Patent ID: 6295191
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A switching apparatus comprising:a switch unit having a stationary electrode and a movable electrode movable toward said stationary electrode and contacting said stationary electrode in a closed state of said switch unit, and movable away from said stationary electrode and not in contact with said stationary electrode in an open state of said switch unit;a movable coil fixedly mounted on a movable shaft coupled to said movable electrode;a stationary coil disposed opposite said movable coil and comprising a first stationary coil member and a second stationary coil member disposed opposite each other on opposite sides of said movable coil, whereinto switch said switch unit from the closed state to the open state, said first switch is closed so that an excitation current flows through said first stationary coil member and through said first current flow control means into said movable coil to produce magnetic repulsion between said movable coil and said first stationary coil member, andto switch said switch unit from the open state to the closed state, the second switch is closed so that an excitation current flows through said second stationary coil member and through said second current flow control means into said movable coil to produce magnetic repulsion between said movable coil and said second stationary coil member;a power supply for supplying an excitation current to said stationary and movable coils to move said movable coil toward said stationary coil to switch said switch unit from the open state to the closed state, and to move said movable coil away from said stationary coil to switch said switch unit from the closed state to the open state;first and second switches selectively closable for selecting between opposite directions of flow of the excitation current from said power supply to said stationary and moveable coils so that magnetic fields are produced by said stationary and movable coils that interact with each other to switch said switch unit between the open and closed states; andthird and fourth switches respectively connected to said first and second switches for limiting flow of the excitation current to said stationary and movable coils in switching said switch unit between the open and closed states, said third switch being closed and said fourth switch being open when said first switch is closed and said switch unit is switched from the closed state to the open state, and said third switch being open and said fourth switch being closed when said second switch is closed and said switch unit is switched from the open state to the closed stated.