Showing papers on "Contactor published in 1997"

Peripherally leaded package test contactor

Abstract: A contactor receives an electrical component having peripheral leads. The contactor guides the peripherally leaded component into contact with automated testing equipment. Electrical connections are made with the peripheral leads of the electrical component. The contactor includes a number of cantilever spring contacts for contacting the peripheral leads on the component in the peripherally leaded package. Each cantilever spring contact has a first free end which is upturned and contacts the peripheral lead. The cantilever spring contact has a second attached end. The attached end is positioned over an anisotropic, conductive interposer which conducts electrical current in two directions along an axis through the interposer. The contactor includes an alignment mechanism for aligning the peripheral leads of the component to corresponding cantileverd spring contacts of the contactor. An interface board also contacts the anisotropic, conductive interposer. The interface board has a plurality of electrical pads. The anisotropic, conductive interposer provides a portion of the electrical path to the pads on the interface board when the cantilevered spring contacts contact the peripheral leads of the electrical component. The interface board is connected to the test electronics.

The impact of power system disturbances on AC-coil contactors

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the impact of voltage sags on the performance of AC-coil contactors in industrial power systems. Sags have been commonly characterized in terms of magnitude and duration. However several experiments are presented which show that sag magnitude and duration are insufficient to characterize contactor performance. The results of these experiments show that contactor drop out and recovery depend on point on wave occurrence of the event as well as duration. The effect of the contactor shading rings on contactor transient performance is discussed.

Controlling device for electric vehicle

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reliably judge the end of the pre-charge of a capacitor provided in an inverter on an electric vehicle. SOLUTION: After a pre-charge contactor is turned on in Step S2, a given period of time T1 elapses in Step S3. When it is presumed that the pre-charge of a capacitor nearly finished, a current If at the time of the finish of the pre- charge is compared with a reference value IREF in Step S8 to confirm that If<=IREF. Furthermore, it is judged that the pre-charge has been completely finished when a pre-charge starting voltage Vi exceeds a reference voltage VREF in Step S9 or when the pre-charge starting voltage Vi is equal to or lower than the reference voltage VREF in the Step S9 and that the deviation ΔV=Vf-Vi of the pre-charge starting voltage Vi and a voltage Vf at the time of the finish of the pre-charge is equal to or larger than a reference value ΔVREF in Step S10. Then, a main contactor is turned on in Step S11 and subsequently the pre-charge contactor is turned off in Step S12.

Motor vehicle starter contactor incorporating an auxiliary control relay

Abstract: A contactor for a motor vehicle starter comprises a contactor coil, a movable contactor core actuated by a control rod, and a fixed contactor core. It also has an electromagnetic auxiliary control relay which includes a movable relay core carrying a movable contact ring which is arranged for cooperation with at least one pair of fixed relay contacts, carried by a fixed annular contact carrier plate. The relay coil, the contact carrier plate, and the movable contact ring are arranged in axial succession, in that order towards the front of the contactor, and are disposed between the fixed core and the movable contact of the contactor, so that the relay and the contactor are closed in opposite directions.

High current ground fault circuit interrupter

Abstract: A high current ground fault circuit interrupter has an induction sensor mounted on the device remote from the ground fault circuit interrupter circuitry in such a manner as to allow cables capable of carrying larger currents than the current carrying capability of the contacts in the interrupter circuitry to be passed therethrough. The induction sensor carries a differential transformer for sensing line to ground faults and a neutral transformer for sensing neutral to ground faults. It makes use of an external contactor whose coil is engaged by contacts of the ground fault circuit interrupter to interrupt the cables carrying the high currents, even at a distance somewhat remote from the ground fault circuit interrupter. The induction sensor has the capability of carrying therethrough cables of 240 volts AC line to ground or line to line.

Power interruption detector

Abstract: A power interruption detector including a housing, a power input cord, a multi-volt transformer having a 120-208-240 primary winding and a 24 volt secondary winding, a power contactor with an actuating coil, a power plug receptacle, a delay timer, a counting circuit, an alarm circuit, a thumb-wheel switch, a digital trip counter display driver, a display output device, an audible alarm enunciator, and a battery. The power input cord couples line power to the primary winding of the multi-volt transformer and to one side of the power contactor. The other side of the power contactor is wired to the terminals of the power plug receptacle. The power contactor has contacts that close to complete the circuit between the power input cord and the power plug receptacle when the actuating coil is energized. The secondary winding is coupled to the delay timer. The delay timer has a delay timer output coupled to the actuating coil of the contactor. The delay timer has internal circuitry that causes the delay timer output to energize the actuating coil of the contactor a predetermined delay period after the delay timer input detects current flow through the secondary winding.

Contact bounce simulation using Matlab

Abstract: A computer based model for prediction of the contact bounce is developed using the MATTLAB simulation package. The model is based on the electro-magnetic system equations and mechanical dynamic properties of a real contactor. The validity of the present version of the model is examined against the measured coil current, pole piece displacement and contact bounce obtained from a commercially available contactor. The results agree well. For a closer correlation, the model requires further detailed development.

Power distribution unit with individual GFI modules and a line supervisory circuit

Abstract: A power distribution unit for supplying temporary branch power has a 240-250 VAC input with input power line conductors L1 and L2, a neutral conductor N, and a ground conductor G. A supervisory circuit checks that the 240-250 VAC input is properly connected to the power distribution unit by requiring that the input voltage exceeds a supervisory circuit threshold voltage substantially greater than 120-125 volts. When that occurs, a contactor is enabled by the supervisory circuit to close first and second contacts therein to pass the 240-250 VAC on lines L1 and L2 therethrough to a 240-250 VAC ground fault interrupter protected circuit breaker outlet. A plurality of 120-125 VAC GFI module outlets are connected across either one of lines L1 and L2 at the output of the supervisory circuit and the neutral conductor N which bypasses the contactor. The supervisory circuit includes a diode bridge circuit connected across power line conductors L1 and L2 to convert a 240-250 VAC input to 240-250 VDC. A voltage threshold zener diode is connected in series with first and second relays across the 240-250 VDC, such that the zener diode ensures that the voltage required to operate the first and second relays is substantially greater than 120-125 VDC. The first relay operates contacts to activate the contactor, and the second relay operates contacts to bypass the neutral conductor N around the contactor.

2N redundant power system and method using cross-coupled AC power transfer

Abstract: A 2N redundant power system and method is disclosed that uses cross-coupled AC power transfer. Two cross-coupled AC Transfer switches always connect power converting hardware to an active AC source so that the 2N redundant power system prevents changes in the operating conditions when the loss of one AC source occurs. The system includes a first power source for providing power to a load through a first branch, a second power source for providing power to the load through a second branch and a pair of AC transfer switches cross-coupling the first power source to the second branch when a failure to the second power source is detected, and vice versa. A first and second contactor arrangement each include a first contactor and a second contactor connected in series. A control circuit includes a first coil system for controlling the first contactor arrangement, a second coil system for controlling the second contactor arrangement, and a coil system selection circuit. The coil system selection circuit includes a relay system for connecting the first or second coil system to ground to activate either the first or the second coil system, and a primary source failure detection circuit for detecting a failure of the primary power source and activating the second coil system in response thereto. The primary source failure detection circuit further includes a connection deriving power from the primary power source, a delay circuit for delaying a failure identification signal, and a relay coil system for receiving the failure activation signal to activate the second coil system.

Controlling electrical supply to a consumer

Abstract: The level of current drawn by a consumer circuit 26, 28 from a mains supply 10, 12 is measured by a shunt 22, 24 A controller 18 compares the measured current with a preset value and produces a control signal dependent on the compared values If the preset value is exceeded, a contactor 16 is opened The controller 18 now applies a test signal from a supply 20 to the consumer circuit The resultant current is measured by shunt 22, 24 and monitored by controller 18 If it is below a second preset value, indicating that the excess load has been removed, the test supply 20 is turned off and contactor 16 reclosed to restore supply to the consumer

AC transfer switch

Abstract: An AC transfer switch is provided for switching between a first line cord and a second line cord. The AC transfer switch is designed to be fault tolerant and ensures that continuous operating power is supplied to a load during the transfer process. The system includes a first input from a first power line cord, a second input from a second power line cord, a switch for switching an output between the first and second power line cord, wherein the switch further includes a first contactor set for selecting the first line cord and a second contactor set for selecting the second line cord, the first and second contactor sets including two contactors in series and a control circuit for controlling the switch to select between the first and second power line cords. The system further includes a first auxiliary contactor circuit associated with the first contactor set and a second auxiliary contactor circuit associated with the second contactor set, the first auxiliary contactor circuit preventing the second contactor set from selecting the second power line cord when the first contactor set is selecting the first line cord.

Starter contactor incorporating an electronic control circuit, and a vehicle starter having such a contactor

Abstract: A motor vehicle starter has a contactor of the type that includes an electronic control circuit, which includes a printed circuit board in the form of a disc with a central hole through which the body of the control rod of the contactor passes. The electronic components of the control circuit are carried by the circuit board, which is located in an axial position within the interior of the pot-shaped end cap of the contactor, between the fixed core and the movable contact of the contactor. The electronic control circuit is mounted within a protective housing which is arranged inside the end cap, between the fixed core and the movable contact, and this housing also has electrical connection facilities.

Method of monitoring contactor operation

Abstract: Upon initiation of operation of a contactor (12) from an unactuated condition to an actuated condition, the maximum magnitude of an initial current conducted to the coil (16) of the contactor is determined. Once the contactor (12) has been operated to the closed condition, the holding current is checked to determine if it exceeds a reference current. The reference current is a predetermined function of the maximum initial current. If the reference current is less than the holding current, a malfunction signal is provided. In another embodiment of the invention, a sensor (120) is provided to sense the position of movable contacts (20b, 22b) connected with an armature (50b) of the contactor (12b).

Controller for electric vehicle

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To decide defective discharging of a capacitor provided in the inverter of an electric automobile and to determine the cause thereof surely. SOLUTION: If the capacitor voltage VCON drops below a specified level VREF (200V) at step 5 upon elapsing a first predetermined time T1 (40sec) at step 4 after a main contactor is turned on at step 3, a decision is made that the main contactor and a discharge circuit are normal at step 6. If the capacitor voltage VCON drops below the specified level VREF for the first time at step 8 upon elapsing a second predetermined time T2 (5min) at step 7, a decision is made that the discharge circuit failed and a discharge resistor is discharged at step 9. If the capacitor voltage VCON is higher than the specified level VREF at step 8, a decision is made that the main contactor failed and locked to an ON state.

High speed circuit interconnection apparatus

Abstract: A high speed circuit interconnection apparatus involves an electrical connection assembly between a multilayer printed circuit board (PCB) and a connector for receiving the PCB. The PCB has a plurality of logic signal lines and a plurality of power and ground lines, each of the logic signal lines terminating in a contact tab, the PCB having a contacting edge with power and ground conductors affixed thereto, electrically connected to the power and ground lines. The logic and power and ground lines are positioned to provide a desired transmission line impedance. The connector has a plurality of logic contactors, each firmly contacted by a corresponding contact tab when the PCB is inserted, closing a secondary contact. The secondary contact is made at a point on the logic contactor to minimize the length of each logic signal path made up of the corresponding contact tab and the corresponding contactor. The connector further has a plurality of power and ground contactors for electrically connecting to the power and ground conductors, the power and ground contactors each being configured to firmly contact the power and ground conductors at a point to minimize the length of each of the power and ground signal return paths formed by the power and ground conductors and each corresponding power and ground contactor. This plurality of power and ground contactors provides power supply voltages at required high current levels. The logic contactors and the power and ground contactors are positioned on the connector to minimize the distance between the logic current paths and the power and ground signal return paths when the PCB is inserted into the connector to approximately maintain the desired transmission line impedance.

Contactor and controller for a contactor

Abstract: A contactor comprises first and second armatures which are urged towards contact-making positions by first and second windings, respectively Each of the armatures displaces the other armature from its contact-making position when moving towards its own contact-making position A controller actuates each of the windings before deactuating the other of the windings

Space Station Cathode Ignition Test Status at 32,000 Cycles

Abstract: A plasma contactor system has been baselined for the International Space Station for structural potential control. An ignition procedure was developed for the plasma contactor hollow cathode assembly (HCA). To demonstrate the required 99% HCA ignition reliability over 6,000 cycles, an ignition test was conducted. An accelerated test procedure was employed to rapidly accumulate ignition cycles. The test procedure minimized the differences between accelerated and non-accelerated test results. The development HCA used in this test has achieved 32,000 ignitions to date. The HCA has been qualified for cyclic operation, which could reduce xenon consumption and extend the life of the plasma contactor system.

The coupled problem in electromagnetic AC contactors

Abstract: Two approaches to model the coupled electromechanical behavior of AC contactors are investigated, a coupled three-dimensional magneto-structural finite element analysis (3D-FE) and a coupled state space-finite element analysis (SS-FE). The use of both approaches resulted in the prediction of contactor performance including the drive coil currents and armature force. The computed results were found to be in good agreement with measured data.

Circuit for the protected power supply of an electrical load

Abstract: A circuit for the protected alternating current power supply of an electrical load, the circuit including, in series, a protective circuit breaker and a bi-directional electronic switch in parallel to which a shunt contactor is connected. An electrical component is connected in series and upstream from the shunt contactor. The electrical component is intended to establish a continuous voltage (V) at the terminals of the electronic switch and its impedance is chosen in such a way that the electronic switch to which command pulses are sent periodically, is made a conductor, when an overload current appears in the circuit and when the contactor is closed.

Method and apparatus for controlling a contactor for powering a motor vehicle starter

Abstract: Starting power supply to starter windings is interrupted whenever a power contact for the starter is still open after a predetermined time delay from initiation of the power supply to the starter. The invention also provides apparatus for controlling a contactor of a motor vehicle starter, said contactor including at least one winding and a power contact which, on being closed, serves to supply power to the starter, the apparatus including circuitry detecting the open or closed state of the power contact and for interrupting or reducing starting power supply to the winding(s) in the event the power contact is still open at the end of a predetermined time delay from initiation of power supply to the starter.

Control apparatus for electric vehicle

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a control apparatus which effectively uses the electric charge of a capacitor installed at an inverter for an electric vehicle when the capacitor is discharged and which shortens the time required for its discharge. SOLUTION: An inverter 6 by which the DC electric power of a main battery 3 is converted into AC electric power so as to drive a running motor 1 is provided with a smoothing capacitor 17 which is charged via a precharging contactor 14. A DC/DC converter 12 is installed so that a subbattery 7 is charged with the electric power of the main battery 3 when an electric vehicle runs. When the capacitor 17 is discharged, its electric charge is used to charge the subbattery 7 via the DC/DC converter 12. Since a discharge circuit is not used to discharge the capacitor 17, its discharge can be completed in a short time without taking into consideration its heat.

Thermally enhanced test contactor

Abstract: A test contactor having a heat slug for removing heat from an electronic device engaging the contactor. The heat slug is positioned in the test contactor so that a thermally conductive surface of the heat slug will intimately contact a heat-radiating bottom surface of the electronic device when the electronic device is in position for testing by the test contactor. A separate heat slug may also be provided for contacting a heat-radiating top surface of the electronic device. Either or both of the heat slugs may be spring loaded or otherwise movably constrained to maximize surface contact with the electronic device by self-positioning when all elements are placed in proper test position. Improved thermal contact may also be achieved by the use of compliant material between the respective contact surfaces of the heat slug and electronic device. Failure induced by stress at the corners of the electronic device may be minimized by making the contact area of the heat slug smaller than the affected surface area of the electronic device. Heat transfer may be further improved by configuring the heat slug with cooling fins and by using convection flow past the heat slug.

Apparatus and method for collective inspection of wafer

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an apparatus in which all electrodes of a wafer and all protruding terminals of a contactor are brought into contact collectively, which shortens the inspection time and which can be miniaturized by a method wherein a pressure inside an airtight space is decreased and the respective electrodes and the respective protruding terminals are brought into contact. SOLUTION: A semiconductor wafer W is sucked and held by an arm 11 so as to be conveyed, and it is carried in, and carried out from, a chamber 12 which can be sealed airtightly. In addition, a contactor 14 whose inside face is provided with protruding terminals 14A coming into electric contact with all electrodes of the wafer W is installed so as to be movable to the X-direction, the Y-direction and the θ-direction by a ring-shaped position regulating mechanism 13 installed along the inner circumferential face at the lower part of the chamber 12. In addition, an O-ring 15 is installed on the position regulating mechanism 13 along the outer circumference of the contactor 14, and an exhaust device which decreases the pressure inside a space 16 surrounded by the wafer W and the contactor 14 is installed. Then, in a state that the pressure is decreased and that the respective electrodes and the respective protruding terminals 14A are brought into contact collectively, connecting terminals on the outer face of the contactor 14 and a test head 18 are set to electric continuity. COPYRIGHT: (C)1998,JPO

Test method using contactor, contactor, and test device using contactor

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform the easy and sure electric connection with a device to be tested at low cost by performing a test by use of a contactor obtained by supporting contact members by a support jig for supporting them in neatly arranged state, and charging an insulating member laid in fluidized state into a cavity part formed in the jig followed by solidification to hold the contact members. SOLUTION: Coil springs 12 are supported within a support jig 17A in neatly arranged state, and an insulating material having flowing property is filled in a cavity formed in the jig, solidified by heating to form an insulating member 11A. Thus, each coil spring 12 is laid in the state held by the insulating member 11A. The insulating member 11A is removed from the support jig 17A, and cut in a desired thickness to form a contact. Thus, the contact can be efficiently manufactured at low cost and easily conformed to the fining of contact member and the increase in number of pins, and the test precision can be improved.

Sealed contact apparatus, manufacture thereof, and sealing method

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid formation of projected parts by air-tightly joining a metal cover to an aperture end of a ceramic container of a housing forming an air-tight space in which fixed and movable contacts are arranged and sealing a gas supply and discharge hole formed in the cover. SOLUTION: A housing 1 is constituted of a container main body 4 which is made of a heat resistant insulating material, for example, alumina type ceramics etc., and of which one face is opened and two fixed electrodes 10 are air-tightly joined to the bottom part. A metal cover 6 having a through hole 6a in the center and holes 7 for gas supply and discharge at proper positions is joined to the upper aperture part of the main body 4 through an upper flange 11 of a metal part. Of a bellows 8, the upper side end part and a lower side end part are joined to the cover 6 by a bellows pressing part 12 and air tightly to a movable shaft 13 to be brought into contact with a movable contactor 15, respectively, to form air tight space E. After vacuum evacuation, the hole 7 is sealed by another installed metal member or melting the circumference of the hole 7. Holes for gas supply and discharge may be formed in one of the fixed electrodes 10 or the movable shaft 13 or the container main body 4.

Method of monitoring a contactor

Abstract: A varying voltage is applied across a coil of a contactor. The varying voltage has a characteristic (frequency) which varies as a function of the position of the armature. The varying voltage is transmitted to a coupler which transmits information to a controller. The coupler may include one or more light sources (LEDs) which are sequentially energized and de-energized to sequentially render a phototransistor conducting and nonconducting. The frequency of the output from the coupler corresponds to the frequency at which the phototransistor is changed between the conducting and nonconducting conditions. A controller determines whether the frequency of the output from the coupler corresponds to the intended position of the armature of the contactor or to an unintended position by comparing the frequency of the output from the coupler to known frequencies for various positions of the armature.

Current limiting system and method

Abstract: A current limiting system for a circuit limits current flow through the system. The current limiting system comprises at least one main switch comprising first and second main switch contacts and a contactor connecting the first and second main switch contacts; at least one current limiting device and at least one solid-state switch, which are mechanically unconnected to the main switch, and the at least one current limiting device and least one solid-state switch are arranged in series on a series side of the circuit; the at least one main switch is on a main switch side of the circuit arranged in parallel with the series side; a control that senses a predetermined condition of the circuit, and operably connected with the at least one solid state switch to open and it. Under normal operating conditions, most current flows through the at least one main switch side. When the predetermined condition causes the main switch to open, and the resistance increases in a main switch side. Thus, current flows to the series side of the circuit side. The current limiting device then switches its state from a low resistance to a high resistance state to limit the current passing through the current limiting system, where the control has sensed a predetermined condition and signals the solid-state switch to open, thereby interrupting current flow through of the current limiting system.

Inverter circuit for use with contactor or circuit-breaker

Abstract: The inverter system operates with a multi-polar electromechanical interrupter with a main control electromagnet, such as a contactor or contactor-circuit breaker. The appts. offers several current channels between the source and load terminals, and has main contacts separately controlled by a main electromagnet. The inverter contact are distributed between two switches (I4, I5) whose common point (14C,15C) is connected to the respective load terminals (T'1, T'3). The inversion control device (21) has a mechanical system (21a) urging the two switches (I4, I5) into the function of the state of the inverter electromagnet (E2), the coils' supply circuit being such that the switching of the inverter contacts is effected under tension. A mechanical element (M1) controlled by the main electromagnet (E1) locks the inversion mechanical equipment (21a) when the main coil (C1) is supplied.