Movable contactor connection arrangement and contactor

Abstract

The present invention discloses a movable contactor connection arrangement and a contactor. The movable contactor connection arrangement comprises: a movable connection (1); a drive shaft (2) which is movably connected to the movable connection (1) and serves to move the movable connection (1) from an open position, which is electrically isolated from a static connection (9), to a closed position, which is electrically in contact with the static connection (9); an elastic main element (3) which is axially compressed between the base of the movable connection (1) and the drive shaft (2) to exert a main contact pressure on the movable connection (1); and an elastic auxiliary element (4) which is provided between the movable connection (1) and the drive shaft (2).When the movable connector (1) is in the closed position, the elastic auxiliary element (4) between the base of the movable connector (1) and the drive shaft (2) is axially compressed to exert an auxiliary contact pressure on the movable connector (1). When the movable connector (1) is in the open position, the elastic auxiliary element (4) is not axially compressed.In the present invention, both the elastic main element and the elastic auxiliary element simultaneously exert a contact pressure on the movable terminal when the movable terminal is in the closed position and in electrical contact with the static terminal, thereby reducing the contact resistance between the movable terminal and the static terminal and improving the contactor's ability to withstand short-circuit current, and the elastic auxiliary element does not impair the contactor's normal suction action.

Description

Cross-reference to related application

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. CN 2023 11 062 152.X, filed on August 22, 2023, with the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the entire invention of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background of the inventionField of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a movable contactor terminal arrangement and a contactor with this movable contactor terminal arrangement. Description of the state of the art

[0003] The ability to withstand short-circuit current is an important performance indicator for DC contactors. When short-circuit current flows through the contactor's moving and static terminals, an electrical repulsion force is generated between the moving and static terminals. If the contact pressure between the closed moving and static terminals is insufficient to resist this electrical repulsion, the moving and static terminals will separate, generating a strong arc, which can ultimately lead to safety accidents.

[0004] To increase short-circuit resistance, some manufacturers take advantage of the fact that a magnetic field is generated around the contactor's movable terminal when a short-circuit current passes through it. They add ferromagnetic components surrounding the movable terminal. The direction of electromagnetic attraction generated by these ferromagnetic components is opposite to the direction of electrical repulsion generated by the short-circuit current at the movable terminal, offsetting part of the electrical repulsion to improve the contactor's ability to withstand the short-circuit current. However, the existing short-circuit current prevention system has problems such as complex structure, difficult installation, and high cost. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention has been conceived to overcome or mitigate at least one aspect of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a movable contactor terminal assembly is provided. The movable contactor terminal assembly comprises: a movable terminal; a drive shaft movably connected to the movable terminal and operable to move the movable terminal from an open position electrically isolated from a static terminal to a closed position electrically in contact with the static terminal; a main elastic member axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal and the drive shaft to apply main contact pressure to the movable terminal; and an auxiliary elastic member provided between the movable terminal and the drive shaft.When the movable terminal is in the closed position, the auxiliary elastic member between the bottom of the movable terminal and the drive shaft is axially compressed to apply auxiliary contact pressure to the movable terminal; when the movable terminal is in the open position, the auxiliary elastic member is not axially compressed.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a flange portion is formed on the drive shaft, and the auxiliary elastic member is axially supported on the flange portion, wherein the main elastic member is axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal and the flange portion of the drive shaft.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary elastic member comprises: a main body; and a cantilever portion connected to the main body. The main body is axially supported on the flange portion, and the two ends of the main elastic member are pressed against the main body and the movable terminal, respectively; when the movable terminal is in the closed position, the end of the cantilever portion is pressed against the bottom of the movable terminal.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the main body includes a bottom wall and a side wall connected to the bottom wall, and the cantilevered portion is connected to the upper edge of the side wall and extends obliquely with respect to the side wall; the bottom wall of the main body abuts the flange portion of the drive shaft, and the lower end of the main elastic member abuts the bottom wall of the main body.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upper end of the drive shaft is movably guided by the movable terminal, and a limiting member is mounted on the upper end of the drive shaft; when the movable terminal is in the open position, the limiting member is axially pressed against the top of the movable terminal to limit the position of the movable terminal; when the movable terminal is in the closed position, the limiting member is separated from the movable terminal by a predetermined distance.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a snap slot is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the drive shaft, and the restricting member is a snap ring fitted into the snap slot of the drive shaft.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable contactor terminal assembly further comprises an insulator. The upper end of the drive shaft is secured in the insulator; the main elastic member is axially compressed between the movable terminal and the insulator, and the auxiliary elastic member is axially supported on the insulator. When the movable terminal is in the closed position, the auxiliary elastic member is axially compressed between the movable terminal and the insulator.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary elastic member comprises: a main body; and a cantilevered portion connected to the main body. The main body is axially supported on the insulator, and the two ends of the main elastic member are pressed against the movable terminal and the insulator, respectively; when the movable terminal is in the closed position, the end of the cantilevered portion rests against the bottom of the movable terminal.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the main body includes a bottom wall supported on the upper surface of the insulator and a side wall connected to the bottom wall, and the cantilevered portion is connected to the upper edge of the side wall and extends obliquely with respect to the side wall.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an opening is formed in the bottom wall of the main body through which the elastic main member passes, and a recess is formed on the top surface of the insulator to accommodate the elastic main member; the elastic main member passes through the bottom wall of the main body, and the lower end of the elastic main member is supported on the bottom surface of the recess of the insulator.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the main elastic member and the auxiliary elastic member are each coil springs, and the auxiliary elastic member is disposed inside the main elastic member; a recess is formed on the top surface of the insulator to accommodate the main elastic member and the auxiliary elastic member, and the lower ends of the main elastic member and the auxiliary elastic member are supported on the bottom surface of the recess of the insulator.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable contactor terminal assembly further comprises a limiting member. The limiting member consists of a top plate and a pair of side plates connected to the top plate. The lower parts of the pair of side plates of the limiting member are fixed to the insulator, and the movable terminal and the elastic auxiliary member are housed in the limiting member. When the movable terminal is in the open position, the top plate of the limiting member is axially pressed against the top surface of the movable terminal to limit the position of the movable terminal; when the movable terminal is in the closed position, the top plate of the limiting member is spaced from the movable terminal by a predetermined distance.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insulator is an injection-molded part that is directly molded onto the drive shaft and the limiting member by an embedded molding process, so that the drive shaft, the limiting member, and the insulator are molded in one piece.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a movable contactor terminal assembly is provided. The movable contactor terminal assembly comprises: a movable terminal; a drive shaft movably connected to the movable terminal and operable to move the movable terminal from an open position electrically isolated from a static terminal to a closed position electrically in contact with the static terminal; a main elastic member axially compressed between the movable terminal and the drive shaft to apply the main contact pressure to the movable terminal; and an auxiliary elastic member provided between the bottom surface of the movable terminal and the top surface of the main elastic member.When the movable terminal is in the closed position, the auxiliary elastic member between the bottom of the movable terminal and the drive shaft is axially compressed to apply auxiliary contact pressure to the movable terminal.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a shoulder is formed on the drive shaft, which shoulder is suitable for bearing on the underside of the elastic auxiliary element; when the movable terminal is in the closed position, the elastic auxiliary element is axially compressed between the underside of the movable terminal and the shoulder of the drive shaft; when the movable terminal is in the open position, the elastic auxiliary element does not contact the shoulder of the drive shaft and is axially spaced from the shoulder by a predetermined distance.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the main elastic member is a coil spring, the auxiliary elastic member is a disc spring, the auxiliary elastic member has a lower opening and an upper opening, and the diameter of the upper opening is larger than the lower opening; the edge of the upper opening of the auxiliary elastic member abuts the bottom surface of the movable terminal, and the bottom of the auxiliary elastic member abuts the top surface of the main elastic member.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a flange portion is formed on the drive shaft, and the main elastic member is axially compressed between the bottom of the auxiliary elastic member and the flange portion of the drive shaft.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable contactor terminal assembly further comprises a washer supported on the flange portion of the drive shaft and having a diameter larger than that of the flange portion, wherein the upper and lower ends of the main elastic member are pressed against the bottom of the auxiliary elastic member and the upper surface of the washer, respectively.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upper end of the drive shaft is movably guided by the movable terminal, and a limiting member is attached to the upper end of the drive shaft; when the movable terminal is in the open position, the limiting member is axially pressed against the top of the movable terminal to limit the position of the movable terminal; when the movable terminal is in the closed position, the limiting member is separated from the movable terminal by a predetermined distance.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a snap slot is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the drive shaft, and the restricting member is a snap ring fitted into the snap slot of the drive shaft.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic coefficient of the auxiliary elastic member is larger than that of the main elastic member, so that the axial compression amount of the auxiliary elastic member is smaller than that of the main elastic member under the same axial pressure.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a contactor is provided. The contactor comprises: a housing; a static terminal secured to the housing; a coil mounted in the housing; and the aforementioned movable contactor terminal assembly movably disposed in the housing. When the coil is energized, the drive shaft moves the movable terminal from the open position to the closed position under the action of the electromagnetic force generated by the coil.

[0028] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when the movable terminal is in electrical contact with the static terminal in the closed position, both the main elastic member and the auxiliary elastic member simultaneously exert contact pressure on the movable terminal, thereby reducing the contact resistance between the movable terminal and the static terminal and improving the ability of the contactor to withstand short-circuit current, and the auxiliary elastic member does not impair the normal suction action of the contactor. Short description of the drawings

[0029] The foregoing and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a movable contactor terminal assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable terminal is electrically separated from the static terminal in an open position; Fig. 3 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the movable terminal in electrical contact with the static terminal in a closed position; Fig. 4 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable terminal is electrically separated from the static terminal in an open position; Fig. 5 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with the movable terminal in a closed position in electrical contact with the static terminal; Fig. 6 shows an illustrative perspective view of the elastic auxiliary member of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable terminal is electrically separated from the static terminal in an open position; Fig. 8 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention, with the movable terminal in electrical contact with the static terminal in a closed position; Fig. 9 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable terminal is electrically separated from the static terminal in an open position; Fig. 10 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, with the movable terminal in a closed position in electrical contact with the static terminal; and Fig. 11 shows an illustrative perspective view of the elastic auxiliary member of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0030] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the present 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 so that this invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concepts of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0031] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown schematically to simplify the drawings.

[0032] According to a general concept of the present invention, a movable contactor terminal assembly is provided. The movable contactor terminal assembly comprises: a movable terminal; a drive shaft movably connected to the movable terminal and operable to move the movable terminal from an open position electrically isolated from a static terminal to a closed position electrically in contact with the static terminal; a main elastic member axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal and the drive shaft to apply the main contact pressure to the movable terminal; and an auxiliary elastic member provided between the movable terminal and the drive shaft.When the movable terminal is in the closed position, the auxiliary elastic member between the bottom of the movable terminal and the drive shaft is axially compressed to apply auxiliary contact pressure to the movable terminal; when the movable terminal is in the open position, the auxiliary elastic member is not axially compressed.

[0033] According to another general concept of the present invention, a movable contactor terminal assembly is provided. The movable contactor terminal assembly comprises: a movable terminal; a drive shaft movably connected to the movable terminal and operable to move the movable terminal from an open position electrically isolated from a static terminal to a closed position electrically in contact with the static terminal; a main elastic member axially compressed between the movable terminal and the drive shaft to apply the main contact pressure to the movable terminal; and an auxiliary elastic member disposed between the bottom surface of the movable terminal and the top surface of the main elastic member.When the movable terminal is in the closed position, the auxiliary elastic member between the bottom of the movable terminal and the drive shaft is axially compressed to apply auxiliary contact pressure to the movable terminal.

[0034] According to another general concept of the present invention, a contactor is provided. The contactor includes: a housing; a static terminal secured to the housing; a coil mounted in the housing; and the aforementioned movable contactor terminal assembly movably disposed within the housing. When the coil is energized, the drive shaft drives the movable terminal from the open position to the closed position under the action of the electromagnetic force generated by the coil. First embodiment

[0035] The Fig. 1-3 show the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is an illustrative perspective view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable terminal 1 is electrically separated from the static terminal 9 in an open position; Fig. 3 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable terminal 1 is in a closed position in electrical contact with the static terminal 9.

[0036] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a movable contactor terminal assembly is disclosed. The movable contactor terminal assembly includes: a movable terminal 1, a drive shaft 2, a main elastic member 3, and an auxiliary elastic member 4. The drive shaft 2 is movably connected to the movable terminal 1 and serves to move the aforementioned movable terminal 1 from an open position electrically disconnected from the static terminal 9 to a closed position electrically in contact with the static terminal 9. The main elastic member 3 is axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2 to exert the main contact pressure on the movable terminal 1. The auxiliary elastic member 4 is disposed between the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2.

[0037] As in Fig. 3, in the illustrated embodiment, when the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position, the elastic auxiliary element 4 is axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2 to exert an auxiliary contact pressure on the movable terminal 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the elastic auxiliary element 4 is not axially compressed and does not come into contact with the movable terminal 1 when the movable terminal 1 is in the open position.

[0038] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiments, a radially projecting flange portion 21 is formed on the drive shaft 2, the auxiliary elastic member 4 is axially supported on the flange portion 21, and the main elastic member 3 is axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the flange portion 21 of the drive shaft 2.

[0039] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, the main elastic element 3 may be a coil spring in the illustrated embodiment. The auxiliary elastic element 4 includes a main body 40 and a cantilevered portion 43. The cantilevered portion 43 is connected to the main body 40. The main body 40 axially bears on the flange portion 21, and the two ends of the main elastic element 3 are respectively pressed against the main body 40 and the movable terminal 1. When the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position, the end of the cantilevered portion 43 is pressed against the bottom of the movable terminal 1.

[0040] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiments, the main body 40 comprises a bottom wall 41 and a side wall 42 connected to the bottom wall 41. The cantilevered portion 43 is connected to the upper edge of the side wall 42 and extends obliquely with respect to the side wall 42. The bottom wall 41 of the main body 40 abuts the flange portion 21 of the drive shaft 2, and the lower end of the main elastic member 3 abuts the bottom wall 41 of the main body 40.

[0041] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiments, the upper end of the drive shaft 2 is movably guided by the movable terminal 1, and a limiting member 5 is attached to the upper end of the drive shaft 2. When the movable terminal 1 is in the open position, the limiting member 5 is pressed axially against the top of the movable terminal 1 to limit the position of the movable terminal 1. When the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position, the limiting member 5 is spaced apart from the movable terminal 1 by a predetermined distance.

[0042] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiments, a snap slot 22 is formed on the outer surface of the upper end of the drive shaft 2, and the limiting element 5 is a snap ring. The snap ring is inserted into the snap slot 22 of the drive shaft 2.

[0043] Although not shown, another contactor is disclosed according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The contactor includes: a housing (not shown), a static terminal 9, a coil (not shown), and the aforementioned movable contactor terminal assembly. The static terminal 9 is fixed in the housing. The coil is installed in the housing. The movable contactor terminal assembly is movably installed in the housing. When the coil is energized, the drive shaft 2 drives the movable terminal 1 from the open position to the closed position under the electromagnetic force generated by the coil. Second embodiment

[0044] The Fig. 4-6 show the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable terminal 1 is electrically separated from the static terminal 9 in an open position; Fig. 5 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable terminal 1 is in a closed position in electrical contact with the static terminal 9; Fig. 6 shows an illustrative perspective view of the elastic auxiliary member 4 of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] As in the Fig. 4 to 6, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a movable contactor terminal assembly is disclosed. The movable contactor terminal assembly includes: a movable terminal 1, a drive shaft 2, a main elastic member 3, and an auxiliary elastic member 4. The drive shaft 2 is movably connected to the movable terminal 1 and serves to move the aforementioned movable terminal 1 from an open position electrically disconnected from the static terminal 9 to a closed position electrically in contact with the static terminal 9. The main elastic member 3 is axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2 to exert the main contact pressure on the movable terminal 1. The auxiliary elastic member 4 is disposed between the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2.

[0046] As in the Fig. 4 to 6, the movable contactor terminal assembly in the illustrated embodiments further comprises an insulator 6. The upper end of the drive shaft 2 is fixed in the insulator 6. The elastic main element 3 is axially compressed between the movable terminal 1 and the insulator 6, while the elastic auxiliary element 4 is axially supported on the insulator 6. As shown in Fig. 5, the elastic auxiliary element 4 is axially compressed between the movable terminal 1 and the insulator 6 when the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position.

[0047] As in the Fig. 4 to 6, the main elastic element 3 may be a coil spring in the illustrated embodiment. The auxiliary elastic element 4 comprises a main body 40 and a cantilevered portion 43. The cantilevered portion 43 is connected to the main body 40. The main body 40 axially rests on the insulator 6, and the two ends of the main elastic element 3 are pressed against the movable terminal 1 and the insulator 6, respectively. When the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position, the end of the cantilevered portion 43 is pressed against the bottom of the movable terminal 1.

[0048] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the main body 40 in the illustrated embodiments comprises a bottom wall 41 supported on the upper surface of the insulator 6 and a side wall 42 connected to the bottom wall 41. The cantilevered portion 43 is connected to the upper edge of the side wall 42 and extends obliquely with respect to the side wall 42.

[0049] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in the illustrated embodiments, an opening 44 is formed in the bottom wall 41 of the main body 40 through which the elastic main element 3 can be passed, and a recess 61 is formed on the top side of the insulator 6 for receiving the elastic main element 3. The elastic main element 3 is passed through the bottom wall 41 of the main body 40, and the lower end of the elastic main element 3 rests against the bottom surface of the recess 61 of the insulator 6.

[0050] As in the Fig. 4 to 6, the movable contactor terminal assembly in the illustrated embodiments further comprises a limiting member 5 comprising a top plate 51 and a pair of side plates 52. The pair of side plates 52 are connected to the top plate 51. The lower parts of the pair of side plates 52 of the limiting member 5 are fixed to the insulator 6, and the movable terminal 1 and the elastic auxiliary member 4 are housed in the limiting member 5. As shown in Fig. 4, when the movable terminal 1 is in the open position, the upper plate 51 of the limiting element 5 is pressed axially against the top of the movable terminal 1 to limit the position of the movable terminal 1. When the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position, the upper plate 51 of the limiting element 5, as shown in Fig. 5, spaced a predetermined distance from the movable terminal 1.

[0051] As in the Fig. 4 to 6, the insulator 6 in the illustrated embodiments is an injection-molded part that is molded directly onto the drive shaft 2 and the limiting element 5 by an embedded molding process, so that the drive shaft 2, the limiting element 5 and the insulator 6 are molded in one piece.

[0052] Although not shown, another contactor is disclosed according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The contactor includes a housing (not shown), a static terminal 9, a coil (not shown), and the aforementioned movable contactor terminal assembly. The static terminal 9 is mounted in the housing.

[0053] The coil is built into the housing. The movable contactor terminal assembly is movably mounted within the housing. When the coil is energized, the drive shaft 2 drives the movable terminal 1 from the open position to the closed position under the electromagnetic force generated by the coil. Third embodiment

[0054] The Fig. 7-8 show the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable terminal 1 is electrically separated from the static terminal 9 in an open position; Fig. Fig. 8 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable terminal 1 is in a closed position in electrical contact with the static terminal 9.

[0055] As in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a movable contactor terminal assembly is disclosed. The movable contactor terminal assembly includes: a movable terminal 1, a drive shaft 2, a main elastic member 3, and an auxiliary elastic member 4. The drive shaft 2 is movably connected to the movable terminal 1 and serves to move the aforementioned movable terminal 1 from an open position electrically disconnected from the static terminal 9 to a closed position electrically in contact with the static terminal 9. The main elastic member 3 is axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2 to exert the main contact pressure on the movable terminal 1. The auxiliary elastic member 4 is disposed between the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2.

[0056] As in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the movable contactor terminal assembly in the illustrated embodiments further comprises an insulator 6. The upper end of the drive shaft 2 is fixed in the insulator 6. The elastic main element 3 is axially compressed between the movable terminal 1 and the insulator 6, while the elastic auxiliary element 4 is axially supported on the insulator 6. As shown in Fig. As shown in Fig. 8, the elastic auxiliary element 4 is axially compressed between the movable terminal 1 and the insulator 6 when the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position.

[0057] As in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, in the illustrated embodiments, the main elastic member 3 and the auxiliary elastic member 4 are each coil springs. The auxiliary elastic member 4 is arranged inside the main elastic member 3. A recess 61 for receiving the main elastic member 3 and the auxiliary elastic member 4 is formed on the upper surface of the insulator 6. The lower end of the main elastic member 3 rests on the bottom surface of the recess 61 of the insulator 6, and the auxiliary elastic member 4 is received in the space between the movable terminal 1 and the bottom surface of the recess 61 of the insulator 6.

[0058] As in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the movable contactor terminal assembly in the illustrated embodiments further comprises a limiting member 5 comprising a top plate 51 and a pair of side plates 52. The pair of side plates 52 are connected to the top plate 51. The lower parts of the pair of side plates 52 of the limiting member 5 are fixed to the insulator 6, and the movable terminal 1 is housed in the limiting member 5. As shown in Fig. 7, the upper plate 51 of the limiting member 5 is pressed axially against the top of the movable terminal 1 when the movable terminal 1 is in the open position to limit the position of the movable terminal 1. As shown in Fig. 8, the upper plate 51 of the limiting member 5 is spaced from the movable terminal 1 by a predetermined distance in the closed position of the movable terminal 1.

[0059] As in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the insulator 6 in the illustrated embodiments is an injection-molded part that is molded directly onto the drive shaft 2 and the limiting element 5 by an embedded molding process, so that the drive shaft 2, the limiting element 5 and the insulator 6 are molded in one piece.

[0060] Although not shown, another contactor is disclosed according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The contactor includes: a housing (not shown), a static terminal 9, a coil (not shown), and the aforementioned movable contactor terminal assembly. The static terminal 9 is fixed in the housing. The coil is installed in the housing. The movable contactor terminal assembly is movably installed in the housing. When the coil is energized, the drive shaft 2 moves the movable terminal 1 from the open position to the closed position under the electromagnetic force generated by the coil. Fourth embodiment

[0061] The Fig. 9-11 show the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Below, Fig. 9 is an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable terminal 1 is electrically separated from the static terminal 9 in an open position; Fig. 10 shows an axial cross-sectional view of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable terminal 1 is in a closed position in electrical contact with the static terminal 9; Fig. 11 shows an illustrative perspective view of the elastic auxiliary member 4 of the movable contactor terminal assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a movable contactor terminal assembly is disclosed. The movable contactor terminal assembly includes: a movable terminal 1, a drive shaft 2, a main elastic member 3, and an auxiliary elastic member 4. The drive shaft 2 is movably connected to the movable terminal 1 and serves to move the aforementioned movable terminal 1 from an open position electrically disconnected from the static terminal 9 to a closed position electrically in contact with the static terminal 9. The main elastic member 3 is axially compressed between the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2 to exert the main contact pressure on the movable terminal 1.The elastic auxiliary element 4 can be held between the bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the shoulder 23 of the drive shaft 2 or between the bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the top of the elastic main element 3. As shown in . Fig. As shown in Fig. 10, the auxiliary elastic member 4 is axially compressed between the lower end of the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2 when the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position to apply an auxiliary contact pressure to the movable terminal 1.

[0063] As in the Fig. 9 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, a shoulder 23 is formed on the drive shaft 2, which is suitable for pressing against the bottom of the elastic auxiliary element 4. As shown in Fig. 10, the elastic auxiliary element 4 is axially compressed between the bottom of the movable connection 1 and the shoulder 23 of the drive shaft 2 when the movable connection 1 is in the closed position. As shown in Fig. 9, in the open position of the movable terminal 1, the elastic auxiliary element 4 does not bear against the shoulder 23 of the drive shaft 2 and is spaced apart from it by a predetermined distance in the axial direction.

[0064] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the main elastic element 3 is a coil spring, and the auxiliary elastic element 4 is a disc spring. The auxiliary elastic element 4 has a lower opening and an upper opening, the diameter of the upper opening being larger than that of the lower opening. The edge of the upper opening of the auxiliary elastic element 4 abuts the bottom surface of the movable terminal 1, and the underside of the auxiliary elastic element 4 abuts the top surface of the main elastic element 3 or the shoulder 23 of the drive shaft 2.

[0065] As in the Fig. 9 to 11, in the illustrated embodiments, a radially projecting flange portion 21 is formed on the drive shaft 2, and the main elastic member 3 is axially compressed between the bottom surface of the auxiliary elastic member 4 or the movable terminal 1 and the flange portion 21 of the drive shaft 2.

[0066] As in the Fig. 9 to 11, the movable contactor terminal assembly in the illustrated embodiments further comprises a washer 7 which is mounted on the flange portion 21 of the drive shaft 2 and has a diameter larger than that of the flange portion 21. The upper and lower ends of the main elastic member 3 are pressed against the bottom of the auxiliary elastic member 4 and the top of the washer 7 and against the bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the top of the washer 7, respectively.

[0067] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper end of the drive shaft 2 is movably guided by the movable terminal 1, and a limiting member 5 is attached to the upper end of the drive shaft 2. When the movable terminal 1 is in the open position, the limiting member 5 is pressed axially against the top of the movable terminal 1 to limit the position of the movable terminal 1. When the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position, the limiting member 5 is spaced from the movable terminal 1 by a predetermined distance.

[0068] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in the illustrated embodiments, a snap slot 22 is formed on the outer surface of the upper end of the drive shaft 2, and the limiting element 5 is a snap ring. The snap ring is inserted into the snap slot 22 of the drive shaft 2.

[0069] As in the Fig. 9 to 11, in the illustrated embodiments, the elasticity coefficient of the auxiliary elastic element 4 is greater than that of the main elastic element 3, so that at the same axial pressure, the axial compression amount of the auxiliary elastic element 4 is smaller than that of the main elastic element 3. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9, when the movable terminal 1 is in the open position, the axial compression amount of the auxiliary elastic member 4 is very small and can almost be ignored.

[0070] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the Fig.9 to 11. For example, when the size of the main elastic member 3 is large, the auxiliary elastic member 4 may be arranged inside the main elastic member 3 and not in contact with the main elastic member 3. In this case, the auxiliary elastic member 4 abuts on the shoulder 23 of the drive shaft 2, and the main elastic member 3 is axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the flange portion 21 of the drive shaft 2. When the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position, the auxiliary elastic member 4 is axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the shoulder 23 of the drive shaft 2. When the movable terminal 1 is in the open position, the auxiliary elastic member 4 is received in the space between the bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the shoulder 23 of the drive shaft 2.

[0071] Although not shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor is also disclosed. The contactor includes a housing (not shown), a static terminal 9, a coil (not shown), and the aforementioned movable contactor terminal assembly. The static terminal 9 is fixed in the housing. The coil is installed in the housing. The movable contactor terminal assembly is movably installed in the housing. When the coil is energized, the drive shaft 2 drives the movable terminal 1 from the open position to the closed position under the electromagnetic force generated by the coil.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above embodiments are illustrative and not limiting. For example, those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications to the above embodiments, and various features described in different embodiments can be freely combined without causing conflicts in configuration or principle.

[0073] Although several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes or modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0074] When an element is referred to herein in the singular and followed by the word "a" or "an," it is to be understood that the plural of those elements or steps is not excluded unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not to be understood as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also have the recited features. Furthermore, embodiments that "comprise" or "have" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular characteristic may include additional elements that do not have that characteristic, unless expressly stated otherwise. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 2023 11 062 152

[0001]

Claims

[1] Movable contactor terminal arrangement, comprising: a movable connection (1); a drive shaft (2) movably connected to the movable terminal (1) and serving to move the movable terminal (1) from an open position electrically separated from a static terminal (9) to a closed position electrically in contact with the static terminal (9); a main elastic member (3) which is axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal (1) and the drive shaft (2) to exert a main contact pressure on the movable terminal (1); and an elastic auxiliary element (4) provided between the movable connection (1) and the drive shaft (2), wherein, when the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position, the elastic auxiliary element (4) is axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal (1) and the drive shaft (2) to exert an auxiliary contact pressure on the movable terminal (1), wherein, when the movable terminal (1) is in the open position, the elastic auxiliary element (4) is not axially compressed. [2] A movable contactor terminal assembly according to claim 1, wherein a flange portion (21) is formed on the drive shaft (2) and the auxiliary elastic member (4) is axially supported on the flange portion (21), the main elastic member (3) being axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal (1) and the flange portion (21) of the drive shaft (2). [3] Movable contactor terminal assembly according to claim 2, wherein the elastic auxiliary element (4) comprises: a main body (40); and a cantilevered section (43) connected to the main body (40), wherein the main body (40) is axially mounted on the flange portion (21) and the two ends of the elastic main element (3) are each pressed against the main body (40) and the movable connection (1), wherein, when the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position, the end of the cantilevered portion (43) bears against the bottom of the movable terminal (1). [4] Movable contactor terminal arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the main body (40) has a bottom wall (41) and a side wall (42) connected to the bottom wall (41), and the cantilevered portion (43) is connected to the upper edge of the side wall (42) and extends obliquely with respect to the side wall (42); wherein the lower wall (41) of the main body (40) abuts the flange portion (21) of the drive shaft (2), and the lower end of the elastic main element (3) abuts the lower wall (41) of the main body (40). [5] Movable contactor terminal arrangement according to claim 2, Wherein the upper end of the drive shaft (2) is movably guided by the movable connector (1) and a limiting member (5) is mounted on the upper end of the drive shaft (2), a snap slot (22) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the drive shaft (2) and the limiting member (5) is a snap ring which is fitted into the snap slot (22) of the drive shaft (2); wherein, when the movable terminal (1) is in the open position, the limiting element (5) is pressed axially against the upper end of the movable terminal (1) to limit the position of the movable terminal (1); wherein, when the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position, the limiting element (5) is separated from the movable terminal (1) by a predetermined distance. [6] A movable contactor terminal assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: an insulator (6), wherein the upper end of the drive shaft (2) is fixed in the insulator (6), wherein the elastic main element (3) is compressed axially between the movable terminal (1) and the insulator (6) and the elastic auxiliary element (4) is supported axially on the insulator (6), wherein the elastic auxiliary element (4) is axially compressed between the movable terminal (1) and the insulator (6) when the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position. [7] Movable contactor terminal assembly according to claim 6, wherein the elastic auxiliary element (4) comprises: a main body (40); and a cantilevered section (43) connected to the main body (40), wherein the main body (40) is axially mounted on the insulator (6) and the two ends of the elastic main element (3) are each pressed against the movable terminal (1) and the insulator (6), wherein, when the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position, the end of the cantilevered portion (43) is pressed against the bottom of the movable terminal (1), wherein the main body (40) has a bottom wall (41) supported on the upper surface of the insulator (6) and a side wall (42) connected to the bottom wall (41), and the cantilever portion (43) is connected to the upper edge of the side wall (42) and extends obliquely with respect to the side wall (42). [8] Movable contactor terminal arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the main elastic element (3) and the auxiliary elastic element (4) are each coil springs, and the auxiliary elastic element (4) is arranged within the main elastic element (3); wherein a recess (61) is formed on the top surface of the insulator (6) to accommodate the main elastic member (3) and the auxiliary elastic member (4), and the lower ends of the main elastic member (3) and the auxiliary elastic member (4) are supported on the bottom surface of the recess (61) of the insulator (6). [9] A movable contactor terminal assembly according to claim 6, further comprising: a limiting element (5), with: an upper plate (51); and a pair of side plates (52) connected to the upper plate (51), wherein the lower parts of the pair of side plates (52) of the limiting element (5) are fixed to the insulator (6), and the movable terminal (1) and the elastic auxiliary element (4) are housed in the limiting element (5), wherein, when the movable terminal (1) is in the open position, the upper plate (51) of the limiting element (5) is pressed axially against the upper side of the movable terminal (1) to limit the position of the movable terminal (1); wherein, when the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position, the upper plate (51) of the limiting element (5) is spaced from the movable terminal (1) by a predetermined distance. [10] Movable contactor terminal assembly, comprising: a movable connection (1); a drive shaft (2) movably connected to the movable terminal (1) and serving to move the movable terminal (1) from an open position electrically separated from a static terminal (9) to a closed position electrically in contact with the static terminal (9); a main elastic member (3) which is axially compressed between the movable terminal (1) and the drive shaft (2) to exert the main contact pressure on the movable terminal (1); and an elastic auxiliary element (4) provided between the underside of the movable terminal (1) and the upper side of the elastic main element (3), wherein, when the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position, the auxiliary elastic member (4) is axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal (1) and the drive shaft (2) to exert an auxiliary contact pressure on the movable terminal (1). [11] Movable contactor terminal arrangement according to claim 10, wherein a shoulder (23) is formed on the drive shaft (2) which is suitable for bearing against the bottom of the elastic auxiliary element (4); wherein, when the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position, the elastic auxiliary element (4) is compressed axially between the bottom of the movable terminal (1) and the shoulder (23) of the drive shaft (2); wherein, when the movable terminal (1) is in the open position, the elastic auxiliary element (4) does not contact the shoulder (23) of the drive shaft (2) and is axially spaced from the shoulder (23) by a predetermined distance. [12] Movable contactor terminal arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the main elastic element (3) is a spiral spring, the auxiliary elastic element (4) is a disc spring, the auxiliary elastic element (4) has a lower opening and an upper opening, and the diameter of the upper opening is larger than the lower opening; wherein the edge of the upper opening of the elastic auxiliary element (4) abuts the bottom surface of the movable terminal (1), and the bottom of the elastic auxiliary element (4) abuts the top surface of the elastic main element (3). [13] Movable contactor terminal arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the upper end of the drive shaft (2) is movably guided by the movable connector (1) and a limiting member (5) is mounted on the upper end of the drive shaft (2), a snap slot (22) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the drive shaft (2), and the limiting member (5) is a snap ring fitted into the snap slot (22) of the drive shaft (2); wherein, when the movable terminal (1) is in the open position, the limiting element (5) is pressed axially against the upper end of the movable terminal (1) to limit the position of the movable terminal (1); wherein, when the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position, the limiting element (5) is spaced from the movable terminal (1) by a predetermined distance. [14] A movable contactor terminal assembly according to any one of claims 10-13, wherein the elastic coefficient of the auxiliary elastic member (4) is larger than that of the main elastic member (3), so that the axial compression amount of the auxiliary elastic member (4) is smaller than that of the main elastic member (3) under the same axial pressure. [15] Schütz, comprehensive: a housing; a static connector attached to the housing; a coil mounted in the housing; and the movable contactor terminal arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 14, which is movably arranged in the housing, wherein, when the coil is energized, the drive shaft (2) moves the movable terminal (1) from the open position to the closed position under the action of the electromagnetic force generated by the coil.

Images