With Arc-suppression Or Extinguishing Means Patents (Class 335/201)
  • Patent number: 8749331
    Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor has a contact device having a contact housing case housing a pair of fixed contacts and a movable contact disposed to be capable of contacting to and separating from the pair of fixed contacts, and an insulating cylinder in a bottomed tubular shape disposed on an inner peripheral surface of the contact housing case to enclose the pair of fixed contacts and the movable contact. The insulating cylinder positions an arc extinguishing permanent magnet for extinguishing an arc generated between the pair of fixed contacts and the movable contact. A magnet housing portion to protect the arc extinguishing permanent magnet from the arc is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the insulating cylinder and faces a side surface of the movable contact. An arc extinguishing space is formed on an outer side of the magnet housing portion in an extending direction of the movable contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd., Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Kashimura, Masaru Isozaki, Hiroyuki Tachikawa, Kouetsu Takaya, Yasuhiro Naka, Yuji Shiba
  • Patent number: 8742278
    Abstract: A switchgear device, for breaking a bidirectional direct current in an electric line, having at least two connection terminals, and an even number of pairs of separable contacts, arc chutes associated with pairs of separable contacts, and tripping mechanisms associated with pairs of separable contacts and connected to one another by a mechanical link, each arc chute having an arc extinguishing chamber and permanent magnets for creating a polarity enabling an electric arc to be removed to an arc extinguishing chamber when current is flowing in the electric line in a predefined direction, the predefined direction being different for one half of the arc chutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Eric Domejean, Serge Paggi
  • Patent number: 8723627
    Abstract: An electrical cut-off device (1) with high electrodynamic resistance in which the fixed contacts (4) and the moving contact (5) are arranged according to an architecture forming a current loop so that the Laplace electromagnetic forces, called compensation forces (Fc), generated by the circulation of the current (I) in the current loop, are oriented in a direction flowing from the inside toward the outside of the current loop, and in which the actuator mechanism (6) is arranged for moving the moving contact (5) inside of the current loop, from its switched-off position to its switched-on position in a direction (Fd) that is identical to the direction of the compensation forces (Fc).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Socomec, S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Serpinet, Yves Trichard, Arnaud Marchal
  • Patent number: 8717128
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes multiple contact sets each including a fixed contact and a movable contact displaceable in a first direction to approach the fixed contact and in a second direction to move away from the fixed contact; multiple permanent magnets each provided on the peripheral side of a corresponding one of the contact sets and having a polarity direction perpendicular to the first and second directions; and multiple ferromagnetic bodies parallel to the polarity directions of the permanent magnets and the first and second directions, wherein in a DC electric current flowing through each of the contact sets, the direction of a force exerted based on the permanent magnet is equal to the direction of a force exerted based on the ferromagnetic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Ryuji Sasaki, Takashi Yuba
  • Publication number: 20140104018
    Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor has a base plate having an aperture hole; an arc extinguishing chamber including a fixed terminal having a vent portion and a pipe obliquely inserted from outside a wall surface and connecting the vent portion; and a bottomed tubular cap in which one end thereof is open. An arc extinguishing chamber connection portion is formed by the arc extinguishing chamber and a first connection member having a tube portion connected to the arc extinguishing chamber and a flange portion contacting with the base plate. A cap connection portion is formed by the cap and a second connection member having a tube portion connected to the cap and a flange portion connected to the base plate. The arc extinguishing chamber connection portion and the cap connection portion are in communication through the aperture hole of the base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicants: FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS CO., LTD., FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD
    Inventors: Seiji IMAMURA, Kouichi OKAMOTO, Taku OGAWA, Yuichi YAMAMOTO, Kouetsu TAKAYA
  • Publication number: 20140104019
    Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor includes a base plate having an aperture hole; an arc extinguishing chamber formed by a fixed terminal support insulating substrate and a cylinder portion; and a bottomed tubular cap in which one end thereof is open. An arc extinguishing chamber connection portion is formed by the arc extinguishing chamber and a first connection member having a flange portion. A cap connection portion is formed by the cap and a second connection member having a tube portion and a flange portion. The flange portion of the first connection member is attached to one surface of the base plate, and the flange portion of the second connection member is attached to the other surface of the base plate, so that the arc extinguishing chamber connection portion and the cap connection portion are in communication through the aperture hole of the base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicants: FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS CO., LTD., FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD
    Inventors: Seiji IMAMURA, Kouichi OKAMOTO, Taku OGAWA, Yuichi YAMAMOTO, Kouetsu TAKAYA
  • Patent number: 8698023
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to an electrical switch having a basic enclosure with an enclosure top side, an enclosure underside and at least one lateral connection side at which at least one connection contact disposed inside the enclosure of the switch is accessible for the purpose of effecting an electrical connection from outside, and a terminal cover which closes off the connection side laterally at least in sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jan Grünwald
  • Publication number: 20140062625
    Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor has a pair of fixed contacts disposed maintaining a predetermined interval and a movable contact disposed to be capable of connecting to and separating from the pair of fixed contacts; and an electromagnet unit that drives the movable contact. The electromagnet unit includes a magnetic yoke enclosing a plunger drive portion; a movable plunger in which a leading end is protruding through an aperture formed in the magnetic yoke, and urged by a return spring; and an annular permanent magnet enclosing a peripheral flange portion formed on a protruding end side of the movable plunger, and magnetized in a moving direction of the movable plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicants: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD., FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Naka, Kouetsu Takaya, Kenji Suzuki, Hiroyuki Tachikawa
  • Patent number: 8659372
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes an electromagnet that generates a magnetic field when electric current is supplied thereto, an actuator that is actuated in response to the generated magnetic field, a contact that opens and closes in response to the actuation of the actuator, the contact including a first contact and a second contact that contacts with the first contact when the contact closes, and a housing including a first housing that includes walls defining a recess that accommodates the electromagnet, the actuator and the contact therein, and a second housing that is fixed to the first housing and covers the recess of the first housing. The electromagnetic relay also includes a permanent magnet provided on an outer surface of the housing at a position corresponding to a position of the contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventor: Masato Morimura
  • Patent number: 8653917
    Abstract: A contact device includes a pair of fixed contactors fixed to one side of an insulation container with a predetermined space therebetween and having a columnar shape with a tip end contact surface protruding at lease inside the insulation container, and a movable contactor disposed to be capable of contacting with and separating from the pair of fixed contactors. Surfaces of the pair of fixed contactors facing the movable contactor are formed of annular peripheral walls having a concave part at a center thereof. An annular arc is formed between the annular peripheral wall and the movable contactor when the contact device is in an open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd., Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouetsu Takaya, Kenji Suzuki, Yasuhiro Naka
  • Patent number: 8642913
    Abstract: A venting assembly is provided for an arc chute of an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing and separable contacts. An arc and ionized gases are generated in response to the separable contacts tripping open. The arc chute includes a plurality of arc splitters each having first and second opposing sides, an interior passage, and an exterior. The venting assembly includes a first portion coupled to the first side of at least one of the arc splitters and including a venting segment with first venting apertures. A second portion is coupled to the second side and includes a second venting segment having second venting apertures. The first and second venting segments are spaced from the exterior of the arc splitters to form first and second cooling chambers for cooling the ionized gases. The first and second venting apertures vent the ionized gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: James Gerard Maloney
  • Publication number: 20140028418
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay including a contact switching unit formed by arranging at least two contact groups, in parallel with each other and perpendicular to the touch/separation direction of the contacts, each of the contact group includes a pair of contacts that can touch and separate; an electromagnet block that drives the contact switching unit to open and close the contacts; and an arc-extinguishing member comprising a connection member made from a magnetic material and formed by a connection of protrusions that respectively protrude from both sides of a middle part in the direction of the parallel arrangement of the contact groups and between the contact groups, and also comprising permanent magnets respectively disposed at least on the opposing positions of the protrusions located on both sides of the middle part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsukasa Yamashita, Tetsuo Shinkai, Yasuyuki Masui
  • Patent number: 8638184
    Abstract: An arc chute for a DC circuit breaker is disclosed which includes at least one stack of a plurality of substantially parallel metal plates, the at least one stack defining a first axis A in parallel to a stacking direction; an arc space adapted to allow an arc to extend along the first axis, wherein a second axis traversing in parallel to the metal plates the at least one stack and the arc space substantially orthogonal to the first axis. Further, an arc-chute housing having at least one side wall, the at least one side wall being substantially parallel to the second axis, wherein the distance between the at least one sidewall and the metal plates is, for example, less than 5 mm, such as less than 2 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Philippe Noisette, Yoann Alphand, Marc Blanc
  • Publication number: 20140022035
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetic relay, comprising a contact switching unit having a contact group which includes a pair of contacts in order to touch and separate; an electromagnet block which drives the contact switching unit to open and close the contacts; and an arc-extinguishing member having a connection member and permanent magnets, wherein the connection member is formed by connecting, via a middle part, opposing walls arranged in a direction perpendicular to the touch/separation direction of the contacts and permanent magnets are disposed on the opposing sections of the opposing walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsukasa Yamashita, Tetsuo Shinkai, Yasuyuki Masui, Masayuki Noda
  • Patent number: 8575504
    Abstract: A switch is disclosed, in particular a switch disconnector for low voltages, including at least one cuboid pole housing; a switching shaft which runs transversely with respect to the side walls and disconnects contact elements which are resting on one another in order to open the switch; and an aperture opening formed in one wall of the pole housing. In order to prevent the risk of an electrical flashover to the rear wall, it is proposed in at least one embodiment, that the aperture opening is formed in a side wall, to which a channel is connected, which dissipates any overpressure that occurs in the pole housing in an end-face outlet direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Matthias Eisner
  • Patent number: 8575508
    Abstract: The present invention provides a current switch including a blade-type movable contact configured to extend in a radial direction from a pivoting center and reciprocatingly move such that a free end of the movable contact draws a pivoting track, a fixed contact including energizing members separated from the movable contact and arranged to be opposed to and substantially in parallel to each other on both sides across a pivoting surface of the movable contact and an outer frame configured to cover at least the periphery of the energizing members, a movable arc contact provided in the movable contact, fixed arc contacts provided in the fixed contact, and permanent magnets arranged on the inside of the fixed contact or the movable contact to generate a magnetic field that crosses an arc generated between the movable arc contact and the fixed arc contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hironori Kashiwagi, Daisuke Fujita
  • Patent number: 8564389
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an electromagnetic circuit interrupter for use in a high voltage direct current (DC) aircraft power distribution system. The electromagnetic circuit interrupter comprises a contact mechanism operable to separate first and second electrical contacts by a first predetermined distance d1 for a predetermined time ? so as to sustain an arc when the contact mechanism is opened. The contact mechanism is further operable to separate the first and second electrical contacts by a second predetermined distance d2 after the predetermined time ? so as to extinguish the arc. The first predetermined distance d1 is less than said second predetermined distance d2. By deliberately sustaining the arc for a relatively long period of time, this aspect of the present invention is particularly useful for extending the operational lifetime of the contacts and thereby of the electromagnetic circuit interrupter itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems Limited
    Inventor: Adrian Shipley
  • Publication number: 20130234813
    Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor has a base plate having an aperture hole; an arc extinguishing chamber having a fixed terminal and a pipe; and a bottomed tubular cap in which one end thereof is open. An arc extinguishing chamber connection portion is formed by the arc extinguishing chamber and a first connection member having a tube portion connected to the arc extinguishing chamber and a flange portion contacting with the base plate. A cap connection portion is formed by the cap and a second connection member having a tube portion connected to the cap and a flange portion connected to the base plate. The flange portions of the first and second connection members are attached to one surface and the other surface of the base plate accordingly. The arc extinguishing chamber connection portion and the cap connection portion are in communication through the aperture hole of the base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Seiji Imamura, Kouichi Okamoto, Taku Ogawa, Yuichi Yamamoto, Kouetsu Takaya
  • Publication number: 20130234812
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a switch pole of a circuit breaker having two pole shells between which are disposed, in the assembled state, at least one switching contact, current-carrying elements and an arc quenching device having an arc runner plate and at least one splitter plate delimiting an arc chute, wherein at least one slot for accommodating the splitter and/or arc runner plate is provided between the pole shells. In at least one embodiment, there is provided inside between the pole shells a functional component having a least one slot spaced apart from the pole shells which is used to accommodate the at least one splitter and/or arc runner plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jörg-Uwe DAHL
  • Publication number: 20130229248
    Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor has an arc extinguishing chamber housing a contact mechanism having a pair of fixed contacts and a movable contact that contacts with the pair of fixed contacts. The arc extinguishing chamber has a plate-shaped fixed contact support insulating substrate including through holes to fix at least the pair of fixed contacts and formed with a metal foil on an outer peripheral circumferential edge of one surface by a metalizing process. The pair of fixed contacts and a metal cylindrical body are brazed and joined to the metal foils of the fixed contact support insulating substrate, and an insulating cylindrical body is disposed on an inner peripheral surface of the metal cylindrical body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicants: FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS CO., LTD., FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shoji Yokoyama, Yuichi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8519811
    Abstract: In an electromagnetic relay, length from a movable contact to an end portion of a movable element on a first end side is set greater than length from the movable contact to another end portion of the movable element on a second end side opposite to the first end side. A direction of a Lorentz force acting on a portion of the movable element from the movable contact to the end portion of the movable element on the first end side is conformed to a direction for bringing fixed contacts and movable contacts into contact with each other. Thus, separation between the movable contacts and the fixed contacts due to an electromagnetic repulsive force can be inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Anden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanao Sugisawa, Shigeki Fujii, Hitoshi Sunohara
  • Patent number: 8519292
    Abstract: An arc chute including an arc extinguishing chamber formed by a stack of deionizing plates, an arc formation chamber defined by first and second side walls or cheeks, and a system for removing gases generated when an electric arc forms in the chute, that include a removal duct behind the second cheek and connected to an exchange space. The arc extinguishing chamber includes permanent magnets, at least a part of the magnets being behind the first cheek, and the gas removal system includes an opening formed partially in the second cheek and exiting outside the arc chute. A circuit breaker may include such an arc chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventor: Eric Domejean
  • Patent number: 8519812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum interrupter in a vacuum circuit breaker. According to the present invention, there is provided an attraction member made of a ferromagnetic body for surrounding between the stationary electrode and movable electrode to attract a radial magnetic field generated in a radial direction between the stationary electrode and movable electrode by means of the attraction member, and through this a component of the radial magnetic field may be increased in an overall horizontal direction between the stationary electrode and movable electrode, and as a result the radial magnetic field may be further enhanced between both electrodes, thereby strengthening an arc driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byung Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 8513558
    Abstract: An electromechanical circuit breaker for establishing and breaking the current in a main circuit includes a fixed contact element and a moving contact element, which in a first position are in electrical contact with each other for carrying the current of the main circuit, the moving contact element being adapted to be displaced to a second position in which it is separated from the fixed contact element so that the current in the main circuit is cut off. The circuit breaker is provided with a blow-out device including a magnetizing coil traversed by a magnetizing current for producing a magnetic field adapted to drive an arc generated by the separation of the two contact elements into an arc extinction element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Secheron S.A.
    Inventor: Christopher Nazeri
  • Patent number: 8514037
    Abstract: A device and method for operating automotive battery system relays and related switches. By aligning a magnetic field with a direction of current flow in a contact plate disposed between magnets that are producing the field, a generated Lorentz force can be used to promote arc extinguishing during a relay opening sequence, while simultaneously reducing the tendency of the Lorentz forces to interfere with the operation of a solenoid or other switch-activating mechanisms. By using a rotary-based mechanism to establish contact between a contact plate and current-carrying terminals, the likelihood of inadvertent opening of the relay is reduced. Such devices and methods may be used in conjunction with hybrid-powered and electric-powered vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chih-Cheng Hsu, Andrew J. Namou
  • Patent number: 8487724
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker having a trip unit with one or more integrally formed dielectric protrusions that are configured to slidably interconnect with corresponding dielectric members of the base when the trip unit is secured to the base. The dielectric protrusions extend from dielectric walls located between adjacent enclosure chambers that house the current transformers and are configured to remain in contact with the dielectric members of the base as the trip unit is being moved with respect with the base. By remaining in contact to one another while the trip unit is moved with respect to the base, the dielectric protrusions, along with the dielectric members, maintain a strong dielectric barrier within the exterior spaces between the CT enclosure chambers, thereby preventing debris from traveling between and accumulating on the trip unit and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis W. Fleege
  • Patent number: 8487725
    Abstract: An extinction cover (5) is mounted on a case (4) thereby sealing an extinction chamber (S). This extinction cover has an engaging-force-increased portion (5c1) which strengthens the force of engagement with the case, and an engaging-force-decreased portion (5c2) which weakens the force of engagement with the case. In response to an increase in internal pressure in the extinction chamber due to arc gas generation, the engaging-force-decreased portion establishes disengagement of the case and provides a gap (27) with the case, for linking the extinction chamber to external air, and the engaging-force-increased portion maintains engagement with the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Fa Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouetsu Takaya, Koji Okubo, Yasuhiro Naka, Kenji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8482368
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes multiple contact sets each including a fixed contact and a movable contact displaceable in a first direction to approach the fixed contact and in a second direction to move away from the fixed contact; multiple permanent magnets each provided on the peripheral side of a corresponding one of the contact sets and having a polarity direction perpendicular to the first and second directions; and multiple ferromagnetic bodies parallel to the polarity directions of the permanent magnets and the first and second directions, wherein in a DC electric current flowing through each of the contact sets, the direction of a force exerted based on the permanent magnet is equal to the direction of a force exerted based on the ferromagnetic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Ryuji Sasaki, Takashi Yuba
  • Patent number: 8477000
    Abstract: A relay is disclosed that includes a first opening and closing part including an openable and closable first gap; a second opening and closing part including an openable and closable second gap, the second opening and closing part being placed side by side with the first opening and closing part so that the first gap and the second gap are arranged side by side; a magnetization driving part configured to cause the first opening and closing part and the second opening and closing part to simultaneously operate; and a permanent magnet configured to apply a magnetic field on the first gap of the first opening and closing part and the second gap of the second opening and closing part in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Yuba, Satoshi Takano, Hirofumi Saso
  • Patent number: 8471657
    Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip mechanism includes a trip latch, and an arc chamber operatively associated with the separable contacts. The arc chamber includes a plurality of arc plates and a barrier disposed between the arc plates and the trip latch. The barrier has an opening therein. A trip member is disposed in or about the opening of the barrier of the arc chamber. During interruption of current flowing through the separable contacts, pressure arising from an arc in the arc chamber pushes the trip member away from the barrier of the arc chamber to engage the trip latch and cause the trip mechanism to trip open the separable contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Shea, Brian J. Schaltenbrand, Mark A. Janusek
  • Publication number: 20130127571
    Abstract: A contact device includes a pair of fixed contactors fixed to one side of an insulation container with a predetermined space therebetween and having a columnar shape with a tip end contact surface protruding at lease inside the insulation container, and a movable contactor disposed to be capable of contacting with and separating from the pair of fixed contactors. Surfaces of the pair of fixed contactors facing the movable contactor are formed of annular peripheral walls having a concave part at a center thereof. An annular arc is formed between the annular peripheral wall and the movable contactor when the contact device is in an open state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicants: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD., FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kouetsu Takaya, Kenji Suzuki, Yasuhiro Naka
  • Patent number: 8446235
    Abstract: A disclosed electromagnetic relay includes a fixed contact, a movable contact provided in a movable contact spring, an electric magnet causing the movable contact to contact the fixed contact by applying force via an arming unit, a magnet generating a magnetic field between the fixed contact and the movable contact, and yokes made of a magnetic material, wherein the yokes are arranged in parallel to interpose the fixed contact and the movable contact between the yokes and to apply the magnetic field generated by the magnet to an area where the fixed contact and the movable contact exist, and insulating portions are provided on inner surfaces of the yokes facing the fixed contact and the movable contact, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Daiei Iwamoto, Takashi Yuba
  • Publication number: 20130106543
    Abstract: An electromagnetic contactor has a contact device including a contact housing for housing a pair of fixed contact pieces and a movable contact piece disposed to contact with and separate away from the pair of fixed contact pieces, a pair of arc-extinguishing inner permanent magnets disposed on inner peripheral surfaces of the contact housing, and a pair of arc-extinguishing outer permanent magnets disposed on outer peripheral surfaces of the contact housing at a section facing the arc-extinguishing inner permanent magnets. Magnetic pole surfaces of the arc-extinguishing inner permanent magnets are arranged in a close vicinity of the movable contact piece and are magnetized to have the same polarity facing each other. The arc-extinguishing outer permanent magnets are magnetized in the same direction as the arc-extinguishing inner permanent magnets disposed nearby and coercive force of the arc-extinguishing outer permanent magnets is greater than of that the arc-extinguishing inner permanent magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Masaru ISOZAKI, Osamu KASHIMURA, Hiroyuki TACHIKAWA, Kouetsu TAKAYA, Yasuhiro NAKA, Yuji SHIBA
  • Patent number: 8427261
    Abstract: A device and method for operating automotive battery system relays and related switches. By aligning a magnetic field with a direction of current flow in a contact plate disposed between magnets that are producing the field, a generated Lorentz force can be used to promote arc extinguishing during a relay opening sequence, while simultaneously reducing the tendency of the Lorentz forces to interfere with the operation of a solenoid or other switch-activating mechanisms. By using a rotary-based mechanism to establish contact between a contact plate and current-carrying terminals, the likelihood of inadvertent opening of the relay is reduced. Such devices and methods may be used in conjunction with hybrid-powered and electric-powered vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chih-Cheng Hsu, Andrew J. Namou
  • Patent number: 8410878
    Abstract: The present invention provides a contact device capable of narrowing a gap between a fixed contactor and a movable contactor and reducing the number of parts and the production costs, and an electromagnetic switch that uses the contact device. The contact device has a pair of columnar fixed contactors (6a, 6b) which are fixed to a surface of an insulation airtight container (4) while keeping a predetermined space therebetween, each having at least a tip end contact surface protruding into the insulation container; a movable contactor (11) that is disposed so as to be capable of contacting with and separating from the pair of fixed contactors (6a, 6b); and a pair of arc extinguishing annular permanent magnets (9a, 9b) which is respectively attached to outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of fixed contactors (6a, 6b) and drives an arc outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd., Fuji Electric FA Components & Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouetsu Takaya, Kenji Suzuki, Yasuhiro Naka
  • Publication number: 20130063232
    Abstract: The present invention provides a contact device capable of narrowing a gap between a fixed contactor and a movable contactor and reducing the number of parts and the production costs, and an electromagnetic switch that uses the contact device. The contact device has a pair of columnar fixed contactors (6a, 6b) which are fixed to a surface of an insulation airtight container (4) while keeping a predetermined space therebetween, each having at least a tip end contact surface protruding into the insulation container; a movable contactor (11) that is disposed so as to be capable of contacting with and separating from the pair of fixed contactors (6a, 6b); and a pair of arc extinguishing annular permanent magnets (9a, 9b) which is respectively attached to outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of fixed contactors (6a, 6b) and drives an arc outwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicants: FUJI ELECTRIC FA COMPONENTS & SYSTEMS CO.,LTD., FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD
    Inventors: Kouetsu Takaya, Kenji Suzuki, Yasuhiro Naka
  • Patent number: 8390410
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay switches to conduct and interrupt currents having different magnitudes and flowing though mutually opposite paths via the electromagnetic relay. The relay includes a coil generating a magnetic force and a pair of contact sections opened and closed selectively by the magnetic force. The contact sections comprise a pair of fixed contacts and a pair of movable contacts. Each fixed contacts is held by a pair of conductive fixed holders and is near a tip section of each fixed holder. The movable contacts are fixed to a conductive movable holder and moves toward and away from the fixed holders selectively in response to the magnetic force. The relay further includes two arc-extinguishing magnet members adjacent to the contact sections such that, the arc generated by interrupting one current having a magnitude larger than the other current is extended toward the tip section at each contact section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Denso Corporation, Anden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyonari Kojima, Hisanaga Matsuoka, Hitoshi Sunohara, Makoto Kamiya, Manabu Ozaki, Wataru Hirose, Yuuko Okabayashi, Seiko Okabayashi, Haruo Okabayashi
  • Patent number: 8368492
    Abstract: A direct current electrical switching apparatus includes a first contact in electrical communication with first and third arc runners, a second contact in electrical communication with second and fourth arc runners, a movable contact, a first arc chamber including first arc plates having a first width, a second arc chamber including second arc plates having a greater second width, an operating mechanism, and a magnet assembly cooperating with the arc chambers to establish generally oppositely directed magnetic fields. The magnetic fields cause one of a first arc and a second arc to enter one of the arc chambers depending upon a direction of current flow between the contacts. The electrical switching apparatus is rated for a first magnitude of current flowing from the first contact to the second contact and for a greater second magnitude of opposite second current flowing from the second contact to the first contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Theisen, Paul J. Rollmann, Mark A. Juds, Xin Zhou
  • Patent number: 8354906
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a case, a base, a magnet coil, a movable member driven by electromagnetic force of the coil, a moving contact, a fixed contact engaged with or disengaged from the moving contact, a fixed contact holding member fixed to the base with the holding member passing therethrough and having a load circuit terminal, and a magnet applying Lorentz force to arc generated between the fixed contact and the moving contact. The case includes a guide part on its region with which arc extended in a Lorentz force application direction collides. The guide part guides arc after the collision to extend arc in a different direction from the application direction. The case includes a case partition wall between the guide part and the base. The holding member has a guide part opposing portion opposed to the guide part. The opposing portion is covered with the case partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Anden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nagura, Takashi Ito, Masaki Takeyama
  • Patent number: 8350645
    Abstract: Disclosed is a high voltage relay having an enhanced air-tight structure, the relay including a molded case formed by molding a synthetic resin having an electric insulating property into a box shape having one open surface, an actuator accommodated in the lower molded case, and an arc extinguishing mechanism allowing insertion of a stationary electrode therein and installed on the actuator for covering the open surface of the molded case, the arc extinguishing mechanism including a gas discharge hole portion blocked when a thermosetting resin coated on the arc extinguishing mechanism for air-tightness is hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Myoung Yeon
  • Patent number: 8334740
    Abstract: A contactor assembly includes a stationary contact, an arc contact, an arc arrestor, and a magnetic intensifier. The magnetic intensifier is constructed to be secured in generally close proximity to the stationary contact. During communication of power through the contactor assembly, the magnetic intensifier accentuates a magnetic field associated with the stationary contact and increases the magnitude of a magnetic force directed to the arc arrestor. A pair of arc guides extend along the magnetic intensifier and, cooperatively with the magnetic force, ensure efficient, repeatable, and expedient transfer of a circuit termination arc to the arc arrestor. Such a construction increases the operable range and lifecycle of the contactor by reducing the damage associated with propagation of the circuit termination arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ramsey Annis, Robert Alfred Duchrow, Theodore John Houck, III, James Peter Miller
  • Patent number: 8284528
    Abstract: The DC switch includes a housing (2) provided with a power connection terminal (2a) adapted in use to be connected to a power source, and a load connection terminal (2b) adapted in use to be connected to a load. A contact unit (1) is interposed between the power connection terminal (2a) and the load connection terminal (2b). The contact unit (1) has mechanical contacts (10), and a semiconductor switch (11) serially connected to the mechanical contacts (10). The DC switch further includes a switching mechanism unit (3) having an operating handle (30) used for manual operation and movably attached to the housing (2), a position detection unit (4) configured to detect an operating position of the operating handle (30), and a control unit (7). The switching mechanism unit (3) is configured to open and close the mechanical contacts (10) in response to the manual operation of the operating handle (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Koshin, Takuya Kagawa
  • Patent number: 8274347
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic switch, in which an arc protection member is installed in an extinguishing chamber for housing stationary electrodes and a movable contact arm, thereby protecting internal components including an upper yoke from damages caused due to arc, which is generated immediately when the movable contact arm is separated from the stationary electrodes, resulting in improvement of operation reliability as well as increase in a lifespan of the electromagnetic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Young Hwan Eum
  • Patent number: 8248194
    Abstract: A disconnect switch includes a case having a movable contact, a stationary contact and a plurality of magnets. The movable contact is adapted to move from a first closed position where it is in physical contact with the stationary contact to a second open position. The magnets are located at predefined locations and in predefined orientations about the axis of movement of the movable contact, whereby upon the movement of the movable contact from the first position to the second open position, a current arc created by the movable contact is extinguished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan A. Fisher, Michael J. Holland
  • Patent number: 8222983
    Abstract: A single direct current arc chamber includes a ferromagnetic base having first and opposite second ends, a first ferromagnetic side member disposed from the first end, a second ferromagnetic side member disposed from the opposite second end, a third ferromagnetic member disposed from the ferromagnetic base intermediate the ferromagnetic side members, a first permanent magnet having a first magnetic polarity disposed on the first ferromagnetic side member and facing the third ferromagnetic member, and a second permanent magnet having the first magnetic polarity disposed on the second ferromagnetic side member and facing the third ferromagnetic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Xin Zhou, Mark A. Juds, Naresh K. Kodela, William E. Beatty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8198964
    Abstract: A sealed contact device has a plate-like yoke having a center hole therein, a closed-ended cylinder having an opening edge portion that is integrated with a lower-surface edge portion of the center hole of the plate-like yoke to form a sealed space, an annular flange having an outer peripheral edge portion that is integrally welded to an upper surface of the plate-like yoke, a ceramic case having a lower end surface that is brazed to an upper surface of the annular flange, an electromagnetic unit disposed in an outer periphery of the closed-ended cylinder, a movable iron core that reciprocates in the closed-ended cylinder based on excitation and demagnetization of the electromagnetic unit, a movable shaft having a first end fixed to the movable iron core, a movable contact of a movable touch piece fixed to a second end of the movable shaft, a fixed contact disposed in the ceramic case, and an annular rib projected in the upper surface of the annular flange such that the brazed portion provided in the lower en
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Ikuhiro Yoshihara, Keisuke Yano, Ryuichi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8173926
    Abstract: The invention describes an arc-quenching arrangement for an electrical service switching device, with a fixed contact piece, a movable contact piece, with an arc splitter stack having arc splitter plates, each arc splitter plate having a cutout which is open towards the arc formation point, has a V-shaped notch and tapers in the form of a funnel in the arc running direction, and the arc being guided into the arc splitter stack via a first arc guide rail, which is associated with the fixed contact piece, and a second arc guide rail, which is associated with the movable contact piece. The first arc guide rail has a first, rectangular section, which faces the arc formation location, and a second section, which adjoins the first section and is in the form of a rectangular trapezium and whose first limb extends at an angle with respect to the mid-longitudinal axis of the first section and away therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Joachim Becker, Thilo Bahlinger, Alexander Orban, Klaus Zimmer
  • Patent number: 8164018
    Abstract: Embodiments provide arc chambers, and methods adapted to rapidly extinguish arcs in circuit breakers. In one aspect, a circuit breaker is provided having first and second electrical contacts, wherein at least one of the contacts is movable and has a maximum contact face transverse dimension (d), and an arc chamber including first and second sidewalls spaced by a transverse spacing (Ts). The sidewalls are provided in close proximity to each other providing a transverse arc compression ratio (TACR) less than or equal to about 2.0, wherein TACR=Ts/d. According to another aspect, an arc chamber including one or more recesses formed into a transverse sidewall is provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Guang Yang
  • Patent number: 8164404
    Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a resin case, a coil, a movable contact; a fixed contact, a flat recess, a ventilation hole, a cooling member and a flat passage. The resin case has a housing space therein. The movable contact is within the housing space and is actuated by the coil. The fixed contact is within the housing space. The flat recess is formed at the case to communicate with the housing space. The ventilation hole is formed at the case to provide communication between the recess and an exterior of the case. The cooling member is within the recess to cool flame that passes through the recess. The flat passage is formed between the cooling member and an internal wall surface of the recess and has a clearance dimension such that flame is extinguished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: ANDEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Kamiya, Manabu Ozaki
  • Patent number: 8138440
    Abstract: A fast acting switching mechanism for a circuit breaker includes a drive rod articulated to a drive module and supporting at an end thereof a contact bridge having at opposite ends thereof respective moveable contacts for switchably engaging a pair of fixed contacts of the circuit breaker. A contact spring unit is operatively coupled to the drive module for applying closing pressure in the order of 200 Kg; and a latch latches the drive rod in an open or closed position after operation of the circuit breaker and prevents rebounds. The contact bridge includes a pair of side conductors supporting on upper edges thereof an armature having an exposed upper surface that supports the moveable contacts at opposite ends of the armature; and a reinforcing element inserted between the side conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Arcoline Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuriy Onufriyenko, Eduard Ulanovsky, Dov Yeger, Yefim Gofman