Patent ID: 8830015
Filing Date: 2014-09-09
Classification: H01H,H02H

Abstract:
1. Resettable switching apparatus, comprising: a solenoid having a central axis, a first end and a second end opposite the first end; two sets of contacts, each set of contacts comprising a fixed contact and at least one movable contact biased away from the fixed contact; a carriage movable axially of the solenoid, the carriage having a latching portion extending into the solenoid through the first end thereof and axially movable therein, and external portions adapted to advance the movable contacts into engagement with their respective fixed contacts during resetting of the apparatus; a reset plunger extending into the solenoid through the second end thereof, movable axially therein, and biased toward a rest position away from said carriage latching portion; an armature movable axially of the solenoid and biased toward a rest position away from said latching portion of said carriage; and a solenoid activation circuit for momentarily energizing the solenoid, said circuit including a normally open reset switch closable in response to inward pushing movement of said reset plunger, wherein said reset plunger comprises an inner end portion adapted to engage said carriage latching portion in an unlatched pushing state in which pressing of said reset plunger pushes said carriage outward at least until the solenoid is momentarily energized, and subsequently in a latched pulling state in which said reset plunger, when released, pulls said carriage inward to close said two sets of contacts, and wherein said armature is adapted to enable shifting of the state of engagement of said reset plunger with said carriage latching portion from said unlatched pushing state to said latched pulling state in response to closing of said reset switch and resulting activation of the solenoid.