Supply circuit for electromagnetic relays
US5402302A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 1993 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H47/325
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electromagnetic relay, which may be associated with further relays, has a supply circuit which includes means for generating a holding voltage for holding the relay contacts closed. This voltage generating means is activated and de-activated by receipt of an appropriate command signal for respectively closing and opening the relay contacts. The supply circuit includes a chopping circuit for chopping the highest unidirectional voltage available on the circuit, according to a cyclic ratio which is predetermined so as to provide a holding condition for the relay contacts at an intermediate voltage lower than the said highest available voltage, and with a low current. It also includes a circuit for generating a controlled closing voltage during the transition from the open to the closed position of the relay contacts. The invention is applicable especially to batteries of relays for use in motor vehicles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.