MAGNETIC LATCH FOR A VOICE COIL ACTUATOR

摘要

Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voic coil magnet (220) disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil as sembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voi ce coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil m agnet. At least one pair latching members (881,882) mounted to the voice coi l assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members a n the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magn even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physi force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.