Direct current contactor and vehicle

This application provides a direct current contactor which includes a housing, and a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact that are fastened into the housing; a first moving contact and a second moving contact that are located in the housing; a drive mechanism, including: an insulation rod connected to the first moving contact and the second moving contact, and a drive component that drives the insulation rod to drive the first moving contact and the second moving contact to synchronously move toward the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact; and a pressing component configured to push the moving contact firmly against the fixed contact. Only two pairs of contacts are used to implement connection/disconnection of two electrode lines, so that a total contactor resistance is reduced by half compared with that in the conventional technology.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to the field of power technologies, and in particular, to a direct current contactor and a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

A high-voltage direct current contactor is an important power distribution control component of a direct current charging loop of a new energy vehicle. With improvement of an endurance capability requirement for a new energy vehicle, a capacity of a vehicle battery is also becoming larger. Therefore, voltage and current level requirements for an in-vehicle direct current contactor are becoming higher in the market (a current in-vehicle contactor has a maximum rated voltage of 800 Vd.c. to 1000 Vd.c. and a rated current of 200 A to 400 A). A volume and costs of a direct current contactor are determined by rated voltage and rated current levels of the contactor, and increases in a voltage and a current inevitably result in an increase in a volume and an increase in costs.

In a current direct current fast charging loop, regardless of a power side of a direct current fast charging apparatus or an in-vehicle power distribution unit (PDU), due to safety regulations (after a vehicle completes charging, an isolating distance is needed between a charging port/charging gun and a live power supply), one high-voltage direct current contactor is installed in each of positive electrode and negative electrode lines. This greatly increases total costs and a total volume of a charging loop apparatus. Because the two contactors of positive and negative electrodes of the direct current fast charging loop are simultaneously controlled to be open and closed, integrated design of the two contactors is an effective way to reduce total contactor costs and simplify a charging loop structure.

SUMMARY

This application provides a direct current contactor and a vehicle, to reduce a total contactor resistance and an on-state current loss of the direct current contactor, thereby simplifying a structure of the direct current contactor and reducing manufacturing costs of the direct current contactor.

According to a first aspect, a direct current contactor is provided. The direct current contactor is used in electrical connection. The direct current contactor includes a housing. The housing is used as a carrier. A first fixed contact and a second fixed contact are fastened into the housing, and the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact separately partially extend from the housing. Parts that are of the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact and that extend from the housing are used as connecting ends. In addition, the direct current contactor further includes a first moving contact and a second moving contact that are located in the housing, and the first moving contact and the second moving contact are respectively in a one-to-one correspondence with the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact. In addition, a first connecting bar and a second connecting bar are further disposed outside the housing, and the first connecting bar and the second connecting bar are respectively used as external connecting ends of the first moving contact and the second moving contact. During connection, the first connecting bar is electrically connected to the first moving contact by using a flexible cable, and the second connecting bar is electrically connected to the second moving contact by using a flexible cable. A path is formed when the first fixed contact is connected to the first moving contact, another path is formed when the second fixed contact is connected to the second moving contact, and the two paths may be used as a positive electrode connecting path and a negative electrode connecting path. During use, in the direct current contactor, disconnection and connection of the two paths are controlled by controlling movement of the first moving contact and the second moving contact. In an embodiment, the control is implemented by using a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes an insulation rod connected to the first moving contact and the second moving contact, so that the first moving contact and the second moving contact can synchronously move by using the insulation rod. In addition, the drive mechanism further includes a drive component that drives the insulation rod to drive the first moving contact and the second moving contact to synchronously move toward the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact, and a pressing component configured to push the first moving contact and the second moving contact to firmly against the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact in a one-to-one correspondence. It can be learned from the foregoing description that, in this application, only two pairs of contacts are used to implement connection/disconnection of two electrode lines, so that a total contactor resistance is reduced by half compared with that in the conventional technology, thereby resolving a problem of a large on-state current loss in the conventional technology. In addition, drive power consumption of a coil is reduced by half; and only a single drive mechanism is needed to drive two contacts, thereby greatly reducing difficulty in implementing closing and opening synchronicity between two electrode contacts.

In an embodiment, the first moving contact and the second moving contact can separately slide relative to the housing, and the drive component is configured to push the insulation rod to drive the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact to slide. Connection between the first moving contact and the first fixed contact and connection between the second moving contact and the second fixed contact are implemented through sliding of the first moving contact and the second moving contact.

In an embodiment, the insulation rod includes a support rod and a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod that are disposed on the support rod through fastening, and the first moving contact and the second moving contact are slidably assembled onto the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod in a one-to-one correspondence; and the pressing component includes: a first elastic member sleeved onto the first connecting rod, where two ends of the first elastic member are respectively pressed against the support rod and the first moving contact; and a second elastic member sleeved onto the second connecting rod, where two ends of the second elastic member are respectively pressed against the support rod and the second moving contact. A difference between the first moving contact and the second moving contact is reduced by using the first elastic member and the second elastic member, to ensure reliability of connection to the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact.

In an embodiment, a through hole that fits with the first connecting rod is disposed in the first moving contact, the first connecting rod is exposed after penetrating through the through hole, a locking nut is disposed on an exposed end part of the first connecting rod, and a groove for accommodating the locking nut is disposed on the first fixed contact; and a through hole that fits with the second connecting rod is disposed on the second fixed contact, the second connecting rod is exposed after penetrating through the through hole, a locking nut is disposed on an exposed end part of the second connecting rod, and a groove for accommodating the locking nut is disposed on the second moving contact, to prevent the locking nuts from being exposed, thereby ensuring reliability of connection between the first moving contact and the first fixed contact and reliability of connection between the second moving contact and the second fixed contact.

In an embodiment, the drive component includes a drive rod slidably connected to the housing, where the drive rod is connected to the support rod through fastening; and further includes a drive member configured to drive the drive rod to slide.

In an embodiment, the insulation rod includes a support rod, and the first moving contact and the second moving contact are separately connected to the support rod through fastening; the support rod is slidably connected to the drive component; and the pressing component includes a second elastic member, where one end of the second elastic member is abutted against the support rod, and the other end of the second elastic member is abutted against the drive component. The support rod is pushed, by using the second elastic member, to slide, to ensure reliability of connection between the moving contact and the fixed contact.

In an embodiment, the drive component includes a drive rod slidably connected to the housing, the drive rod is slidably connected to the support rod, the second elastic member is sleeved onto the drive rod, one end of the second elastic member is in pressure contact with the support rod, and the other end of the second elastic member is in pressure contact with the drive rod. The support rod is pushed, by using the second elastic member, to slide, to ensure reliability of connection between the moving contact and the fixed contact.

In an embodiment, the drive member includes: a first iron core and a second iron core that are oppositely disposed, where the first iron core is fastened onto the drive rod, the second iron core is fastened into the housing, and there is a gap between the first iron core and the second iron core; anda magnetic coil that surrounds the first iron core and the second iron core, where when the magnetic coil is powered on, the second iron core and the first iron core attract each other; andfurther includes a reset spring that is sleeved onto the drive rod and whose two ends are respectively pressed against the first iron core and the second iron core.

In an embodiment, the direct current contactor further includes a first magnet and a second magnet that are disposed on two opposite sides of an outer sidewall of the housing, where the first magnet is configured to extinguish an electric arc between the first fixed contact and the first moving contact, and the second magnet is configured to extinguish an electric arc between the second fixed contact and the second moving contact. There is no risk of short circuit caused because break arcs cross or are in contact with other electrodes. The contact structure can simplify an embodiment of a double-connection arc-extinguishing chamber, so that non-polar arc-extinguishing can be implemented without making a ceramic isolation wall between the two electrode contacts, and a quantity of arc-extinguishing permanent magnets can be reduced from 4 to 2.

In an embodiment, a first magnetic pole of the first magnet faces a gap between the first fixed contact and the first moving contact, a second magnetic pole of the second magnet faces a gap between the second fixed contact and the second moving contact, and polarity of the first magnetic pole is opposite to polarity of the second magnetic pole.

In an embodiment, the first moving contact includes a first body and a first elastic sheet connected to the first body, and the second moving contact includes a second body and a second elastic sheet connected to the second body;the insulation rod is separately connected to the first elastic sheet and the second elastic sheet through fastening; andthe drive component is configured to drive the insulation rod to drive the first elastic sheet and the second elastic sheet to synchronously rotate toward the first fixed contact and the second fixed contact. Electrical connection between the fixed contacts and the moving contacts is implemented through rotating of the first elastic sheet and the second elastic sheet.

In an embodiment, the drive component includes a drive rod connected to the insulation rod through fastening, an armature connected to the drive rod, and an electromagnet that drives the armature to rotate.

In an embodiment, the armature is a V-shaped armature, the armature includes a first part and a second part connected to the first part, an angle between the first part and the second part is greater than 90 degrees, and the drive rod is connected to the first part through fastening;the electromagnet includes an iron core and a coil wound around the iron core, and further includes a yoke fastened to the coil, where the yoke faces the insulation rod;a connection position between the first part and the second part laps on an edge of the yoke, the first part is stacked with the yoke, and the second part faces the iron core; anda reset spring is further included, where the reset spring is configured to push the first part against the yoke. Rotation of the first elastic sheet and the second elastic sheet is driven through rotation of the armature.

In an embodiment, the direct current contactor further includes a third magnet disposed outside the housing and a U-shaped magnetic conductive member connected to the third magnet, and two opposite sidewalls of the U-shaped magnetic conductive member are respectively configured to extinguish an electric arc between the first fixed contact and the first elastic sheet and an electric arc between the second fixed contact and the second elastic sheet. This improves an arc-extinguishing effect.

According to a second aspect, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a body, a power distribution unit disposed on the body, and the direct current contactor according to any one of the first aspect and embodiments of the first aspect that is connected to the power distribution unit. In this application, only two pairs of contacts are used to implement connection/disconnection of two electrode lines, so that a total contactor resistance is reduced by half compared with that in the conventional technology, thereby resolving a problem of a large on-state current loss in the conventional technology. In addition, drive power consumption of the coil is reduced by half; and only a single drive mechanism is needed to drive two contacts, thereby greatly reducing difficulty in implementing closing and opening synchronicity between two electrode contacts.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

To facilitate understanding of a direct current contactor provided in the embodiments of this application, first, an application scenario of the direct current contactor is described. The direct current contactor is applied to electrical connection, such as connection between an electric vehicle and a direct current fast charging apparatus, or connection between another electric cabinet and other electric equipment. The following uses an electric vehicle and a direct current fast charging apparatus as an example to describe application of the direct current contactor.FIG.1is a schematic diagram of fitting between an existing electric vehicle and a direct current fast charging apparatus. A PDU and a high-voltage battery pack connected to the PDU are disposed in the electric vehicle. A port of the electric vehicle has two wiring terminals: a PIN1and a PIN2. The PIN1is a positive electrode terminal, and the PIN2is a negative electrode terminal. The PIN1terminal is connected to the PDU by using a direct current contactor, and then the PDU is connected to a positive electrode of the high-voltage battery pack. The PIN2terminal is connected to a negative electrode of the high-voltage battery pack by using a direct current contactor. During use, connection between the direct current fast charging apparatus and the high-voltage battery pack is controlled by controlling closing and opening of the direct current contactors. However, in the conventional technology, during direct current contactor disposition, a PIN1terminal and a PIN2terminal each need to be connected to one direct current contactor. As a result, an entire charging apparatus has a relatively large volume and occupies relatively large space. In addition, because two direct current contactors are used, it is difficult to completely synchronously open and close the two direct current contactors. Therefore, an embodiment of this application provides a direct current contactor. The following describes the direct current contactor in detail with reference to accompanying drawings and embodiments.

FIG.2is a schematic diagram of a structure of the direct current contactor, andFIG.3is a schematic diagram of an internal structure of the direct current contactor. First, referring toFIG.2, the direct current contactor shown inFIG.2includes a housing and four connecting bars disposed on the housing. For ease of description, the four connecting bars are separately named a first connecting bar A2, a second connecting bar B2, a third connecting bar A1, and a fourth connecting bar B1. When the direct current contactor shown inFIG.2is applied toFIG.1, the third connecting bar A1is configured to be connected to the PIN1terminal inFIG.1, the fourth connecting bar B1is configured to be connected to the PIN2terminal inFIG.1, the first connecting bar A2is configured to be connected to the positive electrode of the high-voltage battery pack, and the second connecting bar B2is configured to be connected to the negative electrode of the high-voltage battery pack. The first connecting bar A2and the third connecting bar A1are on a positive electrode line, and the second connecting bar B2and the fourth connecting bar B1are on a negative electrode line. Certainly, the foregoing is only an example. Alternatively, the first connecting bar A2and the third connecting bar A1may be on a negative electrode line, and the second connecting bar B2and the fourth connecting bar B1may be on a positive electrode line. In an embodiment of the application, the first connecting bar A2and the third connecting bar A1are merely limited to one line and are not specifically limited to a positive electrode line or a negative electrode line, and the second connecting bar B2and the fourth connecting bar B1are merely limited to one line and are not specifically limited to a positive electrode line or a negative electrode line.

Still referring toFIG.2, when the first connecting bar A2, the second connecting bar B2, the third connecting bar A1, and the fourth connecting bar B1are disposed, the first connecting bar A2and the third connecting bar A1are oppositely disposed on two opposite sides of the housing, and the second connecting bar B2and the fourth connecting bar B1are oppositely disposed on the two opposite sides of the housing. In addition, when the four connecting bars are disposed, the first connecting bar A2, the second connecting bar B2, the third connecting bar A1, and the fourth connecting bar B1are separately insulated from the housing. Certainly, it should be understood that the arrangement manner shown inFIG.2is only an example in an embodiment of the application. In an embodiment of the application, positions of the first connecting bar A2, the second connecting bar B2, the third connecting bar A1, and the fourth connecting bar B1relative to the housing are not limited. When the four connecting bars are disposed, the first connecting bar A2and the second connecting bar B2are located on a same side of the housing, and the third connecting bar A1and the fourth connecting bar B1are located on a same side of the housing, to facilitate connection between the connecting bars of the direct current contactor and cables.

FIG.3is a schematic diagram of an internal structure of the direct current contactor according to an embodiment of this application. It can be learned fromFIG.3that the housing provided in an embodiment of the application is divided into two parts: a first housing and a second housing connected to the first housing through fastening. The first housing and the second housing share one sidewall. The first housing may be a ceramic housing, and the first housing has an arc-extinguishing chamber10inside and is sealed and filled with gas. The filled gas may be H2, N2, or H2/N2mixed gas, and an arc-extinguishing capability can be improved by increasing air pressure. The second housing has a drive chamber90inside. Certainly, the housing provided in an embodiment of the application may be alternatively of an integral structure. In this case, the housing may be divided into the arc-extinguishing chamber10and the drive chamber90inside by using an isolating board or another structure. The following still uses an example in which the housing includes the first housing and the second housing, for description.

Referring toFIG.2andFIG.3together, when connected to the housing, the first connecting bar A2, the second connecting bar B2, the third connecting bar A1, and the fourth connecting bar B1are connected to the first housing. In addition, four contacts are disposed in the first housing: a first fixed contact21, a second fixed contact22, a first moving contact61, and a second moving contact62. The first moving contact61is correspondingly connected to the first fixed contact21, and the second moving contact62is correspondingly connected to the second fixed contact22. The two moving contacts can move relative to the two fixed contacts, and opening and closing of the direct current contactor are controlled through connection and disconnection between the first fixed contact21and the first moving contact61and connection and disconnection between the second fixed contact22and the second moving contact62.

Still referring toFIG.2andFIG.3, the four contacts are connected to the four connecting bars in a one-to-one correspondence. In an embodiment, when the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22are separately connected to the first housing through fastening, the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22partially extend from the first housing. A part that is of the first fixed contact21and that extends from the first housing is the third connecting bar A1, and a part that is of the second fixed contact22and that extends from the first housing is the fourth connecting bar B1. When the first connecting bar A2and the second connecting bar B2are respectively connected to the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62, because the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62can move relative to the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22, and also move relative to the first connecting bar A2and the second connecting bar B2, a structure shown inFIG.2andFIG.3is used during connection: The first connecting bar A2is connected to the first moving contact61by using a flexible cable30, and the second connecting bar B2is connected to the second moving contact62by using a flexible cable30. In this case, when the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62move relative to the first connecting bar A2and the second connecting bar B2, both stability of connection between the first moving contact61and the first connecting bar A2and stability of connection between the second moving contact62and the second connecting bar B2can be ensured through deformation of the flexible cables30.

It can be learned from the foregoing description that when the direct current connector is open, power outage between components connected to the direct current connector can be ensured, provided that the first moving contact61is separated from the first fixed contact21and the second moving contact62is separated from the second fixed contact22. In addition, only two types of contact (contact between the first moving contact61and the first fixed contact21and contact between the second moving contact62and the second fixed contact22) are used, so that a total contactor resistance of the direct current contactor is reduced by half compared with that in the conventional technology, thereby resolving a problem of a large on-state current loss.

Still referring toFIG.3, when the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62move relative to the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22, the first moving contact21and the second moving contact22can separately slide relative to the housing. As shown by arrows shown inFIG.3, the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62can reciprocate in directions shown by the arrows shown inFIG.3. A placement direction of the direct current contactor shown inFIG.3is used as a reference direction. When the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62move in a direction shown by a vertically upward arrow, the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62are respectively in pressure contact with the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22. In this case, the direct current contactor is conducted. When the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62move in a direction shown by a vertically downward arrow, the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62are respectively detached from the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22. In this case, the direct current contactor is open.

Still referring toFIG.3, when the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62are driven, the driving is implemented by using a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes an insulation rod50, a drive component80, and a pressing component70. The insulation rod50is separately connected to the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62, and the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62are insulated from the insulation rod50. For example, the insulation rod50is insulated from the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62by being made of an insulation material (such as plastic or resin), or in a manner in which an insulation pad is sleeved onto the insulation rod50. Still referring toFIG.3, the insulation rod50includes one support rod52and two connecting rods51. The two connecting rods51and the support rod52may be of an integral structure. In this case, the support rod52and the two connecting rods51may be directly prepared in an integral injection molding manner, or may be prepared in a cutting manner. In addition, the two connecting rods51and the support rod52may be alternatively of a split structure. In this case, the two connecting rods51each may be connected to the support rod52through fastening by using a connecting member such as a bolt or a screw, or may be connected to the support rod52through fastening in a welding or bonding manner.

Still referring toFIG.3, the two connecting rods51are respectively configured to fasten the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62in a one-to-one correspondence. For ease of description, the two connecting rods51are separately named a first connecting rod51and a second connecting rod51. A manner in which the first connecting rod51is connected to the first moving contact61is the same as a manner in which the second connecting rod51is connected to the second moving contact62. Therefore, the following describes a manner in which the first moving contact61fits with the first connecting rod51.

Still referring toFIG.3, the first moving contact61is slidably assembled onto the first connecting rod51, and can slide in a vertical direction relative to the first connecting rod51. A through hole that allows to be penetrated through is disposed in the first moving contact61. During assembling, the first connecting rod51is inserted into a first through hole and exposed, and a locking nut is disposed on an exposed end part of the first connecting rod51. The locking nut is connected to the first connecting rod51by using screw threads, and the locking nut is abutted against an end face that is of the first moving contact61and that faces away from the support rod52, or the first moving contact may be locked in another limiting manner, for example, by using a buckle. The locking nut is used as a limiting member, to limit a sliding distance of the first moving contact61on the first connecting rod51. Still referring toFIG.3, it can be learned fromFIG.3that, the face that is of the first moving contact61and that faces away from the support rod52is an end face that is of the first moving contact61and that fits with the first fixed contact21. To prevent the disposed locking nut from affecting an effect of contact between the first moving contact61and the first fixed contact21, a groove for accommodating the locking nut is disposed on the first fixed contact61. In an assembling effect shown inFIG.3, both the end part of the first connecting rod51and the locking nut are located in the groove, and both end surfaces of the first connecting rod51and the locking nut are located in the groove, to prevent the first connecting rod51and the locking nut from protruding from the first fixed contact61.

Still referring toFIG.3, a first elastic member is further sleeved onto the first connecting rod51, and two ends of the first elastic member are respectively pressed against the first moving contact61and the support rod52. When being elastically deformed, the first elastic member pushes the first moving contact61firmly against the first fixed contact21. When the first moving contact61moves along the vertically upward arrow shown inFIG.3, when the first moving contact61is in contact with the first fixed contact21, the first moving contact61slides relative to the support rod52; and simultaneously the first elastic member is compressed to be elastically deformed, and the deformed first elastic member pushes the first moving contact61firmly against the first fixed contact21. The first elastic member may be an elastic member that can push the first moving contact61firmly against the first fixed contact21when being deformed, such as a compression spring or a rubber spring.

The second connecting rod51is connected to the second moving contact62in a manner similar to the foregoing manner. As shown inFIG.3, the second connecting rod51is exposed after penetrating through a through hole in the second moving contact62, a locking nut is disposed on an exposed end part of the second connecting rod51, and a groove for accommodating the locking nut is disposed on the second fixed contact62. A second elastic member is sleeved onto the second connecting rod51, and two ends of the second elastic member are respectively pressed against the second moving contact62and the support rod52. For a structure of the second connecting rod51and the second moving contact62, refer to the descriptions of the first connecting rod51and the first moving contact61. Details are not described herein.

Still referring toFIG.3, in the drive mechanism provided in an embodiment of the application, the disposed insulation rod50is separately connected to the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62, so that when the drive mechanism drives the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62to move, synchronous movement of the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62can be ensured by using the insulation rod50. In addition, as the foregoing pressing component70, the first elastic member and the second elastic member can respectively push the first moving contact61firmly against the first fixed contact21and push the second moving contact62firmly against the second fixed contact22, so that a difference between the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62during synchronous movement can be avoided. If an assembling error exists between the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22, or an assembling error exists between the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62, the error between the two contacts can be eliminated by using the disposed first elastic member and second elastic member to push the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62to slide, to ensure that the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62can be respectively reliably connected to the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22.

Still referring toFIG.3, the drive mechanism provided in an embodiment of the application further includes the drive component80. The drive component80is configured to drive the insulation rod50to drive the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62to synchronously move toward the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22. As shown inFIG.3, the drive component80includes a drive rod82slidably connected to the housing, and the drive rod82is connected to the support rod52through fastening. As shown inFIG.3, the drive rod82is disposed in the second housing and extends into the first housing by penetrating through the sidewall between the second housing and the first housing, and an end that is of the drive rod82and that extends into the first housing is connected to the support rod52through fastening. As shown inFIG.3, the support rod52and the drive rod82form a T-shaped structure. When the support rod52is connected to the drive rod82, the drive rod82and the support rod52may be of an integral structure, or the drive rod82and the support rod52may be of a split structure. When the drive rod82and the support rod52are of a split structure, the drive rod82and the support rod52are connected in a bonding manner, a welding manner, or the like, or may be connected through fastening by using a screw thread connecting member.

Still referring toFIG.3, the drive component80further includes a drive member. The drive member is configured to drive the drive rod82to slide. As shown inFIG.3, the drive member includes two oppositely disposed iron cores. For ease of description, the two iron cores are separately named a first iron core81and a second iron core84. The first iron core81is fastened onto the drive rod82, the second iron core84is fastened into the housing, and there is a gap between the first iron core81and the second iron core84. As shown inFIG.3, the first iron core81is fastened to an end that is of the drive rod82and that is far away from the first housing, and the second iron core84is fastened to an end that is in the second housing and that is close to the first housing. In addition, a through hole that allows to be penetrated through by the drive rod82is disposed in the second iron core84, and during assembling, the drive rod82is inserted into the first housing after penetrating through the through hole of the second iron core84. As shown inFIG.4, there is the gap between the first iron core81and the second iron core84, and a reset spring83is disposed at the gap. The reset spring83is sleeved onto the drive rod82, and two ends of the reset spring83are respectively pressed against the first iron core81and the second iron core84. Still referring toFIG.4, the drive member further includes a magnetic coil that surrounds the first iron core81and the second iron core84. In addition, when the magnetic coil is powered on, the second iron core84and the first iron core81attract each other. During use of the direct current contactor, when the magnetic coil is powered on, the second iron core84and the first iron core81attract each other. Because the second iron core84is fastened into the second housing, the first iron core81overcomes an elastic force of the reset spring83to slide toward the magnetic coil and simultaneously push the drive rod82to slide, and the drive rod82drives the insulation rod50to push the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62to move in the direction shown by the vertically upward arrow inFIG.4. When the first iron core81is in contact with the second iron core84, the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62are respectively pressed against the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22. When the magnetic coil is powered off, there is no electromagnetic force between the second iron core84and the first iron core81. Under the action of an elastic force of the reset spring83, the first iron core81is pushed to downward move along the vertically downward arrow shown inFIG.4, and finally returns to an initial position. Simultaneously, the drive rod82drives the insulation rod50to pull the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62to be respectively separated from the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22.

Still referring toFIG.3, when the reset spring83is disposed, a groove for accommodating the reset spring83is disposed on the iron core. One end of the reset spring83is abutted against the bottom of the groove, and the reset spring83partially extends from the groove. When the reset spring83is compressed, a sidewall of the groove plays a limiting role, to ensure that the reset spring83can be compressed in a vertical direction. In addition, the groove also accommodates the compressed reset spring83, to ensure that the first iron core81can be in contact with the core.

FIG.3shows only a manner of driving the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62. The drive mechanism and the pressing component70of the direct current contactor provided in an embodiment of the application are not limited to the manner shown inFIG.3.FIG.4shows an assembling manner of another pressing component70. In a structure shown inFIG.4, a drive mechanism includes an insulation rod50and a drive component80. The insulation rod50includes only a support rod52, and the support rod52is separately connected to the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62through fastening. The support rod52is slidably connected to the drive component80, and the drive component80is configured to drive the insulation rod50to drive the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62to synchronously move toward the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22.

As shown inFIG.4, the drive component80includes a drive rod82slidably connected to the first housing, the drive rod82is slidably connected to the support rod52, and the support rod52and the drive rod82form a T-shaped structure. As shown inFIG.4, the drive rod82is disposed in the second housing, extends into the first housing by penetrating through the sidewall between the second housing and the first housing, and an end that is of the drive rod82and that extends into the first housing is slidably connected to the support rod52. Still referring toFIG.4, a second elastic member is sleeved onto the drive rod82. One end of the second elastic member is abutted against the support rod52, and the other end of the second elastic member is abutted against the drive rod82. The second elastic member is the foregoing pressing component70. As shown inFIG.4, a shoulder is disposed on the drive rod82, and one end of the second elastic member is abutted against the shoulder. When the drive rod82drives the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62, the drive rod82pushes the support rod52to upward move in a direction shown by a vertically upward arrow shown inFIG.4, to drive the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62to move toward the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22. When the support rod52is driven, the drive rod82first slides relative to the support rod52, the second elastic member is compressed, and the support rod52is driven, by using an elastic force of the second elastic member, to upward move. After the first moving contact61is in contact with the first fixed contact21and the second moving contact62is in contact with the second fixed contact22, the drive rod82continues to upward move, and in this case, the second elastic member continues to be compressed and generates a force for pushing the first moving contact61against the first fixed contact21and pushing the second moving contact62against the second fixed contact22, to ensure reliable contact between the first moving contact61and the first fixed contact21and reliable contact between the second moving contact62and the second fixed contact22.

Still referring toFIG.4, the drive component80further includes a drive member. The drive member is configured to drive the drive rod82to slide. As shown inFIG.4, the drive member includes two oppositely disposed iron cores. For ease of description, the two iron cores are separately named a first iron core81and a second iron core84. The first iron core81is fastened onto the drive rod82, the second iron core84is fastened into the housing, and there is a gap between the first iron core81and the second iron core84. As shown inFIG.4, the first iron core81is fastened to an end that is of the drive rod82and that is far away from the first housing, and the second iron core84is fastened to an end that is in the second housing and that is close to the first housing. In addition, a through hole that allows to be penetrated through by the drive rod82is disposed in the second iron core84, and during assembling, the drive rod82is inserted into the first housing after penetrating through the through hole of the second iron core84. As shown inFIG.4, there is the gap between the first iron core81and the second iron core84, and a reset spring83is disposed at the gap. The reset spring83is sleeved onto the drive rod82, and two ends of the reset spring83are respectively pressed against the first iron core81and the second iron core84. Still referring toFIG.4, the drive member further includes a magnetic coil that surrounds the first iron core81and the second iron core84. In addition, when the magnetic coil is powered on, the second iron core84and the first iron core81attract each other. During use of the direct current contactor, when the magnetic coil is powered on, the second iron core84and the first iron core81attract each other. Because the second iron core84is fastened into the second housing, the first iron core81overcomes an elastic force of the reset spring83to slide toward the magnetic coil and simultaneously push the drive rod82to slide, and the drive rod82drives the insulation rod50to push the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62to move in the direction shown by the vertically upward arrow inFIG.4. When the first iron core81is in contact with the second iron core84, the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62are respectively pressed against the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22. When the magnetic coil is powered off, there is no electromagnetic force between the second iron core84and the first iron core81. Under the action of an elastic force of the reset spring83, the first iron core81is pushed to downward move along a vertically downward arrow shown inFIG.4, and finally returns to an initial position. Simultaneously, the drive rod82drives the insulation rod50to pull the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62to be respectively separated from the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22.

It can be learned from the foregoing description that when the direct current contactor works, the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62can be driven, by using only one drive mechanism, to move. Compared with the conventional technology, this reduces drive power consumption of the coil by half; and only a single drive mechanism is needed to drive two contacts, thereby greatly reducing difficulty in implementing closing and opening synchronicity between two electrode contacts.

Referring toFIG.4, when the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62move in a direction shown by the vertically downward arrow, the first moving contact61is separated from the first fixed contact21, and the second moving contact62is separated from the second fixed contact22. During separation, an electric arc is generated. Therefore, in the direct current contactor provided in an embodiment of the application, a first magnet41and a second magnet42are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of an outer sidewall of the first housing. The first magnet41is configured to extinguish an electric arc between the first fixed contact21and the first moving contact61. The second magnet42is configured to extinguish an electric arc between the second fixed contact22and the second moving contact62. When the first magnet41and the second magnet42are disposed, as shown inFIG.3andFIG.4, a first magnetic pole of the first magnet41faces a gap between the first fixed contact21and the first moving contact61, a second magnetic pole of the second magnet42faces a gap between the second fixed contact22and the second moving contact62, and polarity of the first magnetic pole is opposite to polarity of the second magnetic pole. InFIG.3andFIG.4, an N pole of the first magnet41faces the gap between the first moving contact61and the first fixed contact21, and an S pole of the second magnet42faces the gap between the second moving contact62and the second fixed contact22.FIG.5shows an electric arc direction during arc-extinguishing.FIG.5shows a magnetic field generated by the first magnet41and the second magnet42, and the electric arc direction during arc-extinguishing. An electric arc generated between the first moving contact61and the first fixed contact21is downward, and an electric arc generated between the second moving contact62and the second fixed contact22is upward. Therefore, when the direct current contactor is open, there is no risk of short circuit caused because break arcs cross or are in contact with other electrodes. Therefore, the contact structure can simplify an embodiment of the double-connection arc-extinguishing chamber10, so that non-polar arc-extinguishing can be implemented without making a ceramic isolation wall between the two electrode contacts, and only two arc-extinguishing permanent magnets are used.

FIG.6is a schematic diagram of a structure of another direct current contactor according to an embodiment of this application.FIG.7is a cross-sectional view at A-A inFIG.6. For same reference signs inFIG.6andFIG.7, refer to the descriptions inFIG.3andFIG.4. Details are not described herein again. A main difference between the direct current contactor shown inFIG.6and the direct current contactor shown inFIG.3andFIG.4is a manner in which a moving contact is connected to a fixed contact. InFIG.3andFIG.4, connection and separation between the moving contact and the fixed contact are implemented through sliding of the moving contact relative to the fixed contact. However, in the direct current contactor shown inFIG.6, electrical connection to the fixed contact is implemented through rotating of the moving contact relative to the fixed contact. The following provides detailed descriptions with reference to accompanying drawings.

An arc-extinguishing chamber10and a drive chamber90inFIG.6andFIG.7are disposed in the same manner as the arc-extinguishing chamber10and the drive chamber90of the direct current contactor shown inFIG.3andFIG.4. Therefore, details are not described herein again.

Still referring toFIG.6andFIG.7, a first fixed contact21, a second fixed contact22, a first moving contact61, and a second moving contact62that are provided in an embodiment of the application are disposed on a same surface of the arc-extinguishing chamber10. The first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22are disposed in the same manner as the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22inFIG.3. Details are not described herein again.

Still referring toFIG.6andFIG.7, the first moving contact61and the second moving contact62that are provided in an embodiment of the application are of a same structure. Therefore, the first moving contact61is used as an example to describe the structure. The first moving contact61provided in an embodiment of the application includes two parts: a first body611and a first elastic sheet612. The first body611is fastened into the arc-extinguishing chamber10, and the first body611is partially exposed from the arc-extinguishing chamber10after penetrating through a sidewall of the arc-extinguishing chamber10, and a part that is of the first body611and that is exposed from the arc-extinguishing chamber10is used as a connecting bar and is configured to be connected to a high-voltage battery pack. A part that is of the first body611and that is located in the arc-extinguishing chamber10is connected to the first elastic sheet612, and the first elastic sheet612is configured to be electrically connected to the first fixed contact21. As shown inFIG.7, a first end of the first elastic sheet612is fastened onto the first body611, and the first elastic sheet612is electrically connected to the first body611. The first elastic sheet612spans a gap between the first moving contact61and the first fixed contact21, and a second end of the first elastic sheet612is located below the first fixed contact21(a placement direction of the direct current contactor in FIG.7is used as a reference direction). During use, the first elastic sheet612is elastically deformed, to enable the second end of the first elastic sheet612to be pressed against and electrically connected to the first fixed contact21, so that the first moving contact61is electrically connected to the first fixed contact21.

Still referring toFIG.7, the first elastic sheet612provided in an embodiment of the application is prepared by using a metal sheet with relatively good elastic performance, for example, a common metal sheet with good elasticity and electrical conductivity such as a copper sheet or an aluminum sheet. In addition, in order that the first elastic sheet612has a good recovery force, when the first elastic sheet612is disposed, as shown inFIG.7, an arc-shaped bend is disposed in a middle area of the first elastic sheet612. InFIG.7, although an opening of the arc-shaped bend is downward, the opening of the arc-shaped bend in an embodiment of the application may be alternatively upward. When the first elastic sheet612is elastically deformed, a deformed position is mainly in the bend structure. Certainly, in an embodiment of the application, a quantity of bend structures is also not limited, and a plurality of consecutive bend structures may be alternatively used. A quantity may be limited based on an actual requirement.

A structure of the second moving contact62is the same as the structure of the first moving contact61. The second moving contact62is also divided into two parts: a second body621and a second elastic sheet622connected to the second body621. A structure of the second moving contact62is the same as that of the first moving contact61. Details are not described herein.

FIG.8is a cross-sectional view at B-B inFIG.6. When an insulation rod50is disposed, the insulation rod50is separately connected to the first elastic sheet612and the second elastic sheet622through fastening. In addition, the insulation rod50is connected to a drive component, to push the first elastic sheet612and the second elastic sheet622to synchronously move toward the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22.

Still referring toFIG.7andFIG.8, when a drive component80is disposed, the drive component80is configured to drive the insulation rod50to drive the first elastic sheet612and the second elastic sheet622to synchronously rotate toward the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22. The drive component80includes a drive rod82connected to the insulation rod50through fastening, and the drive rod82enters the drive chamber90by penetrating through the arc-extinguishing chamber10. In addition, the drive component80further includes an armature87and an electromagnet86configured to drive the armature87to rotate.

As shown inFIG.7, the electromagnet86includes an iron core862disposed in the drive chamber90, and a coil863wound around the iron core862. The iron core862is horizontally disposed in the drive chamber90, that is, a length direction of the iron core862is perpendicular to a stacking direction of the drive chamber90and the arc-extinguishing chamber10. In addition, the electromagnet86further includes a yoke861disposed on the coil863, and the yoke861is fastened onto a side that is of the coil863and that faces the arc-extinguishing chamber10and is configured to carry the armature87. Still referring toFIG.7, the armature87is of a V-shaped structure. The armature87includes a first part871and a second part872connected to the first part871, and an angle between the first part871and the second part872is greater than 90 degrees, for example, the angle is different angles between 90° and 180°, such as 120° and 150°. The first part871laps on the yoke861and is stacked with the yoke861. During connection to the drive rod82, the drive rod82is connected to the first part871through fastening. In addition, a reset spring83is disposed between a sidewall of the drive chamber90and the first part871, and the reset spring83is configured to push the first part871against the yoke861. During disposition, two ends of the reset spring83are respectively pressed against the sidewall of the drive chamber90and the first part871. It should be understood that the reset spring83shown inFIG.7is merely an example. The reset spring provided in an embodiment of the application is not limited to the structure shown inFIG.7, provided that the reset spring can push the first part871against the yoke861.

Still referring toFIG.7, a connection position between the first part871and the second part872laps on an edge of the yoke861, and the second part872is bent downward and faces the iron core862of the electromagnet86. When the electromagnet86is powered on, the electromagnet86attracts the second part872, and the armature87rotates around the edge of the yoke861and pushes the drive rod82to rotate, to push the first elastic sheet612and the second elastic sheet622to be respectively electrically connected to the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22. Simultaneously, when the armature87rotates, the reset spring83is compressed. In addition, because the first elastic sheet612and the second elastic sheet622can be differently deformed, an assembling error can be overcome, to ensure that the first elastic sheet612and the second elastic sheet622are respectively reliably connected to the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22. In this case, the first elastic sheet612and the second elastic sheet622are used as pressing components to provide a contact force for pressing against the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22. When the electromagnet86is powered off, the armature87is recovered to an initial position by being pushed by the reset spring83. Simultaneously, the first elastic sheet612and the second elastic sheet622are respectively disconnected from the first fixed contact21and the second fixed contact22by being driven by the drive rod82.

Still referring toFIG.6andFIG.8, when the first elastic sheet612and the second elastic sheet622are disconnected, an electric arc is generated. Therefore, an isolating board11is disposed in the arc-extinguishing chamber10in the direct current contactor provided in an embodiment of the application, to isolate the first moving contact61and the first fixed contact21from the second moving contact62and the second fixed contact22, to avoid arc crosstalk. In addition, a third magnet43is further disposed outside the housing. As shown inFIG.6, the third magnet43is disposed on a sidewall of the arc-extinguishing chamber10, and the third magnet43is disposed on a sidewall connected to the isolating board11. In addition, the electromagnet86is connected to a U-shaped magnetic conductive member44, and two opposite sidewalls of the U-shaped magnetic conductive member44are respectively configured to extinguish an electric arc between the first fixed contact21and the first elastic sheet612and an electric arc between the second fixed contact22and the second elastic sheet622. As shown inFIG.6, in the two opposite sidewalls of the magnetic conductive member44, one sidewall faces a gap between the first elastic sheet612and the first fixed contact21, and the other sidewall faces a gap between the second elastic sheet622and the second fixed contact22. Arc-extinguishing can be quickly performed by using a magnetic field generated by the magnetic conductive member44, thereby improving security of the direct current contactor.

In addition, an embodiment of this application further provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes a body, a power distribution unit disposed on the body, and the direct current contactor according to any one of the foregoing embodiments that is connected to the power distribution unit. In this application, only two pairs of contacts are used to implement connection/disconnection of two electrode lines, so that a total contactor resistance is reduced by half compared with that in the conventional technology, thereby resolving a problem of a large on-state current loss in the conventional technology. In addition, drive power consumption of the coil863is reduced by half; and only a single drive mechanism is needed to drive two contacts, thereby greatly reducing difficulty in implementing closing and opening synchronicity between two electrode contacts.

The foregoing descriptions are merely embodiments of the application, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of this application. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by one of ordinary skilled in the art within the technical scope disconnected in this application shall fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.