Patent ID: 6229417
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
An operator for an electromechanical switching device, the operator comprising:a first rigid insulative plate supporting an electromagnet assembly, the first rigid insulative plate having a first pivot edge and a first contact edge opposite the first pivot edge;a second rigid insulative plate supporting an armature, the second rigid insulative plate having a second pivot edge and a second contact edge opposite the second pivot edge, the second plate being disposed in facing relation with respect to the first plate;a pivoting mechanism disposed adjacent to the first and second pivot edges of the first and second rigid insulative plates, the first and second rigid insulative plates being separably joined and pivotably mounted with respect to one another by the pivoting mechanism;biasing means for pivotally separating the first rigid insulative plate from the second rigid insulative plate, wherein energization of the electromagnet assembly attracts the armature to overcome biasing force of the biasing means; andat least one first electrically conductive element carried adjacent to the first contact edge of the first rigid insulative plate and at least one second electrically conductive element carried adjacent to the second contact edge of the second rigid insulative plate, the first and second electrically conductive elements contacting one another upon energization of the electromagnet assembly.