Electrical switch with positive status indication
US8039768B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2009/288
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrical switch includes a rotary switch actuator device, and an actuator locking device. The actuator locking device inhibits the rotation of the rotary switch actuator device when the contacts of the switch are closed. Only when the operator tries to open the switch with an operating handle and the contacts do actually open, a lock release device will release the actuator locking device, and allow the operator to move the operator handle to the position corresponding to the open condition. When the contacts do not open, e.g., because they are welded, the actuator locking device will remain locked and the handle movement is blocked. This provides a robust and safe switch that never gives a false “OFF” indication.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.