Electronic switching device

US7206178B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Peter Friedrichs · Koblenzer Straße, DE
• Gerd Griepentrog · Gutenstetten, DE
• Reinhard Maier · Herzogenaurach, DE
• Heinz Mitlehner · Uttenreuth, DE
• Reinhold Schorner · Großenseebach, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 3, 2001
• Grant date: Apr 17, 2007
• Expiry date: Aug 5, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H03K2017/6875
• WIPO field: Basic communication processes
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A switching device includes a working circuit, to which an operating voltage can be or is applied to which has at least one electronic switching element. This switching element includes at least one control terminal for applying a switching signal and is switched off or switched on depending on the switching signal. At least one electronic protection element is for protecting the switching element in its switched state from excessive Joule losses in the event of danger, especially in the event of an overload or a short circuit. The protection element bears the predominant part of the operating voltage that is released at the working circuit. The switching device includes a switching-off device, which, in the event of danger, automatically switches the switching element to the switched off state, using the energy contained in the operating current or the operating voltage passing through the working circuit or the voltage that is released at the working circuit or at the protection element exceeds a predetermined upper limit value.