MX2011008162A

MX2011008162A - Electromagnetic relay assembly.

Info

Publication number: MX2011008162A
Application number: MX2011008162A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Philipp Gruner; Klaus A Gruner
Original assignee: Clodi L L C
Priority date: 2009-02-04
Filing date: 2009-02-04
Publication date: 2012-09-27
Also published as: WO2010090618A2; CA2751584C; EP2394284B1; EP2394284A4; JP2012517092A; HUE029066T2; ES2579934T3; WO2010090618A3; PT2394284T; ZA201105690B; AU2009339409B2; BRPI0920364B1; HRP20160626T1; JP5349618B2; CN102388427A; EP2394284A2; CA2751584A1; KR101269499B1; DK2394284T3; KR20110138345A

Abstract

An electromagnetic relay enables current to pass through switch termini and comprises a coil assembly, a rotor or bridge assembly, and a switch assembly. The coil assembly comprises a coil and a C-shaped core. The coil is wound round a coil axis extending through the core. The core comprises core termini parallel to the coil axis. The bridge assembly comprises a bridge and an actuator. The bridge comprises medial, lateral, and transverse field pathways. The actuator extends laterally from the lateral field pathway. The core termini are coplanar with the axis of rotation and received intermediate the medial and lateral field pathways. The actuator is cooperable with the switch assembly. The coil creates a magnetic field directable through the bridge assembly via the core termini for imparting bridge rotation about the axis of rotation. The bridge rotation displaces the actuator for opening and closing the switch assembly.

Description

ELECTROMAGNETIC RELAY ASSEMBLY DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention described generally refers to an electromagnetic relay assembly incorporating a uniquely configured armature assembly. More particularly, the invention described relates to an electromagnetic relay assembly having a magnetically operable rotor assembly for linearly moving a switching actuator.

Generally, the function of an electromagnetic relay is to use a small amount of power in the electromagnet to move an armature that is capable of switching a much greater amount of power. As an example, the relay designer may wish for the electromagnet to be energized using 5 volts and 50 milliamps (250 milliwatts), while the armature can withstand 120 volts at 2 amps (240 watts). Relays are quite common in household appliances where there is an electronic control that turns on (or turns off) a certain application device such as a motor or a lamp. The present teachings are primarily intended for use as an electromagnetic relay assembly that passes 120 amps of a single. It is contemplated, however, that the essence of the invention may be applied in multi-pole relay assemblies, which have a unique construction and functionality as enabby or the teachings of the single-pole modality established in this description. Some additional electromagnetic relay assemblies that reflect the state of the art and described in the US patents are described previously after this.

U.S. Patent No. 6,046,660 (patent 660), which was issued to Gruner, discloses an Engagement magnetic relay assembly with a linear motor The '660 patent teaches a magnetic latching relay capable of transferring currents greater than 100. amps for use in regulating the transfer of electricity or in other applications that require the switching of currents greater than 100 amperes A relay motor assembly has an elongated coil spool with a cavity that extends axially therein. Excitation coil is wound around the spool A ferromagnetic frame generally U-shaped has a core section disposed in and extending through the axially extending cavity in the elongated coil spool Two contact sections extend General and perpendicular to the core section and rise above the motor assembly An actuator assembly is magnetically coupto the relay motor assembly. The actuator assembly is comprised of an actuator frame operatively coupto a first and a second ferromagnetic pole pieces generally U-shaped, and a permanent magnet. A contact bridge formed of a sheet of conductive copper material is operatively coupto the actuator assembly.

U.S. Patent No. 6,246,306 (patent v306), which was issued to Gruner, discloses an Electromagnetic Relay and a Pressure Spring. The '306 patent teaches an electromagnetic relay having an engine assembly with a reel secured to a housing. A core is connected adjacently under the spool except for a core end, which extends from the spool. An armature end magnetically couples the end of the core when the coil is energized. An actuator couples the armature and a plurality of central contact spring assemblies. The central contact spring assembly is comprised of a central contact spring which is not pre-bent and is ultrasonically welded onto a central contact terminal. A normally open spring is positioned relatively parallel to a central contact spring. The normally open spring is ultrasonically welded onto a normally open terminal to form a normally open outer contact spring assembly. A normally closed outer contact spring is positioned vertically with respect to the central contact spring so that the normally closed outer contact spring assembly is in contact with the central contact spring assembly., when the actuator does not actuate the central contact spring. The normally closed spring is ultrasonically welded onto a normally closed terminal to form a normally closed assembly. A pressure spring presses the central contact spring on top of the actuator when the actuator is not in use.

U.S. Patent No. 6,252,478 (patent v478), which was issued to Gruner, discloses an Electromagnetic Relay. The '478 patent teaches an electromagnetic relay having an engine assembly with a reel secured to a frame. A core is disposed within the spool except for one core end extending from the spool. An armature end magnetically couples the core end when the coil is energized. An actuator couples the armature and a plurality of movable knife assemblies. The movable knife assembly is comprised of a moving blade ultrasonically welded onto a central contact terminal. A normally open blade is placed relatively parallel to a moving blade. The normally open blade is ultrasonically welded onto a normally open terminal to form a normally open contact assembly. A normally closed contact assembly comprised of a third contact rivet and a closed normal terminal. A normally closed contact assembly is positioned vertically with respect to the movable knife so that the normally closed contact assembly is in contact with the movable knife assembly when the actuator does not drive the movable knife.

U.S. Patent No. 6,320,485 (patent 4485), which was issued to Gruner, discloses an Electromagnetic Relay Assembly with a Linear Motor. The '485 patent teaches an electromagnetic relay capable of transferring currents of more than 100 amps for use in regulating the transfer of electricity or in other applications that require the switching of currents of more than 100 amps. A relay motor assembly has an elongated coil spool with a cavity extending axially therein. An excitation coil is wound around the reel. A ferromagnetic frame generally U-shaped has a core section disposed in and extending through the axially extending cavity in the elongated coil spool. Two contact sections extend generally and perpendicularly to the core section and rise above the motor assembly. An actuator assembly is magnetically coupled to the relay motor assembly. The actuator assembly is comprised of an actuator frame operatively coupled to a first and a second ferromagnetic pole parts generally U-shaped, and a permanent magnet. A contact bridge formed of a sheet of conductive copper material is operatively coupled to the actuator assembly.

U.S. Patent No. 6,563,409 (patent * 409), which was issued to Gruner, describes a Magnetic Latching Relay Assembly. The '409 patent teaches a magnetic latching relay assembly comprising a relay motor with a first coil spool having a first excitation coil wound around it and a second coil spool having a second excitation coil wound around thereof, both the first excitation coil and the second excitation coil are identical, the first excitation coil being electrically isolated from the second excitation coil; an actuator assembly magnetically coupled to the relay motor, the actuator assembly has a first end and a second end; and one or two groups of contact bridge assemblies, each of the group of contact bridge assemblies comprising a contact bridge and a spring.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electromagnetic relay assembly having certain means for damping the intermediate contact vibration in the contacts of the switching assemblies. It is an object of the present invention to provide an armature assembly having an axis of rotation and rotating under the influence of the magnetic field created or imparted from an electromagnetic coil assembly. The armature assembly linearly displaces a commutating actuator to open and close the relay commutation assembly. To achieve these and other readily apparent objectives, the electromagnetic relay assembly of the present disclosure comprises an electromagnetic coil assembly, an armature bridge assembly, and a switch assembly, as described in greater detail below.

The coil assembly essentially comprises a coil, a C-shaped fork assembly, and a coil shaft. The coil is wound around the coil shaft, and the fork assembly comprises the first and second fork arms. Each fork arm comprises an axial fork portion which can be coaxially aligned with the coil shaft and together form the rear part of the C-shaped fork assembly. Each fork arm further comprises a fork terminal, the fork terminals of which are Forks are co-planar and substantially parallel to the coil shaft.

The armature bridge assembly can be rotated about an axis spaced orthogonally from the coil shaft and co-planar with the fork terminals. The armature bridge assembly in this manner comprises a bridge rotation axis, a bridge, and an actuator arm. The bridge comprises a relatively smaller middle field path in proximity to the coil axis, a relatively farther lateral field path in proximity to the coil axis, and lateral to middle side paths, longitudinal to laterally spaced or longitudinally separated. axial (or transverse field trajectories) that extend intermediate in the medial and lateral trajectories. The actuator arm can cooperate with the lateral field path by a first end thereof and extends laterally away from the lateral field path.

The switching assembly essentially comprises switching terminals and a spring assembly between the switching terminals. The spring assembly is connected to a second end of the actuator arm. The fork terminals are received intermediate in the middle and lateral paths. As is standard and well established in the art, the coil receives the current and creates or imparts a magnetic field, whose magnetic field can be directed through the spring assembly by the fork terminals to impart bridge rotation on the axis of the coil. rotation of the bridge and move linearly the actuator arm. The movable actuator arm operates to drive the intermediate spring assembly in the open contact position and to a closed contact position, whose closed contact position allows current to pass through the switching assembly through the switching terminals.

Certain peripheral features of the essential electromagnetic relay assembly include certain means for improving the spring over-travel, which means operate to increase the intermediate contact pressure at the switching terminals when the switching assembly is in the closed position. The means for improving the spring overrun also provide means for contact sweeping or contact cleaning by improved contact or increased contact pressure. In other words, the improved conduction path through the contact interconnection can work well to burn waste and / or debris that may otherwise enter the contact surfaces. The means for improving the spring overrun can work very well to provide certain means for damping contact rebound or intermediate vibration of the first and second contacts when switching from the open position to the closed position.

Other objects of the present invention, as well as particular features, elements and advantages thereof, will be explained or made apparent from the following description and the figures of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features of the invention will become more apparent from a consideration of the following brief description of the drawings of the patent: FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of the electromagnetic relay assembly of the present invention with a switch assembly in a closed position.

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the electromagnetic relay assembly of the present invention with the switch assembly in a closed position.

FIGURE 3 is an exploded top perspective view of the switching relay assembly of the present invention showing an optional housing cover.

FIGURE 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first terminal assembly of the switching assembly of the electromagnetic relay assembly.

FIGURE 5 is an exploded perspective view of a second switching terminal assembly of the switching assembly of the electromagnetic relay assembly.

FIGURE 6 is an exploded perspective view of a coil assembly of the electromagnetic relay assembly of the present invention.

FIGURE 7 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of a rotor assembly of the armature assembly of the electromagnetic relay assembly.

FIGURE 8 is an exploded perspective view of the trifunctional spring assembly and a contact button the switching assembly of the electromagnetic relay assembly.

FIGURE 9 is a fragmented side view representation of the trifunctional spring assembly, the contact buttons, and the armature arm of the present invention showing the contact buttons in a closed position with the trifunctional spring assembly in a closed position with the trifunctional spring assembly in a substantially co-planar position.

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary side view representation of the trifunctional spring assembly, the contact buttons, and the armature arm of the present invention showing the contact buttons in a closed position with the trifunctional spring assembly in a position of over-travel to improve the intermediate contact pressure on the contact buttons.

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged fragmentary side view representation of the union of the trifunctional spring assembly and the upper contact button shown in other manner in FIGURE 10 depicting the trifunctional spring assembly in the override position to improve the pressure of the intermediate contact on the contact buttons.

FIGURE 12 is a diagrammatic representation of the magnetic flux through the C-shaped core assembly and rotor assembly of the electromagnetic relay assembly representing a field flux diverted and divided through the rotor assembly.

FIGURE 13 is a side view representation of a switch terminal assembly as operatively connected to a trifunctional spring assembly and a contact button, the trifunctional spring assembly shows first and second springs with C-shaped folds centrally located, and a third spring with a fold located at the end.

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as taken from FIGURE 13 representing the fold located at the end of the third spring in greater detail.

FIGURE 15 is a diagrammatic representation of a threshold current path directed through the relay terminals as arranged adjacent to the rotary armature assembly and representing a magnetic field originating in the terminal of greater magnitude than a magnetic field originated in the armature to rotate the armature assembly to a circuit opening position.

Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the present invention has to do with an electromagnetic relay assembly 10 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGURES 1-3. The electromagnetic relay assembly 10 of the present invention functions essentially to selectively allow current to pass through switching terminals 11 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGURES 1-5. To achieve these and other readily apparent functions, the electromagnetic relay assembly 10 of the present invention preferably comprises an electromagnetic coil assembly 12 as illustrated and generally mentioned in FIGS. 1-3 and 6; a rotary armature assembly 13 as illustrated and generally mentioned in FIGURES 1-3; and a switching assembly 14 as illustrated and generally mentioned in FIGURES 1-5.

The coil assembly 12 of the present invention preferably comprises a conductive current coil 15 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGURES 1-3, and 6; a C-shaped core or fork assembly 16 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGS. 3, 6, and 12. It can be observed or understood from an inspection of the observed figures that the conductive current coil 15 is wound around of the coil shaft 100 and comprises first and second electromagnetic excitation terminals 17 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGURES 1-3, and 6. The C-shaped core assembly 16 of the present invention is axially received. Within the coil 15 and preferably comprises first and second fork arms 18, of which one is illustrated and mentioned in FIGURES 1-3 and of which both are illustrated and mentioned in FIGURE 6. It can be seen from an inspection of FIGURE 6 that the fork arms 18 each comprise an axial fork portion 19 and a substantially planar fork terminal 20, the fork terminals 20 of which are preferably parallel to the axle 100 d and coil as also mentioned and represented in FIGURE 12.

It is contemplated that the rotary armature assembly 13 of the present invention can be described as preferably comprising a rotor assembly 21 as generally illustrated and mentioned in FIGS. 1-3, and 7; an actuator or actuator arm 22 as generally illustrated and mentioned in FIGS. 1-3, 9, and 10; and an axis of rotation 101 of the armature as shown and mentioned at a point in FIGURES 1, 2, 12 and 15, and as a line in FIGURES 3 and 7. The rotor assembly 21 preferably comprises first and second magnets 23 of rotor directed or uniformly polarized as illustrated and mentioned in FIGURES 7 and 12; a rotor plate 25 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGS. 1-3, 7 and 12; a rotor clamp as generally illustrated in FIGURES 1-3, and 12 and mentioned with the number 26; a rotor housing 27 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGURES 1-3, and 7; a return spring 28 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGURES 3 and 7; a rotor bolt 29 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGURES 1 and 3; and a rotor assembly 30 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGURES 1-3.

It can be observed from an inspection of the observed figures that the rotor clamp 26 is connected or otherwise cooperatively associated with the first ends of the actuator arms 22, and that the rotor plate 25 and the clamp 26 of rotor (or portions thereof) are preferably oriented parallel to each other by means of the rotor housing 27. It will be noted that a terminal end of the rotor clamp 26 extends in a zigzag or zigzag fashion from the central portion of the rotor clamp 26, whose central portion is parallel to the rotor plate 25. The terminal end of the rotor clamp 26, as extended zigzag from, and integrally formed with the rotor clamp 26, connects the rotor clamp 26 to the actuator arms 22.

It can further be observed that the first and second rotor magnets 23 are dimensioned and similarly extended in an intermediate manner in the rotor plate 25 and the central portion of the rotor clamp 26 for simultaneously and equally separating the rotor plate 25 and the central portion of the rotor clamp 26 and to provide, additionally, a guide shape or path for the so-called Lorentz or magnetic flux current to be directed effectively and transverse through the rotor or bridge assembly 21 as shown in FIG. diagrammatic way in FIGURE 12.

In this last aspect, it is contemplated that the armature assembly 13 can be taken into account as an armature bridge assembly, whose bridge assembly comprises a rotation bridge axis (similar to the axis of rotation 101 of the armature) and a bridge in cooperative association with arm 22 of induced. In this context, the bridge can be taken into account as or is described as preferably comprising a middle path (similar to rotor plate 25), a lateral path (similar to rotor clamp 26), and paths from medium to lateral or transverse and longitudinally or axially spaced (similar to the first and second rotor magnets 23). The armature arm 22 in this manner can be described as extending laterally away from the lateral path or rotor clamp 26 to engage the commutator assembly 14.

The rotor housing 27 essentially functions to receive, house and position the first and second rotor magnets 23, the rotor plate 25 and the rotor clamp 26 to form the bridge-like structure of the armature assembly 13. The rotor magnets 23 are directed uniformly so that similar poles face the same rotor structure. For example, it is contemplated that the north poles of the rotor magnets 23 may confront the rotor clamp 26 (the south poles, therefore, face the rotor plate 25) or that the south poles of the rotor magnets 23 may confront each other. the rotor clamp 26 (the north poles, therefore, face the rotor clamp).

The rotor housing 27 may further comprise a bolt receiving aperture or a gauge for receiving the rotor bolt 29 as can be generally seen from FIGS. 3 and 7. The bolt receiving aperture or gauge of the rotor housing 27 it allows the rotation of the bridge or armature assembly 13 about the axis of rotation 101 of the armature. The rotor bolt 29, which extends through the bolt receiving gauge, can be axially anchored at a lower end thereof by means of a relay housing 48 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGURES 1-3, and whose relay housing 48 is sized and shaped to receive, house and position the coil assembly 12, the armature assembly 13 and the switching assembly 14 as can be easily understood from an inspection of FIGURE 3. Furthermore, it can be understood easily from an inspection of FIGURE 3 that the relay housing 48 may, although not necessarily, comprise or be cooperative with a relay cover 49.

In this last aspect, it will be recalled that the armature assembly 13 of the present invention can be anchored or mounted by means of the rotor assembly 30. The rotor assembly 30 can be cooperatively associated with the relay housing 48 (ie, anchored to the relay housing 48) to axially fix the rotor bolt 29, the fixed rotor assembly 30 that receives and anchors an end. upper of the rotor bolt 29 to allow the relay users to operate effectively the electromagnetic relay assembly 10 of the present invention without the relay cover 49. The rotor assembly or bridge assembly 30 or means for mounting the rotor assembly or the bridge assembly can be described in this manner as providing certain means for enabling an open face operation of the electromagnetic relay assembly 10. It is contemplated, for example, that in certain scenarios a relay assembly without a cover provides a certain benefit. For example, the object relay assembly can be observed more easily during test procedures. In any case, it is contemplated that the rotor assembly 30 of the present invention allows free cover operation of the electromagnetic relay assembly 10 by otherwise securing the armature assembly 13 to the relay housing 48.

The switching assembly 14 of the present relay assembly 10 preferably comprises a first switching terminal assembly 31 as illustrated and generally mentioned in FIGS. 1-4; and a second switching terminal assembly 32 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGS. 1-3, 5, 13, and 14; and a trifunctional spring assembly 33 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGS. 1-3, 5, 8-11, 13, and 14. From an inspection of the observed figures, it can be seen that the first terminal assembly 31 of FIG. preferably switching comprises a first contact button 34 and a first switching terminal as in 11. In addition, the second switching terminal assembly 32 preferably comprises a second switching terminal as in 11.

The tri-functional spring assembly 33 preferably comprises a second contact button 37 as illustrated and mentioned in FIGS. 1, 2, 9-11, 13 and 14; and a first spring 38, a second spring 39, and a third spring 40 as illustrated and further mentioned in FIGS. 5, 8-10, and 13. In addition, it can be seen that the first spring 38 preferably comprises a first opening of contact reception as in 41 and a first C-shaped opening as in 42 in FIGURE 8, as well as a displacement located at the end or bend as in 70 in FIGURES 13 and 14. Notably, the first opening 42 C-shaped is preferably concentric around the first contact receiving opening 41. The second spring 39 preferably comprises a second contact receiving opening as in 43 and a first C-shaped fold as in 44 in FIGURE 8. It can be seen from an inspection of FIGURE 8 that the first fold 44 in FIG. C-shape has a certain first radius of curvature. The third spring 40 preferably comprises a third contact receiving opening as in 45, a second C-shaped opening as in 46; and a second C-shaped fold as in 47.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the second C-shaped opening 46 is preferably concentric around the third contact receiving opening 45, and that the second C-shaped fold 47 has a certain second radius of curvature, whose second radius of curvature is larger in magnitude than the first radius of curvature (of the first C-shaped fold 47). The second spring 39 is interposed intermediate to the first and third springs 38 and 40 by the second contact button 37 received or extended through the contact reception openings 41, 43 and 45. The first C-shaped fold 44 is concentric (about one fold axis) within the second C-shaped fold 47. The first and second contact buttons 34 and 37 or the contacts are spatially oriented or juxtaposed adjacent to each other as generally shown in FIGURES 1, 2, 9, and 10. In the preferred embodiment, the assembly 33 The trifunctional spring is deflected in an intermediate open contact position in the first and second switching terminals 11 and connected to the (side end) of the armature arm 22 as perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10.

It is contemplated that the first and second C-shaped openings 42 and 46, and the displacement located at the end or fold 70 may work well to provide certain means for enhanced overtravel to increase the intermediate contact pressure on the first and second buttons 34. and 37 of contact. In this regard, the reader is further directed to FIGURES 9 and 10. From a comparative consideration of the observed figures, it can be seen that the terminal side ends 53 of the spring assembly 33 can be driven beyond the flat portions of the assembly. of spring immediately adjacent the stem 51 of the contact button 37. The flat portions of the spring assembly immediately (and radially) adjacent the stem 51 of the contact button 37 in this manner form push-button spring portions or semicircular aperture defining extensions as mentioned in 52 in FIGURES 8 and 11. From an inspection of FIGURES 8 and 11, it can be seen that the button-stackable portions 52 are stacked on the contact button 37 and that the end side ends 53 deform elastically as in 50 to allow overtravel .

In other words, the material (preferably copper) of the spring elements having the C-shaped openings can be deformed more easily and elastically at the terminals of the C-shaped openings as in FIG. 8. Notably, the elastic deformation of the material adjacent the terminals 50 does not result in appreciable deterioration of the underlying material lattice (i.e., they do not appreciably impart undesirable lattice dislocations) and thus the structure or characteristic of aperture in C-shape of the trifunctional spring assembly provides a solid means for enhanced overtravel to additionally provide a certain intermediate aggregate pressure in the contact buttons 34 and 37 to improve the conductive contacts therebetween. The displacement located at the end or bend 70 furthermore provides an improved over-travel means for increasing contact pressure and reducing contact rebound of contacts 34 and 37.

Conduction through the contact buttons 34 and 37 in this way is improved by means of the overtravel enabled by C-shaped opening and / or improved as generally shown in FIGURE 10. It is contemplated that the improved contact and the resulting conduction provide certain means for improved contact sweep, the means for contact sweep or contact cleaning in this way is further enabled by means of the enhanced overtravel. In this regard, it is contemplated that the relay assembly 10 of the present invention evidently has a self-cleaning characteristic as enabled by the C-shaped openings 42 and 46., it is contemplated that the C-shaped openings 42 and 46 (and offset or fold 70) may provide certain means for reducing contact rebound or otherwise to dampen the intermediate contact vibration on the contact buttons 34 and 37 when commute from an open contact state or an open switching position (as generally shown in FIGURE 1) to a closed contact state or closed switching position (as generally shown in FIGURE 2).

From an inspection of FIGURE 12, it can be easily understood that the fork core or terminals 20 are received loosely intermediate in the rotor plate 25 and the rotor clamp 26, and that the axis of rotation 101 of the armature is co-planar with the fork terminals 20, whose axis of rotation 101 extends through the rotor bolt 29 (not shown specifically in FIGURE 20). As is to be easily understood, the conductive current coil 15 functions to receive current and, therefore, creates a magnetic field as further depicted and mentioned in the vectors 102 in FIGURE 12. As can be seen from an inspection of the figure observed, the magnetic field 102 is directed through the fork terminals 20 by the rotor assembly (essentially defined by the rotor clamp 26, the rotor magnets 23, and the rotor plate 25) for imparting armature rotation or bridge over the axis of rotation 101 of the armature by means of a magnetically induced torque.

The rotor clamp 26 operates in this manner to linearly move the actuator arm 22, whose displaced actuator arm 22 operates to drive the trifunctional spring assembly 33 from a preferred spring deflected open opposition (as generally shown in FIG. FIGURE 1). The construction of the material of the relay assembly 10 (believed to be within the purview of those skilled in the art) and the closed position essentially works to allow the 120 amp current to pass through the commutator assembly 14 through the first and second contact buttons 34 and 37 and switching terminals 11. When the coil assembly 12 is currently dormant and the magnetic field is effectively removed, the return spring 28 can work well to improve the return of the trifunctional spring assembly 33 to the preferred spring biased open position as shown in a general manner. in FIGURE 11. If a fault current condition arises, it is contemplated that the electromagnetic relay 10 may additionally comprise certain default means of the closed contact, the default means of the closed contact to force the first and second buttons 34 and 37 of contact to be closed during the fault current or short circuit conditions. In this aspect, it is contemplated that the path followed by the Lorentz current or the magnetic field path as generally depicted in FIGURE 12 by the vector arrows 102.

It is further contemplated that the electromagnetic relay according to the present invention may comprise certain means for having an open contact position as a defect during the current conditions based on the threshold terminal. In this aspect, it is observed that from the classical electromagnetic theory that the carriers of continuous transmission load develop a magnetic field in radial form adjacent to the direction of carrier current. The reader is thus directed to FIGURE 15 which is a diagrammatic representation of a threshold current path as in 71 which is routed through the relay terminals 31 and 32 via the contact buttons 34 and 37. A vector of magnetic force as in 103 is represented as being originated by the terminal by the charge carrier current flowing through path 71. After reaching a certain threshold amperage, the magnetic field generated through terminals 31 and 32 will interact with the permanent magnets or the rotor magnets 23 of the rotary armature assembly 13. The magnets 23 have an inherent magnetic field directed outwardly as mentioned in the vector arrow 104, of which the force is smaller in magnitude than the force in the vector arrow 103. The difference in force between 104 and 103 as directed causes the rotary induced assembly 13 to rotate to an open contact position as shown diagrammatically in FIGURE 15. This characteristic can be calibrated by the size and strength of the magnets 23 and the distance between the armature and stationary contacts.

Although the above descriptions contain a lot of specificity, this specificity should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the invention. For example, the invention can be said to teach or essentially describe an electromagnetic relay assembly to allow current to pass through switching terminals, whose electromagnetic relay assembly comprises a coil assembly, a bridge assembly and a switching assembly. . The coil assembly comprises a coil, a coil shaft, and a C-shaped core. The coil is wound around the coil shaft 100, and the coil shaft 100 extends through the core as in 60 in FIGURE 12. The core 60 comprises core terminals 20, the core terminals 20 of which are substantially parallel to the axis 100 coil.

The bridge assembly comprises an axis of rotation as in 101 and a bridge as in 61 in FIGURES 12 and 15; and a switching actuator as in 22. The bridge 61 comprises a middle field path 63 (i.e., a path relatively closer in proximity to the core 60), a sidefield path 64 (i.e., a relatively more distant path). in proximity to the core 60) and axially spaced transverse paths 65 for guiding the field as in intermediate 102 in the middle and side field paths 63 and 64. The actuator arm 22 may cooperate with, and extend away from, the lateral path 64 (not specifically depicted in FIGURE 12). The core terminals 20 are preferably co-planar with the axis of rotation 101 and are received intermediately in the middle and lateral trajectories 63 and 64.

It is contemplated that the transverse paths 65 provide certain field deflection means to transversely deflect the magnetic field 102 relative to the coil axis 100 and to magnetic induce a torque, whose magnetically induced torque functions to drive the magnetic field. switching actuator 22. The field deflection means can further be described as comprising certain field deflection means (there are two opposite axis paths as in 66 in FIGURE 12) to create a magnetic coupling on the magnetically induced torque.

The switching assembly as in 14 may further cooperate with the actuator arm 22, which actuator arm 22 is essentially an intermediate coupling in the bridge assembly 61 and the switching assembly 14. The coil functions to create or impart a magnetic field as represented by a vector at 102. The magnetic field 102 can be directed through the bridge assembly 61 via the core terminals 20 to impart bridge rotation on the axis of rotation 101. by the moment of magnetically induced torsion. The rotation of the bridge functions to move the actuator arm 22, whose displaced actuator arm 22 physically opens and closes the switching assembly 14. As is more readily understood in the art, the closed switching assembly 14 allows current to pass therethrough.

The switching assembly 14 comprises certain spring means for improving the over-travel of the spring, the means for improving the closed switching position by increasing the intermediate contact pressure on the contact buttons 34 and 37. The spring means for improving the spring over-travel further provide contact sweeping means, and vibration damping means. The contact sweeping means is contemplated for effectively cleaning the switching assembly 14, and the vibration damping means operates to damp the contact vibration when switching from open to closed switching positions. The spring means for improving the spring overrun in this way can be said to improve the closed switching position by increasing the intermediate contact pressure in the contacts, by maintaining a contact interconnection free of debris, and by damping contact vibration when the contacts are closed.

Although the invention has been described by reference to a number of embodiments, it is not intended thereby to limit the novel device or relay, but modifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing description and attached drawings. For example, the above specifications support an electromagnetic relay assembly primarily intended for use as a 120-amp, single-pole step-relay assembly. It is contemplated, however, that the essence of the invention can be applied in relay assemblies of several poles, having a unique construction and functionality in their own right, but which are enabled by the teachings of the single-pole mode established in this description.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic relay assembly, the electromagnetic relay assembly to selectively allow current to pass through the switching terminals, the electromagnetic relay assembly characterized in that it comprises: an electromagnetic coil assembly, the coil assembly comprises a coil of conductive current, a fork assembly, and a coil shaft, the coil is wound around the coil shaft and comprises first and second electromagnetic excitation terminals, the fork assembly comprises first and second fork arms, the fork arms each comprises an axial fork portion and a fork terminal; an armature assembly, the armature assembly comprises a rotor assembly and a rotor rotation shaft, the rotor assembly comprises first and second rotor magnets, a rotor plate, and an actuator assembly, the actuator assembly comprises a rotor clamp and an actuator, the rotor clamp comprises a terminal end, the terminal end extends laterally from the rotor assembly substantially parallel to the rotor plate, the rotor magnets have a similar orientation and extend from intermediate way in the rotor plate and the rotor clamp opposite the axis of rotation of the rotor; and a switching assembly, the switching assembly comprises first and second switching terminals and a trifunctional spring assembly, the first switching terminal comprises a first contact and a first switching terminal, the second switching terminal comprises a second switching terminal, switching, the spring assembly comprises a second contact and three spring elements, a first spring element comprises a first C-shaped opening, the first C-shaped opening defines a first semicircular opening definition extension, the first opening C-shaped is concentric around the first contact reception opening, the second spring element comprises a second contact receiving opening and ends at a second semicircular opening definition extension, the third spring element comprises a third opening contact reception and a second C-shaped opening, the second C-shaped opening defines a third semicircular aperture defining extension, the second C-shaped aperture is concentric around the second contact receiving aperture, the first and second C-shaped apertures are symmetrical around the apertures. longitudinal axes of the first and third spring elements, the second spring is intermediate intermediate the first and third spring elements by the second contact, so that the first, second and third semicircular aperture definition extensions are uniformly stacked, the first and third second contacts are placed in juxtaposition adjacent to each other, the spring assembly is connected to the actuator, the fork terminals are received intermediately on the rotor plate and the rotor clamp, the axis of rotation of the rotor is co-planar with the fork terminals, the rotor clamp and the terminal end extend non-radially with respect to the axis d e rotor rotation, the terminal end extended laterally to introduce intermediate spring-based damping means in the rotor clamp and the actuator, the coil to create a magnetic field, the magnetic field can be directed through the fork terminals by the rotor assembly for imparting armature rotation about the axis of rotation of the rotor, the rotor clamp with the terminal end for moving the actuator, the actuator for actuating the intermediate spring assembly in an open position and in a closed position , the closed position to allow current to pass through the switching assembly through the first and second contacts and the fork terminals.

2. The electromagnetic relay assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the C-shaped openings provide means for improving the spring overrun, the improved spring overrun to increase the intermediate contact pressure in the first and second contacts when the assembly of the spring is in the closed position.

3. The electromagnetic relay assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for improving the spring over-travel provide means for contact sweeping, the means for contact sweeping for cleaning the first and second contacts.

4. The electromagnetic relay assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the C-shaped openings provide means for damping the intermediate contact vibration in the first and second contacts when switching from the open position to the closed position.

5. The electromagnetic relay assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotor assembly comprises a return spring, the return spring for improving the return of the spring assembly to the open position when the coil is dormant.

6. The electromagnetic relay assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises rotor mounting means, the rotor mounting means for enabling the open face operation of the electromagnetic relay.

7. The electromagnetic relay assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises closed contact defect means, the closed contact defect means for forcing the first and second contacts to the closed position during the fault current conditions.

8. The electromagnetic relay assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for setting by default in an open contact position during the threshold terminal-based current conditions.

9. An electromagnetic relay, the electromagnetic relay for allowing current to pass through switching terminals, the electromagnetic relay characterized in that it comprises: an electromagnetic coil assembly, the coil assembly comprises a coil, a C-shaped fork assembly, and a coil shaft, the coil is wound around the coil shaft, the fork assembly comprises first and second fork arms, the fork arms each comprising an axial fork portion and a fork terminal; an armature bridge assembly, the armature bridge assembly comprises a bridge rotation axis, a bridge and an actuator assembly, the bridge comprises a middle field path, a lateral field path, and longitudinally transverse field paths separate, the actuator assembly a rotor clamp, the rotor clamp comprises a terminal end, the terminal end zigzags and extends laterally from the bridge assembly non-orthogonally with respect to the middle field trajectories and side; and a switching assembly, the switching assembly comprises switching terminals and a spring assembly, the spring assembly is connected to the actuator assembly and extends intermediately in the switching terminals, the fork terminals are received in an intermediate manner in the lateral and middle field trajectories; the axis of bridge rotation is co-planar with the fork terminals, the coil to receive current and create a magnetic field, the magnetic field is directed through the bridge assembly by the fork terminals to impart armature rotation on the bridge rotation axis and moving the actuator assembly by the terminal end, the laterally extended terminal end for introducing intermediate spring-based damping means into the rotor clamp and the actuator assembly, the displaceable actuator assembly for actuating the intermediate spring assembly in an open contact position and a closed contact position, the contact position closed to allow current to pass through the switching assembly through the switching terminals.

10. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises spring-based opening means for improving the spring over-travel, and means for increasing the intermediate contact pressure at the switching terminals when the spring assembly is in the position of closed contact.

11. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 10, characterized in that the spring-based opening means for improving the spring overrun provide means for contact sweeping, the means for cleaning the switching terminals.

12. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises spring-based opening means to improve damping of intermediate contact vibration in the first and second contacts when switching to the open contact position to the closed contact position.

13. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises bridge mounting means, the bridge mounting means to allow the open face operation of the electromagnetic relay.

14. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises means for setting by default in a closed contact position during the fault current conditions.

15. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises means for setting by default in an open contact position during the current conditions based on the threshold terminal.

16. An electromagnetic relay, the electromagnetic relay for allowing current to pass through switching terminals, the electromagnetic relay characterized in that it comprises: a coil assembly, the coil assembly comprising a coil, a coil shaft, and a shaped core of C, the coil is wound around the coil axis, the coil axis extends through the core, the core comprises core terminals, the core terminals are parallel to the coil axis; a bridge assembly, the bridge assembly comprising a rotation axis, a bridge, and an actuator assembly, the bridge comprises a middle field path, a lateral field path, and separate transverse field paths, the actuator assembly comprises a rotor clamp, the rotor clamp comprises a terminal end, the terminal end zigzags and extends from the bridge assembly with respect to the lateral field path, the core terminals are co-planar with the axis of rotation and they are received in an intermediate way in the middle and lateral field trajectories; and a switching assembly, the actuator assembly can cooperate with the switching assembly, the coil for creating a magnetic field, the magnetic field can be directed through the bridge assembly via the core terminals to impart bridge rotation on the axis of rotation by the magnetically induced torque, the bridge rotation to move the actuator assembly, the terminal end extended in zigzag to introduce intermediate spring-based damping means in the rotor clamp and the actuator assembly, the displaceable actuator assembly for opening and closing the commutation assembly, the commutating assembly for allowing current to pass therethrough.

17. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 16, characterized in that the switching assembly comprises spring-based opening means for improving the spring over-travel, and means for improving the closed contact position.

18. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 17, characterized in that the spring-based opening means for improving the spring overrun provide contact sweeping means, the means for cleaning the switching assembly.

19. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises spring-based opening means for damping contact vibration when switching from open to closed switching positions.

20. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises bridge mounting means, the bridge mounting means to allow the open face operation of the electromagnetic relay.

21. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises means for putting the fault in a closed contact position during the fault current conditions.

22. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises means for failing in an open contact position during the current conditions based on the threshold terminal.

23. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 17, characterized in that the switching assembly comprises a spring assembly, the spring assembly comprises three spring elements, the first of the three spring elements comprises a first opening in the form of a C, the First C-shaped opening defines a first semicircular opening definition extension, the first C-shaped opening is concentric around the first contact receiving opening, the second of the three spring elements comprises a second receiving opening of contact and ends in a second semicircular opening definition extension, the third of the three spring elements comprises a third contact receiving opening, and a second C-shaped opening, the second C-shaped opening defines the third extension of semicircular opening definition, the second C-shaped opening is concentric around the s Eight contact receiving aperture of the first and third spring elements, the second spring is interposed intermediately in the first and third spring elements, by the second contact so that the first, second and third extensions of semicircular aperture definition they are stacked uniformly, the three spring elements configured in this way provide the spring-based opening means for improving the over-travel of the spring.

24. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 19, characterized in that the switching assembly comprises a spring assembly, the spring assembly comprises three spring elements, the first of the three spring elements comprises a first C-shaped opening, the First C-shaped opening defines a first semicircular opening definition extension, the first C-shaped opening is concentric around the first contact receiving opening, the second of the three spring elements comprises a second receiving opening of contact and ends in a second semicircular opening definition extension, the third of the three spring elements comprises a third contact receiving opening, and a second C-shaped opening, the second C-shaped opening defines the third extension of semicircular opening definition, the second C-shaped opening is concentric around the s Eight contact receiving aperture, the first and second C-shaped openings are symmetrical around the longitudinal axes of the first and third spring elements, the second spring is interposed in an intermediate manner in the first and third spring elements, by means of the second contact so that the first, second and third semicircular aperture definition extensions are stacked uniformly, the three spring elements configured in this way provide the spring-based opening means for damping contact vibration.

25. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 10, characterized in that the switching assembly comprises a spring assembly, the spring assembly comprises three spring elements, the first of the three spring elements comprises a first C-shaped opening, the first C-shaped opening defines a first semicircular opening definition extension, the first C-shaped opening is concentric around the first contact receiving aperture, the second of the three spring elements comprises a second contact receiving aperture and terminates at a second definition extension of semicircular opening, the third of the three spring elements comprises a third contact receiving opening, and a second C-shaped opening, the second C-shaped opening defines the third semicircular opening definition extension, the second opening C-shaped is concentric around the second contact receiving opening, the first and second abe C-shaped rturas are symmetrical around the longitudinal axes of the first and third spring elements, the second spring is interposed in an intermediate way in the first and third spring elements, by the second contact so that the first, second and third Semi-circular opening definition extensions are stacked uniformly, the three spring elements configured in this way provide the spring-based opening means for improving the spring over-travel.

26. The electromagnetic relay according to claim 12, characterized in that the switching assembly comprises a spring assembly, the spring assembly comprises three spring elements, the first of the three spring elements comprises a first C-shaped opening, the First C-shaped opening defines a first semicircular opening definition extension, the first C-shaped opening is concentric around the first contact receiving opening, the second of the three spring elements comprises a second receiving opening of contact and ends in a second semicircular opening definition extension, the third of the three spring elements comprises a third contact receiving opening, and a second C-shaped opening, the second C-shaped opening defines the third extension of semicircular opening definition, the second C-shaped opening is concentric around the s Eight contact receiving aperture, the first and second C-shaped openings are symmetrical around the longitudinal axes of the first and third spring elements, the second spring is interposed in an intermediate manner in the first and third spring elements, by means of the second contact so that the first, second and third semicircular aperture definition extensions are stacked uniformly, the three spring elements configured in this way provide the spring-based opening means for damping contact vibration.

27. An electromagnetic relay assembly, the electromagnetic relay assembly for selectively allowing current to pass through switching terminals, the electromagnetic relay assembly characterized in that it comprises: an electromagnetic coil assembly, the coil assembly comprises a coil of conductive current, a fork assembly and a coil shaft, the coil is wound around the coil shaft and purchases first and second electromagnetic excitation terminals, the fork assembly comprises first and second fork arms, the fork arms each it comprises an axial fork portion and a fork terminal; an induced assembly, the armature assembly comprises a rotor assembly and a rotor rotation shaft, the rotor assembly comprises first and second rotor magnets, a rotor plate, a rotor clamp, and a return spring, the The rotor clamp comprises a terminal end, the terminal end extends laterally from the rotor assembly, the rotor magnets have a similar orientation and extend intermediately in the rotor plate and the rotor clamp opposite to the rotor clamp. rotation axis of the rotor; and a switching assembly, the switching assembly comprises first and second switching terminals and a trifunctional spring assembly, the first switching terminal comprises a first contact 'and a first switching terminal, the second switching terminal comprises a second terminal of switching, the spring assembly comprises a second contact and three spring elements, a first mulle element comprises a first C-shaped opening, the first C-shaped opening is concentric around the first contact receiving opening, the second spring element comprises a second contact receiving opening, the third spring element comprises a third contact receiving opening and a second C-shaped opening, the second C-shaped opening is concentric around the second opening of contact reception, the second spring element is interposed in an intermediate way in the First and third spring elements by means of the second contact, the first and second contacts are placed in juxtaposition adjacent to each other, the spring assembly is connected to the actuator, the fork terminal is received intermediately on the rotor plate and the clamp rotor, the axis of rotation of the rotor is co-planar with the fork terminals, the coil to create a magnetic field, the magnetic field can be detected through the fork terminals by the rotor assembly to impart an armature rotation around of the axis of rotation of the rotor, the rotor clamp for displacing the actuator, the terminal end extended laterally to introduce the spring-based damping means in an intermediate manner into the rotor clamp and the actuator, the actuator to actuate the intermediate spring assembly in an open position and a closed position, the closed position to allow current to pass through the switching assembly through first and second contacts and the switching terminals, the return spring to improve the return of the assembly of Fold to the open position when the coil is lying.

28. The electromagnetic relay assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the C-shaped openings provide means for improving the spring overrun, the improved spring overrun to increase the intermediate contact pressure between the first and second contacts when the assembly of the spring is in the closed position.

29. The electromagnetic relay assembly according to claim 28, characterized in that the means for improving the spring overrun provides means for contact sweeping, the contact sweeping means cleans the first and second contacts.

30. The electromagnetic relay assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that the C-shaped openings provide means for damping the intermediate contact vibration in the first and second contacts when switching from the open position to the closed position.

31- The electromagnetic relay assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that it comprises rotor mounting means, the rotor mounting means to allow an open face operation of the electromagnetic relay.

32. The electromagnetic relay assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that it comprises closed contact defect means, the closed contact defect means for forcing the first and second contacts to the closed position during the fault current conditions.

33. The electromagnetic relay assembly according to claim 27, characterized in that it comprises means for failing in an open contact position during current conditions based on threshold terminal.