Magnetic self-latching electric contact

摘要

A contactor device includes a magnetic latch apparatus to reduce bounce between contact pads on closing. The magnetic latch apparatus includes a first magnet assembly and a second magnet assembly disposed so as to magnetically latch the first contact pad and second contact pad in the closed position. The first and second magnet assemblies typically are disposed respectively on the first contact pad carrier and second contact pad carrier such that the distance between the first and second magnet assemblies corresponds to the distance between the first and second contact pads. The magnet assemblies have a latch element that is a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a magnetically attracted material. A method of securing together a first and a second contact pad in a contactor device in accordance with this invention includes the step of disposing a first magnet assembly in a latch position with respect to a second magnet assembly in correspondence with the positioning of the first contact pad in a closed position with respect to the second contact pad and magnetically latching the first and second magnet assemblies together so as to maintain the first and second contact pads in the closed position.