In-line flow switch assembly including magnetic sensitive plunger and microswitch actuator
US6528748B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H36/0073
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A flow switch for a high pressure washing system or other flow-related system is disclosed. The flow switch switches from an open to a closed position in the presence of adequate flow in a water or other fluid-carrying pipe. The flow switch includes a housing with a tubular bore, an inlet port and an outlet port which allow fluid to flow through the housing. Within the housing is a plunger with an attached plunger magnet. The plunger is responsive to fluid flow. A sensor is situated proximate to the housing. A sensor magnet is placed in position near the sensor and opposes the plunger magnet. A third magnet (the alignment magnet) is placed proximate to the housing. When there is no flow within the housing, the plunger is at its rest position as the alignment magnet attracts the plunger magnet to correctly align and position the plunger within the housing. When a threshold rate of flow is present, the force from the flow overcomes the attractive force of the alignment and plunger magnets and the plunger is moved to its secondary position. In this position, the plunger magnet trips the sensor when it repels the sensor magnet. In some embodiments, a display unit visually indicates tha…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.