the resulting repulsive Lorentz forces F1 and F2 generated by the current flowing in the upper branches of the fixed contacts 120, 130 and the movable contact 110 (along the direction of the solid arrow).

[0060] The repulsive Lorentz force F1 applied to the movable contact 110 and the Lorentz force F2 applied to each of the fixed contacts 120, 130 act in opposite directions, thereby generating an additional force that complements the contact force applied by the drive shaft 210 to the movable contact 110 to keep the contact system 100 closed during normal operating conditions. Therefore, in the event that the contact system 100 operates to interrupt a very high current in the event of a short circuit, the repulsive Holm force generated by the discharge current across the contact area between the movable contact 110 and the fixed contacts 120, 130 can be counteracted by the repulsive Lorentz force generated by the flow effect of the current through the closed contact system 100.

[0061] Secondly, the 90° reverse alignment of terminal portions 120d and 130d allows for maximizing the length of extension portions 120d and 130d, and thus increases the strength of the repulsive Lorentz force for a given length of movable contact 110. Therefore, this design contributes to the compact size of the contact system 100 in the longitudinal direction 140. Furthermore, designing terminal portions 120d and 130d as flat plates oriented parallel to extension portions 120c and 130c (i.e., orthogonal to the closing direction 150) also allows for a reduction in the size of the contact system 100 in the closing direction 150.

[0062] Therefore, the C-shaped shape of the extensions 120c and 130c of each fixed contact 120, 130, and the 90° reverse alignment of the corresponding output and input terminals 120d and 130d, allow for a counterbalancing of the repulsive forces between the movable contact 110 and each fixed contact 120, 130, thereby enhancing the effective contact force during high current interruption in the event of a short circuit. This also counterbalances the speed at which the contact system 100 will disconnect in the event of a short circuit. Furthermore, it ensures that the contact system 100 will not unexpectedly disconnect at currents below the desired threshold. In this sense, the design of the contact system 100 provides effective short-circuit prevention.

[0063] Electrical contact between the movable contact 110 and each of the fixed contacts 120, 130 is formed via a set of contact islands 112, 114 arranged on at least one of the respective facing sides. For example, in Figure 1In the illustrated configuration, a pair of adjacent contact islands 112 are formed in the movable contact portion 110a on the upper side facing the fixed contact portion 120a to split the current flow into two branches. Similarly, the right movable contact 110b includes a pair of adjacent contact islands 114 arranged on the upper side facing the fixed contact 130a. Each of the fixed contact portions 120a and 130a may also be provided with a corresponding pair of contact islands (not shown) arranged on the side facing the movable contact 110 and aligned with the corresponding contact islands 112 and 114 in the facing movable contact portions 110a and 110b. Thus, the contact islands 112 and 114 form the only area through which the movable contact 110 and the fixed contacts 120 and 130 of the contact system 100 can establish mechanical and electrical contact with each other, and thus ensure that the current transmitted by the movable contact 110 flows along the C-shaped path established in the first and second fixed contacts 120 and 130, thereby improving contact stability.

[0064] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 An exemplary electromagnetic contactor 300 including a contact system 100 is shown.

[0065] The electromagnetic contactor 300 includes an electromagnetic drive system 310 mechanically coupled to a movable contact 110 via a drive shaft 210, and generates a contact force under normal operating conditions to hold the movable contact 110 in a closed position (i.e., against fixed contacts 120, 130). For example, the electromagnetic drive system 310 includes a movable magnetic core 312 (e.g., an iron core) and an electromagnetic coil 315 configured to generate an electromagnetic actuation force actuated on the movable magnetic core 312 when supplied with an excitation current. Under appropriate excitation current, the generated electromagnetic force causes displacement of the movable magnetic core 312 in the closing direction 150 of the contact system 110. The movable core 312 then inserts toward the magnetic coil 315, thereby moving the drive shaft 210 coupled thereto in the closing direction 150 and pressing a return spring 318 housed in the cavity 319 of the movable magnetic core 315. As a result, the movable contact 110 is pressed against the fixed contacts 120 and 130, and the contact system 100 is closed. When the electromagnetic coil 315 is de-energized, the electromagnetic actuation force disappears, and the magnetic core 315 and the drive shaft 210 are pushed back in the opposite direction to the closing direction 150 by the release force of the return spring 318. As a result, the movable contact 110 separates from the fixed contacts 120 and 130, and the contact system 100 is disconnected.

[0066] In other words, when the electromagnetic coil 315 generates an actuating force sufficient to keep the contacts 110, 120, 130 closed, the contact system 100 closes, and when the coil 315 is de-energized (e.g., due to a short-circuit event), the contact system 100 opens.

[0067] The contact system 100 is installed within the housing 340 of the electromagnetic contactor 300. Fixed contacts 120 and 130 are fixed to the housing 340 and have terminal portions 120d and 130d mounted on their outer sides. These terminal portions 120d and 130d are for connecting to the output and input terminals of a load or electrical circuit (not shown) to be protected by the contact system 100. The terminal portions 120d and 130d may have through holes f170 for receiving or inserting load terminals.

[0068] The electromagnetic contactor 300 may be provided with an arc-extinguishing chamber 350, which is disposed inside the housing 340 and on either side of the contact system 100, for example adjacent to the contact area 360 between the movable contact 110 and each of the fixed contacts 120, 130, for dissipating arc current that may occur when the contact system 100 is suddenly opened to interrupt a high-current discharge.

[0069] The housing 340 protects the contact system 100 from external environmental factors (such as humidity) and prevents obstruction of its operation. The housing 340 may be a modular housing, for example, formed by a first half 342 and a second half 344, wherein the first half 342 is configured to house the contact system 100 internally, and the second half 344 is configured to house the contact system 100 internally, such as... Figure 5-6 As shown. The first housing half 342 and the second housing half 344 can be configured as independent and enclosed units, which can be assembled together to form the housing 340 of the electromagnetic contactor 300. For example, the first half 342 can be constructed as an enclosed housing unit with a through-hole on the side facing the second half 344 to allow the drive shaft 210 to be connected to the electromagnetic drive system 310 arranged inside, thereby forming a first modular unit 300a. The second half 344 can also be constructed as an enclosed housing unit with a through-hole on the side facing the first half 342, and the drive shaft 210 connected to the contact mechanism 100 arranged inside can extend from this through-hole to be connected to the electromagnetic drive system 310 arranged in the second half 344, thereby forming a second modular unit 300b. Therefore, the electromagnetic contactor 300 can be designed to be modular, making it easy to construct with various coil arrangements and contact mechanism options. The modular design also facilitates the assembly of the electromagnetic contactor 300.

[0070] As described above, the high current recirculation along the C-shaped current path surrounding the movable contact 110 from the left and right sides results in a repulsive Lorentz force between the extensions 120c, 130c and the movable contact 110. This repulsive Lorentz force tends to press the movable contact 110 against the contact portions 120a, 130a, thereby increasing the contact force to keep the contact system 100 closed. Furthermore, it should be noted that the current recirculation also includes parallel current paths established along the fixed contact portions 120a, 130a and the movable contact portions 110a, 110b, which transmit current in the same direction. These currents also generate additional Lorentz forces, which here have an attractive nature but also tend to push the movable contact 110 and the fixed contacts 120, 130 against each other, thereby also increasing the contact force to keep the contact system 100 closed.

[0071] Therefore, the contact force generated by the electromagnetic coil 315 to keep the contact system 100 closed automatically supplements the additional force generated solely by the current flow along the contact system 100, without the need to add additional magnetic components to the contact system 100 or increase the excitation current of the electromagnetic drive system 310.

[0072] Furthermore, since the Lorentz force increases with the intensity of the current flowing through it, the length of the parallel current path, and the decrease in the separation distance between the parallel current paths, the dimensions of the movable contact 110 and the fixed contacts 120, 130, and the separation distance between them, can be set according to the specific application of the contactor to generate an additional force of suitable strength. For example, the additional repulsive Lorentz force can be increased by increasing the overlap length of the parallel current paths along each of the movable contact 110 and the fixed contacts 120, 130 in the longitudinal direction. In particular, the lengths of the extensions 120c, 130c are preferably equal to or close to half the longitudinal length L of the movable contact 110 in order to maximize the additional repulsive Lorentz force.

[0073] The basic principle of the effect achieved by the specific shapes of the fixed contacts 120 and 130 described with reference to the first embodiment can be advantageously applied to other constructions of the contact system, as will be referred to below. Figure 7-9 The explanation given.

[0074] Figure 7 A contact system 400 according to a second embodiment is shown. The contact system 400 includes a movable contact 410 and a pair of fixed contacts 420, 430 (hereinafter referred to as the first fixed contact 420 and the second fixed contact 430). Similar to the contact system 100 described above, the movable contact 410 can move along the closing direction 450 (i.e., along...). Figure 7 The Y-direction (as described above) moves relative to the fixed contacts 420 and 430 to switch between closed and open states under the actuation of the drive system, as shown in the reference above. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The electromagnetic drive system 310 is described. The fixed contacts 420 and 430 are configured to have the same design as the fixed contacts 120 and 130 described above. Specifically, the two fixed contacts 420 and 430 are designed with C-shaped bodies (when...). Figure 7 When viewed along the Z-axis, each C-shaped body has a corresponding pair of legs 420a, 420c and 430a, 430c, the corresponding pair of legs 420a, 420c and 430a, 430c are separated by corresponding intermediate portions 420b, 430b in the closing direction 450 of the contact system 400, and along the longitudinal direction ( Figure 7 The fixed contacts 420 and 430 extend laterally to the closing direction 450 and toward the center of the contact system 400, in the X-axis direction. Additionally, similar to the first embodiment, each of the fixed contacts 420 and 430 further includes corresponding terminal portions 420d and 430d, which extend from the legs 420c and 430c of the fixed contacts 420 and 430 respectively, and form a non-zero angle alignment direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the contact system 400. Figure 7 The Z-axis direction is set on the opposite side of the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the effect of counteracting the repulsive Holm force at the contact point between the movable contact 410 and the fixed contacts 420, 430 is similar to that of the first embodiment, and will not be repeated below.

[0075] Similar to the first embodiment, the movable contact 410 establishes electrical contact with each of the fixed contacts 420 and 430 via contact portions 410a and 410b (hereinafter referred to as movable contact portions). Contact portions 410a and 410b are located at opposite ends along the longitudinal direction of the movable contact 410 and respectively face the corresponding contact portions 420a and 430a in the first legs of the fixed contacts 420 and 430. However, the movable contact 410 differs from the first embodiment in that the central intermediate portion 410c rises in the closing direction 450 of the contact system 400 via lateral branches 410d and 410e respectively connected to contact portions 410b and 410y, thereby forming an inverted U-shape (when moving from...). Figure 7 (When viewed along the Z-axis). Therefore, the opening of the U-shape faces downwards, that is, towards the opposite direction to the closing direction 450. The intermediate region 410c to which the support structure 200 is attached has the same characteristics as the referenced above. Figure 1 A similar fixed flange is described. Furthermore, in the contact system 400, the connection to the support structure 200 carrying the drive shaft 210 still occurs from the top side of the intermediate portion 410c, as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the closing and opening operations of the contact system 400 are similar to those described above for the first embodiment.

[0076] The inverted U-shaped configuration of the movable contact 410 provides additional space between the movable contact 410 and the fixed contacts 420, 430, which can be used to accommodate additional components inside the contact system 400, such as the permanent magnet 440, to enhance arc extinguishing capability. For example, the magnetic induction introduced by the permanent magnet 440 can increase the additional force used to counteract the deviation of the arc, which can be formed across the contact point between the movable contact 410 and the fixed contacts 420, 430 due to the Lorentz force generated by the current flowing along the vertical portions 420b, 430b of the fixed contacts 420, 430, and directed towards the center of the contact system 400. Furthermore, although the intermediate portion 410c rises in the direction of the drive shaft 210 (i.e., towards the electromagnetic drive system), the contact system 400 does not present a strong compromise in terms of the volume occupied inside the electromagnetic contactor (e.g., the electromagnetic contactor 300 described above). For example, the length of the drive shaft 210 can be shortened to compensate for the increased height of the contact system 400 in the closing direction 450.

[0077] Therefore, the contact system 400 still utilizes the specific C-shaped design of the fixed contacts 420, 430 to counteract the repulsive Holm force through the Lorentz force generated by the current flow in the C-shaped contacts 420, 430, while allowing additional components, such as permanent magnets 440, to be incorporated into the contact system 400 without compromising the compact size of the contactor.

[0078] Figure 8 A contact system 500 according to a third embodiment is shown. The contact system 500 includes a pair of fixed contacts 520, 530 (hereinafter referred to as the first fixed contact 520 and the second fixed contact 530), and differs from the second embodiment in that it includes a pair of separate movable contact elements 510', 510" as movable contacts for establishing a contact bridge between the fixed contacts 520, 530. The fixed contacts 520, 530 are configured to have the same design as the fixed contacts 120, 130 described above. Specifically, each of the fixed contacts 520, 530 is designed with a C-shaped body (e.g., when...). Figure 8 When viewed along the Z-axis, each C-shaped body has a corresponding pair of legs 520a, 520c and 530a, 530c, the corresponding pair of legs 520a, 520c and 530a, 530c are separated by corresponding intermediate portions 520b, 530b in the closing direction 550 of the contact system 500 and along the longitudinal direction ( Figure 8The fixed contacts 520 and 530 extend toward the center of the contact system 500 in the X-axis direction. Additionally, similar to the first embodiment, each of the fixed contacts 520 and 530 further includes a corresponding terminal portion 520d and 130d, which extends from the second legs 520c and 530c of the fixed contacts 520 and 530 and forms a non-zero angle alignment direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the contact system 500 (e.g., along the X-axis direction). Figure 8 The direction of the Z-axis in the figure is set on the opposite side of the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the counterbalancing of the repulsive Holm force at the contact point between the movable contact 510 and the fixed contacts 520, 530 is similar to that in the first embodiment, and will not be repeated below.

[0079] Similar to the movable contact 410 in the second embodiment, each of the movable contact elements 510', 510" is constructed as a rod with a U-shaped design and is similarly oriented relative to the closing direction 550 of the contact system 500, i.e., relative to... Figure 8 The Y-axis direction shown has an inverted U-shaped orientation. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown, the first movable contact element 510' has a central portion 510'c, which, at least when the contact system 500 is in the closed state, rises in the closing direction 550 via lateral vertical branches 510'd and 510'e and is higher than the level of the fixed contact portions 520a and 530a. The movable contact 510' makes electrical contact with the fixed contact portions 520a and 530a of the fixed contacts 520 and 530 respectively via contact portions 510'a and 510'b, which are connected at right angles from the left and right sides to the lateral branches 510'd and 510'e, thereby completing the U-shape (viewed from the Z direction) of the first movable contact element 510'. The second movable contact element 510” is disposed adjacent to the first movable contact element 510’ in a direction orthogonal to the closing direction 550, and is configured to have the same size and U-shaped shape as the first movable contact element 510’, i.e., having an elevated middle portion 510”c, which is connected to the corresponding contact portion by vertical branches to form a U-shape.

[0080] A support structure carrying the drive shaft, such as support structure 200, can be attached from the top side of the intermediate portions 510'c, 510' to the first and second movable contact elements 510', 510', as described with reference to the second embodiment, for operating the contact system 500. The intermediate regions 510'c, 510'c may include suitable flanges (not shown) for attaching the support structure 200, similar to... Figure 7 The construction shown.

[0081] Then, the movable contact elements 510', 510'' can move as blocks along the closing direction 550, so that the corresponding contact portions 510'a, 510"b and 510"a, 510"b on the left and right sides respectively contact the fixed contacts 520, 530, thereby enabling the drive system (e.g., referenced above) to... Figure 5 and 6 The electromagnetic drive system 300 described herein is actuated by a closed contact system 500.

[0082] Using multiple movable contact elements 510', 510' to bridge the fixed contacts 520, 530 allows the current through the contact system 500 to be divided into multiple parallel branches, thereby reducing contact repulsion and lowering contact resistance.

[0083] Furthermore, by employing multiple U-shaped movable contact elements 510', 510" with the middle portions 510'c, 510"c rising along the drive shaft (not shown), the contact system 500 also provides increased space between the movable contacts 510', 510" and the fixed contacts 520, 530 to accommodate additional components, such as permanent magnets (not shown), without significantly compromising its compact size. Thus, the contact system 500 still utilizes the specific C-shaped design of the fixed contacts 520, 530 to counteract the repulsive Holm force through the Lorentz force generated by the current flow in the C-shaped contacts 520, 530, while allowing additional components to be incorporated within the contact system 500 without compromising its compact size.

[0084] Figure 9 A contact system 600 according to a fourth embodiment is shown. The contact system 600 includes a pair of fixed contacts 620, 630 (hereinafter referred to as the first fixed contact 620 and the second fixed contact 630), and differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a plurality of individual movable contact elements 610-1 to 610-4 as movable contacts establishing a contact bridge between the fixed contacts 620, 630. Each of the first fixed contact 620 and the second fixed contact 630 is constructed with the same design as the fixed contacts 120, 130 described above. Specifically, each of the fixed contacts 620, 630 is designed with a C-shaped body (when...). Figure 9 When viewed along the Z-axis, each C-shaped body has a corresponding pair of legs 620a, 620c and 630a, 630c, the corresponding pair of legs 620a, 620c and 630a, 630c are separated by corresponding intermediate portions 620b, 630b in the closing direction 650 of the contact system 600 and along the longitudinal direction ( Figure 9The fixed contacts 620 and 630 extend toward the center of the contact system 600 in the X-axis direction. Additionally, similar to the first embodiment, each of the fixed contacts 620 and 630 further includes corresponding terminal portions 620d and 630d, which extend from the second legs 620c and 630c of the fixed contacts 620 and 630 respectively, and form a non-zero angle alignment direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the contact system 600. Figure 9 The Z-axis direction is located on the opposite side of the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the counterbalancing of the repulsive Holm force at the contact point between the movable contact 610 and the fixed contacts 620, 630 is similar to that in the first embodiment, and will not be repeated below.

[0085] Similar to the movable contact 110 in the first embodiment, each of the movable contact elements 610-1 to 610-4 is configured as a flat rod extending along the same longitudinal direction to bridge the gaps between the contact portions 620a and 630a of the first and second fixed contacts 620 and 630, respectively, and in a direction orthogonal to the closing direction 650 of the contact system 600, i.e., in... Figure 9 They are arranged adjacent to each other along the Z-axis, as shown. For example, as... Figure 9 As shown, the first movable contact element 610-1 has a central portion 610-1c constructed between the contact portions 610-1a and 610-1b on the left and right sides. When the contact system 600 is closed, the movable contact 610-1 makes electrical contact with the facing fixed contact portions 620a and 630a through the contact portions 610-1a and 610-1b, respectively. The other movable contact elements 610-2 to 610-4 have the same shape and size as the first movable contact element 610-1.

[0086] Multiple movable contact elements 610-1 to 610-4 are arranged adjacent to each other in a direction orthogonal to both the closing direction 650 and the longitudinal direction L. The movable contact elements 610-1 to 610-4 can move as blocks along the closing direction 650 of the contact system 600 under the actuation of the drive shaft 612, so that the corresponding contact portions on the left and right sides respectively contact the contact portions 620a and 630a of the fixed contacts 620 and 630, thereby closing the contact system 600. The contact system 600 can be operated under the actuation of a drive system that causes the drive shaft 612 to move along the closing direction 650, as described above. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The electromagnetic drive system 300 is described above.

[0087] To simultaneously apply contact force to the four movable contact elements 610-1 to 610-4, the drive shaft 612 can be fixed to a plate 615, which extends along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L on the respective intermediate portions of the movable contact elements 610-1 to 610-4. By mounting contact springs 620', 620'' on the fixed plate 615, with one contact spring on each side of the drive shaft 612, oscillation of the fixed plate 615 due to unbalanced forces or irregularities among the multiple movable contact elements 610-1 to 610-4 can be prevented. The contact springs 620', 620'' and the fixed plate 615 can be enclosed in a manner similar to... Figure 1 In the support structure 200 shown, and this support structure is fixed, for example, to the movable contact elements 610-1 and 610-4, and arranged on the top side of the respective intermediate portion, for example in Figure 9 Above the middle portion 610-1c shown. The movable contact elements 610-1 to 610-4 can be rigidly fixed to a set of one or more retaining rods 660, which extend below the lower side of the movable contact elements 610-1 to 610-4, so that they can move together as a block.

[0088] Despite Figure 9 Not shown, but the electrical contact between the movable contact elements 610-1 to 610-4 of the contact system 600 and the fixed contacts 620, 630 is preferably established via contact islands, which can be formed on the upper side of the contact portions of the movable contact elements 610-1 to 610-4, for example in... Figure 9 The contact portions 610-1a and 610-1b of the movable contact element 610-1 shown may be formed on the underside of the contact portions 620a and 630a of the first and second fixed contacts 620 and 630, or on both.

[0089] Using multiple movable contacts to bridge the fixed contacts 620, 630 allows the current through the contact system 600 to be divided into multiple parallel branches, thus reducing contact repulsion and lowering contact resistance. The contact system 600 is shown as including four movable contact elements 610-1c to 610-4c. However, the number of movable contact elements in this embodiment is not limited to four.

[0090] Therefore, the contact system 600 also utilizes the specific C-shaped design of the fixed contacts 620, 630 described with reference to the first embodiment to counteract the repulsive Holm force through the Lorentz force generated by the current flow in the C-shape, without compromising its compact size. This configuration with multiple movable contacts may be advantageous for applications requiring a reduction in the longitudinal length of the contactor system but not necessarily in the lateral dimension. The effect of the reduction in the longitudinal length of a single movable contact on the additional force generated by the repulsive Lorentz force can then be compensated for by the multiplication effect of multiple movable contacts arranged side-by-side. This configuration also allows for a reduction in contact resistance by dividing the current flowing through the contact system 600 among multiple branches.

[0091] The above reference Figure 7-9 Any of the contact systems described can be implemented in an electromagnetic contactor, such as the one referenced above. Figure 5-6 The electromagnetic contactor 300 is described. The specific dimensions and spacing between contacts in any of the above contact systems can be optimized experimentally and / or using simulation methods known in the art, based on specific application and operating parameters, such as the discharge current the contact system must withstand, the contact force generated by the magnetic coil, the overall size constraints the contact system must meet, and the conductive material used for the contacts, including the contact cross-section that affects contact resistance. The materials used to produce the movable and fixed contacts are conductive materials, selected based on their ability to withstand erosion and mechanical stress caused by repeated switching and to provide stable resistance under arc discharge.

[0092] In summary, the contact system in any of the above-described configurations is designed such that the shape of the stationary contact and its position relative to the movable contact allow for enhanced contact forces generated by the electromagnetic drive system. Therefore, at high discharge currents, such as 15 kA or higher, the Lorentz force generated by the repulsive Holm force produced by the current flow through the contacts is counteracted by the repulsive Holm force resulting from the recirculation of current in the stationary contacts. Thus, the present invention provides a reliable contact system and electromagnetic contactor for protecting electrical equipment used in high-voltage applications, and it has a compact size. Therefore, damage to the contact system due to premature contact disconnection in the event of a short circuit can be avoided.

[0093] In the description above, the vertical direction is along... Figure 1The direction of the X-axis is defined, and the closing direction is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, i.e., along the Y-axis. Furthermore, the terms "upper side" or "upward" are used in the above description to refer to the side or direction pointing towards the closing direction of the contact system. Nevertheless, although certain features of the above exemplary embodiments are described using terms such as "top," "bottom," "upward," "downward," "upper" or "lower," "left," and "right," these terms are used only for the purpose of facilitating the description of the various features and their relative orientations, and should not be construed as limiting the use of the claimed invention to a particular spatial orientation. Moreover, although the invention has been described above with reference to electromagnetic contactors for high-current applications, the contact system according to the principles of the invention can be advantageously applied to relays and switching devices intended for low-voltage applications.

[0094] Reference Marker

[0095] 100 Contact system of the first embodiment

[0096] 110 movable contact

[0097] Contact portions of movable contacts 110a and 110b

[0098] The central area of ​​the 110c movable contact

[0099] Contact islands on the contact portions of movable contacts 112 and 114

[0100] 120, 130 First and second fixed contacts

[0101] Contact portion of 120a and 130a fixed contacts

[0102] The middle part of the 120b and 130b fixed contacts

[0103] Extension of 120c and 130c fixed contacts

[0104] Terminal portion (or output and input portion) of 120d and 130d fixed contacts

[0105] The sloping edges of the 120e and 130e extensions

[0106] Longitudinal direction of 140 contact system

[0107] 150 contact system closing direction

[0108] 160 Alignment Direction

[0109] 170 through hole

[0110] 200 support structure

[0111] 210 drive shaft

[0112] 220 contact spring

[0113] 300 electromagnetic contactor

[0114] 300a First Module Unit

[0115] 300b Second Module Unit

[0116] 310 Electromagnetic Drive System

[0117] 312 movable magnetic core

[0118] 315 electromagnetic coil

[0119] 318 return spring

[0120] Hollow cavity of 319 magnetic core

[0121] 340 housing

[0122] The first half of the housing of the first module unit 342

[0123] The second half of the housing of the second module unit 344

[0124] 350 arc-extinguishing chamber

[0125] 360° contact area

[0126] 400 Contact system of the second embodiment

[0127] 410U-shaped movable contact

[0128] 410a, 410b movable contact parts

[0129] The middle part of the 410c movable contact

[0130] Vertical cross-section of 410d and 410e movable contacts

[0131] 420, 430 First and second fixed contacts

[0132] Contact portion of 420a and 430a fixed contacts

[0133] The middle part of the fixed contact of 420b and 430b

[0134] Extension of fixed contacts in 420c and 430c

[0135] Terminal portion (or output and input portion) of 420d and 430d fixed contacts

[0136] The sloping edges of the extensions of 420e and 430e

[0137] 440 magnet

[0138] 450 contact system closing direction

[0139] 500 Contact System of the Third Embodiment

[0140] 510', 510” First and second movable contact elements

[0141] Contact portions of the first movable contact elements 510'a and 510'b

[0142] 510'c, 510”c The middle portion of the first and second movable contact elements

[0143] Vertical cross-sections of the first movable contact elements 510'd and 510'e

[0144] 520, 530 First and second fixed contacts

[0145] Contact portion of 520a and 530a fixed contacts

[0146] The middle part of the fixed contact of 520b and 530b

[0147] Extension of fixed contacts in 520c and 530c

[0148] Terminal portion (or output and input portion) of 520d and 530d fixed contacts

[0149] 520e extended section sloping edge

[0150] Closing direction of 550 contact system

[0151] 600 Contact System of the Third Embodiment

[0152] 610-1 to 610-4 movable contact elements

[0153] Contact portions of the first movable contact elements of 610-1a and 610-1b

[0154] The middle part of the first movable contact element of 610-1c

[0155] 612 drive shaft

[0156] 615 fixing plate

[0157] 620', 620” contact springs

[0158] 620, 630 First and second fixed contacts

[0159] Contact portion of 620a and 630a fixed contacts

[0160] The middle part of the fixed contact of 620b and 630b

[0161] Extension of fixed contacts in 620c and 630c

[0162] Terminal portion (or output and input portion) of 620d and 630d fixed contacts

[0163] The sloping edges of the extended sections of the 620e and 630e

[0164] Closing direction of 650 contact system

[0165] 660 fixed rod assembly

Claims

1. A contact system for an electromagnetic contactor, comprising: Movable contact (110; 410; 510', 510”; 610-1 to 610-4), configured to move along the closing direction (150) of the contact system; and The first fixed contact (120; 420; 520; 620) and the second fixed contact (130; 430; 530; 630) are arranged facing each other along a longitudinal direction (140) transverse to the closing direction (150); wherein: Each of the first fixed contact (120; 420; 520; 620) and the second fixed contact (130; 430; 530; 630) has a C-shaped body, the C-shaped body having a first leg (120a, 130a; 420a, 430a; 520a, 530a; 620a, 630a) and a second leg (120c, 130c; 420c, 430c; 520c, 530c; 620c, 630c) oriented toward the center of the contact system and spaced apart along the closing direction (150). The movable contact (110; 410; 510', 510”; 610-1 to 610-4) has a first movable contact portion (110a; 410a; 510'a, 510”a; 610-1a to 610-4a) and a second movable contact portion (110b; 410b; 510'b, 510”b; 610-1b to 610-4b), the first movable contact portion being disposed on the first fixed contact (120). The second movable contact portion is disposed between the first leg (120a; 420a; 520a; 620a) and the second leg (120c; 420c; 520c; 620c) of the second fixed contact (130; 430; 530; 630), and between the first leg (130a; 430a; 530a; 630a) and the second leg (130c; 430c; 530c; 630c). The first fixed contact (120; 420; 520; 620) and the second fixed contact (130; 430; 530; 630) each include a terminal portion (120d, 130d; 420d, 430d; 520d, 530d; 620d, 630d) extending from the corresponding second leg (120c, 130c; 420c, 430c; 520c, 530c; 620c, 630c) toward an alignment direction (160) forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal direction (140) of the contact system.

2. The contact system according to claim 1, wherein, The alignment direction (160) forms a right angle with the longitudinal direction (140) and the closing direction (150) of the contact system, and / or The terminal portions (120d; 420d; 520d; 620d) of the first fixed contact (120; 420; 520; 620) are arranged opposite to the terminal portions (130d; 430d; 530d; 630d) of the second fixed contact (130; 430; 530; 630) with respect to the longitudinal direction (140) of the contact system.

3. The contact system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first fixed contact (120; 420; 520; 620) and the second fixed contact (130; 430; 530; 630) each include an intermediate portion (120b, 130b; 420a, 430a; 520a, 530a; 620a, 630a) between the corresponding first leg (120a, 130a; 420a, 430a; 520a, 530a; 620a, 630a) and the second leg (120c, 130c; 420c, 430c; 520c, 530c; 620c, 630c)). Each second leg (120c, 130c; 420c, 430c; 520c, 530c; 620c, 630c) includes an extension portion that extends generally parallel to the longitudinal direction (140) toward the center of the contact system and has edges (120e, 130e; 420e, 430e; 520e; 620e, 630e), to which the terminal portions (120d; 420d; 520d; 620d) are connected, and The edges (120e, 130e; 420e, 430e; 520e; 620e, 630e) are inclined relative to the longitudinal direction (140) and oriented toward the opposite side of the contact system.

4. The contact system according to claim 3, wherein, First extension portion (120c; 420c; 520c; 620c) and second extension portion (130c; 430c; Each of the 530c; 630c) extends toward each other in the longitudinal direction (140) by a length generally equal to half the length of the movable contacts (110; 410; 510', 510”; 610-1 to 610-4) in the longitudinal direction (140).

5. The contact system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The contact system is closed by moving the movable contacts (110; 410; 510', 510”; 610-1 to 610-4) to a closed position, in which the first movable contact portion (110a; 410a; 510'a, 510”a; 610-1a to 610-4a) contacts the first leg (120a; 420a; 520a; 620a) of the first fixed contact (120; 420; 520; 620), and the second movable contact portion (110b; 410b; 510'b, 510”b; 610-1b to 610-4b) contacts the first leg (130a; 430a; 530a; 630a) of the second fixed contact (130; 430a; 530a; 630a).

6. The contact system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Each terminal portion (120d, 130d; 420d, 430d; 520d, 530d; 620d, 630d) is constructed as a flat plate oriented parallel to both the alignment direction (160) and the longitudinal direction (140), and is provided with through holes (170) for connecting to input or output terminals of an external load.

7. The contact system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The movable contact (110; 410; 510', 510”; 610-1 to 610-4) includes one or more movable contact elements extending in the longitudinal direction (140) and arranged side by side, each of the one or more movable contact elements (110; 410; 510', 510”; 610-1 to 610-4) including a first movable contact portion (110a; 410a; 510'a, 510”a; 610-1a to 610-4a) and a second movable contact portion (110b; 410b; 510'b, 510”b; From 610-1b to 610-4b, the first movable contact portion is disposed between the first leg (120a; 420a; 520a; 620a) and the second leg (120c; 420c; 520c; 620c) of the first fixed contact (120; 420; 520; 620), and the second movable contact portion is disposed between the first leg (130a; 430a; 530a; 630a) and the second leg (130c; 430c; 530c; 630c) of the second fixed contact (130; 430; 530; 630), and... When the contact system is closed, each of the first movable contact portions (110a; 410a; 510'a, 510”a; 610-1a to 610-4a) is configured to interact with the first leg (120a; 420a; 520'a, 520”a) of the first fixed contact (120; 420; 520; 620); 620a) is in contact with the second movable contact portion (110b; 410b; 510'b, 510”b; 610-1b to 610-4b), and each of the second movable contact portions (110b; 410b; 510'b, 510”b; 610-1b to 610-4b) is configured to contact the first leg (130a; 430a; 530'a, 530”a; 630a) of the second fixed contact (130; 430; 530; 630).

8. The contact system according to claim 7, wherein, Each of the one or more movable contact elements (110; 610-1 to 610-4) is configured as a flat rod extending in the longitudinal direction (140); or Each of the one or more movable contact elements (410; 510', 510) is configured as an inverted U-shaped bar with an intermediate portion (410c; 610-1c to 610-4c) that protrudes in the closing direction (150) through the separation region between the first fixed contact (420; 520) and the second fixed contact (430, 530).

9. The contact system according to claim 8, further comprising: One or more permanent magnets (440) are arranged in the space surrounded by the U-shaped middle portion (410c; 510'c, 510”c) of the movable contacts (410; 510', 510”).

10. The contact system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: A support structure (200) is provided for securing the drive shaft (210) to the movable contact (110); The middle part of (110c; 410c; 510'c, 510”c; 610-1c to 610-4c) of 410; 510'c, 510”c; 610-1c to 610-4c. The support structure (200) is configured to support the drive shaft (210), which is oriented along the closing direction (150) and toward the outside of the contact system.

11. An electromagnetic contactor, comprising: The contact system (100; 400; 500; 600) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. and The electromagnetic drive system (310) is configured to operate the contact system (100; 400; 500; 600) to switch between a closed state and an open state.

12. The electromagnetic contactor according to claim 11, wherein, The electromagnetic drive system (310) includes an electromagnetic coil (315) and a movable magnetic core (312) configured to be connected to a drive shaft (210). The movable magnetic core (312) is configured to move the drive shaft (210) along the closing direction (150) when actuated by the electromagnetic actuation force generated by the electromagnetic coil (315), so that the movable contacts (110; 410; 510', 510”; 610-1 to 610-4) move toward the first fixed contact (120; 420; 520; 620) and the second fixed contact (130; 430; 530; 630) to close the contact system (100; 400; 500; 600).

13. The electromagnetic contactor according to claim 12, wherein, The electromagnetic drive system (310) also includes a return spring (318) which is connected to the movable magnetic core (312) on the side opposite to the side connected to the drive shaft (210). When the electromagnetic coil (315) is energized, the return spring (318) is compressed by the movable magnetic core (312) in the closing direction (150) to keep the contact system (100; 400; 500; 600) closed, and When the electromagnetic coil (315) is de-energized to disconnect the contact system (100, 400, 500, 600), the return spring (318) is decompressed and the movable magnetic core (312) and the drive shaft (210) move in a direction opposite to the closing direction (150).

14. The electromagnetic contactor according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, The electromagnetic contactor is manufactured as a component of a first module unit (300a) and a second module unit (300b). The first module unit (300a) includes a first half-shell (342) and the contact system (100; 400; 500; 600) housed within the first half-shell (342). The first half-shell (342) includes a through-hole for allowing a portion of the drive shaft (210) coupled to the contact system (100; 400; 500; 600) to pass through to the outside of the first half-shell (342). The second module unit (300b) includes a second half-shell (344) and an electromagnetic drive system (310) housed within the second half-shell (344). The second half-shell (344) includes a through hole for inserting a portion of the drive shaft (210) protruding from the first half-shell (342) for connection with the electromagnetic drive system (310).

15. The electromagnetic contactor according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising: One or more arc-extinguishing chambers (350) are arranged near the contact area (360) between the movable contact (110; 410; 510', 510”; 610-1 to 610-4) and each of the first fixed contact (120; 420; 520; 620) and the second fixed contact (130; 430; 530; 630).

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