Patent ID: 6392173
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: H01H,H02J

Abstract:
An automatic switchover device for a power source, comprising:a switching unit which has first and second individual contacts individually leading to a regular power source system and an engine generator, and a common contact leading to an electric load, wherein the common contact can be alternatively electrically connected to the first and second individual contacts, and a control unit for controlling said switching unit in such a manner that said common contact is electrically connected to the second individual contact in response to said regular power source system being electrically failed, and said common contact is electrically connected to the first individual contact in response to the restoration of said regular power source system, wherein said switching unit includes: a seesaw-type turn member carried on a support frame for turning movement between a first turned position in which the turn member permits said common contact to be electrically connected to the first individual contact and a second turned position in which the turn member permits said common contact to be electrically connected to the second individual contact, a spring member for exerting a spring force for retaining said turn member in one of the first and second turned positions in response to the turning movement of said turn member passing through a central point between said first and second turned positions toward one of said first and second turned positions, a first solenoid capable of exerting an electromagnetic force for driving said turn member toward the first turned position against the spring force of said spring member, and a second solenoid capable of exerting an electromagnetic force for driving said turn member toward the second turned position against the spring force of said spring member, said first and second solenoids each including a plunger which integrally comprises an operating portion enabling said plunger to be pushed in from the outside.