Anti-vibration structure of a relay

Abstract

This utility model discloses a vibration-resistant structure for a relay, including a vibration sensor, a microcontroller, a mounting base, an upper magnetic plate, a magnetic housing, a flange, a lower magnetic plate, a silicone ring, an MRE column, an excitation coil, and a relay body. This utility model, by introducing a closed-loop control system composed of a vibration sensor, a microcontroller, and an excitation coil, and combining it with an intelligent vibration damping unit made of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) material, achieves a fundamental transformation in vibration resistance performance from "passively fixed" to "actively adjustable." Its core beneficial effect lies in its ability to sense external vibrations in real time and dynamically adjust the stiffness and damping of the vibration damping unit. This simultaneously solves the problem of continuous relay shaking caused by the rebound of traditional spring-type structures, and the contradictory problem that fixed-parameter damping structures cannot simultaneously achieve strong impact suppression and micro-vibration isolation, significantly improving the relay's working stability and long-term reliability in complex and variable vibration environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of relay technology, and in particular to a vibration-resistant structure for a relay. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of relay technology, with the rapid development of industries such as industrial automation, new energy vehicles, and rail transportation, higher requirements have been placed on the reliability and environmental adaptability of relays. Especially in applications with continuous or intermittent vibration, such as construction machinery, vehicle electronic systems, and power equipment cabinets, relay malfunctions, contact wear, and even structural failures caused by vibration have become key factors affecting system stability. To address this challenge, the industry has developed various relay vibration-resistant technologies. Early methods mainly employed passive protection such as increasing structural rigidity and using buffer pads. Subsequently, more mature solutions emerged that utilize elastic elements such as springs and rubber dampers for vibration isolation. Related patents, such as the structure disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN202421714526.1, represent a typical advancement in this technological path, absorbing and attenuating vibration energy through a combination of multi-layer springs and a sliding buffer mechanism.

[0003] However, existing vibration-damping structures based on elastic elements have gradually revealed significant limitations in practical applications. These structures rely heavily on the fixed physical properties of springs or rubber, and their stiffness and damping coefficients are not adjustable. This limits their effectiveness to specific frequency bands or amplitude ranges, making them ill-suited for complex and variable actual vibration environments. More importantly, springs and other components inevitably experience "rebound" or "residual vibration" after absorbing vibration energy, causing the relay body to continue to sway slightly after an impact, failing to quickly return to a stable state. This not only affects the instantaneous contact reliability of the relay contacts but may also lead to loosening of connections or material fatigue under frequent vibration conditions due to repeated micro-movements. Furthermore, traditional passive structures have poor compatibility with both low-frequency large-amplitude and high-frequency small-amplitude vibrations, often compromising one aspect for the other. Moreover, after long-term use, elastic materials are prone to creep or aging, leading to a gradual decline in vibration resistance and increased maintenance and replacement costs.

[0004] Therefore, given the shortcomings of existing relay vibration-damping structures in terms of adaptability, response speed, and long-term stability, it is necessary to deeply improve and optimize their structure. An ideal approach is to abandon the completely passive vibration reduction method and instead seek an intelligent vibration-damping mechanism that can sense vibration states in real time and actively adjust its own dynamic parameters. By combining novel intelligent materials with sensing and control technology, a vibration-damping unit with online adjustable stiffness and damping can be constructed. This unit can dynamically change its characteristics according to vibration intensity and frequency, quickly "locking in" to suppress large-amplitude movements under strong impacts and "softening" under weak vibrations to achieve efficient vibration isolation. This fundamentally solves problems such as rebound, narrow bandwidth, and performance degradation, significantly improving the reliability, lifespan, and overall system robustness of the relay in complex vibration environments. This is precisely the core objective that this utility model aims to explore and achieve. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a vibration-resistant structure for relays.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a vibration-resistant structure for a relay, comprising a vibration sensor, a microcontroller, a mounting base, an upper magnetic plate, a magnetic housing, a flange, a lower magnetic plate, a silicone ring, an MRE post, an excitation coil, and a relay body; The lower wall of the mounting base is fixedly connected to the upper magnetic plate; The outer wall of the upper magnetic plate is fixedly connected to the magnetic outer shell; The bottom of the magnetically conductive outer shell is welded and fixed to the flange; The inner upper wall of the upper magnetic plate is bonded to one end of the MRE column; The excitation coil is wound around the outer wall of the MRE column; The end of the MRE column away from the upper magnetic plate is bonded to the lower magnetic plate; The lower wall of the lower magnetic plate abuts against the upper wall of the flange; The silicone ring is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the lower magnetic plate, and the outer peripheral wall of the silicone ring abuts against the inner side wall of the magnetic shell. The relay body is connected to the lower magnetic plate; The vibration sensor, the microcontroller, and the excitation coil are electrically connected in sequence. The stiffness and damping of the MRE column are controlled by the microcontroller adjusting the current of the excitation coil according to the signal from the vibration sensor.

[0007] The flange has a clearance hole on its inner wall, through which the connection between the lower magnetic plate and the relay body passes.

[0008] Magnetic grease is provided between the contact surface of the lower magnetic plate and the flange.

[0009] The silicone rings are multiple and are evenly distributed along the circumference of the lower magnetic plate.

[0010] Its characteristic is that: the magnetically conductive outer shell, the upper magnetically conductive plate, the lower magnetically conductive plate, and the flange together constitute a closed magnetic circuit, and the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil acts on the MRE column through the closed magnetic circuit.

[0011] The mounting base and the upper magnetic plate are integrally formed.

[0012] The MRE column is a cylinder with its axis perpendicular to the upper magnetic plate and the lower magnetic plate.

[0013] The vibration sensor is an acceleration sensor, which is mounted on the mounting base.

[0014] This utility model has the following beneficial effects: Compared with existing technologies, this relay's vibration-resistant structure achieves a fundamental transformation from "passively fixed" to "actively adjustable" vibration resistance by introducing a closed-loop control system consisting of a vibration sensor, microcontroller, and excitation coil, combined with an intelligent vibration damping unit made of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) material. Its core benefits lie in its ability to sense external vibrations in real time and dynamically adjust the stiffness and damping of the vibration damping unit. This simultaneously solves the problem of continuous relay swaying caused by the rebound of traditional spring-type structures, and the contradictory problem of fixed-parameter damping structures being unable to simultaneously achieve strong impact suppression and micro-vibration isolation. This significantly improves the relay's operational stability and long-term reliability in complex and variable vibration environments. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal cross-section of the magnetically conductive outer shell of this utility model; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle.

[0016] Illustration: 1. Mounting base; 2. Upper magnetic plate; 3. Magnetic housing; 4. Flange; 401. Clearance hole; 5. Lower magnetic plate; 6. Silicone ring; 7. MRE post; 8. Excitation coil; 9. Relay body; 10. Magnetic grease. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0018] To clarify the overall structural layout for achieving intelligent vibration resistance in relays, this utility model provides a specific implementation method. (Refer to...) Figures 1 to 3 The vibration-resistant structure of a relay in this embodiment includes: a vibration sensor, a microcontroller, a mounting base 1, an upper magnetic plate 2, a magnetic housing 3, a flange 4, a lower magnetic plate 5, a silicone ring 6, an MRE post 7, an excitation coil 8, and a relay body 9. The vibration sensor, microcontroller, and excitation coil 8 are electrically connected in sequence. Through the above assembly structure, a mechatronic system integrating vibration sensing, signal processing, and intelligent vibration reduction is constructed, providing a basic platform for the subsequent collaborative operation of various functional modules.

[0019] To ensure stable hoisting and primary load transfer of the relay body 9 on an overhead mounting surface such as a ceiling, this embodiment employs the following mounting and load-bearing structure. The lower wall of the mounting base 1 is fixedly connected to the upper magnetic plate 2; the outer wall of the upper magnetic plate 2 is fixedly connected to the magnetic housing 3; the bottom of the magnetic housing 3 is fixedly connected to the separately manufactured flange 4 via welding; and the relay body 9 is connected to the lower magnetic plate 5. Through this structure, the static weight and dynamic load of the relay body 9 form a clear transmission path: its gravity passes sequentially through the lower magnetic plate 5, flange 4, side wall of the magnetic housing 3, and upper magnetic plate 2, ultimately being borne by the mounting base 1 and transferred to the mounting surface, thereby ensuring the overall mechanical stability of the installation.

[0020] To construct an efficient and controllable magnetic circuit for stimulating the magnetorheological effect, this embodiment features a specially designed magnetically conductive component. The magnetically conductive outer shell 3, upper magnetically conductive plate 2, lower magnetically conductive plate 5, and flange 4 are all made of soft magnetic material, collectively forming a closed magnetic circuit. The excitation coil 8 is tightly wound around the outer wall of the MRE column 7. When the excitation coil 8 is energized, the generated magnetic field is confined within this closed magnetic circuit and passes perpendicularly through the MRE column 7. This structure maximizes the utilization rate of the magnetic field, ensuring that the magnetic field energy can be concentrated and efficiently applied to the core MRE column 7, providing the necessary physical conditions for rapid and significant changes in its stiffness and damping.

[0021] To achieve the core intelligent vibration reduction function in the vertical direction while separating the static load-bearing and dynamic vibration reduction paths, this embodiment employs a unique vibration reduction core unit. The inner upper wall of the upper magnetic plate 2 is bonded to one end of the MRE column 7, while the end of the MRE column 7 away from the upper magnetic plate 2 is bonded to the lower magnetic plate 5, thus reliably clamping the MRE column 7 between the upper and lower magnetic plates 2 and 5. The lower wall of the lower magnetic plate 5 abuts against the upper wall of the flange 4. When vibration occurs, a relative motion tendency arises between the upper magnetic plate 2, fixed to the ceiling, and the lower magnetic plate 5, associated with the relay mass block, forcing the middle MRE column 7 to undergo primarily shear deformation. At this time, the stiffness and damping of the MRE column 7 are controlled by a microcontroller adjusting the current of the excitation coil 8 based on the signal from the vibration sensor. Through the above structure, the MRE column 7 becomes the only flexible link with adjustable parameters connecting the vibration source (mounting surface) and the protected object (relay), which is specifically used to handle dynamic vibration energy, while the static gravity is borne by the rigid path formed by the magnetic shell and the flange, effectively avoiding the performance degradation of the vibration damping element under long-term static load.

[0022] To provide horizontal constraint and damping while avoiding rigid interference with the vertical vibration reduction function, this embodiment incorporates a lateral buffer and limiting structure. A silicone ring 6 is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the lower magnetic plate 5, and the outer peripheral wall of the silicone ring 6 abuts against the inner sidewall of the magnetic outer shell 3. In this embodiment, multiple silicone rings 6 are used, evenly distributed along the circumference of the lower magnetic plate 5. Through this structure, the multiple silicone rings 6 provide elastic support and damping for the lower magnetic plate 5 and the relay body 9 connected thereto in the horizontal direction. When subjected to lateral vibration or impact, the silicone ring 6 undergoes compression or tensile deformation, consuming energy and providing restoring force, thereby suppressing the relay's swaying in the horizontal plane, while its flexibility in the vertical direction ensures that it does not hinder the normal shear deformation of the MRE column 7.

[0023] To optimize the conduction efficiency of the magnetic circuit at critical contact surfaces and reduce magnetic reluctance and loss, this embodiment employs a specific interface treatment. A magnetically conductive silicone grease 10 is applied between the contact surfaces where the lower magnetically conductive plate 5 and the flange 4 abut. Through this structure, the silicone grease 10 fills the microscopic irregularities and gaps between the metal contact surfaces, significantly reducing the contact magnetic reluctance at this interface. This allows magnetic lines of force to transition more smoothly from the lower magnetically conductive plate 5 to the flange 4 and the magnetically conductive housing 3, thereby improving the efficiency of the entire closed magnetic circuit and ensuring that the magnetic field strength applied to the MRE column 7 reaches the expected level.

[0024] To simplify the structure and further enhance the continuity of the top magnetic circuit, the mounting interface has been optimized in this embodiment. The mounting base 1 and the upper magnetic guide plate 2 are manufactured using an integral molding structure. This structure not only reduces the number of parts and assembly steps, improving structural reliability, but more importantly, it completely eliminates the assembly gap and contact magnetic resistance between the mounting base 1 and the upper magnetic guide plate 2. This allows the component to reliably bear weight and be installed, while also serving as a cover plate on the magnetic circuit to achieve optimal magnetic conductivity.

[0025] To ensure sufficient space for connection between the relay and external cables or mounting components, and to facilitate final assembly, this embodiment incorporates a clearance channel at the bottom. A clearance hole 401 is provided on the inner wall of the flange 4, through which the connection portion of the lower magnetic plate 5 and the relay body 9 extends downwards. This structure provides the necessary extension channel for the electrical pins, terminals, or bottom auxiliary support structure of the relay body 9, ensuring that the relay body 9 can connect and function normally even when the entire vibration-resistant structure is suspended.

[0026] To accurately sense vibration excitation on the mounting surface, this embodiment selects a suitable sensor type and installation location. Specifically, the vibration sensor is an accelerometer, which is mounted on the mounting base 1. Through this structure, the accelerometer can directly and quickly detect the environmental vibration acceleration signal transmitted through the mounting base 1, and transmit this analog or digital signal to the microcontroller as real-time input for subsequent intelligent control decisions.

[0027] The working principle of this invention is based on the intelligent rheological properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). MREs are intelligent composite materials formed by uniformly dispersing and solidifying micron-sized soft magnetic particles (such as carbonyl iron powder) within a polymer elastic matrix (such as silicone rubber). Their core characteristic lies in the fact that, under the influence of an external magnetic field, the internal magnetic particles align into a chain-like structure along the magnetic field lines, significantly enhancing the material's resistance to shear deformation. This manifests as a large, reversible change in the material's apparent shear modulus and damping coefficient within milliseconds. When the magnetic field is removed, the magnetic particles return to their disordered state, and the material reverts to its softer properties.

[0028] In this structure, when vibration occurs in the environment where the relay is located, the accelerometer fixed on the mounting base 1 collects the vibration signal in real time and transmits it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller analyzes and processes the signal (such as calculating the vibration intensity) and outputs a corresponding control signal according to the preset control strategy, dynamically adjusting the magnitude of the current flowing through the excitation coil 8. The change in current directly alters the magnetic field strength generated by the closed magnetic circuit (composed of the magnetic housing 3, upper magnetic plate 2, lower magnetic plate 5, and flange 4) and passing perpendicularly through the MRE column 7. As the magnetic field strength changes, the shear modulus and damping of the MRE column 7 are rapidly and continuously adjusted.

[0029] Specifically, when a strong impact or large-amplitude vibration is detected, the microcontroller increases the coil current and strengthens the magnetic field, causing the MRE column 7 to instantly "harden," exhibiting a high-stiffness, high-damping state. This rapidly suppresses the relatively large-amplitude movement of the relay body 9, absorbs impact energy, and prevents it from generating harmful, violent shaking. When the environmental vibration is weak, the microcontroller reduces or cuts off the coil current, weakens the magnetic field, and the MRE column 7 returns to a "soft" state, exhibiting low stiffness. This effectively isolates high-frequency micro-vibrations from the mounting surface, preventing them from being transmitted to sensitive components inside the relay. Through this real-time sensing and active adjustment, this invention achieves adaptive optimal vibration reduction for wide-bandwidth, variable-amplitude vibration environments, fundamentally overcoming the technical shortcomings of traditional fixed-parameter vibration dampers that cannot simultaneously address impact resistance and micro-vibration isolation, and are prone to residual shaking.

[0030] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A vibration-resistant structure for a relay, characterized in that: It includes a vibration sensor, a microcontroller, a mounting base (1), an upper magnetic plate (2), a magnetic housing (3), a flange (4), a lower magnetic plate (5), a silicone ring (6), an MRE post (7), an excitation coil (8), and a relay body (9); The lower wall of the mounting base (1) is fixedly connected to the upper magnetic plate (2); The outer wall of the upper magnetic plate (2) is fixedly connected to the magnetic outer shell (3); The bottom of the magnetically conductive housing (3) is welded and fixed to the flange (4); The inner upper wall of the upper magnetic plate (2) is bonded to one end of the MRE column (7); The excitation coil (8) is wound around the outer wall of the MRE column (7); The end of the MRE column (7) away from the upper magnetic plate (2) is bonded to the lower magnetic plate (5); The lower wall of the lower magnetic plate (5) abuts against the upper wall of the flange (4); The silicone ring (6) is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the lower magnetic plate (5), and the outer peripheral wall of the silicone ring (6) abuts against the inner side wall of the magnetic outer shell (3). The relay body (9) is connected to the lower magnetic plate (5); The vibration sensor, the microcontroller, and the excitation coil (8) are electrically connected in sequence. The stiffness and damping of the MRE column (7) are controlled by the microcontroller adjusting the current of the excitation coil (8) according to the signal from the vibration sensor.

2. The anti-vibration structure of a relay according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flange (4) has a clearance hole (401) on its inner wall, and the connection part of the lower magnetic plate (5) and the relay body (9) passes through the clearance hole (401).

3. The anti-vibration structure of a relay according to claim 2, characterized in that: Magnetic grease (10) is provided between the contact surfaces of the lower magnetic plate (5) and the flange (4).

4. The anti-vibration structure of a relay according to claim 3, characterized in that: The silicone rings (6) are multiple and are evenly distributed along the circumference of the lower magnetic plate (5).

5. The vibration-resistant structure of a relay according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The magnetically conductive outer shell (3), the upper magnetically conductive plate (2), the lower magnetically conductive plate (5), and the flange (4) together form a closed magnetic circuit, and the magnetic field generated by the excitation coil (8) acts on the MRE column (7) through the closed magnetic circuit.

6. The anti-vibration structure of a relay according to claim 5, characterized in that: The mounting base (1) and the upper magnetic plate (2) are integrally formed.

7. The anti-vibration structure of a relay according to claim 5, characterized in that: The MRE column (7) is a cylinder with its axis perpendicular to the upper magnetic plate (2) and the lower magnetic plate (5).

8. The anti-vibration structure of a relay according to claim 7, characterized in that: The vibration sensor is an acceleration sensor, which is mounted on the mounting base (1).

Images