Snap-action switch for alternating current
AssigneeRanco Incorporated
InventorGuglielmo Rossi
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A snap-action switch, especially microswitch for alternating current comprises at least one stationary contact (2) on a stationary contact part (1) and at least one movable contact (4) on a movable contact part (3). In order to open the switch in the proximity of the zero crossing of the switch current, on the one contact part (1; 3) there is an electromagnet unit (8) excited by the switch current while on the other contact part (3; 1) is disposed an armature unit (12) made of ferromagnetic material which is located opposite the electromagnet unit (8).
Claims10
A snap-action switch for alternating current comprising:
- (a) a stationary contact part supporting a stationary contact element;
- (b) a movable contact part having a contact element fixedly secured thereto for movement therewith;
- (c) a snapping mechanism including a snap spring member resiliently engaging said movable contact part for snap moving said movable contact part and element toward and away from said stationary contact part and element respectively;
- (d) an electromagnet unit excited by current passing through said switch, said electromagnet unit mounted on one of said contact parts;
- and,
- (e) armature associated with the other of said contact parts;
- (f) said electromagnet unit comprising a pole piece formed from ferromagnetic material defining:
- (i) a yoke extending along a first side of said one contact part;
- and,
- (ii) two pole shoes projecting from said yoke along respective second and third sides of said one contact part toward said armature;
- (iii) said one contact part itself forming a sole excitation conductor for said electromagnet unit;
- (g) said armature disposed for magnetically bridging the projecting ends of said pole shoes so that said armature is magnetically coupled to said pole piece in accordance with current alternations through said switch when said contact elements are engaged so that said armature and said snapping mechanism coact in governing opening of the switch.
A snap acting switch for alternating current comprising:
- (a) a movable contact part supported for snap movement about a center of motion;
- (b) a contact element fixed to said contact part remote from said center of motion;
- (c) actuating means for snap moving said contact part, said actuating means engaging said contact part between said contact element and said movement center;
- (d) a stationary contact part disposed adjacent said movable contact part;
- (e) a stationary contact element supported in position for engagement by said movable contact element for enabling said switch to conduct alternating current when said contacts are engaged;
- (f) electromagnetic means for producing alternating current responsive forces between said contact parts when said contacts elements are engaged, said electromagnetic means located with respect to said movable contact part so that said movable contact element is disposed along said movable contact part between said electromagnetic means and said center of movement, said electromagnetic means comprising:
- (i) a pole piece supported by one of said contact parts;
- (ii) electrical conductor means coupled to said pole piece for inducing magnetic flux in said pole piece;
- and,
- (iii) an armature associated with the other of said contact parts and aligned with said pole piece so that said armature and said pole piece are magnetically couplable when said contacts are engaged.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.