Inventors:
Robert W. Schaltenbrand - Allison Park PA
Brian Seman - Allison Park PA
Donald Shepherd - Saxonburg PA
Assignee:
Benshaw, Inc. - Glenshaw PA
International Classification:
H05K 720
Abstract:
A solid state motor starter assembly having controlled semiconductors mounted between heat sink members. Electrical power to the assembly can be connected an disconnected by an electrically operated solenoid that actuates a movable contact into engagement with a stationary contact mounted on the incoming heat sink. To reduce the heat generated in the semiconductor device during steady state full voltage operation, a shunting current path is established between the adjacent heat sinks by an electrically operated solenoid which moves a movable contact bar to engage stationary contact surfaces mounted directly on the heat sinks. Electrically joining the incoming line heat sink to the outgoing heat sink provides a low resistance parallel current path around the semiconductor thereby reducing the heat generated in the assembly during full voltage operation. The above contacts and solenoids can be directly mounted to a heat sink assembly thereby providing the benefits of unitized construction.