Electromechanical switching device and arrangement with several switching devices
US5844493A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S20/20
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Switching devices can have means for contactless switching position detection. According to the invention, magnetic field sensors arranged at suitable locations inside and/or outside a device housing are provided for switching position detection. In particular, position-dependent magnetic fields are measured for ON/OFF position detection, overcurrent triggering, and contact welding; however, the magnetic field of the current flowing is detected to recognize short-circuit triggering. Differential Hall effect sensors and Reed contacts, respectively, can be used for these purposes. In addition, a sound sensor can be provided for detecting the switching noise, whose signal is evaluated together with the overcurrent triggering signal for short-circuit detection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.