EP1858043A1 - Positionsschalter mit beweglichen Kontakten mit positivem Betrieb - Google Patents

Positionsschalter mit beweglichen Kontakten mit positivem Betrieb Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1858043A1
EP1858043A1 EP07009214A EP07009214A EP1858043A1 EP 1858043 A1 EP1858043 A1 EP 1858043A1 EP 07009214 A EP07009214 A EP 07009214A EP 07009214 A EP07009214 A EP 07009214A EP 1858043 A1 EP1858043 A1 EP 1858043A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pair
position switch
contacts
movable contacts
stationary contacts
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP07009214A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1858043B1 (de
Inventor
Marco Pizzato
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pizzato Elettrica SRL
Original Assignee
Pizzato Elettrica SRL
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pizzato Elettrica SRL filed Critical Pizzato Elettrica SRL
Publication of EP1858043A1 publication Critical patent/EP1858043A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1858043B1 publication Critical patent/EP1858043B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
    • H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
    • H01H13/18—Operating parts, e.g. push-button adapted for actuation at a limit or other predetermined position in the path of a body, the relative movement of switch and body being primarily for a purpose other than the actuation of the switch, e.g. door switch, limit switch, floor-levelling switch of a lift
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/26—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members
    • H01H13/28—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using compression or extension of coil springs
    • H01H13/32—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using compression or extension of coil springs one end of spring being fixedly connected to the stationary or movable part of the switch and the other end reacting with a movable or stationary rigid member respectively through pins, cams, toothed, or other shaped surfaces
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/001—Means for preventing or breaking contact-welding
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/32—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts
    • H01H3/40—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts using friction, toothed, or screw-and-nut gearing

Definitions

  • the present invention is generally applicable to the field of basic electric devices, and particularly relates to a position switch with movable contacts having positive operation, as described in the preamble of claim 1.
  • This switch is particularly useful for safe control of moving parts of machines and systems and for causing shut-down thereof upon detection of end positions.
  • Position switches are known to be used for positioning, controlling and checking moving parts of automatic machines and systems, such as in end position detection, to cause safe automatic shut-down.
  • switches have a mechanical actuator for switching from a primary shut-down circuit, which closes to cause the machine or system to start, to an auxiliary signaling circuit, which closes to cause the machine or system to stop. Switching occurs by displacing one or more movable contacts from a first position in which they are coupled with the stationary contacts of the primary circuit to a second position in which they are coupled with the stationary contacts of the auxiliary circuit.
  • Prior art switches use double-break movable contacts, of either simple or double-bridge type, wherein the contacts consist of pads of silver or other metals having suitable electrical conductivity properties.
  • the above switches further have high contact resistances. Particularly, in switches with single-bridge double-break movable contacts, total resistance is twice the resistance of each contact and total switching failure probability is a quadratic function of the failure probability for each break. In double-bridge, double-break movable contacts resistance is as high as in simple movable contacts and switching failure probability is lower, though not negligible.
  • switches to include contacts having a positive operation, through the use of a lever or other positive opening device, whereby the movable contacts may be applied a higher opening force than the maximum expected adhesion force between movable and stationary contacts.
  • the above type of switch is known, amongst other, from US 5,453,590 and is composed of a bridge-like movable contact susceptible of being alternately forced against the stationary contacts of shut-down and signaling circuits by means of a pushing rod which operates on a bistable spring.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks, by providing a position switch with movable contacts having positive operation that is highly efficient and relatively cost-effective.
  • a particular object is to provide a small-size and low cost position switch.
  • Yet another object is to provide a highly reliable position switch, while reducing switching failure probabilities.
  • a position switch with movable contacts having positive operation comprises a common input terminal to be connected to a voltage source, first and second output terminals, connectable respectively to a primary shut-down circuit and to an auxiliary signaling circuit of a machine or system, at least one first and one second pairs of stationary contacts electrically connected respectively to the first and second output terminals, at least one pair of movable contacts electrically connected with the common input terminals and susceptible of alternately interacting respectively with the stationary contacts of said at least one first and said at least one second pairs, said at least one pair of movable contacts being normally in contact with the at least one first pair of stationary contacts, means for positive operation of the at least one pair of movable contacts to move them apart from said first pair of stationary contacts thereby causing positive opening of the primary circuit and simultaneous closing of the auxiliary circuit.
  • a double-bridge, single-break type position switch is provided, which reduces the total contact resistance between the movable contacts and the stationary contacts.
  • the total resistance between movable and stationary contacts, upon passage of high currents, is relatively low, so that positive operation means will have to oppose lower adhesion forces than in prior art switches, and may involve lower sizes and costs.
  • Another important aspect is that at least one pair of stationary and movable contacts is used, to further reduce total mutual resistance.
  • the position switch with movable contacts having positive operation automatically switches a supply current from a primary shut-down circuit to an auxiliary signaling circuit of a machine or system.
  • the switch may be used for controlled shut-down of an automatic or semiautomatic machine or system, and particularly for detection of end positions.
  • the position switch of the invention has a common input terminal 2 to be connected to a per se known voltage source, not shown in the figures one first and one second output terminals 3, 4, suitable to be connected to a primary shut-down circuit and to an auxiliary signaling circuit of a machine or system respectively, also not shown, one first pair of stationary contacts 5 and one second pair of stationary contacts 6 electrically connected respectively to the first and second output terminals 3, 4, one pair of movable contacts 7 electrically connected to the common input terminal 2 and susceptible of alternately interacting with corresponding stationary contacts 5, 6 of the first and second pairs.
  • the movable contacts 7 are normally in contact with the first pair of stationary contacts 5 and means 8 are further provided for positive operation of the pair of movable contacts 7 to move them apart from the first pair of stationary contacts 5, thereby causing positive opening of the primary circuit and simultaneous closing of the auxiliary circuit.
  • positive operation means 8 shall have no elastic connection with the movable contacts 7, whose separation from the stationary contacts 5 of the first pair shall directly result from a specific movement of an appropriate actuator by means of non elastic members.
  • the movable contacts 7 will be forced to open even when contacts are stuck together due to occasional passage of a high voltage, such as during a short circuit.
  • movable contacts 7 can provide a double-bridge, simple-break switch.
  • Contacts 5, 6, 7 will essentially consist of pads of silver or another metal, or anyway a material having suitable electrical conductivity properties.
  • the movable contacts 7 will be electrically connected to the common input terminal 2 by articulated electrical connection means 9.
  • Such means 9 comprise a first elongated member 10, defining a longitudinal axis X, with a longitudinal end 11 mechanically and electrically coupled to the common input terminal 2 and the opposite longitudinal end 12 having such a shape as to define a first substantially transverse pivot axis Y 1 , for a switching arm 13.
  • This latter will comprise in turn a pair of elongated extensions 14, 15, which are appropriately shaped and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X.
  • Each of such extensions 14, 15 has one of the movable contacts 7 at its free end 16, 17 remote from the first pivot axis Y 1 .
  • the first output terminal 3 is connected to the first pair of stationary contacts 5 through a second elongated member 18, which is appropriately shaped and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X, having one end 19 electrically and mechanically connected to the first output terminal 3 and the opposite end 20 bearing the first pair of stationary contacts 5.
  • the second output terminal 4 is connected to the second pair of stationary contacts 6 through a third elongated member 21, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X, having one end 22 electrically and mechanically connected to the second output terminal 4 and the opposite end 23 bearing the second pair of stationary contacts 6.
  • the switching arm 13 is interposed between the second 18 and third 21 elongated members and is susceptible of pivoting in a substantially vertical plane ⁇ passing through the longitudinal axis X.
  • the movable contacts 7 will be also interposed between the pairs of stationary contacts 5, 6 to move, by the pivotal movement ⁇ 1 of the arm 13, from the normal operating condition, in which they are coupled with the first pair of stationary contacts 5, as shown in FIG. 4, to a shut-down condition, as shown in FIG. 5, in which they are coupled with the stationary contacts 6 of the second pair.
  • the positive operation means 8 include a pushbutton element 24 which is movable in a substantially vertical direction W and is operatively connected to a lever member 25 interposed between the switch arm 13 and the second elongate member 18.
  • the lever element 25 is pivotable about a second transverse pivot axis Y 2 , in the vertical plane ⁇ .
  • the lever element 25 is a first type lever which rotates about a pivot 27, defining the axis Y 2 , introduced in the side wall of the exterior case 29.
  • the pushbutton element 24 has two specially shaped projections 31', 31" at its bottom end 30, which are particularly shown in FIG. 3, facing towards corresponding tooth-shaped portions of the end 33 adjacent the lever element 25, one of which is only visible in the annexed figures and designated by 32, the second being placed symmetrically to the former with respect to the longitudinal axis X.
  • the projections 31', 31" and the tooth-shaped portions 32 mutually interact to cause a pivotal movement ⁇ 2 of the lever element 25 about the second pivot axis Y 2 in response to a downward displacement w of the pushbutton element 24.
  • the lever element 25 has a catch 35 at its longitudinal end 34 opposite the tooth-shaped portions 32, which is designed to interact with the elongate extensions 14, 15 of the switching arm 13 to cause positive opening of the primary shut-down circuit and closing of the auxiliary signaling circuit.
  • Positive operation means 8 further include a first elastic member 36 for elastically and controllably counteracting the vertical motion of the pushbutton element 24.
  • the first elastic member 36 is preferably a helical spring whose modulus is calibrated to allow vertical sliding of the pushbutton 24 once a predetermined external force F is applied thereon.
  • the pushbutton 24 substantially has a hollow cylindrical shape, having an open lower end 30 and a closed upper end 37 to at least partly receive the spring 36.
  • the spring 36 has one end section 38 attached to the bottom wall of the case 29 and the opposite end section, not visible, facing towards the closed end 37 of the pushbutton element 24.
  • the positive operation means 8 include a second elastic member 39 which is received in a central housing 40 in the switch arm 13 to elastically and controllably counteract the pivotal motion ⁇ 1 thereof.
  • the second elastic member 39 which is also preferably a helical spring, is substantially parallel to the switch arm 13, when the latter is in its normal operating condition in which the main shut-down circuit is closed.
  • the second elastic member 39 is also in such position as to define two snap positions for the switch arm 13, i.e. a first limit stop position of the pushbutton element 24, as shown in FIG. 4, and a second position in which the pushbutton element 24 has completed its snap stroke C s , as shown in FIG. 5.
  • the vertical downward displacement w of the pushbutton element 24 will involve interaction between the projections 31', 31" and the tooth-shaped portions 32, which will cause the pivotal movement ⁇ 2 of the lever element 25 and the positive mechanical operation of the switch arm 13, and thence of the movable contacts 7.
  • positive mechanical operation as used herein is intended as the action of a mechanical component, in this case the projections 31', 31" which inevitably drives another component, i.e. the tooth-shaped portions 32, either by direct contact or through rigid elements.
  • FIG. 4 shows a first operating position of the inventive switch, which corresponds to the normal operating condition, in which the stationary contacts 5 are coupled to the movable contacts 7. In these conditions, the primary shut-down circuit of the machine with the switch connected thereto is closed, whereby the machine is operating.
  • FIG. 5 shows a second operating position of the inventive switch, in which the stroke C s of the pushbutton element 24 has caused the arm 13 to snap into pivotal movement ⁇ 1 to move the movable contacts 7 to contact engage the stationary contacts 6.
  • the auxiliary signaling circuit of the machine is closed, so that the machine is in shut-down conditions. If high currents pass between the contacts 5 and 7, such as during a short-circuit, the adhesion forces between the contacts 5, 7 may be so strong that such snapping action might not occur, thereby causing serious danger for the machine and its operators.
  • FIG. 6 shows a third operating position of the switch of the invention, in which a stroke C 1 , longer than the stroke C s , of the pushbutton element 24 has caused interaction between the projections 31 and the tooth-shaped portions 32 to cause the lever 25 to pivot ⁇ 2
  • the lever element 25 has completed its positive opening stroke C 2 and has forced the switch arm 13 to deviate thereby causing positive separation of the movable contacts 7 from the first stationary contacts 5 and contact thereof with the second stationary contacts 6.
  • such movement would cause the primary shut-down circuit to open, thereby resulting in a machine shut-down, any danger for the machine and the working personnel being thus prevented.
  • FIG. 7 shows a fourth and last operating position of the switch of the invention, in which the pushbutton element 24 reaches the limit stop position corresponding to the maximum allowed mechanical stroke C MAX , longer than C 1 , which is advantageously longer than the positive opening stroke C 2 to provide an adequate stroke length, given by the difference between the maximum stroke C MAX and the positive opening stroke C 2 , within which the switch 1 is adjusted.

Landscapes

  • Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
EP20070009214 2006-05-15 2007-05-08 Positionsschalter mit beweglichen Kontakten mit positivem Betrieb Active EP1858043B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITVI20060145 ITVI20060145A1 (it) 2006-05-15 2006-05-15 Interruttore di posizione con contatti mobili ad azionamento forzato

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1858043A1 true EP1858043A1 (de) 2007-11-21
EP1858043B1 EP1858043B1 (de) 2008-12-24

Family

ID=38134576

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20070009214 Active EP1858043B1 (de) 2006-05-15 2007-05-08 Positionsschalter mit beweglichen Kontakten mit positivem Betrieb

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1858043B1 (de)
CN (1) CN101101826B (de)
DE (1) DE602007000395D1 (de)
IT (1) ITVI20060145A1 (de)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104217869A (zh) * 2014-09-26 2014-12-17 成都锐奕信息技术有限公司 能够对部件移动行程进行控制的装置
CN104269304A (zh) * 2014-09-26 2015-01-07 成都锐奕信息技术有限公司 能够提高反应效率的行程控制结构
CN104269303A (zh) * 2014-09-26 2015-01-07 成都锐奕信息技术有限公司 能够实现精确控制的开关
CN104269301A (zh) * 2014-09-26 2015-01-07 成都锐奕信息技术有限公司 在对大型计算机进行控制的微动结构
EP3166123A1 (de) * 2015-11-09 2017-05-10 Microprecision Electronics Holding SA Elektrischer schalter

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB765474A (en) * 1954-02-11 1957-01-09 Dowty Equipment Ltd Improvements relating to snap-action electric switches
GB1033014A (en) * 1962-05-28 1966-06-15 Otehall Ltd Improvements in or relating to snap-action electric switches
GB1113395A (en) * 1965-10-26 1968-05-15 Burgess Products Co Ltd Improvements relating to electrical switch arrangements
EP0411331A2 (de) * 1989-07-03 1991-02-06 Omron Corporation Schalterkontaktanordnung

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE59505855D1 (de) * 1995-11-10 1999-06-10 Haschkamp Joachim Drucktastenschalter
JP3854789B2 (ja) * 2000-08-11 2006-12-06 アルプス電気株式会社 スイッチ装置
JP4256708B2 (ja) * 2003-04-03 2009-04-22 アルプス電気株式会社 スイッチ装置

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB765474A (en) * 1954-02-11 1957-01-09 Dowty Equipment Ltd Improvements relating to snap-action electric switches
GB1033014A (en) * 1962-05-28 1966-06-15 Otehall Ltd Improvements in or relating to snap-action electric switches
GB1113395A (en) * 1965-10-26 1968-05-15 Burgess Products Co Ltd Improvements relating to electrical switch arrangements
EP0411331A2 (de) * 1989-07-03 1991-02-06 Omron Corporation Schalterkontaktanordnung

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104217869A (zh) * 2014-09-26 2014-12-17 成都锐奕信息技术有限公司 能够对部件移动行程进行控制的装置
CN104269304A (zh) * 2014-09-26 2015-01-07 成都锐奕信息技术有限公司 能够提高反应效率的行程控制结构
CN104269303A (zh) * 2014-09-26 2015-01-07 成都锐奕信息技术有限公司 能够实现精确控制的开关
CN104269301A (zh) * 2014-09-26 2015-01-07 成都锐奕信息技术有限公司 在对大型计算机进行控制的微动结构
CN104269301B (zh) * 2014-09-26 2016-06-15 成都锐奕信息技术有限公司 在对大型计算机进行控制的微动开关
CN104269303B (zh) * 2014-09-26 2016-06-15 成都锐奕信息技术有限公司 能够实现精确控制的开关
EP3166123A1 (de) * 2015-11-09 2017-05-10 Microprecision Electronics Holding SA Elektrischer schalter
US10199185B2 (en) 2015-11-09 2019-02-05 Microprecision Electronics Holding SA Electric switch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE602007000395D1 (de) 2009-02-05
CN101101826B (zh) 2012-07-25
EP1858043B1 (de) 2008-12-24
CN101101826A (zh) 2008-01-09
ITVI20060145A1 (it) 2007-11-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2180487B1 (de) Mikroschalter
EP1801827B1 (de) Vorrichtung mit einer Steueranordnung und einem Schaltgerät
EP1858043B1 (de) Positionsschalter mit beweglichen Kontakten mit positivem Betrieb
CN111712897B (zh) 断路器
EP3355334A1 (de) Hochspannungs-gleichstrom-relais
WO2000041194A9 (en) Semi-bifurcated electrical contacts
EP1078383B1 (de) Kontaktmechanismus für elektronisches überlastrelais
CN112117141A (zh) 具有手动致动器的高压闭锁继电器
EP1093144A2 (de) Hilfspositionsschalter für Schutzschalter
CN114600214A (zh) 半独立式隔离开关
EP3319107B1 (de) Druckknopfschalter
US4758698A (en) Microswitch
CN106449195B (zh) 用于操纵操控件的设备和电气开关
JP7394154B2 (ja) 回路遮断器
US11817283B2 (en) Electrical switching system
KR19980024787A (ko) 스위치, 특히 릴레이를 위한 구동 시스템
KR102539220B1 (ko) 자동 복구 누전 차단기용 핸들 구동 장치
EP3157030A1 (de) Steuerungssystem für elektrische hochspannungsvorrichtungen
EP4270438A1 (de) Zustandsanzeigevorrichtung für schwachstromanwendungen mit breiterem betriebsbereich
JP6985451B2 (ja) 形状記憶要素を有する電気開閉装置
EP4120309A1 (de) Schaltkomponente mit integrierten beweglichen trägeranordnungen
CN107680886B (zh) 用于断路器的基于连杆的断开止动设备及方法
KR101419008B1 (ko) 배선용 차단기
US6747232B1 (en) Vacuum contactor
WO2005048280A1 (en) Electrical contactor

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20080327

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT TR

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 602007000395

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20090205

Kind code of ref document: P

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20090925

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100508

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 12

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230525

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230525

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 17

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230530

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20230424

Year of fee payment: 17

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230523

Year of fee payment: 17