Movable contact module for contactor, movable contact assembly for contactor, and contactor

Abstract

The present invention discloses a movable contact module for a contactor, a movable contact assembly for a contactor, and a contactor that can reduce the current flowing through each movable contact, thereby reducing heat generation and electrical repulsion, and improving the short-circuit current resistance of the contactor. [Solution] The movable contact module for the contactor comprises a plurality of movable contacts (10) arranged side by side in the lateral direction (X). Each movable contact includes a movable terminal having two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction (Y) and opposite front and back surfaces in the height direction (Z), and two movable contacts formed on the surfaces of the two ends of the movable terminal, respectively. The movable contacts at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts are configured to electrically connect the two stationary contacts by simultaneously making electrical contact with the stationary contacts of two stationary contacts, respectively.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202520341500.5 filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on February 28, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a movable contact module for a contactor, a movable contact assembly for a contactor including the movable contact module for a contactor, and a contactor including the movable contact assembly for a contactor. [Background Art]

[0003] In the prior art, the movable contact in a high-voltage direct current contactor is generally a single movable contact that carries all load current. Since a single movable contact only has two movable contacts, the current flowing through each movable contact is relatively large. Under high current conditions, the movable contacts generate more heat, which makes the movable contacts prone to thermal welding to the stationary contacts. Under short-circuit current conditions, a large electric repulsion is generated, which may cause the movable contacts to be easily and accidentally separated from the stationary contacts. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a movable contact module for a contactor is provided. The movable contact module for a contactor comprises a plurality of movable contacts arranged laterally. Each movable contact includes a movable terminal having two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction and opposite front and back surfaces in the height direction, and two movable contacts formed on the surfaces of the two ends of the movable terminal, respectively. The movable contacts at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts are configured to electrically connect two stationary contacts by simultaneously making electrical contact with the stationary contacts of two stationary contacts, respectively.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable contact module for a contactor further comprises a U-shaped support base including a bottom wall and a pair of side walls, wherein the movable terminals of a plurality of movable contacts are mounted on the support base, the bottom wall of the support base is supported on the back surface of the plurality of movable terminals, and the pair of side walls of the support base abut against the sides of the two outermost movable terminals, respectively.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positioning projection is formed on the bottom wall of a support base, and positioning slots are formed on the back of a plurality of movable terminals, and the positioning projection is positioned in the positioning slots.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of positioning protrusions are formed on the bottom wall of the support base, positioning slots are formed on the back of each of the plurality of movable terminals, and the plurality of positioning protrusions are positioned in the positioning slots of each of the plurality of movable terminals.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a movable contact module for a contactor further comprises an elastic piece fitted to the back of the movable terminals of a plurality of movable contacts. The elastic piece includes a central plate portion having two longitudinally opposite sides, a row of first cantilevers connected to one side of the central plate portion for supporting the back of one end of a plurality of movable terminals arranged side by side, and a row of second cantilevers connected to the other side of the central plate portion for supporting the back of the other end of a plurality of movable terminals arranged side by side.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, projections are formed on the back surfaces of both ends of the movable terminal, the first and second cantilevers of the elastic piece are pressed against the projections at both ends of the movable terminal, and a predetermined gap exists between the central plate portion of the elastic piece and the movable terminal.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the elastic piece is an integral part.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable contact module for a contactor further comprises a U-shaped support base including a bottom wall and a pair of side walls, wherein a plurality of movable terminals and elastic pieces are assembled to the support base such that the bottom wall of the support base is supported by the bottom surface of the central plate portion of the elastic piece, and the pair of side walls of the support base abut against the sides of the two outermost movable terminals, respectively.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of elastic fingers are formed on both sides of the central plate portion of the elastic piece, and the bottom wall of the support base is clamped between the elastic fingers on both sides of the central plate portion.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable contact module for the contactor further comprises a connecting rod passing through a plurality of movable terminals arranged laterally, the two ends of the connecting rod being fixed to a pair of side walls of a support base, respectively.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, through holes through which a connecting rod can pass are formed in each of a pair of side walls of a movable terminal and a support base, and the two ends of the connecting rod are bent and pressed against the outside of the pair of side walls of the support base, respectively.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable contact module for the contactor comprises two, three, four, or five movable contacts arranged laterally.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a movable contact assembly for a contactor is provided. The movable contact assembly for a contactor comprises an insulating base, a limiting bracket fixed to the insulating base and located above the insulating base, the movable contact module for the contactor movably mounted within the limiting bracket, a spring compressed between the insulating base and the movable contact module for the contactor to allow the movable contact module for the contactor to float relative to the insulating base, and a drive shaft fixed to the insulating base and located below the insulating base. The insulating base electrically insulates the limiting bracket, the spring, and the drive shaft from each other.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insulating base is injection-molded onto the lower end of the limiting bracket and the upper end of the drive shaft, so that the insulating base, limiting bracket, and drive shaft form a single integrated part.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable contact module for the contactor includes a support base, a first positioning slot formed on the bottom surface of the support base, and a second positioning slot formed on the top surface of the insulating base, with the two ends of a spring positioned in the first and second positioning slots, respectively.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a contactor is provided. The contactor comprises an internal housing in which an arc extinguishing chamber is defined inside; two stationary contacts fixed to the internal housing, the stationary contacts of the two stationary contacts located in the arc extinguishing chamber; and a movable contact assembly for the contactor, which is movably mounted in the arc extinguishing chamber and movable between a closed position and an open position. When the movable contact assembly for the contactor is moved to the closed position, the movable contacts at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts electrically contact the stationary contacts of the two stationary contacts, respectively, thereby electrically connecting the two stationary contacts; and when the movable contact assembly for the contactor is moved to the open position, the movable contacts at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts move away from the stationary contacts of the two stationary contacts.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the contactor further comprises an outer housing to which an inner housing is mounted, and an electromagnetic drive assembly mounted on the outer housing and located below the inner housing. The electromagnetic drive assembly is configured to apply an electromagnetic drive force to the drive shaft of the movable contact assembly for the contactor, thereby driving the movable contact assembly for the contactor to move from an open position to a closed position.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the contactor further comprises a return spring that is mounted on an electromagnetic drive assembly and is suitable for applying an elastic return force to the drive shaft. When the electromagnetic drive assembly loses power, the electromagnetic drive force disappears, and the drive shaft returns from the closed position to the open position by the action of the return spring.

[0023] In the above exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the contactor comprises a plurality of movable contacts arranged side by side, with one movable contact at each end of each movable contact. Thus, the present invention can reduce the current flowing through each movable contact, thereby reducing heat generation and electrical repulsion and improving the short-circuit current withstand capability of the contactor.

[0024] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent through the detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] [Figure 1] It is an illustrative perspective view of a movable contact module for a contactor according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an illustrative exploded top view of the movable contact module for a contactor according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is an illustrative exploded bottom view of the movable contact module for a contactor according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an illustrative perspective view of a plurality of movable contacts of the movable contact module for a contactor according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an illustrative perspective view of a movable contact assembly for a contactor according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an illustrative exploded view of the movable contact assembly for a contactor according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is an illustrative plan view of the movable contact assembly for a contactor and two stationary contacts according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable contact assembly for a contactor is in an open position. [Figure 8] It is an illustrative plan view of the movable contact assembly for a contactor and two stationary contacts according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the movable contact assembly for a contactor is in a closed position. [Figure 9] It is an illustrative perspective view of a movable contact module for a contactor according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is an illustrative exploded top view of the movable contact module for a contactor according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]This is an exploded view of a movable contact module for a contactor according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the bottom. [Figure 12] This is a descriptive perspective view of a plurality of movable contacts in a movable contact module for a contactor according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a descriptive perspective view of a movable contact assembly for a contactor according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a top-down explanatory perspective view of a movable contact module for a contactor according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is an explanatory perspective view of a movable contact module for a contactor according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom. [Figure 16] This is an exploded view of a movable contact module for a contactor according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the bottom. [Figure 17] This is a descriptive perspective view of a movable contact assembly for a contactor according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so as to make the present disclosure thorough and complete and so as to fully convey the concepts of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0027] The following detailed description includes numerous specific details for illustrative purposes to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments can be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, well-known structures and apparatus are shown schematically for the sake of simplifying the drawings.

[0028] According to the general concept of the present invention, a movable contact module for a contactor is provided. The movable contact module for a contactor comprises a plurality of movable contacts arranged laterally. Each movable contact includes a movable terminal having two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction and opposite front and back surfaces in the height direction, and two movable contacts formed on the surfaces of the two ends of the movable terminal, respectively. The movable contacts at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts are configured to electrically connect two stationary contacts by simultaneously making electrical contact with the stationary contacts of two stationary contacts, respectively.

[0029] According to another general concept of the present invention, a movable contact assembly for a contactor is provided. The movable contact assembly for a contactor comprises an insulating base, a limiting bracket fixed to the insulating base and located above the insulating base, the movable contact module for the contactor movably mounted within the limiting bracket, a spring compressed between the insulating base and the movable contact module for the contactor to allow the movable contact module for the contactor to float relative to the insulating base, and a drive shaft fixed to the insulating base and located below the insulating base. The insulating base electrically insulates the limiting bracket, the spring, and the drive shaft from each other.

[0030] According to another general concept of the present invention, a contactor is provided. The contactor comprises an internal housing in which an arc extinguishing chamber is defined inside; two stationary contacts fixed to the internal housing, the stationary contacts of the two stationary contacts located in the arc extinguishing chamber; and a movable contact assembly for the contactor, movable between a closed position and an open position. When the movable contact assembly for the contactor is moved to the closed position, the movable contacts at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts electrically contact the stationary contacts of the two stationary contacts, respectively, thereby electrically connecting the two stationary contacts; and when the movable contact assembly for the contactor is moved to the open position, the movable contacts at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts move away from the stationary contacts of the two stationary contacts.

[0031] First Embodiment Figures 1 to 8 show the first embodiment of the present invention. Of Figures 1 to 8, Figure 1 shows an explanatory perspective view of a movable contact module 1 for a contactor according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows an explanatory exploded view of the movable contact module 1 for a contactor according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention viewed from above; Figure 3 shows an explanatory exploded view of the movable contact module 1 for a contactor according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the bottom; Figure 4 shows an explanatory perspective view of the plurality of movable contacts of the movable contact module 1 for a contactor according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows an explanatory perspective view of a movable contact assembly for a contactor according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows an explanatory exploded view of the movable contact assembly for a contactor according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 shows an explanatory plan view of the movable contact assembly for a contactor and two stationary contacts 60 for an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention with the movable contact assembly for a contactor in the open position; and Figure 8 shows an explanatory plan view of the movable contact assembly for a contactor and two stationary contacts 60 for an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention with the movable contact assembly for a contactor in the closed position.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a movable contact module 1 for a contactor. The movable contact module 1 for a contactor comprises a plurality of movable contacts 10. The plurality of movable contacts 10 are arranged side by side in the lateral direction X. Each movable contact 10 includes a movable terminal 100 and two movable contacts 101. The movable terminal 100 has two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction Y and opposite front and back surfaces in the height direction Z. The two movable contacts 101 are formed on the surfaces of the two ends of the movable terminal 100, respectively. The movable contacts 101 at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts 10 are suitable for electrically connecting two stationary contacts 60 by simultaneously making electrical contact with the stationary contacts 601 of two stationary contacts 60, respectively.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact module 1 for the contactor comprises two movable contacts 10 arranged side by side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the movable contact module 1 for the contactor may comprise three, four, or more movable contacts 10 arranged side by side.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact module 1 for the contactor further comprises a U-shaped support base 12 including a bottom wall 120 and a pair of side walls 121. The movable terminals 100 of the multiple movable contacts 10 are mounted on the support base 12, and the bottom wall 120 of the support base 12 is supported on the back of the multiple movable terminals 100. The pair of side walls 121 of the support base 12 abut against the sides of the two outermost movable terminals 100, respectively.

[0035] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, a positioning projection 122 is formed on the bottom wall 120 of the support base 12, and positioning slots 102 are formed on the back of the multiple movable terminals 100. The positioning projection 122 is positioned in the positioning slots 102.

[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of positioning protrusions 122 are formed on the bottom wall 120 of the support base 12, and positioning slots 102 are formed on the back surface of each of the plurality of movable terminals 100. The plurality of positioning protrusions 122 are positioned in the positioning slots 102 of each of the plurality of movable terminals 100.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, a movable contact assembly for a contactor is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The movable contact assembly for a contactor comprises a movable contact module for a contactor 1, an insulating base 2, a limiting bracket 3, a spring 4, and a drive shaft 5. The limiting bracket 3 is fixed to the insulating base 2 and positioned above the insulating base 2. The movable contact module for a contactor 1 is movably mounted within the limiting bracket 3. The spring 4 is compressed between the insulating base 2 and the movable contact module for a contactor 1, allowing the movable contact module for a contactor 1 to float relative to the insulating base 2. The drive shaft 5 is fixed to the insulating base 2 and positioned below the insulating base 2. The insulating base 2 electrically insulates the limiting bracket 3, the spring 4, and the drive shaft 5 from each other.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulating base 2 is injection molded to the lower end of the limiting bracket 3 and the upper end of the drive shaft 5, and the insulating base 2, limiting bracket 3, and drive shaft 5 become a single integrated part.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact module 1 for the contactor includes a support base 12, a first positioning slot 123 formed on the bottom surface of the support base 12, and a second positioning slot 22 formed on the top surface of the insulating base 2. The two ends of the spring 4 are positioned in the first positioning slot 123 and the second positioning slot 22, respectively.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, a contactor is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The contactor comprises an internal housing (not shown), two stationary contacts 60, and a movable contact assembly for the contactor. An arc extinguishing chamber (not shown) is defined in the internal housing. The two stationary contacts 60 are fixed to the internal housing, and the stationary contacts 601 of the two stationary contacts 60 are located in the arc extinguishing chamber. The movable contact assembly for the contactor is mounted in the arc extinguishing chamber and is movable between a closed position and an open position. As shown in Figure 8, when the movable contact assembly for the contactor moves to the closed position, the movable contacts 101 at both ends of the multiple movable contacts 10 electrically contact the stationary contacts 601 of the two stationary contacts 60, respectively, thereby electrically connecting the two stationary contacts 60. As shown in Figure 7, when the movable contact assembly for the contactor moves to the open position, the movable contacts 101 at both ends of the multiple movable contacts 10 move away from the stationary contacts 601 of the two stationary contacts 60.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor further comprises an external housing (not shown) and an electromagnetic drive assembly (not shown). The internal housing is mounted within the external housing. The electromagnetic drive assembly is mounted within the external housing and located below the internal housing. The electromagnetic drive assembly is suitable for applying an electromagnetic drive force to the drive shaft 5 of the movable contact assembly for the contactor, and for driving the movable contact assembly for the contactor to move from an open position to a closed position.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor further comprises a return spring (not shown) provided in the electromagnetic drive assembly and suitable for applying an elastic return force to the drive shaft 5. When the electromagnetic drive assembly loses power, the electromagnetic driving force applied to the drive shaft 5 disappears, and the drive shaft 5 returns from the closed position to the open position by the action of the return spring.

[0043] Second Embodiment Figures 9 to 13 show a second embodiment of the present invention. Of the figures in Figures 9 to 13, Figure 9 is an explanatory perspective view of a movable contact module 1 for a contactor according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is an explanatory exploded view of the movable contact module 1 for a contactor according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention viewed from above; Figure 11 is an explanatory exploded view of the movable contact module 1 for a contactor according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention viewed from the bottom; Figure 12 is an explanatory perspective view of a plurality of movable contacts of the movable contact module 1 for a contactor according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 13 is an explanatory perspective view of a movable contact assembly for a contactor according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a movable contact module 1 for a contactor. The movable contact module 1 for a contactor comprises a plurality of movable contacts 10. The plurality of movable contacts 10 are arranged side by side in the lateral direction X. Each movable contact 10 includes a movable terminal 100 and two movable contacts 101. The movable terminal 100 has two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction Y and a front side and a back side opposite in the height direction Z. The two movable contacts 101 are formed on the surfaces of the two ends of the movable terminal 100, respectively. The movable contacts 101 at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts 10 are suitable for electrically connecting two stationary contacts 60 by simultaneously making electrical contact with the stationary contacts 601 of two stationary contacts 60, respectively.

[0045] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact module 1 for the contactor comprises five movable contacts 10 arranged in a row. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the movable contact module 1 for the contactor may comprise two, three, four, six, or more movable contacts 10 arranged in a row.

[0046] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact module 1 for the contactor further comprises an elastic piece 11. The elastic piece 11 is assembled to the back of the movable terminals 100 of the plurality of movable contacts 10. The elastic piece 11 includes a central plate portion 113, a row of first cantilevers 111, and a row of second cantilevers 112. The central plate portion 113 has two sides opposite in the longitudinal direction Y. The row of first cantilevers 111 is connected to one side of the central plate portion 113 and is used to support the back of one end of the plurality of movable terminals 100 arranged side by side. The row of second cantilevers 112 is connected to the other side of the central plate portion 113 and is used to support the back of the other end of the plurality of movable terminals 100 arranged side by side. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic piece 11 can ensure that the movable contacts 101 of the multiple movable contacts 10 make electrical contact with the stationary contacts 601 of the two stationary contacts 60 simultaneously.

[0047] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, projections 103 are formed on the back surfaces of both ends of the movable terminal 100, and the first cantilever 111 and the second cantilever 112 of the elastic piece 11 are pressed against the projections 103 at both ends of the movable terminal 100, respectively. There is a predetermined gap between the central plate portion 113 of the elastic piece 11 and the movable terminal 100.

[0048] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic piece 11 is a single-piece component, and may be, for example, a single-piece punched component.

[0049] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact module 1 for the contactor further comprises a support base 12. The support base 12 is U-shaped, including a bottom wall 120 and a pair of side walls 121. Multiple movable terminals 100 and elastic pieces 11 are assembled to the support base 12 such that the bottom wall 120 of the support base 12 is supported on the bottom surface of the central plate portion 113 of the elastic piece 11, and the pair of side walls 121 of the support base 12 abut against the sides of the two outermost movable terminals 100, respectively.

[0050] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact module 1 for the contactor further comprises a connecting rod 13. The connecting rod 13 passes through a plurality of movable terminals 100 arranged in a line along the lateral direction X. The two ends of the connecting rod 13 are respectively fixed to a pair of side walls 121 of the support base 12.

[0051] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, through holes 130 through which the connecting rod 13 can pass are formed in the multiple movable terminals 100 and in the pair of side walls 121 of the support base 12, respectively. The two ends of the connecting rod 13 are bent and pressed against the outside of the pair of side walls 121 of the support base 12, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the two ends of the connecting rod 13 may be fixed to the pair of side walls 121 of the support base 12 by welding, crimping, or riveting.

[0052] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, a movable contact assembly for a contactor is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The movable contact assembly for a contactor comprises a movable contact module for a contactor 1, an insulating base 2, a limiting bracket 3, a spring 4, and a drive shaft 5. The limiting bracket 3 is fixed to the insulating base 2 and positioned above the insulating base 2. The movable contact module for a contactor 1 is movably mounted within the limiting bracket 3. The spring 4 is compressed between the insulating base 2 and the movable contact module for a contactor 1, allowing the movable contact module for a contactor 1 to float relative to the insulating base 2. The drive shaft 5 is fixed to the insulating base 2 and positioned below the insulating base 2. The insulating base 2 electrically insulates the limiting bracket 3, the spring 4, and the drive shaft 5 from each other.

[0053] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulating base 2 is injection molded onto the lower end of the limiting bracket 3 and the upper end of the drive shaft 5, so that the insulating base 2, limiting bracket 3, and drive shaft 5 become a single integrated part.

[0054] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact module 1 for the contactor includes a support base 12, a first positioning slot 123 formed on the bottom surface of the support base 12, and a second positioning slot 22 formed on the top surface of the insulating base 2. The two ends of the spring 4 are positioned in the first positioning slot 123 and the second positioning slot 22, respectively.

[0055] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, a contactor is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The contactor comprises an internal housing (not shown), two stationary contacts 60, and a movable contact assembly for the contactor. An arc extinguishing chamber (not shown) is defined in the internal housing. The two stationary contacts 60 are fixed to the internal housing, and the stationary contacts 601 of the two stationary contacts 60 are located in the arc extinguishing chamber. The movable contact assembly for the contactor is mounted in the arc extinguishing chamber and is movable between a closed position and an open position. As shown in Figure 8, when the movable contact assembly for the contactor moves to the closed position, the movable contacts 101 at both ends of the multiple movable contacts 10 electrically contact the stationary contacts 601 of the two stationary contacts 60, respectively, thereby electrically connecting the two stationary contacts 60. As shown in Figure 7, when the movable contact assembly for the contactor moves to the open position, the movable contacts 101 at both ends of the multiple movable contacts 10 move away from the stationary contacts 601 of the two stationary contacts 60.

[0056] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor further comprises an external housing (not shown) and an electromagnetic drive assembly (not shown). The internal housing is mounted within the external housing. The electromagnetic drive assembly is mounted within the external housing and located below the internal housing. The electromagnetic drive assembly is suitable for applying an electromagnetic drive force to the drive shaft 5 of the movable contact assembly for the contactor, and for driving the movable contact assembly for the contactor to move from an open position to a closed position.

[0057] As shown in Figures 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor further includes a return spring (not shown) provided in the electromagnetic drive assembly and configured to apply an elastic return force to the drive shaft 5. When the electromagnetic drive assembly loses power, the electromagnetic driving force applied to the drive shaft 5 disappears, and the drive shaft 5 returns from the closed position to the open position by the action of the return spring.

[0058] Third Embodiment Figures 14 to 17 show a third embodiment of the present invention. Of Figures 14 to 17, Figure 14 is an explanatory perspective view from above of a movable contact module 1 for a contactor according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention, Figure 15 is an explanatory perspective view from the bottom of a movable contact module 1 for a contactor according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention, Figure 16 is an explanatory exploded view from the bottom of a movable contact module 1 for a contactor according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 17 is an explanatory perspective view of a movable contact assembly for a contactor according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a movable contact module 1 for a contactor. The movable contact module 1 for a contactor comprises a plurality of movable contacts 10. The plurality of movable contacts 10 are arranged side by side in the lateral direction X. Each movable contact 10 includes a movable terminal 100 and two movable contacts 101. The movable terminal 100 has two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction Y and opposite front and back surfaces in the height direction Z. The two movable contacts 101 are formed on the surfaces of the two ends of the movable terminal 100, respectively. The movable contacts 101 at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts 10 are suitable for electrically connecting two stationary contacts 60 by simultaneously making electrical contact with the stationary contacts 601 of two stationary contacts 60, respectively.

[0060] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact module 1 for the contactor comprises three movable contacts 10 arranged side by side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the movable contact module 1 for the contactor may comprise two, four, five, six, or more movable contacts 10 arranged side by side.

[0061] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact module 1 for the contactor also includes an elastic piece 11. The elastic piece 11 is assembled to the back of the movable terminal 100 of the multiple movable contacts 10. The elastic piece 11 includes a central plate portion 113, a row of first cantilevers 111, and a row of second cantilevers 112. The central plate portion 113 has two sides opposite each other in the longitudinal direction Y. The row of first cantilevers 111 is connected to one side of the central plate portion 113 and is used to support the back of one end of a plurality of movable terminals 100 arranged side by side. The row of second cantilevers 112 is connected to the other side of the central plate portion 113 and is used to support the back of the other end of a plurality of movable terminals 100 arranged side by side. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic piece 11 can ensure that the movable contacts 101 of the plurality of movable contacts 10 make electrical contact with the stationary contacts 601 of the two stationary contacts 60 simultaneously.

[0062] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, projections 103 are formed on the back surfaces of both ends of the movable terminal 100, and the first cantilever 111 and the second cantilever 112 of the elastic piece 11 are pressed against the projections 103 at both ends of the movable terminal 100, respectively. There is a predetermined gap between the central plate portion 113 of the elastic piece 11 and the movable terminal 100.

[0063] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic piece 11 is a single-piece component, and may be, for example, a single-piece punched component.

[0064] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact module 1 for the contactor further comprises a support base 12. The support base 12 is U-shaped, including a bottom wall 120 and a pair of side walls 121. Multiple movable terminals 100 and elastic pieces 11 are assembled to the support base 12 such that the bottom wall 120 of the support base 12 is supported on the bottom surface of the central plate portion 113 of the elastic piece 11, and the pair of side walls 121 of the support base 12 abut against the sides of the two outermost movable terminals 100, respectively.

[0065] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of elastic fingers 11a are formed on both sides of the central plate portion 113 of the elastic piece 11. The bottom wall 120 of the support base 12 has sides opposite each other in the longitudinal direction Y. The plurality of elastic fingers 11a on one side of the central plate portion 113 are pressed against one side of the bottom wall 120 of the support base 12, and the plurality of elastic fingers 11a on the other side of the central plate portion 113 are pressed against the other side of the bottom wall 120 of the support base 12. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 120 of the support base 12 is clamped between the elastic fingers 11a on both sides of the central plate portion 113.

[0066] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact module 1 for the contactor further comprises a connecting rod 13. The connecting rod 13 passes through a plurality of movable terminals 100 arranged in a line along the lateral direction X. The two ends of the connecting rod 13 are respectively fixed to a pair of side walls 121 of the support base 12.

[0067] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, through holes 130 through which the connecting rod 13 can pass are formed in the multiple movable terminals 100 and in the pair of side walls 121 of the support base 12. The two ends of the connecting rod 13 can be welded to the pair of side walls 121 of the support base 12, respectively.

[0068] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, a movable contact assembly for a contactor is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The movable contact assembly for a contactor comprises a movable contact module for a contactor 1, an insulating base 2, a limiting bracket 3, a spring 4, and a drive shaft 5. The limiting bracket 3 is fixed to the insulating base 2 and positioned above the insulating base 2. The movable contact module for the contactor 1 is movably mounted within the limiting bracket 3. The spring 4 is compressed between the insulating base 2 and the movable contact module for the contactor 1, allowing the movable contact module for the contactor 1 to float relative to the insulating base 2. The drive shaft 5 is fixed to the insulating base 2 and positioned below the insulating base 2. The insulating base 2 electrically insulates the limiting bracket 3, the spring 4, and the drive shaft 5 from each other.

[0069] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulating base 2 is injection molded onto the lower end of the limiting bracket 3 and the upper end of the drive shaft 5, so that the insulating base 2, the limiting bracket 3, and the drive shaft 5 become a single integrated part.

[0070] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable contact module 1 for the contactor includes a support base 12, a first positioning slot 123 formed on the bottom surface of the support base 12, and a second positioning slot 22 formed on the top surface of the insulating base 2. The two ends of the spring 4 are positioned in the first positioning slot 123 and the second positioning slot 22, respectively.

[0071] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, a contactor is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The contactor comprises an internal housing (not shown), two stationary contacts 60, and a movable contact assembly for the contactor. An arc extinguishing chamber (not shown) is defined in the internal housing. Two stationary contacts 60 are fixed to an internal housing, and the stationary contacts 601 of the two stationary contacts 60 are located in the arc extinguishing chamber. The movable contact assembly for the contactor is mounted in the arc extinguishing chamber and is movable between a closed position and an open position. As shown in Figure 8, when the movable contact assembly for the contactor is moved to the closed position, the movable contacts 101 at both ends of the multiple movable contacts 10 electrically contact the stationary contacts 601 of the two stationary contacts 60, respectively, thereby electrically connecting the two stationary contacts 60. As shown in Figure 7, when the movable contact assembly for the contactor is moved to the open position, the movable contacts 101 at both ends of the multiple movable contacts 10 move away from the stationary contacts 601 of the two stationary contacts 60.

[0072] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor further comprises an external housing (not shown) and an electromagnetic drive assembly (not shown). The internal housing is mounted within the external housing. The electromagnetic drive assembly is mounted within the external housing and located below the internal housing. The electromagnetic drive assembly is suitable for applying an electromagnetic drive force to the drive shaft 5 of the movable contact assembly for the contactor, and for driving the movable contact assembly for the contactor to move from an open position to a closed position.

[0073] As shown in Figures 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor further includes a return spring (not shown) provided in the electromagnetic drive assembly and configured to apply an elastic return force to the drive shaft 5. When the electromagnetic drive assembly loses power, the electromagnetic driving force applied to the drive shaft 5 disappears, and the drive shaft 5 returns from the closed position to the open position by the action of the return spring.

[0074] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described above are illustrative and not intended to be limiting. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the embodiments described above without structural or principle contradictions, and can freely combine the various features described in different embodiments.

[0075] While several exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications or changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined in the claims and its equivalents.

[0076] When used herein, elements described in the singular form and preceded by the words "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude the plural forms of such elements or steps unless it is explicitly stated that such exclusion is excluded. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that likewise incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless it is expressly stated otherwise, embodiments that “compile” or “have” one or more elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not possess that characteristic.

Claims

1. A movable contact module for a contactor, It comprises multiple movable contacts (10) arranged in a horizontal direction (X), Each movable contact (10) A movable terminal (100) having two opposite ends in the longitudinal direction (Y) and opposite front and back surfaces in the height direction (Z), Two movable contacts (101) are formed on the surface of the two ends of the movable terminal (100), respectively. Includes, A movable contact module for a contactor, wherein the movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) are configured to simultaneously make electrical contact with the stationary contacts (601) of two stationary contacts (60), thereby electrically connecting the two stationary contacts (60).

2. The structure further comprises a U-shaped support base (12) including a bottom wall (120) and a pair of side walls (121), The movable contact module for a contactor according to claim 1, wherein the movable terminals (100) of the plurality of movable contacts (10) are assembled to the support base (12), the bottom wall (120) of the support base (12) is supported on the back surface of the plurality of movable terminals (100), and the pair of side walls (121) of the support base (12) abut against the sides of the two outermost movable terminals (100), respectively.

3. A movable contact module for a contactor according to claim 2, wherein a positioning projection (122) is formed on the bottom wall (120) of the support base (12), a positioning slot (102) is formed on the back of the plurality of movable terminals (100), and the positioning projection (122) is positioned in the positioning slot (102).

4. A movable contact module for a contactor according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of positioning protrusions (122) are formed on the bottom wall (120) of the support base (12), positioning slots (102) are formed on the back of each of the plurality of movable terminals (100), and the plurality of positioning protrusions (122) are positioned in the positioning slots (102) of the plurality of movable terminals (100).

5. The plurality of movable contacts (10) further comprises elastic pieces (11) attached to the back of the movable terminals (100) of the plurality of movable contacts (10), The elastic piece (11) is A central plate portion (113) having two sides opposite to the longitudinal direction (Y), A row of first cantilevers (111) connected to one side of the central plate portion (113) and for supporting the back of one end of a plurality of movable terminals (100) arranged in a row, A row of second cantilevers (112) connected to the other side of the central plate portion (113) and supporting the back of the other end of a plurality of movable terminals (100) arranged in a row, A movable contact module for a contactor according to claim 1, including the features of the contactor.

6. A movable contact module for a contactor according to claim 5, wherein projections (103) are formed on the back surfaces of both ends of the movable terminal (100), the first cantilever (111) and the second cantilever (112) of the elastic piece (11) are pressed against the projections (103) at both ends of the movable terminal (100), and there is a predetermined gap between the central plate portion (113) of the elastic piece (11) and the movable terminal (100).

7. The movable contact module for a contactor according to claim 5, wherein the elastic piece (11) is an integral part.

8. The structure further comprises a U-shaped support base (12) including a bottom wall (120) and a pair of side walls (121), The movable contact module for a contactor according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of movable terminals (100) and the elastic piece (11) are assembled to the support base (12) such that the bottom wall (120) of the support base (12) is supported by the bottom surface of the central plate portion (113) of the elastic piece (11), and the pair of side walls (121) of the support base (12) abut against the sides of the two outermost movable terminals (100), respectively.

9. A movable contact module for a contactor according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of elastic fingers (11a) are formed on both sides of the central plate portion (113) of the elastic piece (11), and the bottom wall (120) of the support base (12) is clamped between the elastic fingers (11a) on both sides of the central plate portion (113).

10. The system further includes a connecting rod (13) that penetrates a plurality of movable terminals (100) arranged in a line along the aforementioned lateral direction (X), The movable contact module for a contactor according to claim 2 or 8, wherein the two ends of the connecting rod (13) are fixed to the pair of side walls (121) of the support base (12).

11. A movable contact module for a contactor according to claim 10, wherein through holes (130) through which the connecting rod (13) can pass are formed in the plurality of movable terminals (100) and the pair of side walls (121) of the support base (12), and the two ends of the connecting rod (13) are bent and pressed against the outside of the pair of side walls (121) of the support base (12).

12. The movable contact module for the contactor according to claim 1, comprising two, three, four, or five movable contacts (10) arranged in the lateral direction (X).

13. A movable contact assembly for a contactor, Insulating base (2), A limiting bracket (3) is fixed to the insulating base (2) and is located above the insulating base (2), A movable contact module (1) for a contactor according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is movably mounted within the limiting bracket (3), A spring (4) is compressed between the insulating base (2) and the movable contact module (1) for the contactor, allowing the movable contact module (1) for the contactor to float relative to the insulating base (2), The drive shaft (5) is fixed to the insulating base (2) and is located below the insulating base (2). Equipped with, The insulating base (2) electrically insulates the limiting bracket (3), the spring (4), and the drive shaft (5) from each other, forming a movable contact assembly for a contactor.

14. The movable contact assembly for a contactor according to claim 13, wherein the insulating base (2) is injection molded onto the lower end of the limiting bracket (3) and the upper end of the drive shaft (5), and the insulating base (2), the limiting bracket (3), and the drive shaft (5) form a single integrated part.

15. The movable contact assembly for a contactor according to claim 13, wherein the movable contact module (1) for the contactor includes a support base (12), a first positioning slot (123) formed on the bottom surface of the support base (12), a second positioning slot (22) formed on the top surface of the insulating base (2), and the two ends of the spring (4) are positioned in the first positioning slot (123) and the second positioning slot (22), respectively.

16. It is a contactor, An internal housing with an arc extinguishing chamber defined inside, Two stationary contacts (60) fixed to the internal housing, wherein the stationary contacts (601) of the two stationary contacts (60) are located in the arc extinguishing chamber, The movable contact assembly for the contactor according to any one of claims 13 to 15, which is movably mounted in the arc extinguishing chamber and movable between a closed position and an open position, Equipped with, When the movable contact assembly for the contactor moves to the closed position, the movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) electrically contact the stationary contacts (601) of the two stationary contacts (60), thereby electrically connecting the two stationary contacts (60). When the movable contact assembly for the contactor moves to the open position, the movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) move away from the stationary contacts (601) of the two stationary contacts (60), in the contactor.

17. The external housing to which the internal housing is attached, An electromagnetic drive assembly mounted on the external housing and located below the internal housing, Furthermore, The contactor according to claim 16, wherein the electromagnetic drive assembly is configured to apply an electromagnetic drive force to the drive shaft (5) of the movable contact assembly for the contactor, thereby driving the movable contact assembly for the contactor to move from the open position to the closed position.

18. The electromagnetic drive assembly further comprises a return spring that is mounted on the electromagnetic drive assembly and is suitable for applying an elastic return force to the drive shaft (5), The contactor according to claim 17, wherein when the electromagnetic drive assembly loses power, the electromagnetic drive force disappears, and the drive shaft (5) returns from the closed position to the open position by the action of the return spring.

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