Patent ID: 6831535
Filing Date: 2004-12-14
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
An electromagnetic relay comprising, a stationary first member and a second member adapted to move towards and away from the first member such that when the second member moves towards the first member an electrical contact is closed, spring means for normally biasing said members apart, permanent magnet means provided on said movable second member for generating a force of attraction between said members, and selectively operable means for generating an electromagnetic force, wherein the permanent magnet means has a strength such that when the first and second members are apart the permanent magnet means is insufficient to overcome the spring means and wherein when the said members are brought together the permanent magnet means is able to hold the members together against the spring means, and wherein said means for generating an electromagnetic force can be operated in a first condition to provide an attractive force between said members sufficient with said permanent magnet means to overcome said spring means and to bring said members together, and in a second condition to provide a repulsive force between members sufficient with said spring means to overcome said permanent magnet means and move said members apart.