Holder for an electromagnetic switching device The present invention relates to a holder for holding a contact element in an electromagnetic switching device.

An electromagnetic switching device is typically used for controlling flow of electrical current in an electrical circuit. The electromagnetic switching device is controllable for switching between on and off states for closing and breaking a power supply circuit. The electromagnetic

switching device may be manually or electrically controlled. To control the electromagnetic switching device electrically, magnets may be employed to actuate a movable contact element for breaking and closing the power supply circuit.

Typically, the movable contact element is moved to engagement with a stationary contact element for closing the power supply circuit. The stationary contact element is

electrically connected to the power supply. Thus, the power supply circuit is closed when movable contact element is in engagement with the stationary contact element. It is an object of the embodiments of the invention to enable compressible material of different types to be used for biasing a contact element of an electromagnetic switching device . The above object is achieved by a holder for holding a contact element in an electromagnetic switching device according to claim 1.

The frame of the holder is circumferentially closed, and thus, the frame is closed on all sides. The compressible material may be arranged inside the frame at the first end portion of the frame such that the frame encloses the

compressible material. The surface of the first end portion onto which the compressible material is arranged may be substantially planar, and thus, compressible material of various sizes and types may be arranged at the first end portion of the frame. The contact element is removably received between compressible material and the second end portion. The second end portion is opposite to the first end portion. The compressible material applies a biasing force onto the contact element. Thus, an electromagnetic switching device comprising the holder may be adapted to be used for controlling a wide range of supply power by replacing the compressible material as per the biasing force desired on the contact element.

According to another embodiment, the frame is formed of a single piece of material. The frame is formed of a single piece, i.e., the frame is manufactured using a single a piece of material. Thus, the frame comprises only a single part and provides the advantage of easy detachment of the contact element 3 as no parts of the frame are to be detached or removed. Additionally, forming the frame using a single piece of material enables in easy manufacturing of the frame.

According to yet another embodiment, the frame comprises a first leg and a second leg at both sides of the compressible material, wherein the first leg and the second leg connect to the first end portion and the second end portion. For

example, the first leg may be at one side and the second leg may be at the other side of the compressible material.

According to yet another embodiment, the first leg and the second leg are parallel. In an aspect, the first leg and the second leg may be parallel to each other. Advantageously, the first leg and the second leg may connect to the first and portion and the second end portion to form a rectangular cross section. Thus, the first end portion and the second end portion connected by the legs form a circumferentially closed frame .

According to yet another embodiment, the first end portion is formed by a first portion extending from the first leg via a first bend and a second portion extending from the second leg via a second bend, wherein the first portion and the second portion overlap. The first leg may be bended to form the first portion via the first bend and the second leg may be bended to form the second portion via the second bend.

Advantageously, the first bend and the second bend are such that the first portion is substantially perpendicular to the first leg and the second portion is substantially

perpendicular to the second leg.

According to yet another embodiment, the frame further comprises a third potion extending from the first portion via a third bend, wherein the third portion overlaps with a portion of the second leg. In an aspect, the third portion is formed by bending the first portion at the third bend. The third portion overlaps with the second leg to provide

additional rigidity to the first end portion.

According to yet another embodiment, wherein the second end portion is formed by a transverse section joining the first leg and the second leg. For example, the transverse portion may be a U-shaped cross section joining the parallel legs.

According to yet another embodiment, the second end portion further comprises a ridge extending inwardly to support the contact element. The ridge supports the contact element when the contact element is positioned inside the frame.

According to yet another embodiment, the compressible

material is selected from the group consisting of a spring and an elastomer. In an aspect, spring of various sizes and shapes may be arranged at the first end portion. In another aspect, elastomers of various sizes may be arranged at the first end portion. Thus, springs, elastomers or any elastic material or various sizes and shaped may be arranged at the first end portion.

Another embodiment includes a carrier operative for breaking and closing a power supply circuit in an electromagnetic switching device comprising the holder for holding the contact element, the carrier comprising a socket to movably receive the holder, a shoulder formed on the socket to act against the compressible material, and wherein, the frame is displaceable against the action of the compressible material for detaching the contact element. The contact element may be easily detached from the holder in case the contact element is to be replaced.

Another embodiment includes an electromagnetic switching device comprising the holder for holding the contact element.

Embodiments of the present invention are further described hereinafter with reference to illustrated embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG la illustrates a carrier of an electromagnetic

switching device according to an embodiment herein,

FIG lb illustrates an assembly of an electromagnet system and the carrier 1 of FIG la according to an embodiment herein,

FIG 2a illustrates a holder in detail according to an

embodiment herein,

FIG 2b is a side view of the holder 21 of FIG 2a seen along the direction X according to an embodiment,

FIG 3 illustrates a holder holding a contact element

according to an embodiment herein, and

FIG 4 illustrates a sectional view of the carrier 1 of FIG la along the plane I-I.

Various embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident that such embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Referring to FIG. la, a carrier 1 of an electromagnetic switching device is illustrated according to an embodiment herein. A contact element 3 is supported in the carrier to be movable form a circuit breaking position to a circuit closing position, wherein the contact element 3 is moved to be in contact with a stationary contact element to be in the circuit closing position. The stationary contact may be connected to the input power supply.

FIG lb illustrates an assembly of an electromagnet system and the carrier 1 of FIG la according to an embodiment herein. In the shown example of FIG lb, the carrier 1 comprises a column 7 extending vertically upwards. The electromagnet system 8 is supported on the column 7 to actuate the carrier. In the present embodiment, the electromagnet system 8 is shown as comprising electromagnetic armatures 9, 13. However, the electromagnet system 8 may be designed in another way

comprising fewer or more electromagnetic armatures.

Typically, the electromagnetic armatures 9, 13 are adapted to actuate the carrier 1. The electromagnetic armature 9 engages the column 7 via a member 11 for transferring the armature 9 movements to the carrier 1. The carrier 1 in turn moves the contact element 3 into the circuit closing position. In the shown example of FIG lb, the electromagnetic armature 9 is in engagement with the column mechanically via the member 11. However, the electromagnetic armature 9 may be engaged with the column 7 using other known mechanical means. Another electromagnetic armature 13 comprising coils 17 is also supported on the column 7. In the shown example of FIG lb two coils 17 have been illustrated. However, in certain

implementations the magnetic armature may comprise only a single coil 17. The coils 17 are energized by supplying a current provided by a supply source. On the coils 17 being energized, the electromagnetic armature 9 is drawn towards the electromagnetic armature 13. This movement of the armature 9 is transferred to the carrier 1 and to the contact element 3 for the circuit closing motion. However, in other embodiments, the carrier 1 may comprise a column extending vertically downwards and the electromagnetic armature 9 and the electromagnetic armature 13 may be supported on the column .

The contact element 3 is supported in a socket 19 extending from the bottom of the carrier 1. The socket 19 receives a holder 21 for holding the contact element 3 such that the holder 21 is movable in the socket 19.

FIG 2a illustrates the holder 21 in detail according to an embodiment herein. The holder 21 comprises a frame 23, comprising a first leg 25 and a second leg 27 in two opposite sides, a first end portion 29 and a second end portion 31. In the shown embodiment of FIG 2, advantageously the first leg 25 and the second leg 27 are parallel to each other and connect to the first end portion 29 and to the second end portion 31. In an alternative embodiment, the first leg 25 and the second leg 27 may connect to the first end portion 29 and to the second end portion 31 such that the first leg 25 and the second leg 27 may not be parallel to each other. Advantageously, the frame 23 may be formed using a single piece of material. For example, the frame 23 may be

circumferentially closed, formed using a single piece of material. Thus, the frame comprises only a single part and provides the advantage of easy detachment of the contact element 3 as no parts of the frame are to be detached or removed. For example, a single piece of material may be bended to form the first leg 25 and the second leg 27 and the first end portion 29 and the second end portion 31. In an embodiment, the frame 23 may comprise a rectangular cross section. Forming the frame 23 using a single piece of

material enables in easy manufacturing of the frame 23. In an embodiment, the second end portion 31 may be formed as a transverse section 33 joining the first leg 25 and the second leg 27. For example, the transverse section 33 may comprise a U-shaped cross section. In an embodiment, the first end portion 29 may be formed by overlapping portions of a first portion 35 and a second portion 37. The first portion 35 may extend from the first leg 25 via a first bend 41 and the second portion may extend from the second leg 27 via a second bend 43. Advantageously, the bends 41, 43 are such that the first portion 35 and the second portion 37 are substantially perpendicular to the first leg 25 and the second leg 27 respectively .

In an embodiment, one of the portions 35, 37 may comprise a third portion extending via a third bend to overlap with a portion of the other leg. For example, the third portion 39 may extend from the first portion 35 via the third bend 45 and overlap with a portion of the second leg 27. For example, the third bend 45 may be such that the third portion is substantially perpendicular to the first portion 35. The third portion 39 overlapping with the second leg 27 provides additional rigidity to the first end portion 29. In an alternative embodiment, the first end portion 29 may be formed by a transverse section joining the legs 25, 27 and the second end portion 31 may be formed by overlapping portions extending via bends from the first leg 25 and the second leg.

In yet another embodiment, the first end portion 29 and the second end portion 31 may be formed by transverse sections joining the legs 25, 27. However, if the first end portion 29 and the second end portion 31 are transverse sections, the ends of the circumferentially closed frame 23 may join at either of the legs 25, 27. For example the ends of the frame 23 may join at either of the legs 25, 27 by overlapping with each other. In an embodiment, a compressible material 47 is arranged inside the frame 23 at a first end portion 29.

Advantageously, the surface of the first end portion 29 onto which the compressible material 47 is arranged is

substantially planar. In an embodiment, the planar surface of the first end portion 29 onto which the compressible material 47 is arranged may be substantially even or flat. In another embodiment, the planar surface of the first end portion 29 onto which the compressible material 47 is arranged may be corrugated or uneven. For example, the corrugation may be designed such that additional grip is provided to the

compressible material 47.

The planar surface enables compressible materials of

different sizes to be arranged at the first end portion 29. In an embodiment, the compressible material 47 may be a spring, such as a helical spring. Helical springs formed of wires of different thickness may be arranged inside the frame 23 as the surface of the first end portion 29 is

substantially planar. The planar surface of the first end portion 29 may receive springs formed of wires of different thickness. In a second embodiment, the compressible material 47 may be an elastomer or other material having elastic property. Thus, the first end portion 29 being substantially planar enable arranging different kinds of compressible materials of different thickness inside the frame 23 of the holder 21.

As compressible material of different sizes may be arranged at the first end portion 29, the electromagnetic switch can be configured to be used for controlling a wide range of supply power by replacing the compressible material. The compressible material may be replaced to increase or decrease the contact pressure applied onto the contact element 3. For example, a compressible material capable of applying

relatively higher bias increases the contact pressure applied onto the contact element 5. Thus, the pressure at which the contact element 5 engages the stationary contact element may be varied by using different compressible materials for requirement of different biasness.

FIG 2b illustrates a side view of the holder 21 of FIG 2a seen along the direction X according to an embodiment. The frame 23 comprises a ridge 49 extending inwardly from the second end portion 31 of the frame 23. The ridge 49 supports the contact element 3 of Fig 2a when the contact element 3 is positioned inside the frame 23. FIG 3 illustrates the holder 21 holding the contact element 3 according to an embodiment. The contact element 3 is

removably received between the compressible material 47 and the second end portion 31 of the frame 23 of the holder 21. The contact element 3 is held between the compressible material 47 and the second end portion 31 of the frame 23.

The contact element 3 is biased by the compressible material 47, and thus, the contact element 3 is held between the compressible material 47 and the second end portion 31 of the frame 23. The ridge 49 of FIG 2b is engaged with the contact element 3 to support the contact element 3 within the frame 23. Advantageously, the ridge 49 may pivotally support the contact element 3.

FIG 4 illustrates a sectional view of the carrier 1 of FIG la along the plane I-I. The holder 21 is movably received in the socket 19. The socket 19 comprises a pair of shoulders 51, 53 to provide a counter support to the compressible material 47. The frame 23 of the holder 21 is displaceable against the action of the compressible material 47, as the shoulders 51, 53 arrests the compressible material 47. This enables

detachment of the contact element 3 with ease from the socket 19. Moreover, the detaching of the contact element 3 from the socket 19 does not require any dismantling of the parts of the carrier 1 or the holder 21. Additionally, the detaching of the contact element 3 from the socket 19 does not require use of any tools.

For example, when a force is applied onto the bottom of the holder 11, the compressible material 47 is arrested by the shoulders 51, 53 and the holder 21 is displaced against the action of the compressible material 47. Thus, the contact element 3 may be detached from the socket 19 easily.

Moreover, no tools are required for detaching of the contact element 3 from the socket 19. This enables in detachment of the contact element 3 with ease.

The embodiments described herein enable compressible material of different types to be used for biasing a contact element of an electromagnetic switching device. Moreover,

compressible materials of varying sizes may also be arranged inside the frame of the holder. Additionally, the

electromagnetic switching device may be adapted to be used for controlling a wide range of supply power by replacing the compressible material as per the biasing force desired on the contact element. The desired biasing force may be obtained by using a suitable compressible material. Thus, the biasing force applied onto the contact element can be varied to vary the contact pressure of the contact element depending on the power rating for which the electromagnetic switching device is to be used. Moreover, forming the frame using a single piece of material enables in easy manufacturing of the frame. Additionally, the contact element may be detached easily from the socket of the carrier without requirement of any special tools. This assists in easy replacement of the contact element .

While this invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments. Rather, in view of the present disclosure which describes the current best mode for

practicing the invention, many modifications and variations would present themselves, to those of skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this

invention. The scope of the invention is, therefore,

indicated by the following claims rather than by the

foregoing description. All changes, modifications, and variations coming within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be considered within their scope.