A structure for closing an actuator in a magnetically actuated switch assembly, where the actuator includes an armature and a winding, and the switch assembly includes a manual actuation device coupled to one end of the armature and a movable terminal in a vacuum interrupter coupled to an opposite end of the armature. The structure includes commencing a closing operation of the actuator using the manual actuation device to move the armature towards a closed latch position, detecting that the actuator is being manually closed, and energizing the winding to assist moving the armature to the closed latch position when the armature gets to a predetermined distance from the closed latch position.

A method is for controlling an electromagnetic relay comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact that comes in contact with and separated from the fixed contact, an electromagnet that includes a coil for generating magnetic field, and an actuator that moves the movable contact. The method includes: when separating the movable contact that is in contact with the fixed contact, supplying a first current to the coil to generate a first magnetomotive force that drives the actuator in a direction to move the movable contact toward the fixed contact, supplying a second current to the coil, while the first current is supplied to the coil, to generate a second magnetomotive force that drives the actuator in a direction to move the movable contact away from the fixed contact, and stop supplying the first current while the second current is supplied to the coil.

An electromagnetic device includes a fixed iron core through which a first magnetic flux flows, a movable iron core that reciprocates to separate from the fixed iron core by a predetermined gap when a current applied to a coil, which generates the first magnetic flux, is stopped and move to the fixed iron core by an attractive force when the current is applied to the coil. The electromagnetic device also includes a permanent magnet that generates a second magnetic flux. The opposed surface of the fixed iron core and the opposed surface of the movable iron core may be opposed in a reciprocating direction of the movable iron core. The permanent magnet may be attached to the fixed iron core such that a magnetized surface of the permanent magnet is opposed and exposed to the opposed surface of the movable iron core.

An electromagnetic relay includes a fixed terminal, a movable contact piece, a first contact, and a second contact. The fixed terminal includes a first surface. The movable contact piece includes a second surface disposed to face the first surface. The first contact is embedded in one of the fixed terminal or the movable contact piece to be flush with one of the first surface or the second surface. The second contact is disposed on the other of the fixed terminal or the movable contact piece to face the first contact. The second contact protrudes from the other of the first surface or the second surface toward the first contact and include a contact surface smaller than the first contact when viewed from a direction facing the first contact.

A method for closing an actuator in a magnetically actuated switch assembly, where the actuator includes an armature and a winding, and the switch assembly includes a manual actuation device coupled to one end of the armature and a movable terminal in a vacuum interrupter coupled to an opposite end of the armature. The method includes commencing a closing operation of the actuator using the manual actuation device to move the armature towards a closed latch position, detecting that the actuator is being manually closed, and energizing the winding to assist moving the armature to the closed latch position when the armature gets to a predetermined distance from the closed latch position.

An armature for an electromagnetic actuator, the armature including an armature body, at least one electrically conductive member configured for cooperation with a magnetic field generator of an electromagnetic actuator, and a connection end configured for connection of the armature to an apparatus operable by an electromagnetic actuator. The armature body also having a cellular structure. The armature may form part of an electromagnetic actuator, which in turn may be a component in a switch device. The armature may be manufactured by an additive manufacturing process.

A method for closing an actuator in a magnetically actuated switch assembly, where the actuator includes an armature and a winding, and the switch assembly includes a manual actuation device coupled to one end of the armature and a movable terminal in a vacuum interrupter coupled to an opposite end of the armature. The method includes commencing a closing operation of the actuator using the manual actuation device to move the armature towards a closed latch position, detecting that the actuator is being manually closed, and energizing the winding to assist moving the armature to the closed latch position when the armature gets to a predetermined distance from the closed latch position.

A method is for controlling an electromagnetic relay comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact that comes in contact with and separated from the fixed contact, an electromagnet that includes a coil for generating magnetic field, and an actuator that moves the movable contact. The method includes: when separating the movable contact that is in contact with the fixed contact, supplying a first current to the coil to generate a first magnetomotive force that drives the actuator in a direction to move the movable contact toward the fixed contact, supplying a second current to the coil, while the first current is supplied to the coil, to generate a second magnetomotive force that drives the actuator in a direction to move the movable contact away from the fixed contact, and stop supplying the first current while the second current is supplied to the coil.

A method for closing an actuator in a magnetically actuated switch assembly, where the actuator includes an armature and a winding, and the switch assembly includes a manual actuation device coupled to one end of the armature and a movable terminal in a vacuum interrupter coupled to an opposite end of the armature. The method includes commencing a closing operation of the actuator using the manual actuation device to move the armature towards a closed latch position, detecting that the actuator is being manually closed, and energizing the winding to assist moving the armature to the closed latch position when the armature gets to a predetermined distance from the closed latch position.

Provided herein is an improved bi-stable relay operable with a relay control circuit including a boost converter and an energy storage device, which is used to switch the bi-stable relay. In some embodiments, the bi-stable relay includes a solenoid wound with multiple coil windings. A conductive plate (e.g., a bus bar) may be coupled to a plunger of the solenoid, and is provided with contacts on each end of the conductive plate. The conductive plate is configured to electrically engage and disengage the solenoid upon respective application of power to the solenoid. The control circuit causes the solenoid to remain in an open position when selectively energized by a pulse for moving and retaining the conductive plate of the plunger against the solenoid for allowing wide operating voltage and reduced operating power.