Contactor movable contact module, contactor movable contact assembly and contactor

Abstract

The present invention discloses a contactor movable contact module, a contactor movable contact assembly, and a contactor. The contactor movable contact module comprises: a plurality of movable contact portions (10) arranged side by side in the transverse direction (x). Each movable contact portion (10) comprises: a movable terminal (100) having two opposing ends in the longitudinal direction (y) and a front surface and a rear surface facing each other in the height direction (z); and two movable contacts (101) formed on the front surfaces of the two ends of the movable terminal (100), respectively. The movable contacts (101) of both ends of the plurality of movable contact portions (10) are configured to make electrical contact with each of the static contacts (601) of the two static contact portions (60) simultaneously in order to electrically connect the two static contact portions (60). In the present invention, the contactor comprises a plurality of movable contact portions arranged side by side and has one movable contact at each end of each movable contact portion. Accordingly, the present invention can reduce the current flowing through each movable contact, thereby reducing heat generation and electrical repulsion, and improving the contactor's ability to resist short-circuit current.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Chinese patent application No. CN 202520341500.5 filed with the National Intellectual Property Administration of China on February 28, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a contactor operating contact module, a contactor operating contact assembly including the contactor operating contact module, and a contactor including the contactor operating contact assembly. Background Technology

[0003] In the prior art, the movable contact inside a high-voltage DC contactor is generally a single contact that carries all the load current. Due to the fact that the single movable contact has only two movable contacts, the current flowing through each movable contact is relatively large. Under high current conditions, the movable contact generates more heat, making it easier for the movable contact to thermally fuse to the static contact. Under short-circuit current, a large electrical repulsion is generated, which can make it easy for the movable contact to accidentally detach from the static contact.

[0004] The present invention has been made to overcome or mitigate at least one aspect of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a contactor movable contact module is provided. The contactor movable contact module comprises a plurality of movable contacts arranged side by side in a transverse direction. Each movable contact comprises: a movable terminal having two opposing ends in a longitudinal direction and a front surface and a rear surface facing each other in a height direction; and two movable contacts formed on the front surfaces of the two ends of the movable terminal, respectively. The movable contacts of both ends of the plurality of movable contacts are configured to make electrical contact with the static contacts of the two static contacts simultaneously, respectively, in order to electrically connect the two static contacts.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the contactor movable contact module further comprises a support sheet that is U-shaped and includes a bottom wall and a pair of side walls, and the movable terminals of a plurality of movable contacts are assembled to the support sheet, the bottom wall of the support sheet is supported on the rear of the plurality of movable terminals, and the pair of side walls of the support sheet are each placed on the sides of two outermost movable terminals.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positioning protrusion is formed on the lowest wall of a support sheet, a positioning slot is formed at the rear of a plurality of movable terminals, and the positioning protrusion is positioned in the positioning slot.

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

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor movable contact module further comprises an elastic piece assembled at the rear of the movable terminals of a plurality of movable contact parts. The elastic piece comprises: an intermediate plate portion having two opposing sides in the longitudinal direction; a row of first cantilevers connected to one side of the intermediate plate portion and for supporting the rear 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 intermediate plate portion and for supporting the rear of the other end of a plurality of movable terminals arranged side by side.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, protrusions are formed on the rear surfaces of both ends of a movable terminal, the first cantilever and the second cantilever of an elastic piece are pressed against the protrusions of both ends of the movable terminal, and there is a predetermined gap between the intermediate 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 contactor movable contact module further comprises a support sheet that is U-shaped and includes a bottom wall and a pair of side walls, a plurality of movable terminals and an elastic piece are assembled to the support sheet, the bottom wall of the support sheet is supported on the bottom surface of the middle plate portion of the elastic piece, and the pair of side walls of the support sheet are each placed on the sides of the two outermost movable terminals.

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

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the contactor movable contact module further includes a connecting rod penetrating a plurality of movable terminals arranged side by side along the transverse direction, and two ends of the connecting rod are each fixed to a pair of side walls of a support sheet.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, through holes are formed in a plurality of movable terminals and a pair of side walls of a support sheet to allow a connecting rod to pass through, and two ends of the connecting rod are bent and pressed against the outer sides of a pair of side walls of the support sheet.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the contactor movable contact module includes two, three, four, or five movable contact parts arranged side by side in the transverse direction.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a contactor movable contact assembly is provided. The contactor movable contact assembly comprises: an insulating sheet; a limiting bracket fixed to the insulating sheet and positioned above the insulating sheet; a contactor movable contact module movably installed within the limiting bracket; a spring compressed between the insulating sheet and the contactor movable contact module to cause the contactor movable contact module to float relative to the insulating sheet; and a drive shaft fixed to the insulating sheet and positioned below the insulating sheet. The insulating sheet electrically insulates the limiting bracket, the spring, and the drive shaft from one another.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an insulating sheet is injection molded onto the lower end of a limiting bracket and the upper end of a driving shaft to form an insulating sheet, a limiting bracket, and a driving shaft into a single piece.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor operating contact module comprises a support sheet, a first positioning slot is formed on the lowest surface of the support sheet, a second positioning slot is formed on the uppermost surface of the insulating sheet, and two ends of a spring are positioned in the first positioning slot and the second positioning slot, respectively.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a contactor is provided. The contactor comprises: an inner housing — an arc extinguishing chamber is defined within the inner housing —; two static contacts — the static contacts are fixed to the inner housing and the static contacts of the static contacts are located in the arc extinguishing chamber —; and a contactor movable contact assembly movably installed in the arc extinguishing chamber and capable of moving between a closed position and an open position. When the contactor movable contact assembly is moved to a closed position, the movable contacts at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts make electrical contact with the static contacts of the two static contacts, respectively, to electrically connect the two static contacts; when the contactor movable contact assembly is moved to an open position, the movable contacts at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts are separated from the static contacts of the two static contacts.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the contactor further comprises: an outer housing on which an inner housing is installed; and an electromagnetic drive assembly installed in the outer housing and located below the inner housing. The electromagnetic drive assembly is configured to apply an electromagnetic driving force to the drive shaft of the contactor movable contact assembly to drive the contactor movable contact assembly 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 reset spring suitable for applying an elastic reset force to a drive shaft and installed in an electromagnetic drive assembly. When the electromagnetic drive assembly loses power, the electromagnetic driving force disappears, and the drive shaft is reset from a closed position to an open position under the action of the reset spring.

[0023] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the contactor comprises a plurality of movable contacts arranged in parallel and has a movable contact at each end of each movable contact. Accordingly, the present invention can reduce the current flowing through each movable contact, thereby reducing heat generation and electrical repulsion and improving the contactor's ability to resist short-circuit current. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a contactor operating contact module according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a contactor operating contact module according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above; FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a contactor operating contact module according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the bottom; FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a plurality of movable contact parts of a contactor movable contact module according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a contactor movable contact assembly according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a contactor movable contact assembly according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary plan view of a contactor movable contact assembly and two static contact portions according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the contactor movable contact assembly is in an open position; FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary plan view of a contactor movable contact assembly and two static contact portions according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the contactor movable contact assembly is in a closed position; FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a contactor operating contact module according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a contactor operating contact module according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above; FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a contactor operating contact module according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention as seen from the bottom; FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a plurality of movable contact parts of a contactor movable contact module according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a contactor movable contact assembly according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary perspective view from above of a contactor operating contact module according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a contactor operating contact module according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention as seen from the bottom; FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a contactor operating contact module according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention as seen from the bottom; and FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a contactor movable contact assembly according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments presented herein; rather, such embodiments are provided to ensure that the present disclosure is thorough and complete and fully conveys the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0026] In the following detailed description, many specific details are presented for the purposes of explanation and 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 cases, well-known structures and devices are depicted schematically to simplify the drawings.

[0027] According to the general concept of the present invention, a contactor movable contact module is provided. The contactor movable contact module comprises a plurality of movable contacts arranged side by side in the transverse direction. Each movable contact comprises: a movable terminal having two opposing ends in the longitudinal direction and a front surface and a rear surface facing each other in the height direction; and two movable contacts formed on the front surfaces of the two ends of the movable terminal, respectively. The movable contacts of both ends of the plurality of movable contacts are configured to make electrical contact with the static contacts of the two static contacts simultaneously, respectively, in order to electrically connect the two static contacts.

[0028] According to another general concept of the present invention, a contactor movable contact assembly is provided. The contactor movable contact assembly comprises: an insulating sheet; a limiting bracket fixed to the insulating sheet and positioned above the insulating sheet; a contactor movable contact module movably installed within the limiting bracket; a spring compressed between the insulating sheet and the contactor movable contact module to cause the contactor movable contact module to float relative to the insulating sheet; and a drive shaft fixed to the insulating sheet and positioned below the insulating sheet. The insulating sheet electrically insulates the limiting bracket, the spring, and the drive shaft from one another.

[0029] According to another general concept of the present invention, a contactor is provided. The contactor comprises: an inner housing — an arc extinguishing chamber defined within the inner housing —; two static contacts — fixed to the inner housing and static contacts of the static contacts located in the arc extinguishing chamber —; and a contactor movable contact assembly movably installed in the arc extinguishing chamber and movable between a closed position and an open position. When the contactor movable contact assembly is moved to a closed position, the movable contacts of both ends of the plurality of movable contacts make electrical contact with the static contacts of the two static contacts, respectively, to electrically connect the two static contacts; when the contactor movable contact assembly is moved to an open position, the movable contacts of both ends of the plurality of movable contacts are separated from the static contacts of the two static contacts.

[0030] First embodiment

[0031] FIGS. 1 to 8 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention. Among these, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a contactor movable contact module (1) according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the contactor movable contact module (1) according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention viewed from above; FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the contactor movable contact module (1) according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the lowest part; FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a plurality of movable contact parts of the contactor movable contact module (1) according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a contactor movable contact assembly according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a contactor movable contact assembly according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary plan view of a contactor movable contact assembly and two static contact parts (60) according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the contactor movable contact assembly is in an open position; FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary plan view of a contactor movable contact assembly and two static contact parts (60) according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the contactor movable contact assembly is in a closed position.

[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor movable contact module (1) is disclosed. The contactor movable contact module (1) comprises a plurality of movable contact portions (10). The plurality of movable contact portions (10) are arranged side by side in the transverse direction (X). Each movable contact portion (10) comprises a movable terminal (100) and two movable contacts (101). The movable terminal (100) has two opposing ends in the longitudinal direction (Y) and a front surface and a rear surface opposing each in the height direction (Z). The two movable contacts (101) are each formed on the front surfaces of the two ends of the movable terminal (100). The movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) are suitable for simultaneously making electrical contact with the static contacts (601) of the two static contacts (60) to electrically connect the two static contacts (60).

[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor movable contact module (1) includes two movable contact parts (10) arranged side by side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the contactor movable contact module (1) may include three, four, or more movable contact parts (10) arranged side by side.

[0034] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor movable contact module (1) further comprises a support sheet (12) that is U-shaped and includes a bottom wall (120) and a pair of side walls (121). The movable terminals (100) of the plurality of movable contacts (10) are assembled to the support sheet (12), and the bottom wall (120) of the support sheet (12) is supported at the rear of the plurality of movable terminals (100). The pair of side walls (121) of the support sheet (12) are each placed on the sides of the two outermost movable terminals (100).

[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, a positioning protrusion (122) is formed on the lowest wall (120) of the support sheet (12), and a positioning slot (102) is formed at the rear of a plurality of movable terminals (100). The positioning protrusion (122) is positioned in the positioning slot (102).

[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of positioning protrusions (122) are formed on the lowest wall (120) of the support sheet (12), and positioning slots (102) are each formed on the rear surfaces of a plurality of movable terminals (100). A plurality of positioning protrusions (122) are each positioned in the positioning slots (102) of the plurality of movable terminals (100).

[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor movable contact assembly is also disclosed. The contactor movable contact assembly comprises: a contactor movable contact module (1), an insulating sheet (2), a limiting bracket (3), a spring (4), and a drive shaft (5). The limiting bracket (3) is fixed to the insulating sheet (2) and positioned above the insulating sheet (2). The contactor movable contact module (1) is installed within the limiting bracket (3) in a movable manner. The spring (4) is compressed between the insulating sheet (2) and the contactor movable contact module (1) so that the contactor movable contact module (1) floats relative to the insulating sheet (2). The drive shaft (5) is fixed to the insulating sheet (2) and positioned below the insulating sheet (2). The insulating sheet (2) electrically insulates the limiting bracket (3), the spring (4), and the drive shaft (5) from each other.

[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulating sheet (2) is injection molded onto the lower end of the limiting bracket (3) and the upper end of the driving shaft (5) to form the insulating sheet (2), the limiting bracket (3), and the driving shaft (5) as a single piece.

[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor operating contact module (1) includes a support sheet (12), a first positioning slot (123) is formed on the lowest surface of the support sheet (12), and a second positioning slot (22) is formed on the uppermost surface of the insulating sheet (2). Two ends of the spring (4) are positioned in the first positioning slot (123) and the second positioning slot (22), respectively.

[0040] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor is also disclosed. The contactor comprises an inner housing (not illustrated), two static contacts (60), and a contactor movable contact assembly. An arc extinguishing chamber (not illustrated) is defined in the inner housing. Two static contacts (60) are fixed to the inner housing, and their static contacts (601) are located in the arc extinguishing chamber. The contactor movable contact assembly is installed in the arc extinguishing chamber and can be moved between a closed position and an open position. As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the contactor movable contact assembly is moved to a closed position, the movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) each make electrical contact with the static contacts (601) of the two static contacts (60) to electrically connect the two static contacts (60). As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the contactor movable contact assembly is moved to an open position, the movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) are separated from the static contacts (601) of the two static contacts (60).

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

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

[0043] Second embodiment

[0044] FIGS. 9 to 13 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. Among these, FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a contactor movable contact module (1) according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the contactor movable contact module (1) according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention viewed from above; FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the contactor movable contact module (1) according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention viewed from the bottom; FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a plurality of movable contact parts of the contactor movable contact module (1) according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a contactor movable contact assembly according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 13, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor movable contact module (1) is disclosed. The contactor movable contact module (1) comprises a plurality of movable contact portions (10). The plurality of movable contact portions (10) are arranged side by side in the transverse direction (X). Each movable contact portion (10) comprises a movable terminal (100) and two movable contacts (101). The movable terminal (100) has two opposing ends in the longitudinal direction (Y) and a front surface and a rear surface opposing each in the height direction (Z). The two movable contacts (101) are each formed on the front surfaces of the two ends of the movable terminal (100). The movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) are suitable for simultaneously making electrical contact with the static contacts (601) of the two static contacts (60) to electrically connect the two static contacts (60).

[0046] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor movable contact module (1) includes five movable contact parts (10) arranged side by side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the contactor movable contact module (1) may include two, three, four, six or more movable contact parts (10) arranged side by side.

[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor movable contact module (1) also includes an elastic piece (11). The elastic piece (11) is assembled at the rear of the movable terminals (100) of a plurality of movable contact parts (10). The elastic piece (11) includes an intermediate plate portion (113), a row of first cantilevers (111), and a row of second cantilevers (112). The intermediate plate portion (113) has two opposing sides in the longitudinal direction (Y). The row of first cantilevers (111) is connected to one side of the intermediate plate portion (113) and is used to support at the rear of one end of a plurality of movable terminals (100) arranged side by side. The row of the second cantilever (112) is connected to the other side of the intermediate plate portion (113) and is used to support the rear of the other ends 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 plurality of movable contacts (10) make electrical contact with the static contacts (601) of the two static contacts (60) simultaneously.

[0048] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, protrusions (103) are formed on the rear 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 protrusions (103) of both ends of the movable terminal (100), respectively. There is a predetermined gap between the intermediate plate portion (113) of the elastic piece (11) and the movable terminal (100).

[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic piece (11) is an integral part, and may be, for example, an integral stamped part.

[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor movable contact module (1) further comprises a support sheet (12). The support sheet (12) is U-shaped and comprises a bottom wall (120) and a pair of side walls (121). A plurality of movable terminals (100) and an elastic piece (11) are assembled to the support sheet (12), the bottom wall (120) of the support sheet (12) is supported on the bottom surface of the middle plate portion (113) of the elastic piece (11), and the pair of side walls (121) of the support sheet (12) are each placed on the sides of two outermost movable terminals (100).

[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor movable contact module (1) further includes a connecting rod (13). The connecting rod (13) passes through a plurality of movable terminals (100) arranged side by side along the transverse direction (X). Two ends of the connecting rod (13) are each fixed to a pair of side walls (121) of the support sheet (12).

[0052] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 13, in the illustrated embodiment, through holes (130) are formed in a plurality of movable terminals (100) and a pair of side walls (121) of the support sheet (12) to allow the connecting rod (13) to pass through. Two ends of the connecting rod (13) are bent and each is pressed against the outer side of the pair of side walls (121) of the support sheet (12). However, the 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 sheet (12) by welding, crimping, or riveting.

[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 13, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor movable contact assembly is also disclosed. The contactor movable contact assembly comprises: a contactor movable contact module (1), an insulating sheet (2), a limiting bracket (3), a spring (4), and a drive shaft (5). The limiting bracket (3) is fixed to the insulating sheet (2) and positioned above the insulating sheet (2). The contactor movable contact module (1) is installed within the limiting bracket (3) in a movable manner. The spring (4) is compressed between the insulating sheet (2) and the contactor movable contact module (1) so that the contactor movable contact module (1) floats relative to the insulating sheet (2). The drive shaft (5) is fixed to the insulating sheet (2) and positioned below the insulating sheet (2). The insulating sheet (2) electrically insulates the limiting bracket (3), the spring (4), and the drive shaft (5) from one another.

[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulating sheet (2) is injection molded onto the lower end of the limiting bracket (3) and the upper end of the driving shaft (5) to form the insulating sheet (2), the limiting bracket (3), and the driving shaft (5) as a single piece.

[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor operating contact module (1) includes a support sheet (12), a first positioning slot (123) is formed on the lowest surface of the support sheet (12), and a second positioning slot (22) is formed on the uppermost surface of the insulating sheet (2). Two ends of the spring (4) are positioned in the first positioning slot (123) and the second positioning slot (22), respectively.

[0056] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 13, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor is also disclosed. The contactor comprises an inner housing (not illustrated), two static contacts (60), and a contactor movable contact assembly. An arc extinguishing chamber (not illustrated) is defined in the inner housing. Two static contacts (60) are fixed to the inner housing, and their static contacts (601) are located in the arc extinguishing chamber. The contactor movable contact assembly is installed in the arc extinguishing chamber and can be moved between a closed position and an open position. As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the contactor movable contact assembly is moved to a closed position, the movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) each make electrical contact with the static contacts (601) of the two static contacts (60) to electrically connect the two static contacts (60). As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the contactor movable contact assembly is moved to an open position, the movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) are separated from the static contacts (601) of the two static contacts (60).

[0057] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor further comprises an outer housing (not shown) and an electromagnetic drive assembly (not shown). The inner housing is installed within the outer housing. The electromagnetic drive assembly is installed within the outer housing and is located below the inner housing. The electromagnetic drive assembly is suitable for applying an electromagnetic driving force to the drive shaft (5) of the contactor movable contact assembly to drive the contactor movable contact assembly to move from an open position to a closed position.

[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 through 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor further comprises a reset spring (not shown) suitable for applying an elastic reset force to the drive shaft (5) and provided to the electromagnetic drive assembly. When the electromagnetic drive assembly loses power, the electromagnetic driving force applied to the drive shaft (5) disappears, and the drive shaft (5) is reset from a closed position to an open position under the action of the reset spring.

[0059] Third embodiment

[0060] FIGS. 14 to 17 illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention. Among these, FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a contactor movable contact module (1) according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention viewed from above; FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a contactor movable contact module (1) according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention viewed from the bottom; FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a contactor movable contact module (1) according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention viewed from the bottom; and FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a contactor movable contact assembly according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 17, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor movable contact module (1) is disclosed. The contactor movable contact module (1) comprises a plurality of movable contact portions (10). The plurality of movable contact portions (10) are arranged side by side in the transverse direction (X). Each movable contact portion (10) comprises a movable terminal (100) and two movable contacts (101). The movable terminal (100) has two opposing ends in the longitudinal direction (Y) and a front surface and a rear surface opposing each in the height direction (Z). The two movable contacts (101) are each formed on the front surfaces of the two ends of the movable terminal (100). The movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) are suitable for simultaneously making electrical contact with the static contacts (601) of the two static contacts (60) to electrically connect the two static contacts (60).

[0062] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor movable contact module (1) includes three movable contact parts (10) arranged side by side. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the contactor movable contact module (1) may include two, four, five, six or more movable contact parts (10) arranged side by side.

[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor movable contact module (1) also includes an elastic piece (11). The elastic piece (11) is assembled at the rear of the movable terminals (100) of a plurality of movable contact parts (10). The elastic piece (11) includes an intermediate plate portion (113), a row of first cantilevers (111), and a row of second cantilevers (112). The intermediate plate portion (113) has two opposing sides in the longitudinal direction (Y). The row of first cantilevers (111) is connected to one side of the intermediate plate portion (113) and is used to support at the rear of one end of a plurality of movable terminals (100) arranged side by side. The row of the second cantilever (112) is connected to the other side of the intermediate plate portion (113) and is used to support the rear of the other ends 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 plurality of movable contacts (10) make electrical contact with the static contacts (601) of the two static contacts (60) simultaneously.

[0064] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, protrusions (103) are formed on the rear 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 protrusions (103) of both ends of the movable terminal (100), respectively. There is a predetermined gap between the intermediate plate portion (113) of the elastic piece (11) and the movable terminal (100).

[0065] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the elastic piece (11) is an integral part, and may be, for example, an integral stamped part.

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor movable contact module (1) further comprises a support sheet (12). The support sheet (12) is U-shaped and comprises a bottom wall (120) and a pair of side walls (121). A plurality of movable terminals (100) and an elastic piece (11) are assembled to the support sheet (12), the bottom wall (120) of the support sheet (12) is supported on the bottom surface of the middle plate portion (113) of the elastic piece (11), and the pair of side walls (121) of the support sheet (12) are each placed on the sides of two outermost movable terminals (100).

[0067] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 17, in the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of elastic fingers (11a) are formed on both sides of the middle plate portion (113) of the elastic piece (11). The bottom wall (120) of the support sheet (12) has sides facing in the longitudinal direction (Y). A plurality of elastic fingers (11a) on one side of the middle plate portion (113) are pressed against one side of the bottom wall (120) of the support sheet (12), and a plurality of elastic fingers (11a) on the other side of the middle plate portion (113) are pressed against the other side of the bottom wall (120) of the support sheet (12). Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall (120) of the support sheet (12) is clamped between the elastic fingers (11a) on both sides of the middle plate portion (113).

[0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor movable contact module (1) further includes a connecting rod (13). The connecting rod (13) passes through a plurality of movable terminals (100) arranged side by side along the transverse direction (X). Two ends of the connecting rod (13) are each fixed to a pair of side walls (121) of the support sheet (12).

[0069] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, through holes (130) are formed in a plurality of movable terminals (100) and a pair of side walls (121) of the support sheet (12) to allow the connecting rod (13) to pass through. Two ends of the connecting rod (13) can be welded to a pair of side walls (121) of the support sheet (12).

[0070] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 17, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor movable contact assembly is also disclosed. The contactor movable contact assembly comprises: a contactor movable contact module (1), an insulating sheet (2), a limiting bracket (3), a spring (4), and a drive shaft (5). The limiting bracket (3) is fixed to the insulating sheet (2) and is positioned above the insulating sheet (2). The contactor movable contact module (1) is installed within the limiting bracket (3) in a movable manner. The spring (4) is compressed between the insulating sheet (2) and the contactor movable contact module (1) so that the contactor movable contact module (1) floats relative to the insulating sheet (2). The drive shaft (5) is fixed to the insulating sheet (2) and is positioned below the insulating sheet (2). The insulating sheet (2) electrically insulates the limiting bracket (3), the spring (4), and the drive shaft (5) from each other.

[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulating sheet (2) is injection molded onto the lower end of the limiting bracket (3) and the upper end of the driving shaft (5) to form the insulating sheet (2), the limiting bracket (3), and the driving shaft (5) as a single piece.

[0072] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor operating contact module (1) includes a support sheet (12), a first positioning slot (123) is formed on the lowest surface of the support sheet (12), and a second positioning slot (22) is formed on the uppermost surface of the insulating sheet (2). Two ends of the spring (4) are positioned in the first positioning slot (123) and the second positioning slot (22), respectively.

[0073] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 17, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a contactor is also disclosed. The contactor comprises an inner housing (not illustrated), two static contacts (60), and a contactor movable contact assembly. An arc extinguishing chamber (not illustrated) is defined in the inner housing. Two static contacts (60) are fixed to the inner housing, and their static contacts (601) are located in the arc extinguishing chamber. The contactor movable contact assembly is installed in the arc extinguishing chamber and can be moved between a closed position and an open position. As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the contactor movable contact assembly is moved to a closed position, the movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) each make electrical contact with the static contacts (601) of the two static contacts (60) to electrically connect the two static contacts (60). As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the contactor movable contact assembly is moved to an open position, the movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) are separated from the static contacts (601) of the two static contacts (60).

[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor further comprises an outer housing (not shown) and an electromagnetic drive assembly (not shown). The inner housing is installed within the outer housing. The electromagnetic drive assembly is installed within the outer housing and is located below the inner housing. The electromagnetic drive assembly is suitable for applying an electromagnetic driving force to the drive shaft (5) of the contactor movable contact assembly to drive the contactor movable contact assembly to move from an open position to a closed position.

[0075] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the contactor further comprises a reset spring (not shown) suitable for applying an elastic reset force to the drive shaft (5) and provided to the electromagnetic drive assembly. When the electromagnetic drive assembly loses power, the electromagnetic driving force applied to the drive shaft (5) disappears, and the drive shaft (5) is reset from a closed position to an open position under the action of the reset spring.

[0076] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are illustrative and not intended to be limited. For example, numerous modifications to the above embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art, and the various features described in the various embodiments may be freely combined with one another without conflict in composition or principle.

[0077] Although several exemplary embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various changes or modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0078] As used herein, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated, elements cited in the singular and preceded by the singular form should be understood not to exclude the plural forms of said elements or steps. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the cited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments that “include” or “have” elements or a plurality of elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not have such characteristic.

Claims

Claim 1 A contactor movable contact module comprising a plurality of movable contacts (10) arranged side by side in the transverse direction (X), Each of the above movable contact parts (10) is: A movable terminal (100) having two opposing ends in the longitudinal direction (Y) and a front surface and a rear surface facing each other in the height direction (Z); and A contactor movable contact module comprising two movable contact points (101) formed on the front surfaces of two ends of the movable terminal (100), wherein the movable contact points (101) of both ends of the plurality of movable contact parts (10) are configured to make electrical contact with each of the static contact points (601) of the two static contact parts (60) simultaneously in order to electrically connect the two static contact parts (60). Claim 2 A contactor movable contact module according to claim 1, further comprising a support seat (12) which is U-shaped and includes a bottom wall (120) and a pair of side walls (121), wherein the movable terminals (100) of the plurality of movable contact parts (10) are assembled to the support seat (12), the bottom wall (120) of the support seat (12) is supported on the rear surfaces of the plurality of movable terminals (100), and the pair of side walls (121) of the support seat (12) are each placed on the sides of the two outermost movable terminals (100). Claim 3 In claim 2, a positioning protrusion (122) is formed on the lowest wall (120) of the support sheet (12), a positioning slot (102) is formed at the rear of the plurality of movable terminals (100), and the positioning protrusion (122) is positioned in the positioning slot (102), a contactor movable contact module. Claim 4 A contactor movable contact module according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of positioning protrusions (122) are formed on the lowest wall (120) of the support sheet (12), positioning slots (102) are each formed at the rear of the plurality of movable terminals (100), and the plurality of positioning protrusions (122) are each positioned in the positioning slots (102) of the plurality of movable terminals (100). Claim 5 In claim 1, the apparatus further comprises an elastic piece (11) assembled at the rear of the movable terminals (100) of the plurality of movable contact parts (10), and the elastic piece (11) is: An intermediate plate portion (113) having two opposing sides in the longitudinal direction (Y); A row of first cantileveres (111) connected to one side of the above intermediate plate portion (113) and supporting the rear of one end of a plurality of movable terminals (100) arranged side by side; and A contactor movable contact module comprising a row of second cantileveres (112) connected to the other side of the intermediate plate portion (113) and for supporting the rear of the other ends of a plurality of movable terminals (100) arranged side by side. Claim 6 A contactor movable contact module according to claim 5, wherein protrusions (103) are each formed on the rear surfaces of both ends of the movable terminal (100), the first cantilever (111) and the second cantilever (112) of the elastic piece (11) are each pressed against the protrusions (103) of both ends of the movable terminal (100), and there is a predetermined gap between the intermediate plate portion (113) of the elastic piece (11) and the movable terminal (100). Claim 7 In claim 5, the elastic piece (11) is a contactor operating contact module that is an integral part. Claim 8 A contactor movable contact module according to claim 5, further comprising a support sheet (12) which is U-shaped and includes a bottom wall (120) and a pair of side walls (121), wherein the plurality of movable terminals (100) and the elastic piece (11) are assembled to the support sheet (12), the bottom wall (120) of the support sheet (12) is supported on the bottom surface of the middle plate portion (113) of the elastic piece (11), and the pair of side walls (121) of the support sheet (12) are each placed on the sides of the two outermost movable terminals (100). Claim 9 A contactor movable contact module according to claim 8, wherein a plurality of elastic fingers (11a) are formed on both sides of the middle plate portion (113) of the elastic piece (11), and the bottom wall (120) of the support sheet (12) is clamped between the elastic fingers (11a) on both sides of the middle plate portion (113). Claim 10 A contactor movable contact module according to claim 2 or 8, further comprising a connecting rod (13) penetrating the plurality of movable terminals (100) arranged parallel along the transverse direction (X), wherein two ends of the connecting rod (13) are respectively fixed to a pair of side walls (121) of the support sheet (12). Claim 11 A contactor movable contact module according to claim 10, wherein through holes (130) are formed in each of the plurality of movable terminals (100) and a pair of side walls (121) of the support sheet (12) to allow the connecting rod (13) to pass through, and two ends of the connecting rod (13) are bent and pressed against each of the outer sides of the pair of side walls (121) of the support sheet (12). Claim 12 In claim 1, the contactor movable contact module comprises two, three, four, or five movable contact parts (10) arranged side by side in the transverse direction (X). Claim 13 A contactor movable contact assembly comprising: an insulation seat (2); a limit bracket (3) fixed to the insulation seat (2) and positioned above the insulation seat (2); a contactor movable contact module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, movably installed within the limit bracket (3); a spring (4) compressed between the insulation seat (2) and the contactor movable contact module (1) to cause the contactor movable contact module (1) to float relative to the insulation seat (2); and a drive shaft (5) fixed to the insulation seat (2) and positioned below the insulation seat (2), wherein the insulation seat (2) electrically insulates the limit bracket (3), the spring (4), and the drive shaft (5) from each other. Claim 14 In claim 13, the insulating sheet (2) is injection molded onto the lower end of the limiting bracket (3) and the upper end of the driving shaft (5) to form an integral piece of the insulating sheet (2), the limiting bracket (3), and the driving shaft (5), forming a contactor movable contact assembly. Claim 15 In claim 13, the contactor operating contact module (1) comprises a support sheet (12), a first positioning slot (123) is formed on the lowest surface of the support sheet (12), a second positioning slot (22) is formed on the uppermost surface of the insulating sheet (2), and two ends of the spring (4) are positioned in the first positioning slot (123) and the second positioning slot (22), respectively, a contactor operating contact assembly. Claim 16 As a contactor, an inner housing ─ an arc extinguishing chamber is defined inside the inner housing ─; two static contacts (60) ─ the static contacts are fixed to the inner housing and the static contacts (601) of the static contacts are located in the arc extinguishing chamber ─; A contactor according to any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising a contactor movable contact assembly movably installed in the arc extinguishing chamber and movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein when the contactor movable contact assembly is moved to the closed position, the movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) each make electrical contact with the static contacts (601) of the two static contacts (60) to electrically connect the two static contacts (60), and when the contactor movable contact assembly is moved to the open position, the movable contacts (101) at both ends of the plurality of movable contacts (10) are separated from the static contacts (601) of the two static contacts (60). Claim 17 In claim 16, the contactor further comprises: an outer housing in which the inner housing is installed; and an electromagnetic drive assembly installed in the outer housing and located below the inner housing, wherein the electromagnetic drive assembly is configured to apply an electromagnetic driving force to the drive shaft (5) of the contactor movable contact assembly to drive the contactor movable contact assembly to move from the open position to the closed position. Claim 18 A contactor according to claim 17, further comprising a reset spring suitable for applying an elastic reset force to the drive shaft (5) and, when the electromagnetic drive assembly loses power, the electromagnetic drive force disappears and the drive shaft (5) is reset from the closed position to the open position under the action of the reset spring.

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