Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a control device and method for a contactor. The control device comprises a first high-side control unit, a second high-side control unit, a first low-side control unit and a second low-side control unit. The first high-side control unit and the second high-side control unit respectively connect a first magnetic unit and a second magnetic unit of the contactor to a power supply. The first low-side control unit is connected between the first magnetic unit and a reference voltage node, and the second low-side control unit is connected between the second magnetic unit and the reference voltage node. The control device further comprises a freewheel unit connected to the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit. The control device further comprises a controller. The controller is used to control operations of the control units so that in a state that at least one magnetic unit of the first magnetic unit and the second magnetic unit is disconnected from the power supply, a current of the at least one magnetic unit flows through the freewheel unit. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the contactor may be made more energy-saving, and the operation cost may be reduced.

A relay control apparatus and method for retaining a relay in a closed state even though a system error occurs to reset the processor. Therefore, the relay control apparatus and method prevents an accident caused by the reset of the processor since the operation state of a plurality of relays is maintained even when the processor is reset. In addition, if the operation state of the processor is a reset state even after a predetermined time passes, the operation state of the plurality of relays is changed to a turn-off state, and system resources and energy are prevented from being wasted. In addition, when the operation state of the processor is recovered, the operation state of the plurality of relays may be controlled by the processor.

A relay control apparatus and method for retaining a relay in a closed state even though a system error occurs to reset the processor. Therefore, the relay control apparatus and method prevents an accident caused by the reset of the processor since the operation state of a plurality of relays is maintained even when the processor is reset. In addition, if the operation state of the processor is a reset state even after a predetermined time passes, the operation state of the plurality of relays is changed to a turn-off state, and system resources and energy are prevented from being wasted. In addition, when the operation state of the processor is recovered, the operation state of the plurality of relays may be controlled by the processor.

A downsized current sensor with a switch function is disclosed. The current sensor includes: a magnetic circuit to converge a magnetic flux generated from an electric circuit at a magnetic sensor; a switch to open and close the electric circuit in a way that operates together with a movable magnetic body configuring a part of the magnetic circuit; and a magnetizing coil to generate magnetic force enabling the movable magnetic body to be attracted to a fixed magnetic body configuring a part of the magnetic circuit.

The present invention relates to a mechanical operating assembly for a bistable relay and a bistable relay assembly. The mechanical operating assembly comprises: an actuating mechanism mounted to a bracket, including an actuating member and a first transmitting member which is connected to a paddle, the actuating member is movable between an initial position in which the actuating member is not in contact with the first transmitting member and an actuating position, when the actuating member moves from the initial position to the actuating position, the actuating member contacts the first transmitting member; a reset mechanism mounted to the bracket, including a reset member and a second transmitting member which is in contact with the first transmitting member, the reset member is movable between an initial position and a reset position, the reset member contacts the second transmitting member when moving from the initial position to the reset position.

A switching device includes at least one main contactor, a control power supply and an actuator configured to cause the main contactor to change from an open to a closed state against a force generated by the spring. The contactor has a blade and at least one terminal, the blade being configured to assume a position in contact with the terminal and a position not in contact with the terminal. The switching device includes a detection system configured to determine the contact or non-contact blade position of the main contactor, to generate at least one second signal as a function of the determined blade position of the main contactor and to transmit the second signal to the control power supply. The control power supply is configured to generate a control signal configured to keep the main contactor in the closed state upon reception of the second signal.

A switching device includes at least one main contactor, a control power supply and an actuator configured to cause the main contactor to change from an open to a closed state against a force generated by the spring. The contactor has a blade and at least one terminal, the blade being configured to assume a position in contact with the terminal and a position not in contact with the terminal. The switching device includes a detection system configured to determine the contact or non-contact blade position of the main contactor, to generate at least one second signal as a function of the determined blade position of the main contactor and to transmit the second signal to the control power supply. The control power supply is configured to generate a control signal configured to keep the main contactor in the closed state upon reception of the second signal.

Provided are embodiments for a circuit for a relay drive with a power supply economizer. The circuit includes a relay having a relay coil and a relay contact. The circuit also includes a power source to generate power for a coil drive voltage to operate the relay, and a controller configured to provide a command signal to operate the circuit in a plurality of modes. The circuit includes a first gate drive coupled to a first switch, wherein the first switch connects the relay coil to the circuit, and a second gate drive coupled to a second switch, wherein the second switch changes an effective resistance of a resistor network of the circuit to modify the coil drive voltage. Also provided are embodiments for a method for operating a circuit including relay drive with a power supply economizer.

A circuit for use with a contactor including at least one contact is provided. The circuit includes a first segment including a voltage source, a first coil, a second coil, and a first transistor, wherein the first segment is configured to selectively conduct a closing current through the first coil, the second coil, and the first transistor to close the at least one contact. The circuit further includes a second segment including the first coil, a second transistor, and a first diode, wherein the second segment is configured to selectively conduct a holding current through the first coil, the second transistor, and the first diode to hold the at least one contact closed, and wherein the first diode is arranged such that substantially all current produced by the voltage source flows through the first coil.

A circuit for use with a contactor including at least one contact is provided. The circuit includes a first segment including a voltage source, a first coil, a second coil, and a first transistor, wherein the first segment is configured to selectively conduct a closing current through the first coil, the second coil, and the first transistor to close the at least one contact. The circuit further includes a second segment including the first coil, a second transistor, and a first diode, wherein the second segment is configured to selectively conduct a holding current through the first coil, the second transistor, and the first diode to hold the at least one contact closed, and wherein the first diode is arranged such that substantially all current produced by the voltage source flows through the first coil.