Contractor assembly which counteracts electromagnetic repulsion of contacts

摘要

A switch assembly adapted and a method for switching power to a circuit having a power source. The switch assembly includes current carrying contacts and a coupling member. The coupling member has conductive pads for engaging the current carrying contacts and a contact bridge extending between the conductive pads. An actuator assembly moves the coupling member between a closed position in which the conductive pads of the coupling member engage the current carrying contacts and an open position in which the conductive pads of the coupling member are disengaged from the current carrying contacts. Opposing electromagnetic forces are generated between the contact bridge and the conductive pads to resist electromagnetic repulsion forces generated between the current carrying contacts and the conductive pads as the actuator assembly approaches or is in the closed position.

主权项

1. A contactor assembly adapted for switching power to a circuit having a power source, the contactor assembly comprising:
a housing; current carrying contacts disposed in the housing, the current carrying contacts including conductive bodies that protrude from the housing; a coupling member, the coupling member having conductive pads for engaging the current carrying contacts, a contact bridge extends from a first curved section of the coupling member to a second curved section of the coupling member, mating members extend from ends of the curved sections which are not in contact with the contact bridge, the conductive pads are mounted on the mating members, the mating members are spaced from the contact bridge, the conductive pads extend in a direction toward the current carrying contacts and away from the contact bridge section; an actuator assembly which moves the coupling member between a closed position in which the conductive pads of the coupling member engage the current carrying contacts and an open position in which the conductive pads of the coupling member are disengaged from the current carrying contacts; opposing electromagnetic forces generated between the contact bridge and the conductive pads to resist electromagnetic repulsion forces generated between the current carrying contacts and the conductive pads when the actuator assembly is in the closed position.