Switching devices configured to control magnetic fields to maintain an electrical connection
US8330564B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2050/049
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrical switching device including a base terminal that extends substantially in an axial direction and has a base contact. The switching device also includes a movable terminal that extends substantially in the axial direction and has a mating contact. The movable and base terminals extend generally parallel to each other and are separated by a field spacing. The movable terminal is selectively movable to and from the base terminal to electrically connect the base and mating contacts at a contact interface. The switching device also includes a magnetic shield that is located between the movable and base terminals within the field spacing. The movable terminal experiences a separation force when current flows through the base and movable terminals in opposite directions. The magnetic shield is configured to reduce the separation force experienced by the movable terminal to facilitate maintaining the contact interface between the base and mating contacts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.