Patent ID: 6791442
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: H01F,H01H

Abstract:
A magnetically latched solenoid assembly comprising:a housing, said housing supporting; a solenoid subassembly and a magnetically latching subassembly laterally spaced from said solenoid subassembly, said solenoid subassembly comprising; an electromagnetic coil, a tubular mandrel supporting said coil and including a through-bore, a moveable armature having at least a portion thereof supported by and longitudinally moveable within said mandrel through-bore and being responsive to electrical energization of said coil; a stationary magnetic pole piece located proximate to one end of said mandrel through-bore; an operating member secured to and arranged for concurrent movement of said armature; said magnetic latching subassembly comprising; a magnet holder slidably received by said housing, a magnetic coupling member secured to said operating member and arranged for minimal air gap magnetic latching engagement with said magnet holder upon longitudinal movement of said armature and said operating member; said magnetic latching subassembly further comprising; at least one permanent magnet; and biasing means arranged to momentarily prevent impact movement of said coupling member relative to said permanent magnet subassembly resulting from abutting engagement between said movable armature and said stationary pole piece, and for such time that magnetic attraction between said stationary magnet subassembly and said coupling member has reached sufficient force to overcome the bias of said biasing member and the magnetic reluctance of said minimal air gap.