Contactor and main contact mechanism and moving contact assembly thereof

Abstract

The utility model relates to a contactor and a main contact mechanism and a moving contact assembly thereof. The moving contact assembly comprises a support which is arranged along a first direction and is provided with a mounting port; the movable contact bridge is arranged in the mounting port along a second direction forming an angle with the first direction and is provided with a movable contact, and the movable contact bridge and the bracket are in concave-convex joint; the self-lubricating piece is arranged at the concave-convex joint of the movable contact bridge and the bracket in a shape matching manner, and the self-lubricating piece is embedded into a joint groove formed by one of the movable contact bridge and the bracket and surrounds a joint bulge formed by the other one of the movable contact bridge and the bracket; and a bias member which abuts against the moving contact bridge and applies a bias force to the moving contact bridge, wherein the bias force points to a static contact of the contactor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a switch electrical appliance, in particular to a contactor and a main contact mechanism and a moving contact assembly thereof. Background Art

[0002] A contactor is a widely used switching device that utilizes electromagnetic, pneumatic, or hydraulic principles to control the main circuit through a control circuit. Advantages include strong current-cutting capability, rapid operation, safe operation, frequent operation, and remote control. Contactors can control a variety of electrical loads, such as electric motors. A contactor typically comprises a main contact assembly, a drive mechanism that drives the moving contact of the main contact assembly into engagement with the stationary contact, and a biasing mechanism that biases the moving contact away from the stationary contact.

[0003] Existing contactors are typically installed in a vertical orientation during use, while the moving contact bridge in the main contact assembly moves horizontally. Due to the weight of the moving contact bridge and the components it supports, the plastic bracket that supports the moving contact bridge frequently wears out, which can easily reduce the mating accuracy and significantly shorten the normal service life of the contactor.

[0004] Therefore, there is a certain demand in the industry for improving the main contact assembly of the contactor to reduce the wear at the joint between the moving contact bridge and the bracket, thereby increasing the service life of the contactor. Utility Model Content

[0005] The utility model aims to provide a moving contact assembly for a contactor, which can at least solve some of the above technical problems.

[0006] The utility model also aims to provide a main contact mechanism of the moving contact assembly using the above improvement.

[0007] The utility model further aims to provide a contactor using the above improved main contact mechanism.

[0008] According to one aspect of the utility model, a moving contact assembly for a contactor is provided, comprising: a bracket arranged along a first direction and having a mounting opening; a moving contact bridge arranged in the mounting opening along a second direction angled with the first direction and provided with a moving contact point, wherein a concave-convex joint is formed between the moving contact bridge and the bracket; a self-lubricating member arranged in a shape-fitting manner at the concave-convex joint between the moving contact bridge and the bracket, wherein the self-lubricating member is configured to be embedded in a coupling groove formed between the moving contact bridge and one of the brackets, and to surround a coupling protrusion formed between the moving contact bridge and the other of the brackets; a biasing member abutting against the moving contact bridge and applying a biasing force to the moving contact bridge directed toward the static contact of the contactor.

[0009] The moving contact assembly provided by this solution features a guiding self-lubricating element at the interface between the moving contact bridge and the bracket. The interface between the moving contact bridge and the bracket is designed with a concave-convex joint, allowing the conformable self-lubricating element to be stably sandwiched between the two. The surface of the self-lubricating element can be chemically treated to infuse lubricating and corrosion-resistant substances into the component, thereby reducing the coefficient of friction. During normal contactor operation, the self-lubricating element's self-lubrication minimizes wear on the moving contact bridge, significantly extending the contactor's service life.

[0010] In some embodiments, the engaging protrusion is formed with a positioning groove, and the self-lubricating member has a positioning protrusion that can be embedded in the positioning groove.

[0011] In some embodiments, the self-lubricating member is formed with an opening, and the positioning protrusion is a bent elastic piece integrally extending from one of the side surfaces surrounding the opening, and the bent elastic piece can be elastically deformed and abutted against the positioning groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, the self-lubricating part includes a side panel section, a bent section extending integrally at an angle from opposite ends of the side panel section, and a return bent section that folds back from the bent section toward the side panel section, thereby defining a configuration that is conformal to the concave and convex joint between the moving contact bridge and the bracket.

[0013] In some embodiments, the coupling protrusion includes a narrower first section and a wider second section connected to the first section, wherein an accommodating groove is formed between the first section and the second section, and the self-lubricating member surrounds the coupling protrusion and is embedded in the accommodating groove with its end.

[0014] In some embodiments, the moving contact assembly further includes a support member, wherein the moving contact bridge is connected to the support member, and a joint surface abutting against each other is provided between the support member and the self-lubricating member.

[0015] In some embodiments, the bracket has two first side walls arranged opposite to each other in the first direction and two opposite second side walls connected between the two first side walls, wherein the two first side walls and the two second side walls jointly enclose the mounting opening, and each second side wall is respectively formed with the engaging protrusion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the engaging grooves are respectively formed on opposite sides of the moving contact bridge.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a main contact mechanism is provided, comprising: a housing; a static contact installed in the housing; a moving contact assembly arranged in the housing and capable of moving to engage with and separate from the static contact; wherein the moving contact assembly is the aforementioned moving contact assembly.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a contactor is provided, comprising: a base; a plurality of main contact mechanisms mounted side by side on the base; a drive mechanism mounted on the base and driving a movable contact assembly connected to each main contact mechanism; wherein at least one of the plurality of main contact mechanisms is the aforementioned main contact mechanism.

[0019] Some of the other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this application, and the other parts will be described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a moving contact assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 is an exploded schematic diagram of a moving contact assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a moving contact bridge, a support member and a self-lubricating member combined together according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a single-sided self-lubricating member disassembled from a bracket according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of point A;

[0026] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a self-lubricating part according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0027] Description of reference numerals:

[0028] 1-moving contact assembly; 2-bracket; 21-connection port; 22-installation port; 23-first side wall;

[0029] 24-second side wall; 25-engaging protrusion; 251-first section; 252-second section;

[0030] 253- positioning groove; 254- receiving groove; 3- moving contact bridge; 31- protrusion; 32- engaging groove;

[0031] 4-moving contact; 5-support member; 51-orifice; 52-boss; 53-joining surface; 6-biasing member

[0032] 7- self-lubricating part; 71- side plate section; 72- bending section; 73- return bending section; 74- recessed portion; 75- opening

[0033] 76- positioning protrusion; 761- first segment; 762- second segment DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] With reference to the accompanying drawings, schematic diagrams of the contactor, main contact mechanism, and moving contact assembly disclosed in the present invention are described in detail. Although the accompanying drawings are provided to illustrate some embodiments of the present invention, they are not necessarily drawn to the dimensions of a specific embodiment, and certain features may be enlarged, removed, or partially cut away to better illustrate and explain the disclosure of the present invention. Some components in the accompanying drawings may be repositioned as needed without affecting the technical effect. The phrase "in the accompanying drawings" or similar terms appearing in the specification do not necessarily refer to all drawings or examples.

[0035] Certain directional terms used in the following description of the drawings, such as "inner," "outer," "above," "below," and other directional terms, should be understood to have their normal meanings and refer to those directions when the drawings are normally viewed. Unless otherwise indicated, the directional terms used in this specification are generally in accordance with conventional directions understood by those skilled in the art.

[0036] The terms "first", "first", "second", "second" and similar terms used in this utility model do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are used to distinguish one component from other components.

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The following example illustrates a movable contact assembly 1 for a contactor according to the present invention. The contactor assembly can include a base and functional components mounted on the base, primarily including a main contact mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a biasing mechanism. Multiple main contact mechanisms can be arranged side by side and secured to the base via bolts, snaps, or other fastenings to connect the contactor to the main circuit. Individual main contact mechanisms can be modular in design, allowing for easy interchangeability and simplifying contactor installation and maintenance.

[0038] A single main contact mechanism can integrate multiple functional components, such as a stationary contact, a moving contact, and an arc extinguishing mechanism, within its housing. In one embodiment, the housing of the main contact mechanism can be a two-piece structure formed by two half-shells, which can be joined together by bolts or snaps to form an internal housing. The two half-shells can be identical or substantially identical in structure. The housing not only provides protection and support for the other functional components installed within, but also works in conjunction with the base to provide improved phase-to-phase insulation for the main circuit. One end of the stationary contact is fixed within the housing and provided with a stationary contact point, while the other end of the stationary contact extends from the housing and forms a terminal. The extended end of the stationary contact can also be connected to the base via bolts or other means. The two stationary contacts can be arranged opposite and spaced apart within the housing, with the proximal ends of the two stationary contacts fixed within the housing and provided with a stationary contact point, while the distal ends of the two stationary contacts extend from opposite sides of the housing and form terminal blocks.

[0039] The moving contact assembly 1 is movably mounted in the housing and can move relative to the housing and the stationary contact. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the moving contact assembly 1 primarily comprises a bracket 2, a moving contact bridge 3, and a self-lubricating member 7. The bracket 2 is arranged along a first direction, such as horizontally, and can reciprocate in the first direction under the action of the contactor's drive mechanism and biasing mechanism. In one embodiment, a portion of the bracket 2 can be positioned within the housing to support the moving contact bridge 3, while another portion can extend from the housing through the gap between the two stationary contacts to facilitate operation by the drive mechanism. To this end, the bracket 2 can have a connection port 21 formed on the portion extending from the housing for engagement with the drive mechanism.

[0040] The moving contact bridge 3 is supported by the bracket 2 and arranged along a second direction that is angled with the first direction, for example, a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. In order to install the moving contact bridge 3, the bracket 2 is formed with an installation opening 22 spaced apart from the connection opening 21. The installation opening 22 passes through the bracket 2 along the second direction, and the moving contact bridge 3 is inserted into the installation opening 22. The moving contact bridge 3 can move in the first direction in synchronization with the movement of the bracket 2. The arrangement direction of the moving contact bridge 3 can be consistent with the extension direction of the static contact, and moving contacts 4 are respectively provided at the opposite ends of the moving contact bridge 3 along the second direction to adapt to the two static contacts. When the bracket 2 reciprocates in the first direction, it drives the moving contact bridge 3 together with the moving contact 4 to approach and engage with the static contact, or separate from the static contact, thereby realizing the closing or opening of the main circuit of the contactor.

[0041] To reduce friction between the bracket 2 and the moving contact bridge 3, a self-lubricating member 7 is positioned at the junction of the bracket 2 and the moving contact bridge 3 to provide a guiding function. The surface of this guiding self-lubricating member 7 can be chemically treated to infuse lubricating and corrosion-resistant substances into the component, thereby reducing the coefficient of friction. During normal operation of the contactor, the self-lubricating member 7 minimizes wear on the moving contact bridge 3, significantly extending the service life of the contactor. The surface treatment of the self-lubricating member 7 can be performed using any suitable existing chemical treatment process and lubricating substance.

[0042] The shape of the self-lubricating member 7 is configured to match the shape of the connection between the bracket 2 and the movable contact bridge 3, so that it can be stably clamped between the two. For example, in the embodiment shown, a concave-convex fitting connection is configured between the bracket 2 and the movable contact bridge 3, wherein the bracket 2 forms an engagement protrusion 25 in the installation opening 22, and the movable contact bridge 3 forms an engagement groove 32 that can accommodate the engagement protrusion 25. Specifically, the installation opening 22 of the bracket 2 is composed of two first side walls 23 opposite to each other in the first direction and two second side walls 24 opposite to each other connected between the two first side walls 23 (see FIG. Figure 4 ), each second side wall 24 is formed with a coupling protrusion 25, and the coupling protrusions 25 of the two second side walls 24 are opposite to each other. In one embodiment, the coupling protrusion 25 protrudes from the second side wall 24 and can abut or connect to a first side wall 23 near the connection port 21.

[0043] The movable contact bridge 3 is adapted to fit with the two opposing engagement protrusions 25 in the mounting opening 22 of the bracket 2. Engagement grooves 32 are formed on opposite sides of the movable contact bridge 3. When the movable contact bridge 3 is arranged on the bracket 2 along the second direction, it can first be inserted into the mounting opening 22, avoiding the engagement protrusions 25, and then moved closer to the engagement protrusions 25, so that the engagement protrusions 25 are inserted into the engagement grooves 32 on the corresponding sides.

[0044] Adapting to the concave-convex engagement between the bracket 2 and the moving contact bridge 3, the self-lubricating member 7 constructs a meandering sidewall structure so as to be able to be embedded in the engagement groove 32 and surround the engagement protrusion 25. Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the self-lubricating member 7 includes a flat side panel section 71, with bent sections 72 extending at angles from opposite ends of the side panel section 71. The bent sections 72 at both ends of the side panel section 71 can be parallel to each other. A return bend section 73 extends from the end of the bend section 72 away from the side panel section 71. The end of the return bend section 73 bends back toward the side panel section 71, thereby forming a return-shaped sidewall and an undercut on the self-lubricating member 7. The return bend sections 73 at both ends of the side panel section 71 can face each other. A recess 74 of the self-lubricating member 7 is formed between the two return bend sections 72 to accommodate the corresponding engagement protrusion 25.

[0045] In order to stably mount the self-lubricating member 7 on the bracket 2, a positioning structure can be provided between the self-lubricating member 7 and the bracket 2 to prevent the self-lubricating member 7 from accidentally sliding relative to the bracket 2. This positioning structure can also be a concave-convex matching. For example, in the embodiment shown, the self-lubricating member 7 is formed with a positioning protrusion 76, and the engaging protrusion 25 on the bracket 2 is formed with a positioning groove 253. When the engaging protrusion 25 of the bracket 2 is inserted into the recess 74 of the self-lubricating member 7, the positioning protrusion 76 slides into the positioning groove 253 to achieve a relatively fixed connection between the self-lubricating member 7 and the bracket 2. This connection can also be detachable. To this end, the positioning protrusion 76 can be designed as an elastic sheet that can be elastically deformed. When the engaging protrusion 25 of the bracket 2 is inserted into the recess 74 of the self-lubricating member 7, the elastic sheet is first compressed and retracted to allow the self-lubricating member 7 to be sleeved on the engaging protrusion 25. Once the elastic sheet aligns with the positioning groove 253, the space released allows the elastic sheet to deform and pop out, fitting into the positioning groove 253. At this point, the self-lubricating member 7 and the engaging protrusion 25 are properly installed. The elastic sheet can extend integrally from the side panel section 71 of the self-lubricating member 7. For example, an opening 75 can be cut into the side panel section 71 by stamping or other suitable forming means, and the section within the opening 75 is connected to the other sections of the side panel section 71 only on one side. This section is then appropriately processed to construct the elastic sheet. Furthermore, the elastic sheet can be a bent elastic sheet consisting of a first segment 761 and a second segment 762 connected at an angle, wherein the first segment 761 extends from one side of the opening 75 at an angle relative to the other sections of the side panel section 71, and the second segment 762 can remain parallel to the other sections of the side panel section 71, or slightly tilted relative to the other sections of the side panel section 71. To match the bent elastic sheet, the bottom of the positioning groove 253 on the engaging protrusion 25 can also be formed with an angled multi-segment structure.

[0046] A guiding and anti-separation structure may also be provided between the engagement protrusion 25 and the self-lubricating member 7. For example, a slideway may be provided between the engagement protrusion 25 and at least one of the self-lubricating member 7 to not only limit the relative movement path of the two during assembly but also prevent accidental separation of the two after assembly. As an example, Figure 5As shown in detail, the slideway can be formed by the engagement protrusion 25. Specifically, the engagement protrusion 25 is designed to include two parts: a narrower first section 251 and a wider second section 252. The first section 251 is connected to the second sidewall 24 of the mounting opening 22, while the second section 252 is connected to the first section 251. Thus, the first and second sections 251 and 252 form a stepped receiving groove 254 facing the second sidewall 24. Receiving grooves 254 are formed on opposite sides of the engagement protrusion 25. In this way, the two bent sections 73 of the self-lubricating member 7 can be respectively inserted into and moved along the corresponding receiving grooves 254. After the positioning protrusion 76 of the self-lubricating member 7 is inserted into the positioning groove 253 of the engagement protrusion 25, the bent sections 73 remain inserted into the corresponding receiving grooves 254, completing the installation of the self-lubricating member 7 on the engagement protrusion 25 of the bracket 7.

[0047] After both self-lubricating elements 7 are attached to their corresponding engagement protrusions 25, the moving contact bridge 3 can be installed. The moving contact bridge 3 is mounted on the bracket 2 by fitting the engagement grooves 32 of the moving contact bridge 3 onto the corresponding self-lubricating elements 7. At this point, the self-lubricating elements 7 are installed at the concave-convex junction between the bracket 2 and the moving contact bridge 3, physically separating the bracket 2 from the moving contact bridge 3. Furthermore, the self-lubricating effect of the self-lubricating elements 7 effectively reduces friction at the contact points between the various components.

[0048] Although the figure only shows the concave-convex fitting connection formed by the engaging protrusion 25 of the bracket 2 and the engaging groove 32 of the movable contact bridge 3, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a similar concave-convex fitting connection can also be constructed by the engaging groove of the bracket and the engaging protrusion of the movable contact bridge. Here, the structures of the engaging groove of the bracket and the engaging protrusion of the movable contact bridge can refer to the structures of the engaging groove 32 and the engaging protrusion 25 described above.

[0049] A support member 5 may be provided on the side of the moving contact bridge 3 facing away from the moving contact 4, and the support member 5 may basically extend across the entire length direction of the moving contact bridge 3. In one embodiment, a protrusion 31 may be formed on the moving contact bridge 3, and an aperture 51 or a groove may be formed on the support member 5. By inserting the protrusion 31 into the aperture 51 or the groove, a fixed connection between the moving contact bridge 3 and the support member 5 is achieved. Alternatively, the moving contact bridge 3 may be formed with an aperture or a groove, and the support member 5 may form a protrusion. After the combination of the moving contact bridge 3 and the support member 5 is mounted on the self-lubricating member 7, in addition to the engaging groove 32 of the moving contact bridge 3 being sleeved on the self-lubricating member 7, a portion of the outer surface of the support member 5 also abuts against the surface of the self-lubricating member 7, such as Figure 3 This part of the surface of the support member 5 is configured as a joint surface 53. By having the joint surfaces 53 on opposite sides of the support member 5 abut against the corresponding self-lubricating member 7, the movement path of the moving contact bridge 3 relative to the self-lubricating member 7 can also be limited.

[0050] To ensure that the moving contact 4 is stably engaged with the static contact, a biasing member 6 can be arranged between the moving contact bridge 3 and the bracket 2. The biasing member 6 always applies a biasing force directed toward the static contact to the moving contact bridge 3, thereby stably pressing the moving contact 4 against the static contact during the main circuit closure, preventing the moving contact 4 from accidentally moving and causing instability in the main circuit. In the case where a support member 5 is provided on the back of the moving contact bridge 3, the biasing member 6 can also be abutted between the support member 5 and a second side wall 24 of the mounting opening 22 of the bracket 2. The biasing member 6 can be any suitable retractable elastic structure, such as a spring. The support member 5 can be formed with a circular boss 52 for mounting the spring.

[0051] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to various embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0052] The above description is only an illustrative embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any equivalent changes, modifications and combinations made by any person skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principle of the present invention shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A moving contact assembly for a contactor, characterized in that: include: A bracket (2) arranged along a first direction and having a mounting opening (22); a moving contact bridge (3) arranged in the installation opening (22) along a second direction angled with the first direction and provided with a moving contact point (4), wherein a concave-convex joint is formed between the moving contact bridge (3) and the bracket (2); A self-lubricating member (7) is arranged in a shape-fitting manner at a concave-convex joint between the moving contact bridge (3) and the bracket (2), wherein the self-lubricating member (7) is configured to be embedded in a joint groove (32) formed between the moving contact bridge (3) and one of the brackets (2), and to surround a joint protrusion (25) formed between the moving contact bridge (3) and the other of the brackets (2); A biasing member (6) abuts against the movable contact bridge (3) and applies a biasing force directed toward the static contact of the contactor to the movable contact bridge (3).

2. The moving contact assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The engaging protrusion (25) is formed with a positioning groove (253), and the self-lubricating member (7) has a positioning protrusion (76) that can be embedded in the positioning groove (253).

3. The moving contact assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The self-lubricating member (7) is formed with an opening (75), and the positioning protrusion (76) is a bent elastic piece integrally extending from one of the side surfaces surrounding the opening (75), and the bent elastic piece can be elastically deformed and abutted against the positioning groove (253).

4. The moving contact assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The self-lubricating member (7) comprises a side plate section (71), a bent section (72) extending integrally at an angle from opposite ends of the side plate section (71), and a return bent section (73) folded back from the bent section (72) toward the side plate section (71), thereby defining a configuration that is conformal to the concave-convex joint between the moving contact bridge (3) and the bracket (2).

5. The moving contact assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The engaging protrusion (25) comprises a narrower first section (251) and a wider second section (252) connected to the first section (251), wherein an accommodating groove (254) is formed between the first section (251) and the second section (252), and the self-lubricating member (7) surrounds the engaging protrusion (25) and is embedded in the accommodating groove (254) with its end.

6. The moving contact assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving contact assembly further comprises a support member (5), wherein the moving contact bridge (3) is connected to the support member (5), and a joint surface abutting against each other is provided between the support member (5) and the self-lubricating member (7).

7. The moving contact assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The bracket (2) comprises two first side walls (23) arranged opposite to each other in the first direction and two opposite second side walls (24) connected between the two first side walls (23), wherein the two first side walls (23) and the two second side walls (24) jointly enclose the mounting opening (22), and each second side wall (24) is respectively formed with the engaging protrusion (25).

8. The moving contact assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The engaging grooves (32) are respectively formed on two opposite sides of the moving contact bridge (3).

9. A main contact mechanism, comprising: shell; a static contact, mounted in the housing; A moving contact assembly (1) arranged in the housing and movable to engage with and separate from the stationary contact; It is characterized in that the moving contact assembly (1) is the moving contact assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A contactor comprising: base; A plurality of main contact mechanisms mounted side by side on the base; A driving mechanism, mounted on the base and driving the movable contact assemblies (1) connected to the main contact mechanisms; It is characterized in that at least one of the plurality of main contact mechanisms is the main contact mechanism according to claim 9.

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