Synchronously operable electrical current switching apparatus having multiple circuit switching capability and/or reduced contact resistance
US4620123A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 1984 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H9/56
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A synchronously operable electrical current switching apparatus which may be used to switch multiple circuits, or to lower the contact resistance in one or more circuits, or both, includes a plurality of piezoelectric benders of the type having at least two electrically conductive layers separated by a piezoelectric material, and which exhibit bending motion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the benders lie in response to an applied electrical signal. The apparatus also includes at least one pair of switching contacts, with one contact being movable and mechanically linked to at least one bender so that the bending motion causes corresponding movement of the contact and produces a change in the relative position of the contacts between open and closed positions. One of the electrically conductive layers of each bender is connected to the electrical signal by a common electrical conductor. For predetermined ones of the benders, a second one of the electrically conductive layers is connected to the electrical signal by a separate conductor, so that those benders exhibit bending motion in response to the signal. One pair of contacts may be provided for e…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.