Contactor movable terminal assembly and contactor

Abstract

To provide a contactor movable terminal assembly capable of beating or reducing the problem that a structure of the existed short circuit current scheme resistance is complex, an attachment is difficult, and a cost is high.SOLUTION: A contactor movable terminal assembly comprises: a movable terminal; a driving shaft that is connected movably to the movable terminal, and is used for driving the movable terminal from an open position electrically separated from a statistic terminal to a closing position electrically contacted to the statistic terminal; a main elastic member that is compressed to a shaft direction between a bottom part of the movable terminal and a driving shaft in order to provide a main contact pressure to the movable terminal; and an auxiliary elastic member that is arranged between the movable terminal and the driving shaft. When the movable terminal is positioned at the closing position, the auxiliary elastic member is compressed to the shaft direction between the bottom part of the movable terminal and the driving shaft in order to provide an auxiliary contact pressure to the movable terminal. When the movable terminal is at the open position, the auxiliary elastic member is not compressed to the shaft direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202311062152.X, filed on Aug. 22, 2023, in the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a contactor movable terminal assembly and a contactor including a contactor movable terminal assembly. [Background technology]

[0003] The ability to withstand short circuit current is an important performance indicator of DC contactors. When short circuit current flows through the moving and stationary terminals of a contactor, an electrical repulsive force will be generated between the moving and stationary terminals. If the contact pressure between the closed moving and stationary terminals is not enough to withstand this electrical repulsive force, the moving and stationary terminals will separate and a strong arc will occur, which may eventually cause a safety accident.

[0004] In terms of improving the ability to withstand short circuit current, some manufacturers take advantage of the feature that when a short circuit current flows through the movable terminal of the contactor, a magnetic field is generated around the movable terminal. They add ferromagnetic components surrounding the movable terminal. The direction of the electromagnetic attraction generated by these ferromagnetic components is opposite to the direction of the electric repulsion force generated by the short circuit current in the movable terminal, thereby canceling some of the electric repulsion force and improving the ability of the contactor to withstand short circuit current. However, existing short circuit current withstanding schemes have problems such as complex structure, difficult installation, and high cost. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The present invention is directed to overcoming or mitigating at least one aspect of the above disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a contactor movable terminal assembly is provided. The contactor movable terminal assembly includes a movable terminal, a drive shaft movably connected to the movable terminal and used to drive the movable terminal from an open position in which the movable terminal is electrically isolated from the stationary terminal to a closed position in which the movable terminal is in electrical contact with the stationary terminal, a main elastic member axially compressed between a bottom of the movable terminal and the drive shaft to provide a main contact pressure to the movable terminal, and an auxiliary elastic member disposed between the movable terminal and the drive shaft. When the movable terminal is in the closed position, the auxiliary elastic member is axially compressed between a bottom of the movable terminal and the drive shaft to provide an auxiliary contact pressure to the movable terminal, and 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, the auxiliary elastic member is axially supported on the flange portion, and the primary 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 includes a main body and a cantilever portion connected to the main body, the main body is axially supported by the flange portion, two ends of the primary elastic member are pressed against the main body and the movable terminal, respectively, and when the movable terminal is in the closed position, the end of the cantilever portion abuts against the bottom of the movable terminal.

[0009] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the body comprises a bottom wall and a side wall connected to the bottom wall, the cantilever portion is connected to an upper edge of the side wall and extends obliquely relative to the side wall, the bottom wall of the body abuts the flange portion of the drive shaft, and the lower end of the primary resilient member abuts the bottom wall of the body.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an upper end of the drive shaft movably passes through the movable terminal and a limiting member is attached to the upper end of the drive shaft, and when the movable terminal is in an open position, the limiting member is pressed axially against an upper portion of the movable terminal to limit the position of the movable terminal, and when the movable terminal is in a closed position, the limiting member is spaced a predetermined distance from the movable terminal.

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

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the contactor movable terminal assembly further includes an insulator, an upper end of the drive shaft is fixed to the insulator, the primary elastic member is axially compressed between the movable terminal and the insulator, and the secondary elastic member is axially supported by the insulator, and when the movable terminal is in the closed position, the secondary 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 includes a main body and a cantilever portion connected to the main body, the main body is axially supported by an insulator, two ends of the primary elastic member are pressed against the movable terminal and the insulator, respectively, and when the movable terminal is in a closed position, the end of the cantilever portion abuts against a bottom of the movable terminal.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the body comprises a bottom wall supported on an upper surface of the insulator and a side wall connected to the bottom wall, and the cantilever portion is connected to an upper edge of the side wall and extends obliquely relative to the side wall.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an opening is formed in the bottom wall of the body to allow the passage of the primary elastic member, and a recess is formed in the upper portion of the insulator to accommodate the primary elastic member, the primary elastic member passing through the bottom wall of the body, and a lower end of the primary elastic member being supported on the bottom surface of the recess of the insulator.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the primary elastic member and the auxiliary elastic member are each a spiral spring, the auxiliary elastic member is disposed inside the primary elastic member, a recess is formed in the upper portion of the insulator to accommodate the primary elastic member and the auxiliary elastic member, and the lower ends of the primary elastic member and the auxiliary elastic member are supported by the bottom surface of the recess of the insulator.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the contactor movable terminal assembly further includes a limiting member. The limiting member includes an upper plate and a pair of side plates connected to the upper plate. Lower portions of the pair of side plates of the limiting member are fixed to the insulator, the movable terminal and the auxiliary elastic member are housed in the limiting member, and when the movable terminal is in an open position, the upper plate of the limiting member is pressed axially against an upper portion of the movable terminal to limit a position of the movable terminal, and when the movable terminal is in a closed position, the upper plate of the limiting member is separated from the movable terminal by a predetermined distance.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insulator is injection molded directly onto the drive shaft and the restricting member via an embedded injection molding process such that the drive shaft, the restricting member and the insulator are formed as a unitary piece.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a contactor movable terminal assembly is provided, the contactor movable terminal assembly comprising: a movable terminal; a drive shaft movably connected to the movable terminal and used to drive the movable terminal from an open position in which it is electrically isolated from the stationary terminal to a closed position in which it is in electrical contact with the stationary terminal; a primary resilient member axially compressed between the movable terminal and the drive shaft to provide a primary contact pressure to the movable terminal; and an auxiliary resilient member disposed between a bottom of the movable terminal and an upper portion of the primary resilient member. When the movable terminal is in the closed position, the auxiliary resilient member axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal and the drive shaft to provide an 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, the shoulder being suitable for supporting the bottom of the auxiliary elastic member, such that when the movable terminal is in a closed position, the auxiliary elastic member is axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal and the shoulder of the drive shaft, and when the movable terminal is in an open position, the auxiliary elastic member does not contact the shoulder of the drive shaft and is spaced axially from the shoulder by a predetermined distance.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the primary elastic member is a spiral spring and the secondary elastic member is a disc spring, the secondary elastic member has a bottom opening and a top opening, the diameter of the top opening is larger than the bottom opening, the edge of the top opening of the secondary elastic member abuts against the bottom surface of the movable terminal, and the bottom of the secondary elastic member abuts against the top of the primary elastic member.

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

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the contactor movable terminal assembly further includes a washer supported by the flange portion of the drive shaft and having a diameter larger than that of the flange portion, and the upper and lower ends of the primary 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, an upper end of the drive shaft movably passes through the movable terminal and a limiting member is attached to the upper end of the drive shaft, and when the movable terminal is in an open position, the limiting member is pressed axially against an upper portion of the movable terminal to limit the position of the movable terminal, and when the movable terminal is in a closed position, the limiting member is spaced a predetermined distance from the movable terminal.

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

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic modulus of the secondary elastic member is greater than the elastic modulus of the primary elastic member such that the axial compression of the secondary elastic member is less than the axial compression of the primary elastic member under the same axial pressure.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a contactor comprising a housing, a stationary terminal fixed to the housing, a coil attached to the housing, and the above-described contactor movable terminal assembly movably disposed on the housing, wherein when the coil is energized, the drive shaft drives the movable terminal from an open position to a closed position under the action of an electromagnetic force generated by the coil.

[0028] In the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the movable terminal is in a closed position in electrical contact with the stationary terminal, both the primary elastic member and the auxiliary elastic member simultaneously apply contact pressure to the movable terminal, thereby reducing the contact resistance between the movable terminal and the stationary terminal and improving the ability of the contactor to withstand short circuit current. The auxiliary elastic member does not affect the normal suction of the contactor.

[0029] These and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention which follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an explanatory perspective view of a contactor movable terminal assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of a contactor movable terminal assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an open position in which the movable terminal is electrically isolated from the stationary terminal. [Diagram 3] 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of a contactor movable terminal assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a closed position in which the movable terminal is in electrical contact with the stationary terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view of a contactor movable terminal assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention in an open position in which the movable terminal is electrically isolated from the stationary terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view of a contactor-movable terminal assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a closed position in which the movable terminal is in electrical contact with the stationary terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory perspective view of an auxiliary elastic member of a contactor movable terminal assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view of a contactor-movable terminal assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention in an open position in which the movable terminal is electrically isolated from the stationary terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view of a contactor-movable terminal assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a closed position in which the movable terminal is in electrical contact with the stationary terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view of a contactor-movable terminal assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in an open position in which the movable terminal is electrically isolated from the stationary terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view of a contactor-movable terminal assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in a closed position in which the movable terminal is in electrical contact with the stationary terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory perspective view of an auxiliary elastic member of a contactor movable terminal assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0032] 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 in schematic form to simplify the drawings.

[0033] According to a general concept of the present invention, there is provided a contactor movable terminal assembly, the contactor movable terminal assembly comprising: a movable terminal; a drive shaft movably connected to the movable terminal and used to drive the movable terminal from an open position in which it is electrically isolated from the stationary terminal to a closed position in which it is in electrical contact with the stationary terminal; a primary resilient member axially compressed between a bottom of the movable terminal and the drive shaft to provide a primary contact pressure to the movable terminal; and an auxiliary resilient member disposed between the movable terminal and the drive shaft. When the movable terminal is in the closed position, the auxiliary resilient member is axially compressed between a bottom of the movable terminal and the drive shaft to provide an auxiliary contact pressure to the movable terminal, and when the movable terminal is in the open position, the auxiliary resilient member is not axially compressed.

[0034] According to another general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a contactor movable terminal assembly comprising a movable terminal, a drive shaft movably connected to the movable terminal and used to drive the movable terminal from an open position in electrical isolation from the stationary terminal to a closed position in electrical contact with the stationary terminal, a primary resilient member axially compressed between the movable terminal and the drive shaft to provide a primary contact pressure to the movable terminal, and an auxiliary resilient member disposed between a bottom of the movable terminal and an upper portion of the primary resilient member. When the movable terminal is in the closed position, the auxiliary resilient member axially compressed between the bottom of the movable terminal and the drive shaft to provide an auxiliary contact pressure to the movable terminal.

[0035] In accordance with another general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a contactor comprising a housing, a stationary terminal fixed to the housing, a coil attached to the housing, and a contactor movable terminal assembly as described above movably disposed on the housing, wherein when the coil is energized, a drive shaft drives the movable terminal from an open position to a closed position under the action of an electromagnetic force generated by the coil.

[0036] First embodiment 1 to 3 show a contactor movable terminal assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Fig. 1 is an explanatory perspective view of the contactor movable terminal assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an axial cross-sectional view of the contactor movable terminal assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an open position in which the movable terminal 1 is electrically separated from the stationary terminal 9, and Fig. 3 is an axial cross-sectional view of the contactor movable terminal assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a closed position in which the movable terminal 1 is in electrical contact with the stationary terminal 9.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor movable terminal assembly is disclosed. The contactor movable 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 is used to drive the above-mentioned movable terminal 1 from an open position in which it is electrically isolated from a stationary terminal 9 to a closed position in which it is electrically in contact with the stationary terminal 9. The main elastic member 3 is axially compressed between a bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2 to provide a main contact pressure to the movable terminal 1. The auxiliary elastic member 4 is disposed between the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, in the illustrated embodiment, 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 provide an auxiliary contact pressure to the movable terminal 1. As shown in Figure 2, when the movable terminal 1 is in the open position, the auxiliary elastic member 4 is not axially compressed and does not contact the movable terminal 1.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the exemplary embodiment, the drive shaft 2 is formed with a radially protruding flange portion 21, the auxiliary elastic member 4 is axially supported by 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.

[0040] 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the primary elastic member 3 may be a helical spring. The auxiliary elastic member 4 includes a body 40 and a cantilever portion 43. The cantilever portion 43 is connected to the body 40. The body 40 is axially supported by the flange portion 21, and the two ends of the primary elastic member 3 are pressed against the body 40 and the movable terminal 1, respectively. When the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position, the end of the cantilever portion 43 is pressed against the bottom of the movable terminal 1.

[0041] 1 to 3 , in the illustrated embodiment, the body 40 includes a bottom wall 41 and a side wall 42 connected to the bottom wall 41. The cantilever portion 43 is connected to an upper edge of the side wall 42 and extends obliquely relative to the side wall 42. The bottom wall 41 of the body 40 abuts against the flange portion 21 of the drive shaft 2, and the lower end of the primary elastic member 3 abuts against the bottom wall 41 of the body 40.

[0042] 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper end of the drive shaft 2 movably passes through the movable terminal 1. 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 upper portion 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 a predetermined distance from the movable terminal 1.

[0043] 1 to 3, in the illustrated embodiment, a snap slot 22 is formed in the outer surface of the upper end of the drive shaft 2, and the limiting member 5 is a snap ring. The snap ring fits into the snap slot 22 of the drive shaft 2.

[0044] Although not shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor is further disclosed. The contactor includes a housing (not shown), a stationary terminal 9, a coil (not shown), and the contactor movable terminal assembly described above. The stationary terminal 9 is fixed to the housing. The coil is attached to the housing. The contactor movable terminal assembly is movably attached to the housing. When the coil is energized, the drive shaft 2 drives the movable terminal 1 from an open position to a closed position under the electromagnetic force generated by the coil.

[0045] Second embodiment 4 to 6 show a contactor movable terminal assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Fig. 4 is an axial cross-sectional view of the contactor movable terminal assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention in an open position in which the movable terminal 1 is electrically separated from the stationary terminal 9, Fig. 5 is an axial cross-sectional view of the contactor movable terminal assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention in a closed position in which the movable terminal 1 is in electrical contact with the stationary terminal 9, and Fig. 6 is an explanatory perspective view of an auxiliary elastic member 4 of the contactor movable terminal assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor movable terminal assembly is disclosed. The contactor movable 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 is used to drive the above-mentioned movable terminal 1 from an open position in which it is electrically isolated from a stationary terminal 9 to a closed position in which it is electrically in contact with the stationary terminal 9. The main elastic member 3 is axially compressed between a bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2 to provide a main contact pressure to the movable terminal 1. The auxiliary elastic member 4 is disposed between the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in an exemplary embodiment, the contactor movable terminal assembly further includes an insulator 6. An upper end of the drive shaft 2 is fixed to the insulator 6. The primary elastic member 3 is axially compressed between the movable terminal 1 and the insulator 6, while the auxiliary elastic member 4 is axially supported by the insulator 6. As shown in Figure 5, when the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position, the auxiliary elastic member 4 is axially compressed between the movable terminal 1 and the insulator 6.

[0048] 4 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the main elastic member 3 may be a helical spring. The auxiliary elastic member 4 includes a body 40 and a cantilever portion 43. The cantilever portion 43 is connected to the body 40. The body 40 is axially supported by the insulator 6, and the two ends of the main elastic member 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 cantilever portion 43 is pressed against the bottom of the movable terminal 1.

[0049] 4 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the body 40 includes 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 cantilever portion 43 is connected to an upper edge of the side wall 42 and extends obliquely relative to the side wall 42.

[0050] 4 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, an opening 44 is formed in the bottom wall 41 of the main body 40 to allow the primary elastic member 3 to pass through. A recess 61 is formed in the upper part of the insulator 6 to accommodate the primary elastic member 3. The primary elastic member 3 passes through the bottom wall 41 of the main body 40. The lower end of the primary elastic member 3 is supported by the bottom surface of the recess 61 of the insulator 6.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor movable terminal assembly further includes a limiting member 5. The limiting member 5 includes an upper plate 51 and a pair of side plates 52. The pair of side plates 52 are connected to the upper plate 51. The lower portions 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 auxiliary elastic member 4 are accommodated 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 member 5 is pressed axially against the upper portion of the movable terminal 1 to limit the position of the movable terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 5, when the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position, the upper plate 51 of the limiting member 5 is separated from the movable terminal 1 by a predetermined distance.

[0052] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulator 6 is an injection molded part that is formed directly onto the drive shaft 2 and the restricting member 5 by an embedded injection molding process, such that the drive shaft 2, the restricting member 5 and the insulator 6 are formed as a unitary piece.

[0053] Although not shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor is further disclosed. The contactor includes a housing (not shown), a stationary terminal 9, a coil (not shown), and the contactor movable terminal assembly described above. The stationary terminal 9 is fixed to the housing. The coil is attached to the housing. The contactor movable terminal assembly is movably attached to the housing. When the coil is energized, the drive shaft 2 drives the movable terminal 1 from an open position to a closed position under the electromagnetic force generated by the coil.

[0054] Third embodiment 7 and 8 show a contactor movable terminal assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Fig. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view of the contactor movable terminal assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention in an open position in which the movable terminal 1 is electrically isolated from the stationary terminal 9, and Fig. 8 is an axial cross-sectional view of the contactor movable terminal assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention in a closed position in which the movable terminal 1 is in electrical contact with the stationary terminal 9.

[0055] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor movable terminal assembly is disclosed. The contactor movable 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 is used to drive the above-mentioned movable terminal 1 from an open position in which it is electrically isolated from a stationary terminal 9 to a closed position in which it is electrically in contact with the stationary terminal 9. The main elastic member 3 is axially compressed between a bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2 to provide a main contact pressure to the movable terminal 1. The auxiliary elastic member 4 is disposed between the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2.

[0056] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in an exemplary embodiment, the contactor movable terminal assembly further includes an insulator 6. An upper end of the drive shaft 2 is fixed to the insulator 6. The primary elastic member 3 is axially compressed between the movable terminal 1 and the insulator 6, while the auxiliary elastic member 4 is axially supported by the insulator 6. As shown in Figure 8, when the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position, the auxiliary elastic member 4 is axially compressed between the movable terminal 1 and the insulator 6.

[0057] 7 and 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the main elastic member 3 and the auxiliary elastic member 4 are each a spiral spring. The auxiliary elastic member 4 is disposed inside the main elastic member 3. A recess 61 is formed in the upper part of the insulator 6 to accommodate the main elastic member 3 and the auxiliary elastic member 4. The lower end of the main elastic member 3 is supported by the bottom surface of the recess 61 of the insulator 6, and the auxiliary elastic member 4 is received in the gap between the movable terminal 1 and the bottom surface of the recess 61 of the insulator 6.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor movable terminal assembly further includes a limiting member 5. The limiting member 5 includes an upper plate 51 and a pair of side plates 52. The pair of side plates 52 are connected to the upper plate 51. The lower portions of the pair of side plates 52 of the limiting member 5 are fixed to the insulator 6, and the movable terminal 1 is accommodated in the limiting member 5. As shown in FIG. 7, when the movable terminal 1 is in the open position, the upper plate 51 of the limiting member 5 is pressed axially against the upper portion of the movable terminal 1 to limit the position of the movable terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 8, when the movable terminal 1 is in the closed position, the upper plate 51 of the limiting member 5 is separated from the movable terminal 1 by a predetermined distance.

[0059] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulator 6 is an injection molded item that is molded directly onto the drive shaft 2 and the restricting member 5 by an embedded injection molding process such that the drive shaft 2, the restricting member 5 and the insulator 6 are formed as a unitary piece.

[0060] Although not shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor is further disclosed. The contactor includes a housing (not shown), a stationary terminal 9, a coil (not shown), and the contactor movable terminal assembly described above. The stationary terminal 9 is fixed to the housing. The coil is attached to the housing. The contactor movable terminal assembly is movably attached to the housing. When the coil is energized, the drive shaft 2 drives the movable terminal 1 from an open position to a closed position under the electromagnetic force generated by the coil.

[0061] Fourth embodiment 9 to 11 show a contactor movable terminal assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Fig. 9 is an axial cross-sectional view of the contactor movable terminal assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention in an open position in which the movable terminal 1 is electrically separated from the stationary terminal 9, Fig. 10 is an axial cross-sectional view of the contactor movable terminal assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention in a closed position in which the movable terminal 1 is in electrical contact with the stationary terminal 9, and Fig. 11 is an explanatory perspective view of an auxiliary elastic member 4 of the contactor movable terminal assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor movable terminal assembly is disclosed. The contactor movable 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 is used to drive the above-mentioned movable terminal 1 from an open position in which it is electrically isolated from the stationary terminal 9 to a closed position in which it is electrically contacted with the stationary terminal 9. The main elastic member 3 is axially compressed between the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2 to provide a main contact pressure to the movable terminal 1. The auxiliary elastic member 4 can be held between a bottom of the movable terminal 1 and a shoulder 23 of the drive shaft, or between a bottom of the movable terminal 1 and an upper part of the main elastic member 3. As shown in FIG. 10, when the movable terminal 1 is in a closed position, the auxiliary elastic member 4 is axially compressed between a bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the drive shaft 2 to provide an auxiliary contact pressure to the movable terminal 1.

[0063] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 2 is formed with a shoulder 23. The shoulder 23 is suitable for pressing the bottom of the auxiliary elastic member 4. As shown in Figure 10, 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. As shown in Figure 9, when the movable terminal 1 is in the open position, the auxiliary elastic member 4 does not contact the shoulder 23 of the drive shaft 2, but is spaced axially from the shoulder 23 by a predetermined distance.

[0064] 9 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the primary elastic member 3 is a spiral spring, and the auxiliary elastic member 4 is a disc spring. The auxiliary elastic member 4 has a bottom opening and a top opening, and the diameter of the top opening is larger than that of the bottom opening. The edge of the top opening of the auxiliary elastic member 4 abuts against the bottom surface of the movable terminal 1, and the bottom of the auxiliary elastic member 4 abuts against the top of the primary elastic member 3 or the shoulder 23 of the drive shaft 2.

[0065] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in the exemplary embodiment, the drive shaft 2 is formed with a radially protruding flange portion 21, and the main elastic member 3 is axially compressed between the bottom of the auxiliary elastic member 4 or the bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the flange portion 21 of the drive shaft 2.

[0066] 9 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor movable terminal assembly further includes a washer 7. The washer 7 is supported by 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 primary elastic member 3 are pressed against the bottom of the auxiliary elastic member 4 and the upper surface of the washer 7, or against the bottom of the movable terminal 1 and the upper surface of the washer 7, respectively.

[0067] 9 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper end of the drive shaft 2 movably passes through the movable terminal 1. 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 upper portion 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 a predetermined distance from the movable terminal 1.

[0068] 9 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, a snap slot 22 is formed in the outer surface of the upper end of the drive shaft 2, and the limiting member 5 is a snap ring. The snap ring fits into the snap slot 22 of the drive shaft 2.

[0069] 9 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic modulus of the auxiliary elastic member 4 is greater than that of the primary elastic member 3, such that under the same axial pressure, the axial compression amount of the auxiliary elastic member 4 is smaller than that of the primary elastic member 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 be almost negligible.

[0070] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in Figs. 9 to 11. For example, when the size of the main elastic member 3 is large, the auxiliary elastic member 4 may be disposed inside the main elastic member 3 and may not contact the main elastic member 3. In this case, the auxiliary elastic member 4 is supported by 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 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 gap 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 further disclosed. The contactor includes a housing (not shown), a stationary terminal 9, a coil (not shown), and the contactor movable terminal assembly described above. The stationary terminal 9 is fixed to the housing. The coil is attached to the housing. The contactor movable terminal assembly is movably attached to the housing. When the coil is energized, the drive shaft 2 drives the movable terminal 1 from an open position to a closed position under the electromagnetic force generated by the coil.

[0072] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the above embodiments without any contradiction in structure or principle, and can freely combine various features described in different embodiments with each other.

[0073] While several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0074] As used herein, elements described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of said elements or steps, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic.

Claims

1. 1. A contactor moveable terminal assembly comprising: The contactor movable terminal assembly includes: - a movable terminal (1); - a drive shaft (2) movably connected to the movable terminal (1) and used to drive the movable terminal (1) from an open position in which it is electrically isolated from the stationary terminal (9) to a closed position in which it is in electrical contact with the stationary terminal (9); - a main elastic member (3) compressed axially between the bottom of the movable terminal (1) and the drive shaft (2) to provide a main contact pressure to the movable terminal (1); - an auxiliary elastic member (4) disposed between the movable terminal (1) and the drive shaft (2); Equipped with 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 provide an auxiliary contact pressure to the movable terminal (1); When the movable terminal (1) is in the open position, the auxiliary elastic member (4) is not compressed in the axial direction. Contactor movable terminal assembly.

2. A flange portion (21) is formed on the drive shaft (2), The auxiliary elastic member (4) is supported in the axial direction by the flange portion (21), The main elastic member (3) is axially compressed between the bottom portion of the movable terminal (1) and the flange portion (21) of the drive shaft (2).

2. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 1.

3. The auxiliary elastic member (4) is a body (40), - a cantilever portion (43) connected to said body (40); Equipped with The main body (40) is supported in the axial direction by the flange portion (21), The two ends of the main elastic member (3) are pressed against the main body (40) and the movable terminal (1), respectively; When the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position, the end of the cantilever portion (43) abuts against the bottom of the movable terminal (1).

3. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 2.

4. The body (40) comprises a bottom wall (41) and a side wall (42) connected to the bottom wall (41); The cantilever portion (43) is connected to an upper edge of the side wall (42) and extends obliquely relative to the side wall (42); The bottom wall (41) of the main body (40) abuts against the flange portion (21) of the drive shaft (2); The lower end of the main elastic member (3) abuts against the bottom wall (41) of the main body (40).

4. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 3.

5. The upper end of the drive shaft (2) movably passes through the movable terminal (1); 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 restricting member (5) is pressed axially against an upper portion of the movable terminal (1) to restrict the position of the movable terminal (1); When the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position, the restricting member (5) is spaced a predetermined distance from the movable terminal (1).

3. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 2.

6. A snap slot (22) is formed in the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the drive shaft (2); The limiting member (5) is a snap ring that fits into the snap slot (22) of the drive shaft (2).

6. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 5.

7. Insulator (6) Further equipped with The upper end of the drive shaft (2) is fixed to the insulator (6), The main elastic member (3) is compressed in the axial direction between the movable terminal (1) and the insulator (6), and the auxiliary elastic member (4) is supported in the axial direction by the insulator (6), When the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position, the auxiliary elastic member (4) is axially compressed between the movable terminal (1) and the insulator (6).

2. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 1.

8. The auxiliary elastic member (4) is a body (40), - a cantilever portion (43) connected to said body (40); Equipped with The main body (40) is supported in the axial direction by the insulator (6), and the two ends of the main elastic member (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 cantilever portion (43) abuts against the bottom of the movable terminal (1).

8. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 7.

9. The main body (40) includes a bottom wall (41) supported on an upper surface of the insulator (6) and a side wall (42) connected to the bottom wall (41); The cantilever portion (43) is connected to an upper edge of the side wall (42) and extends obliquely relative to the side wall (42). The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 8 .

10. An opening (44) is formed in the bottom wall (41) of the body (40) to allow the passage of the primary elastic member (3); A recess (61) is formed in the upper portion of the insulator (6) to accommodate the main elastic member (3), The main elastic member (3) penetrates the bottom wall (41) of the main body (40), and a lower end of the main elastic member (3) is supported by a bottom surface of the recess (61) of the insulator (6).

10. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 9.

11. The main elastic member (3) and the auxiliary elastic member (4) are each a spiral spring, and the auxiliary elastic member (4) is disposed inside the main elastic member (3); A recess (61) is formed in the upper part of the insulator (6) so as to accommodate the main elastic member (3) and the auxiliary elastic member (4), and the lower end of the main elastic member (3) and the lower end of the auxiliary elastic member (4) are supported by the bottom surface of the recess (61) of the insulator (6).

8. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 7.

12. Restriction member (5) Further equipped with The limiting member (5) is - a top plate (51); a pair of side plates (52) connected to the top plate (51); Equipped with The lower portions of the pair of side plates (52) of the restricting member (5) are fixed to the insulator (6), The movable terminal (1) and the auxiliary elastic member (4) are housed in the restricting member (5), When the movable terminal (1) is in the open position, the upper plate (51) of the restricting member (5) is pressed axially against the upper portion of the movable terminal (1) to restrict the position of the movable terminal (1); When the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position, the upper plate (51) of the restricting member (5) is spaced a predetermined distance from the movable terminal (1).

8. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 7.

13. the insulator (6) is an injection molded part that is molded directly onto the drive shaft (2) and the limiting member (5) by an embedded injection molding process, such that the drive shaft (2), the limiting member (5) and the insulator (6) are formed as a single piece. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 12.

14. 1. A contactor moveable terminal assembly comprising: - a movable terminal (1); - a drive shaft (2) movably connected to the movable terminal (1) and used to drive the movable terminal (1) from an open position in which it is electrically isolated from the stationary terminal (9) to a closed position in which it is in electrical contact with the stationary terminal (9); - a main elastic member (3) axially compressed between the movable terminal (1) and the drive shaft (2) to provide a main contact pressure to the movable terminal (1); - an auxiliary elastic member (4) disposed between the bottom of the movable terminal (1) and the top of the main elastic member (3); Equipped with 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 provide an auxiliary contact pressure to the movable terminal (1). Contactor movable terminal assembly.

15. A shoulder (23) is formed on the drive shaft (2), the shoulder (23) being suitable for supporting the bottom of the auxiliary elastic member (4); 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) does not contact the shoulder portion (23) of the drive shaft (2) and is spaced axially from the shoulder portion (23) by a predetermined distance. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 14.

16. The main elastic member (3) is a spiral spring, the auxiliary elastic member (4) is a disc spring, the auxiliary elastic member (4) has a bottom opening and a top opening, the diameter of the top opening is larger than the diameter of the bottom opening, The edge of the upper opening of the auxiliary elastic member (4) abuts against the bottom surface of the movable terminal (1), and the bottom of the auxiliary elastic member (4) abuts against the upper part of the main elastic member (3). The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 14.

17. A flange portion (21) is formed on the drive shaft (2), and the main elastic member (3) is compressed in the axial direction between the bottom of the auxiliary elastic member (4) and the flange portion (21) of the drive shaft (2). The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 14.

18. a washer (7) supported by the flange portion (21) of the drive shaft (2) and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the flange portion (21); Further equipped with The upper and lower ends of the main elastic member (3) are pressed against the bottom of the auxiliary elastic member (4) and the upper surface of the washer (7), respectively. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 14.

19. The upper end of the drive shaft (2) movably passes through the movable terminal (1), and a restricting member (5) is attached to the upper end of the drive shaft (2); When the movable terminal (1) is in the open position, the restricting member (5) is pressed axially against an upper portion of the movable terminal (1) to restrict the position of the movable terminal (1); When the movable terminal (1) is in the closed position, the restricting member (5) is spaced a predetermined distance from the movable terminal (1). The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 14.

20. A snap slot (22) is formed in the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the drive shaft (2); The limiting member (5) is a snap ring that fits into the snap slot (22) of the drive shaft (2).

20. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of claim 19.

21. The elastic modulus of the auxiliary elastic member (4) is greater than that of the primary elastic member (3) so that the axial compression amount of the auxiliary elastic member (4) is smaller than the axial compression amount of the primary elastic member (3) under the same axial pressure.

21. The contactor moveable terminal assembly of any one of claims 14 to 20.

22. A contactor comprising: The contactor includes: - Housing; - a stationary terminal fixed to said housing; a coil attached to the housing; - the contactor movable terminal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 21, movably arranged in the housing; Equipped with When the coil is energized, the drive shaft (2) drives the movable terminal (1) from the open position to the closed position under the action of the electromagnetic force generated by the coil. Contactor.

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