DC current switching apparatus, electronic device, and method for switching an associated DC circuit
US9484168B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2009/546
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a direct current switching apparatus including at least a first mechanical switching device which is suitable to be positioned along an operating path of an associated DC circuit and includes a fixed contact and a corresponding movable contact which can be actuated between a closed position and an open position along the operating path, wherein an electric arc can ignite between the contacts under separation. The switching apparatus includes an electronic circuit having a semiconductor device which is suitable to be positioned along a secondary path and connected in parallel with the first mechanical switching device. The electronic circuit can be configured to commute the flow of current from the operating path to the secondary path and extinguish an electric arc ignited when the movable contact separates from the fixed contact when the first mechanical switching device fails to extinguish the same.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.