Back to results
US 10,347,440 B2Granted
Multipole electromechanical switching device
AssigneeRockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
InventorsJames J. Kinsella, Christopher J. Wieloch
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus using electromagnetic switching in a two-step connection process is provided to minimize surge currents and torque oscillations in three-phase motors during starts.
Claims20
A method of switching electrical contacts comprising:
- monitoring electrical parameters in an electrical system having a power source and a load;
- energizing a direct-current operator coil to close first and second contacts for first and second phases of electrical power in accordance with a pre-established switching scheme based upon the monitored electrical parameters;
- and
- thereafter closing third contacts for a third phase of electrical power at a prescribed time following the closing of the first and second contacts;
- wherein the first, second, and third contacts are provided in windows of a physical common carrier and the window in which the third contacts are disposed is offset with respect to the windows in which the first and second contacts are disposed to provide closure of the first and second contacts before the closure of the third contacts.
2 more elements
A contactor comprising:
- first, second, and third movable contact structures having respective first, second, and third contacts, the contact structures being movable to complete respective power phase current carrying paths by mating with respective stationary contacts;
- a common contact carrier comprising two windows in which the first and second movable contact structures are disposed, and a third window offset with respect to the first and second windows in which the third movable contact structure is disposed to provide closure of the first and second contacts before closure of the third contacts.
A contactor comprising:
- first, second, and third movable contact structures having respective first, second, and third contacts, the movable contact structures being movable to complete respective power phase current carrying paths by mating with respective stationary contacts;
- a molded physical common contact carrier comprising first and second molded-in windows in which the first and second movable contact structures, respectively, are disposed, and a third molded-in window offset with respect to the first and second windows in which the third movable contact structure is disposed to provide the closure of the first and second contacts before closure of the third contacts.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.