EP2812905B1 - Magnetically-triggered proximity switch - Google Patents

Magnetically-triggered proximity switch Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2812905B1
EP2812905B1 EP13707482.9A EP13707482A EP2812905B1 EP 2812905 B1 EP2812905 B1 EP 2812905B1 EP 13707482 A EP13707482 A EP 13707482A EP 2812905 B1 EP2812905 B1 EP 2812905B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
contact
normally
magnet
switch
arm
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Application number
EP13707482.9A
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German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
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EP2812905A1 (en
Inventor
Michael John SIMMONS
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General Equipment and Manufacturing Co Inc
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General Equipment and Manufacturing Co Inc
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Priority claimed from US13/370,222 external-priority patent/US8400241B2/en
Application filed by General Equipment and Manufacturing Co Inc filed Critical General Equipment and Manufacturing Co Inc
Publication of EP2812905A1 publication Critical patent/EP2812905A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2812905B1 publication Critical patent/EP2812905B1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H36/00—Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding
    • H01H36/0073—Switches actuated by change of magnetic field or of electric field, e.g. by change of relative position of magnet and switch, by shielding actuated by relative movement between two magnets

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates generally to proximity switches, and, more particularly, to miniature magnetically-triggered proximity switches.
  • Magnetic proximity switches also known, for example from FR1431841A and US5929731A , as limit switches, are commonly used for linear position sensing.
  • magnetically-triggered proximity switches include a sensor that is adapted to detect the presence of a target without physically contacting the target.
  • the sensor may include a switching circuit mechanism enclosed within a switch body, and the switching circuit mechanism typically includes multiple levers and contacts that are biased into a first position by one or more springs.
  • the target which generally includes a permanent magnet contained within a housing, passes within a predetermined range of the sensor, the magnetic flux generated by the target magnet triggers the switching circuit mechanism, thereby closing a normally open circuit.
  • the closing of the normally open circuit is detected by a processor, and a signal is sent to an operator or an automated operation system to indicate the presence of the target within the predetermined range of the sensor.
  • the target is typically secured to a displaceable element of a system, such as a valve stem
  • the sensor is typically secured to a stationary element of a system, such as a valve body.
  • the sensor can detect when the displaceable element has changed positions.
  • typical sensors cannot be used in applications requiring the placement of the sensor in an area having limited free space.
  • the need to provide power to the sensor also limits the applications in which the sensor can be used.
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • a magnetically-triggered proximity switch includes a switch body and a first magnet non-movably secured within the switch body.
  • a common arm having a first end and a second end is also included, and the second end is disposed within the switch body.
  • the proximity switch also includes a primary arm having a first end and a second end. The second end is disposed within the switch body, and the second end includes a primary contact.
  • the proximity switch includes a secondary arm having a first end and a second end. The second end is disposed within the switch body, and the second end also includes a secondary contact.
  • the proximity switch also includes a cross arm disposed within the switch body.
  • the cross arm has a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the common arm and the second end including a common contact.
  • the proximity switch further includes a second magnet disposed within the switch body, and the second magnet is movable relative to the first magnet.
  • the second magnet is coupled to the cross arm such that movement of the second magnet causes a corresponding movement of the cross arm between a first switch position and a second switch position.
  • the first switch position the common contact of the cross arm is in contact with the primary contact of the primary arm, thereby completing a circuit between the common arm and the primary arm.
  • the common contact of the cross arm In the second switch position, the common contact of the cross arm is in contact with the secondary contact of the secondary arm, thereby completing a circuit between the common arm and the secondary arm.
  • first magnet and the second magnet are selected to create a first magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet, and the first magnetic force maintains the cross arm in the first switch position.
  • second magnet and a target outside of the switch body are selected to create a second magnetic force between the second magnet and the target, and the second magnetic force causes the cross arm to move from the first switch position to the second switch position if the second magnetic force is greater than the first magnetic force.
  • the first magnetic force causes the cross arm to move from the second switch position to the first switch position.
  • the first end of the cross arm is pivotably coupled to the second end of the common arm, and the movement of the second magnet relative to the first magnet causes the cross arm to rotate from the first switch position to the second switch position or from the second switch position to the first switch position.
  • an elongated actuator arm may couple the second magnet to the common arm. The actuator arm may further be disposed within an aperture formed in the first magnet.
  • the first end of each of the common arm, the primary arm, and the secondary arm is disposed outside of the switch body.
  • the switch body may be cylindrical, and may be comprised of a high-temperature material.
  • the switch body may be comprised of plastic, and the switch body may be hermetically sealed.
  • a method of detecting a target by a magnetically-triggered proximity switch includes providing a switch body and disposing a second end of a common arm within the switch body.
  • a primary contact of a primary arm is disposed within the switch body, and a secondary contact of a secondary arm is disposed within the switch body.
  • the method also includes movably coupling a cross arm having a common contact to the common arm and coupling a second magnet to the common arm.
  • a stationary first magnet is positioned within the switch body adjacent to the second magnet, and the common contact of the cross arm is biased into contact with the primary contact by the force of the first magnet acting on the second magnet.
  • the method further includes positioning a target at a first location outside of the switch body such that the magnetic force between the target and the second magnet is greater than the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet, thereby moving the cross arm such that the common contact disengages from the primary contact and engages with the secondary contact.
  • the method also includes positioning the target at a second location outside of the switch body such that the magnetic force between the target and the second magnet is less than the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet, thereby moving the cross arm such that the common contact disengages from the secondary contact and engages with the primary contact.
  • the cross arm is pivotally coupled to the second end of the common arm such that the cross arm pivots to disengage the common contact from the primary contact and to engage the common contact with the secondary contact.
  • a closed circuit is formed between the common arm and the primary arm
  • a closed circuit is formed between the common arm and the secondary arm
  • the method includes disposing a first end of each of the common arm, the primary arm, and the secondary arm outside of the switch body.
  • the method may include hermetically sealing the switch body.
  • a magnetically-triggered proximity switch in accordance with the present invention, includes a switch body extending along a body longitudinal axis and a bias member non-movably secured within the switch body.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch also includes a first normally-closed contact having an engagement arm, a second normally-closed contact having an engagement arm, a first normally-open contact having an engagement arm, and a second normally-open contact having an engagement arm.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch further includes a contact magnet disposed within the switch body, the contact magnet being movable relative to the bias member such that the contact magnet is movable between a first switch position and a second switch position.
  • the contact magnet is spherical in shape and is disposed within a cylindrical cavity formed in the switch body, wherein a cylindrical surface that at least partially defines the cylindrical cavity is adapted to limit or prevent movement of the contact magnet in a direction normal to the body longitudinal axis.
  • the contact magnet contacts a portion of the engagement arm of the first normally-closed contact and a portion of the engagement arm of the second normally-closed contact, thereby completing a circuit between the first normally-closed contact and the second normally-closed contact.
  • the contact magnet contacts a portion of the engagement arm of the first normally-open contact and a portion of the engagement arm of the second normally-open contact, thereby completing a circuit between the first normally-open contact and the second normally-open contact.
  • a method of detecting a target by a magnetically-triggered proximity switch includes providing a switch body and disposing a pair of normally-closed contacts within the switch body and disposing a pair of normally-open contacts within the switch body. The method also includes positioning a stationary bias member within the switch body, movably disposing a contact magnet adjacent to the bias member, and biasing the contact magnet into engagement with the pair of normally-closed contacts by the force of the bias member acting on the contact magnet.
  • the method further includes positioning a target at a first location outside of the switch body such that the magnetic force between the target and the contact magnet is greater than the magnetic force between the bias member and the contact magnet, thereby moving the contact magnet out of engagement with the pair of normally-closed contacts and into engagement with the pair of normally-open contacts.
  • a magnetically-triggered proximity switch 10 includes a switch body 12 and a first magnet 14 non-movably secured within the switch body 12.
  • the proximity switch 10 also includes a common arm 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 20, and the second end 20 of the common arm 16 is disposed within the switch body 12.
  • the proximity switch 10 further includes a primary arm 22 having a first end 24 and a second end 26.
  • the second end 26 is disposed within the switch body 12, and the second end 26 includes a primary contact 28.
  • the proximity switch includes a secondary arm 30 having a first end 32 and a second end 34.
  • the second end 34 is disposed within the switch body 12, and the second end 34 includes a secondary contact 36.
  • a cross arm 38 is disposed within the switch body 12, and the cross arm 38 has a first end 40 and a second end 42.
  • the first end 40 is coupled to the common arm 16 and the second end 42 includes a common contact 44.
  • a second magnet 46 is disposed within the switch body 12, and the second magnet 46 is movable relative to the first magnet 14.
  • the second magnet 46 is coupled to the cross arm 38 such that movement of the second magnet 46 causes a corresponding movement of the cross arm 38 between a first switch position and a second switch position.
  • the common contact 44 of the cross arm 38 is in contact with the primary contact 28 of the primary arm 22, thereby completing a circuit between the common arm 16 and the primary arm 22.
  • the second switch position shown in Figure 6B
  • the common contact 44 of the cross arm 38 is in contact with the secondary contact 36 of the secondary arm 30, thereby completing a circuit between the common arm 16 and the secondary arm 30.
  • Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional view of the switch body 12 of the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 10.
  • the switch body 12 preferably has a generally cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section. However, the switch body 12 may have any cross-sectional shape, such as a polygon or an oval, for example.
  • the switch body 12 may include a first body half 12a and a second body half 12b. Because the second body half 12b may be identical to the first body half 12a, only the first body half 12a is illustrated.
  • Each of the first body half 12a and the second body half 12b may be formed from plastic and may be manufactured using conventional processes, such as injection-molding, for example.
  • the plastic may be a high-temperature material that allows the switch body 12 to be exposed to environments that may damage conventional plastic materials.
  • the first body half 12a and the second body half 12b may be joined into a single switch body 12, as illustrated in Figures 1B, 1C and 3 , using any of several methods known in the art, such as ultrasonic welding or by using an adhesive. Additionally, the switch body 12 may be hermetically sealed to protect the proximity switch from water or dirt particles. However, the switch body 12 may be made of any suitable material and may be manufactured by any means known in the art.
  • the semi-cylindrical first body half 12a of the switch body 12 may have a substantially planar mating surface 51 that is adapted to engage a corresponding mating surface (not shown) of the second body half 12b to form the switch body 12.
  • the first body half 12a also includes an open first end 52 that includes a semi-cylindrical second magnet cavity 54, and the second magnet cavity 54 may inwardly extend along a longitudinal axis 56 of the body 12 that extends along the plane of the mating surface 51.
  • the second magnet cavity 54 may be sized to receive a detector magnet assembly 58, illustrated in Figure 2 , that includes the disk-shaped second magnet 46 and a magnet base 60 coupled to the second magnet 46, and the detector magnet assembly 58 may slidably displace within the second magnet cavity 54 along the longitudinal axis 56.
  • a detector magnet assembly 58 illustrated in Figure 2 , that includes the disk-shaped second magnet 46 and a magnet base 60 coupled to the second magnet 46, and the detector magnet assembly 58 may slidably displace within the second magnet cavity 54 along the longitudinal axis 56.
  • a semi-cylindrical first magnet cavity 62 may also be formed in the first body half 12a to receive and secure the first magnet 14 within the body such that a longitudinal axis of the disk-shaped first magnet 14 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis 56 of the first body half 12a.
  • a semi-cylindrical upper arm cavity 64 may extend along the longitudinal axis 56 between the second magnet cavity 54 and the first magnet cavity 62, and the upper arm cavity 64 may be sized to receive an elongated actuator arm 66 that extends between the cross-arm 38 and the magnet base 60.
  • a generally rectangular contact cavity 68 may be formed in the first body half 12a to receive the second end 20 of the common arm 16, the second end 26 of the primary arm 22, the second end 34 of the secondary arm 30, the cross arm 38, and a first end 116 of the actuator arm 66.
  • a semi-cylindrical lower arm cavity 70 may extend along the longitudinal axis 56 between the first magnet cavity 62 and the contact cavity 68, and the lower arm cavity 70 may be sized to receive the actuator arm 66.
  • a rectangular common slot 72 may extend from the contact cavity 68 to a second end 74 of the first body half 12a in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 56 such that the common slot 72 forms a common aperture 75 in a rear face 76 of the first body half 12a.
  • the common slot 72 may be sized to receive the common arm 16 such that the first end 18 of the common arm 16 extends through the common aperture 75 formed in the rear face 76.
  • a rectangular primary slot 78 may extend from the contact cavity 68 to the second end 74 of the first body half 12a in a direction generally parallel to and offset from the common slot 72 such that the primary slot 78 forms a primary aperture 80 in the rear face 76 of the first body half 12a.
  • the primary slot 78 may be sized to receive the primary arm 22 such that the first end 24 of the primary arm 22 extends through the primary aperture 80 in the rear face 76.
  • a rectangular secondary slot 82 may extend from the contact cavity 68 to the second end 74 of the first body half 12a in a direction generally parallel to and offset from both the common slot 72 and the primary slot 78 such that the secondary slot 82 forms a secondary aperture 84 in the rear face 76 of the first body half 12a.
  • the secondary slot 82 may be sized to receive the secondary arm 32 such that the first end 32 of the secondary arm 32 extends through the secondary aperture 84 in the rear face 76.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 10 also includes a detector magnet assembly 58 slidably disposed within the second magnet cavity 54 of the first body half 12a and the second body half 12b of the switch body 12.
  • the detector magnet assembly 58 may include a second magnet 46, also called a detector magnet, that may be cylindrical in shape.
  • the second magnet 46 has the shape of a disk.
  • the second magnet 46 may be a permanent magnet or any other type of suitable magnet.
  • the detector magnet assembly 58 may also include a magnet base 60 that may have a planar bottom portion 86 and a circumferential side wall 88 that extends away from the bottom portion 86.
  • the bottom portion 86 and side wall 88 may be dimensioned to receive the second magnet 46 such that a planar surface of the second magnet 46 is proximate to the top of the side wall 88 and the outside radius of the second magnet 46 is slightly less than the inner radius of the side wall 88.
  • the magnet base 60 may be made from a metal, such as stainless steel, and the second magnet 46 may be secured to the magnet base 60 by a magnetic force.
  • the magnet base 60 may be made from a non-magnetic material, and the second magnet 46 may be mechanically or adhesively secured to the magnet base 60.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 10 further includes a first magnet 14, also called a bias magnet.
  • the first magnet 14 may be cylindrical in shape, and may have the shape of a disk.
  • the first magnet 14 may also have an aperture 90 formed along the central longitudinal axis of the first magnet 14, and the aperture 90 may be sized to receive the actuator arm 66.
  • the first magnet 14 may be received into the first magnet cavity 62 of the switch body 12 such that the first magnet 14 cannot displace when the first body half 12a and the second body half 12b are joined together to form the switch body 12.
  • the first magnet 14 may be made from the same material as the second magnet 46, but the radius and the thickness of the first magnet 14 may each be smaller than the respective radius and thickness of the second magnet 46.
  • the first magnet 14 may be positioned within the first magnet cavity 62 such that the second magnet 46 is attracted towards the first magnet 14. That is, if a north pole of the second magnet 46 faces the second end 74 of the switch body 12, a south pole of the first magnet 14 is disposed facing the north pole of the second magnet 46. Conversely, if a south pole of the second magnet 46 faces the second end 74 of the switch body 12, a north pole of the first magnet 14 is disposed facing the south pole of the second magnet 46.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 10 also includes a common arm 16, which is a common component of the circuit formed by the first switch position and the circuit formed by the second switch position.
  • the common arm 16 may be a narrow strip of a conducting metal, such as copper or a copper alloy, and the common arm 16 may be formed from a stamping process.
  • the second end 20 of the common arm 16 is disposed within the contact cavity 68 such that common arm 16 extends through the common slot 72 formed in the switch body 12, and the first end 18 protrudes through the common aperture 75 to a position outside of the switch body 12.
  • the common arm 16 may be positioned within the common slot 72 such a longitudinal axis of the common arm 16 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 56 of the switch body 12, while in a transverse direction, the common arm 16 is perpendicular to the plane passing through the mating surface 51 of the first body half 12a.
  • a rear surface 91 of the common arm 16 may contact a first wall 92 of the common slot 72, the first wall 92 being longitudinally aligned with the common arm 16 and perpendicular to the plane of the mating surface 51, as shown in Figure 4 .
  • a portion of the common arm 16 disposed within the common slot 72 may be curved, and a top surface of the curved portion 94 may contact a second wall 96 forming the common slot 72, the second wall 96 being offset from and parallel to the first wall 92. Because the transverse distance between the top surface of the curved portion 94 and the rear surface 91 of the common arm 16 is greater than the distance between the first wall 92 and second wall 96 of the common slot 72, an interference fit is provided that secures the common arm 16 within the common slot 72.
  • a bottom surface 98 of the common arm 16 may contact a third wall 100 forming the common slot 72 of the first body half 12a, the third wall 100 being perpendicular to the first wall 92 and the second wall 96, and a top surface 102 of the common arm 16 may contact a fourth wall (not shown) of the corresponding common slot 72 of the second body half 12b when the first body half 12a and the second body half 12b are assembled into the switch body 12. Because the third wall 100 of the common slot 72 is closer to the plane formed by the mating surface 51 than a bottom surface 98 of the contact cavity 68, a gap exists between the bottom surface 101 of the common arm 16 and the bottom surface 101 of the contact cavity 68 of the first body half 12a.
  • the common arm 16 may also include a transverse slot 104 that extends across the width of the common arm 16 proximate to the second end 20.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 10 also includes a primary arm 22.
  • the primary arm 22 may be made from the same material as the common arm 16, and the primary arm 22 may engage the primary slot 78 in the same manner that the common arm 16 engages the common slot 72. Accordingly, a curved portion 106 of the primary arm 22 provides an interference fit within the primary slot 78 to retain the primary arm 22 within the primary slot 78.
  • the first end 24 of the primary arm 22 extends from the primary aperture 80 formed in the rear face 76 of the switch body 12 such that when viewed normal to the mating surface 51, the first end 24 of the primary arm 22 is parallel to the first end 18 of the common arm 16.
  • the second end 26 of the primary arm 22 is coupled to a primary contact 28.
  • the primary contact 28 may be made from a conductive metal, such as copper or a copper alloy, and the primary contact 28 may be secured to the primary arm 22 in any manner known in the art, such as soldering or mechanical fastening. Alternatively, the primary contact 28 may be integrally formed with the second end 26 of the primary arm 22. The primary contact 28 may be disposed proximate to a first cavity wall 108 that partially defines the contact cavity 68.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 10 also includes a secondary arm 30.
  • the secondary arm 30 may be made from the same material as the common arm 16, and the secondary arm 30 may engage the secondary slot 82 in the same manner that the common arm 16 engages the common slot 72.
  • the secondary arm 30 may be positioned within the secondary slot 82 in a "mirror image" relationship with the primary arm 22 in the primary slot 78. More specifically, a top surface of the curved portion 110 of the secondary arm 30 may face a top surface of the curved portion 106 of the primary arm 22.
  • the first end 32 of the secondary arm 30 extends from the secondary aperture 84 formed in the rear face 76 of the switch body 12 such that when viewed normal to the mating surface 51, the first end 32 of the secondary arm 30 is parallel to both the first end 24 of the primary arm 22 and the first end 18 of the common arm 16.
  • the second end 34 of the secondary arm 30 is coupled to a secondary contact 36.
  • the secondary contact 36 may be made from a conductive metal, such as copper or a copper alloy, and the secondary contact 36 may be secured to the secondary arm 30 in any manner known in the art, such as soldering or mechanical fastening.
  • the secondary contact 36 may be integrally formed with the second end 34 of the secondary arm 30.
  • the secondary contact 36 may be disposed proximate to a second cavity wall 112 of the contact cavity 68 that is offset from and parallel to the first cavity wall 108.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 10 also includes a cross arm 38.
  • the cross arm 38 may be formed from a narrow strip of a conducting metal, such as copper or a copper alloy, and the common arm 16 may be formed from a stamping process and subsequent bending process.
  • a second end 42 of the cross arm 38 may include a common contact 44.
  • the common contact 44 may be made from a conductive metal, such as copper or a copper alloy, and the common contact 44 may be secured to the cross arm 38 in any manner known in the art, such as soldering or mechanical fastening.
  • the common contact 44 may be integrally formed with the second end 42 of the cross arm 38.
  • a first end 40 of the cross arm 38 may include an end loop 114, and a portion of the end loop 114 may be disposed within the transverse slot 104 of the common arm 16 such that the cross arm 38 may rotate about the second end 20 of the common arm 16 while maintaining contact with the common arm 16.
  • the cross arm 38 may be rotatable about the second end 20 of the common arm 16 between a first switch position and a second switch position.
  • the first switch position shown in Figure 6A
  • the common contact 44 of the cross arm 38 is in contact with the primary contact 28 of the primary arm 22, thereby completing a circuit between the common arm 16 and the primary arm 22.
  • the second switch position shown in Figure 6B
  • the common contact 44 of the cross arm 38 is in contact with the secondary contact 36 of the secondary arm 30, thereby completing a circuit between the common arm 16 and the secondary arm 30.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 10 also includes an actuator arm 66.
  • the actuator arm 66 may be an elongated cylinder having a first end 116 and a second end 118 opposite the first end 116. Instead of a cylinder, the actuator arm 66 hay have any suitable cross-sectional shape or combination of shapes, such as that of a square, oval, or polygon.
  • the actuator arm 66 may be formed from a plastic material or any other suitable material.
  • the actuator arm 66 may be slidably disposed in the upper arm cavity 64 and the lower arm cavity 70 of the switch body 12, and each of the upper arm cavity 64 and the lower arm cavity 70 may have an inner diameter that is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the actuator arm 66.
  • the actuator arm 66 may also extend through the aperture 90 in the first magnet 14 when the first magnet 14 is disposed within the first magnet cavity 62.
  • the first end 116 of the actuator arm 66 may include a groove 120, and the groove 120 may receive an edge portion 122 that defines the aperture in the cross arm 38 to secure the actuator arm 66 to the cross arm 38, as shown in Figure 5B .
  • the first end 116 may be coupled to the cross arm 38 by any means known in the art, such as, for example, mechanical fastening.
  • the second end 118 of the actuator arm 66 may be coupled to the magnet base 60 of the detector magnet assembly 58 in a manner similar to the coupling of the first end 116 to the cross arm 38.
  • the first magnet 14 provides a magnetic force that attracts the second magnet 46.
  • This attractive force displaces the detector magnet assembly 58 towards the first magnet 14, thereby displacing the actuator arm 66 towards the second end 74 of the switch body 12.
  • the displacement of the actuator arm 66 rotates the cross arm 38 about the second end 20 of the common arm 16 such that the common contact 44 is in contact with the primary contact 28.
  • a circuit is completed between the primary arm 22 and the common arm 16. Accordingly, the closed circuit that results from the first switch position can be detected by a processor that is operatively connected to the first end 18 of the common arm 16 and the first end 24 of the primary arm 22.
  • the magnetic force between the target 124 and the second magnet 46 may be greater than the magnetic force between the second magnet 46 and the first magnet 14.
  • the greater force displaces the detector magnet assembly 58 towards the target 124 and away from the first magnet 14, thereby displacing the actuator arm 66 that is rigidly coupled to the magnet base 60 of the detector magnet assembly 58.
  • the cross arm 38 is rotated about the second end 20 of the common arm 16 to move the common contact 44 out of contact with the primary contact 28 and into contact with the secondary contact 36.
  • the magnetic force between the target 124 and the second magnet 46 can depend on several factors, such as the relative size of the target 124 and the second magnet 46 and the distance between the target 124 and the second magnet 46, and these variables can be adjusted to provide for optimal interaction between the proximity switch 10 and the target 124. In a similar manner the magnetic force between the second magnet 46 and the first magnet 14 can also be adjusted.
  • the disclosed embodiments of the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 10 allow for a relatively small switch body 12 having an integrated design, which further allows the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 10 to be used in applications with limited space requirements, such as in electrical junction boxes. It is also apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed embodiments of the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 10, unlike typical proximity switches, do not need an external power source to function, thereby simplifying installation and extending the working life of the proximity switch 10.
  • Figure 7A illustrates an alternative embodiment of a magnetically-triggered proximity switch 200 that includes a switch body 202 that extends along a body longitudinal axis 204, and a bias member 206 is non-movably secured within the switch body 202.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 200 also includes a first normally-closed contact 208 having an engagement arm 210, a second normally-closed contact 212 having an engagement arm 214, a first normally-open contact 216 having an engagement arm 218, and a second normally-open contact 220 having an engagement arm 222.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 200 further includes a contact magnet 224 disposed within the switch body 202, the contact magnet 224 being movable relative to the bias member 206 such that the contact magnet 224 is movable between a first switch position 226 (illustrated in Figure 9A ) and a second switch position 228 (illustrated in Figure 9B ).
  • a first switch position 226 illustrated in Figure 9A
  • a second switch position 228 illustrated in Figure 9B
  • the contact magnet 224 contacts a portion of the engagement arm 210 of the first normally-closed contact 208 and a portion of the engagement arm 214 of the second normally-closed contact 212, thereby completing a circuit between the first normally-closed contact 208 and the second normally-closed contact 212.
  • the contact magnet 224 contacts a portion of the engagement arm 218 of the first normally-open contact 216 and a portion of the engagement arm 222 of the second normally-open contact 220, thereby completing a circuit between the first normally-open contact 216 and the second normally-open contact 220.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 200 includes the switch body 202 that extends along the body longitudinal axis 204 such that the switch body 202 has a first end 232 and a second end 234 longitudinally opposite the first end 232.
  • the switch body 202 preferably has a generally cylindrical shape having a circular cross-section. However, the switch body 202 may have any cross-sectional shape, such as a polygon or an oval, for example.
  • the switch body 202 may comprise a single, unitary part or may comprise two or more component parts coupled to form the switch body 202.
  • the switch body 202 may include a first body half 230a and a second body half 230b that combine to form the switch body 202, and the first body half 230a and the second body half 230b may be identical or substantially identical.
  • Each of the first body half 230a and the second body half 230b may be formed from non-conductive material, such as plastic, ceramic, epoxy, or rubber, and may be manufactured using conventional processes, such as injection-molding, for example.
  • the plastic may be a high-temperature material that allows the switch body 202 to be exposed to environments that may damage conventional plastic materials.
  • the first body half 230a and the second body half 230b may be joined to form the switch body 202 using any of several methods known in the art, such as ultrasonic welding or by using an adhesive.
  • the switch body 202 may be made of any suitable material and may be manufactured by any means known in the art.
  • the first body half 230a of the switch body 202 may extend along the body longitudinal axis 204 from the first end 232 of the switch body 202 to the second end 234 of the switch body.
  • the first body half 230a may have a substantially planar mating surface 236a that is adapted to engage a corresponding mating surface (not shown) of the second body half 230b to form the switch body 202.
  • the first body half 230a may also include a first cavity 238a, and the first cavity 238a may extend along the body longitudinal axis 204 that extends along the plane of the mating surface 236a.
  • the first cavity 238a may be disposed adjacent to the first end 232 of the switch body 202, and the first cavity 238a may be shaped and sized to receive a bias member 206 that will be described in more detail below.
  • the first cavity 238a may be semi-cylindrical and may have a longitudinal axis that is coaxial with the body longitudinal axis 204.
  • the first cavity 238a may include a planar first wall 278a disposed at a first longitudinal portion of the first cavity 238a and a planar second wall 280a disposed at a second longitudinal portion of the first cavity 238a adjacent to the first end 232 of the switch body 202.
  • the first wall 278a and the second wall 280a may each be normal to the body longitudinal axis 204.
  • a semi-cylindrical circumferential cavity surface 282a may extend between the first wall 278a and the second wall 280a, and a longitudinal axis of the circumferential cavity surface 282a may be coaxially-aligned with the body longitudinal axis 204.
  • the first cavity 238a of the first body half 230a and the first cavity 238b of second body half 230b combine to form a cylindrical first cavity 238 that is symmetrical about the body longitudinal axis 204 and that has a longitudinal axis aligned with the body longitudinal axis 204.
  • the cylindrical first cavity 238 formed by the first cavity 238a of the first body half 230a and the first cavity 238b of second body half 230b is adapted to receive a disk-shaped bias member 206 (also called a "bias disk”) such that the bias member 206 is non-movably secured (or substantially non-movably secured) within the cylindrical first cavity 238 of the switch body 202.
  • a disk-shaped bias member 206 also called a "bias disk”
  • each of the longitudinal length i.e., the longitudinal distance between the first wall 278a, 278b and the second wall 280a, 280b
  • the diameter of the cylindrical first cavity 238 i.e., the sum of the individual radii of the semi-cylindrical circumferential cavity surface 282a, 282b
  • the bias member 206 may have a longitudinal axis that is coaxially-aligned with the body longitudinal axis 204 when disposed within the first cavity 238.
  • the bias member 206 may be made of a ferrous material (such as steel), a magnetic material, or any other material or combination of materials that results in or causes an attractive magnet force between the material and a magnet (i.e., the contact magnet 224).
  • the first body half 230a of the switch body 202 may include a second cavity 240a formed in the switch body 202.
  • the second cavity 240a may be disposed between the first cavity 238a and the second end 234 of the switch body 202 such that one end of the second cavity 240a may be adjacent to the second end 234 of the switch body 202.
  • the second cavity 240a may be shaped and sized to receive a displaceable contact magnet 224 that will be described in more detail below.
  • the second cavity 240a may be semi-cylindrical and may have a longitudinal axis that is coaxial with the body longitudinal axis 204.
  • the second cavity 240a may include a planar first wall 242a disposed at a first longitudinal end of the second cavity 240a and a planar second wall 244a disposed at a second longitudinal end of the second cavity 240a adjacent to the second end 234 of the switch body 202.
  • the first wall 242a and the second wall 244a may each be normal to the body longitudinal axis 204.
  • a semi-cylindrical circumferential cavity surface 246a may extend between the first wall 242 and the second wall 244, and a longitudinal axis of the circumferential cavity surface 246a may be coaxial with the body longitudinal axis 204.
  • the circumferential cavity surface 246a of the first body half 230a and the circumferential cavity surface 246b of the second body half 230b cooperate to form a cylindrical surface of the second cavity 240 that is symmetrically disposed about (i.e., has a longitudinal axis co-axially aligned with) the body longitudinal axis 204.
  • the first wall 242a and the second wall 244a may be longitudinally separated by any suitable distance to allow the contact magnet 224 to longitudinally displace from a first switch position 226 to a second switch position 228 (as illustrated Figures 9A and 9B ) in a manner described in more detail below.
  • the radius of the circumferential cavity surface 246a, 246b may have any value that allows the contact magnet 224 to longitudinally displace from a first switch position 226 to a second switch position 228 (as illustrated Figures 9A and 9B ) in a manner described in more detail below.
  • the first body half 230a may further include a first contact aperture 248 and a second contact aperture 250 that each extends from an exterior surface 252a of the first body half 230a to the circumferential cavity surface 246a of the first body half 230a.
  • the first contact aperture 248 and the second contact aperture 250 may intersect the circumferential cavity surface 246a at or adjacent to the second wall 244a of the second cavity 240a.
  • a portion of first contact aperture 248 and a portion of the second contact aperture 250 may contact (or may be immediately adjacent to) the edge formed by the intersection of the circumferential cavity surface 246a and the second wall 244a.
  • the first contact aperture 248 and the second contact aperture 250 may each extend along a longitudinal axis, and each longitudinal axis may be parallel and may extend along a first reference plane 254 that is orthogonal to the body longitudinal axis 204.
  • the first contact aperture 248 and the second contact aperture 250 may be symmetrically disposed about the body longitudinal axis 204 (i.e., equidistant from the body longitudinal axis 204) when viewed normal to the planar mating surface 236a.
  • the first contact aperture 248 and the second contact aperture 250 may have any suitable size and shape to receive the engagement arm 218 of the first normally-open contact 216 and the engagement arm 222 of the second normally-open contact 220, respectively.
  • the first contact aperture 248 and the second contact aperture 250 may each have a circular cross-sectional shape with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the engagement arms 218, 222.
  • the diameter of the first contact aperture 248 and the second contact aperture 250 may be substantially equal to (or slightly less than) the diameter of the engagement arms 218, 222 to allow for an interference fit to secure the engagement arms 218, 222 within the first contact aperture 248 and the second contact aperture 250.
  • the first contact aperture 248 and the second contact aperture 250 may have one or more internal tabs, ridges, fins, or other features that may act to engage and retain the engagement arm 218 of the first normally-open contact 216 and the engagement arm 222 of the second normally-open contact 220.
  • the second body half 230b may include a first contact aperture 256 and a second contact aperture 258 that each extends from an exterior surface 252b of the second body half 230b to the circumferential cavity surface 246b of the second body half 230b.
  • the first contact aperture 256 and the second contact aperture 258 may intersect the circumferential cavity surface 246b at or adjacent to the first wall 242b of the second cavity 240b of the of the second body half 230b.
  • a portion of first contact aperture 256 and a portion of the second contact aperture 258 may contact (or may be immediately adjacent to) the edge formed by the intersection of the circumferential cavity surface 246b and the first wall 242b.
  • the first contact aperture 256 and the second contact aperture 258 may each extend along a longitudinal axis, and each longitudinal axis may be parallel and may extend along a second reference plane 260 that is orthogonal to the body longitudinal axis 204 and longitudinally offset from the first reference plane 254.
  • the first contact aperture 256 and the second contact aperture 258 may be symmetrically disposed about the body longitudinal axis 204 (i.e., equidistant from the body longitudinal axis 204) when viewed normal to the planar mating surface 236b of the second body half 230b.
  • the longitudinal axis of the first contact aperture 248 of the first body half 230a may be longitudinally aligned (i.e., aligned with a reference axis that is parallel to the body longitudinal axis 204) with the longitudinal axis of the first contact aperture 256 of the second body half 230b when viewed normal to the planar mating surface 236a of the first body half 230a.
  • the longitudinal axis of the second contact aperture 250 of the first body half 230a may be longitudinally aligned (i.e., aligned with a reference axis that is parallel to the body longitudinal axis 204) with the longitudinal axis of the second contact aperture 258 of the second body half 230b when viewed normal to the planar mating surface 236a of the first body half 230a.
  • the first contact aperture 256 and the second contact aperture 258 may have any suitable size and shape to receive the engagement arm 210 of the first normally-closed contact 208 and the engagement arm 214 of the second normally-closed contact 212, respectively.
  • the first contact aperture 256 and the second contact aperture 258 may each have a circular cross-sectional shape with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the engagement arms 210, 214.
  • the diameter of the first contact aperture 256 and the second contact aperture 258 may be substantially equal to (or slightly smaller than) the diameter of the engagement arms 210, 214 to allow for an interference fit to secure the engagement arms 210, 214 within the first contact aperture 256 and the second contact aperture 258.
  • the first contact aperture 256 and the second contact aperture 258 may have one or more internal tabs, ridges, fins, or other features that may act to engage and retain the engagement arm 210 of the first normally-closed contact 208 and the engagement arm 214 of the second normally-closed contact 212.
  • the first body half 230a may also include a first auxiliary contact aperture 264 and a second auxiliary contact aperture 266 that are each coaxially aligned with the first contact aperture 256 and the second contact aperture 258, respectively, of the second body half 230b.
  • the second body half 230b may also include a first auxiliary contact aperture 268 and a second auxiliary contact aperture 270 that are each coaxially aligned with the first contact aperture 248 and the second contact aperture 250, respectively, of the first body half 230a.
  • the first body half 230a may include one or more longitudinal grooves 262a formed in the exterior surface 252a.
  • the first body half 230a may include two grooves 262a that extend along the exterior surface 252a such that the each of the grooves 262a is parallel to the body longitudinal axis 204.
  • a first of the two grooves 262a may intersect the first contact aperture 248 and the first auxiliary contact aperture 264 such that each of the first contact aperture 248 and the first auxiliary contact aperture 264 intersects the exterior surface 252a within the first groove 262a.
  • a second of the two grooves 262a may intersect the second contact aperture 250 and the second auxiliary contact aperture 266 such that each of the second contact aperture 250 and the second auxiliary contact aperture 266 intersects the exterior surface 252a within the second groove 262a.
  • Each of the first and second grooves 262a may extend from the first end 232 of the switch body 202 to a point adjacent to the second end 234 of the switch body 202.
  • the second body half 230b may include one or more longitudinal grooves 262b formed in the exterior surface 252b.
  • the second body half 230b may include two grooves 262b that extend along the exterior surface 252b such that the each of the grooves 262b is parallel to the body longitudinal axis 204.
  • a first of the two grooves 262b may intersect the first contact aperture 256 and the first auxiliary contact aperture 268 such that each of the first contact aperture 256 and the first auxiliary contact aperture 268 intersects the exterior surface 252b within the first groove 262b.
  • a second of the two grooves 262b may intersect the second contact aperture 258 and the second auxiliary contact aperture 270 such that each of the second contact aperture 258 and the second auxiliary contact aperture 270 intersects the exterior surface 252b within the second groove 262b.
  • Each of the first and second grooves 262b may extend from the first end 232 of the switch body 202 to a point adjacent to the second end 234 of the switch body 202.
  • Each of the grooves 262a, 262b may have an identical cross-sectional shape that is adapted to receive a portion of one of the first normally-closed contact 208, the second normally-closed contact 212, the first normally-open contact 216, and the second normally-open contact 220 in a manner that will be described in more detail below.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 200 may include the first normally-closed contact 208 and the second normally-closed contact 212.
  • the first normally-closed contact 208 may include the engagement arm 210 that is received into the first contact aperture 256 of the second body half 230b.
  • the engagement arm 210 may have any suitable shape, such as, for example, an elongated, cylindrical shape having a longitudinal axis that is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first contact aperture 256.
  • the first normally-closed contact 208 may also include an elongated extension arm 272 that extends from a distal end 274 of the engagement arm 210.
  • the extension arm 272 may have any suitable shape, such as, for example, an elongated, cylindrical shape having a longitudinal axis that is disposed orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the engagement arm 210 such that the first normally-closed contact 208 has an L-shape.
  • the extension arm 272 With the engagement arm 210 received into the first contact aperture 256 of the second body half 230b, the extension arm 272 is longitudinally received into a corresponding groove 262b formed on the exterior surface 252b of the second body half 230b such that a distal end 276 of the extension arm 272 extends beyond the first end 232 of switch body 202.
  • the engagement arm 210 that is received into the first contact aperture 256 of the second body half 230b may also be at least partially received into the first auxiliary contact aperture 264 of the first body half 230a to further secure the engagement arm 210 within the switch body 202.
  • the second normally-closed contact 212 may include the engagement arm 214 that is received into the second contact aperture 258 of the second body half 230b and the second auxiliary contact aperture 266 of the first body half 230a in the same manner that the engagement arm 210 of the first normally-closed contact 208 is received into the first contact aperture 256 of the second body half 230b and the first auxiliary contact aperture 264 of the first body half 230a, respectively.
  • An elongated extension arm 286 may extend from a distal end 288 of the engagement arm 214, and the extension arm 286 may be longitudinally received into a corresponding groove 262b formed on the exterior surface 252b of the second body half 230b such that a distal end 290 of the extension arm 286 extends beyond the first end 232 of switch body 202.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 200 may include the first normally-open contact 216 and the second normally-open contact 220.
  • the first normally-open contact 216 may include the engagement arm 218 that is received into the first contact aperture 248 of the first body half 230a and the first auxiliary contact aperture 268 of the second body half 230b in the same manner that the engagement arm 210 of the first normally-closed contact 208 is received into the first contact aperture 256 of the second body half 230b and the first auxiliary contact aperture 264 of the first body half 230a, respectively.
  • An elongated extension arm 292 may extend from a distal end 294 of the engagement arm 218, and the extension arm 292 may be longitudinally received into a corresponding groove 262a formed on the exterior surface 252a of the first body half 230a such that a distal end 296 of the extension arm 292 extends beyond the first end 232 of switch body 202.
  • the second normally-open contact 220 may include the engagement arm 222 that is received into the second contact aperture 250 of the first body half 230a and the second auxiliary contact aperture 270 of the second body half 230b in the same manner that the engagement arm 210 of the first normally-closed contact 208 is received into the first contact aperture 256 of the second body half 230b and the first auxiliary contact aperture 264 of the first body half 230a, respectively.
  • An elongated extension arm 298 may extend from a distal end 300 of the engagement arm 222, and the extension arm 298 may be longitudinally received into a corresponding groove 262a formed on the exterior surface 252a of the first body half 230a such that a distal end 302 of the extension arm 298 extends beyond the first end 232 of switch body 202.
  • the extension arms 272, 286, 292, 298 may be parallel and the distal ends 284, 290, 296, 302 of the extension arms 272, 286, 292, 298 may each be longitudinally equidistant from the first end 232 of the switch body 202.
  • the first and second normally-closed contacts 208, 212 and the first and second normally-open contact 216, 220 may each be made from any suitable non-magnetic conducting material or combination of materials, such as copper or silver, for example.
  • the first and second first normally-closed contacts 208, 212 and the first and second normally-open contact 216, 220 may also be fully or partially coated (e.g., coated only at portions intended to engage the contact magnet 224) by any suitable plating, such as gold plating.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 200 may include a body sleeve 304 that surrounds the switch body 202 from the first end 232 and a second end 234.
  • the body sleeve 304 may correspond in cross-sectional shape to the cross-sectional shape of the switch body 202.
  • the switch body 202 that may be comprised of the first body half 230a and the second body half 230b
  • the body sleeve 304 may have a cylindrical inner surface 306 and an outer surface 308.
  • the outer surface 308 may have any suitable shape, such as a cylindrical shape, and may include one or more mounting features (not shown).
  • the inner surface 306 may have a diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical exterior surface (i.e., the exterior surfaces 252a, 252b) of the switch body 202, and a longitudinal axis of the inner surface 306 and the outer surface 308 may be coaxially aligned with the body longitudinal axis 204.
  • a slight gap may exist between the inner surface 306 of the body sleeve 304 and the cylindrical exterior surface 252 of the switch body 202 to accommodate the extension arms 272, 286, 292, 298 disposed in the grooves 262a, 262b formed in the exterior surfaces 252a, 252b of the switch body 202, and contact between the inner surface 306 body sleeve 304 the extension arms 272, 286, 292, 298 may maintain the associated engagement arms 210, 214, 218, 222 in a desired position relative to the switch body 202.
  • the gap between the inner surface 306 of the body sleeve 304 and the cylindrical exterior surface 252 of the switch body 202 may be filled with an epoxy and/or any other suitably sealing material to prevent water or dirt from entering the gap.
  • the body sleeve 304 may include an end wall 309 disposed at a longitudinal end of the body sleeve 304 adjacent to the second end 234 of the switch body 202, and the end wall 309 may close off the longitudinal end of the body sleeve 304.
  • the end wall 309 may be planar and may extend normal to the body longitudinal axis 204. Instead of having an end wall 309, the longitudinal end of the body sleeve 304 adjacent to the second end 234 of the switch body 202 may be open.
  • the body sleeve 304 may be formed from any suitable non-conductive and non-magnetic material, such as the same non-conductive plastic material used to form the switch body 202 ( e.g ., plastic, ceramic, epoxy, or rubber).
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 200 also includes the contact magnet 224 disposed within the switch body 202. More specifically, the contact magnet 224 may be disposed within the second cavity 240 of the switch body 202 that may be a cylindrical cavity formed by the semi-cylindrical second cavity 240a of the first body half 230a and the semi-cylindrical second cavity 240b of the second body half 230b.
  • the contact magnet 224 may be spherical in shape and may have a diameter that is slightly smaller than (e.g., 3% to 15% smaller than) the diameter of the cylindrical second cavity 240.
  • the contact magnet 224 may be made from or coated with a conductive material.
  • the contact magnet 224 may be a spherical neodymium magnet that is gold plated.
  • the contact magnet 224 may have any shape or size that allows the contact magnet 224 to longitudinally displace from the first switch position 226 (illustrated in Figure 9A ) to the second switch position 228 (illustrated in Figure 9B ).
  • an attractive magnetic force acts between the bias member 206 and the contact magnet 224 to maintain the contact magnet 224 in the first switch position 226 (illustrated in Figure 9A ).
  • the conductive contact magnet 224 is in contact with a portion of the engagement arm 210 of the first normally-closed contact 208 and a portion of the engagement arm 214 of the second normally-closed contact 212, thereby completing a circuit between the first normally-closed contact 208 and the second normally-closed contact 212.
  • the conductive contact magnet 224 is not in contact with any portion of the engagement arm 218 of the first normally-open contact 216 or any portion of the portion of the engagement arm 222 of the second normally-open contact 220, thereby resulting in an open circuit between the first normally-open contact 216 and the second normally-open contact 220. Accordingly, the closed circuit that results from the first switch position 226 can be detected by a processor, controller, or other detector that is operatively connected to a portion (such as the distal end 284) of the extension arm 272 of the first normally-closed contact 208 and to a portion (such as the distal end 290) of the extension arm 286 of the second normally-closed contact 212.
  • the open circuit that results from the first switch position 226 can be detected by a processor, controller, or other detector that is operatively connected to a portion (such as the distal end 296) of the extension arm 292 of the first normally-open contact 216 and to a portion (such as the distal end 302) of the extension arm 298 of the second normally-open contact 220.
  • a magnetic target 310 which may be formed from or include a permanent magnet or a ferrous metal
  • the magnetic force between the target 310 and the contact magnet 224 i.e., the second magnetic force
  • the first magnet force i.e., the attractive magnetic force between the contact magnet 224 and the bias member 206.
  • the more powerful second magnetic force acts to longitudinally displace the contact magnet 224 from the first switch position 226 illustrated in Figure 9A to the second switch position 228 illustrated in Figure 9B .
  • the conductive contact magnet 224 is in contact with a portion of the engagement arm 218 of the first normally-open contact 216 and a portion of the engagement arm 222 of the second normally-open contact 220, thereby completing a circuit between the first normally-open contact 216 and the second normally-open contact 220.
  • the closed circuit that results from the second switch position 228 can be detected by a processor, controller, or other detector that is operatively connected to a portion (such as the distal end 296) of the extension arm 292 of the first normally-open contact 216 and to a portion (such as the distal end 302) of the extension arm 298 of the second normally-open contact 220.
  • the conductive contact magnet 224 is not in contact with any portion of the engagement arm 210 of the first normally-closed contact 208 or any portion of the engagement arm 214 of the second normally-closed contact 212, thereby resulting in an open circuit between the first normally-closed contact 208 and the second normally-closed contact 212.
  • the open circuit that results from the second switch position 228 can be detected by a processor, controller, or other detector that is operatively connected to connected to a portion (such as the distal end 284) of the extension arm 272 of the first normally-closed contact 208 and to a portion (such as the distal end 290) of the extension arm 286 of the second normally-closed contact 212.
  • the magnetic force between the bias member 206 and the contact magnet 224 i.e., the first magnetic force
  • the magnetic force between the contact magnet 224 and the target 310 i.e., the second magnetic force
  • the first magnetic force longitudinally displaces the contact magnet 224 from the second switch position 228 to the first switch position 226 in the manner described above.
  • the circumferential cavity surface 246a of the first body half 230a and the circumferential cavity surface 246b of the second body half 230b cooperate to form or at least partially define the cylindrical surface of the second cavity 240.
  • the cylindrical surface of the second cavity 240 may have any suitable diameter that allows the contact magnet 224 to longitudinally displace from the first switch position 226 to the second switch position 228 and vice versa. More specifically, the cylindrical surface of the second cavity 240 may be adapted to limit or prevent movement of the contact magnet 224 in a direction normal to the body longitudinal axis 204 when the contact magnet 224 is in the first switch position 226, the second switch position 228, or longitudinally displacing from the second switch position 228 to the first switch position 226 (and vice versa).
  • the diameter of the cylindrical surface of the second cavity 240 may be slightly larger (e.g., 5% to 15% larger) than the diameter of the spherical contact magnet 224.
  • the magnetic force between the target 310 and the contact magnet 224 may depend on several factors, such as the relative size of the target 310 and the contact magnet 224, the distance between the target 310 and the contact magnet 224, and these variables can be adjusted to provide a desired predetermined range for a particular application. In a similar manner the magnetic force between the contact magnet 224 and the bias member 206 can also be adjusted.
  • the disclosed embodiments of the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 200 allow for a relatively small switch 202 having a simple actuating mechanism that includes a single moving part (i.e ., the contact magnet 224) that acts as both an actuator and a contact.
  • This simplified design minimizes the number of assembly components and reduces the number of assembly operations, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and assembly time.
  • the simplified design also permits an overall size reduction (limited only by the contact magnet's 224 diameter) that allows the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 200 to be used in applications with limited space requirements, such as in electrical junction boxes.
  • the magnetically-triggered proximity switch 200 is intended for the switching of PLC level loads (such as 5V, for example) or lower, the contact sizes can be correspondingly small, thereby allowing for a further size reduction of the proximity switch 200. It is also apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art that an external power source is not necessary, thereby simplifying installation and extending the working life of the proximity switch 200.
  • two or more switching circuits may be included in a single switch body 202 of the proximity switch 200, and each switching circuit may operate independently to allow a contact magnet 224 of each circuit to move from a first switch position 226 to a second switch position 228 in the manner previously described.
  • the two or more switching circuits may be positioned in a linear orientation within the switch body 202 to measure linear travel.
  • the two or more switching circuits may be disposed in a grid pattern within the switch body 202 to allow for X-Y target positioning (e.g ., positioning in a direction along the body longitudinal axis 204 and normal to the body longitudinal axis 204).
  • the proximity switch 200 may be hermetically sealed to protect the proximity switch 200 from water or dirt particles or to allow the proximity switch 200 to be used in hazardous locations.
  • LEDS may be included in or on a portion of the switch body 202 or the body sleeve 204 to visually indicate whether the proximity switch 200 is in the first switch position 226 or the second switch position 228.

Landscapes

  • Switches That Are Operated By Magnetic Or Electric Fields (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
EP13707482.9A 2012-02-09 2013-02-07 Magnetically-triggered proximity switch Active EP2812905B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/370,222 US8400241B2 (en) 2010-06-11 2012-02-09 Magnetically-triggered proximity switch
PCT/US2013/025011 WO2013119723A1 (en) 2012-02-09 2013-02-07 Magnetically-triggered proximity switch

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2812905A1 EP2812905A1 (en) 2014-12-17
EP2812905B1 true EP2812905B1 (en) 2016-08-31

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13707482.9A Active EP2812905B1 (en) 2012-02-09 2013-02-07 Magnetically-triggered proximity switch

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EP (1) EP2812905B1 (ko)
JP (1) JP2015510245A (ko)
KR (1) KR20140128334A (ko)
CN (2) CN203312157U (ko)
AR (1) AR089904A1 (ko)
BR (1) BR112014019606A8 (ko)
CA (1) CA2862726A1 (ko)
IN (1) IN2014DN07366A (ko)
MX (1) MX2014009549A (ko)
RU (1) RU2014134277A (ko)
WO (1) WO2013119723A1 (ko)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AR089904A1 (es) * 2012-02-09 2014-10-01 Gen Equipment & Mfg Co Inc Dba Topworx Inc Interruptor de proximidad activado magneticamente
DK178545B1 (en) * 2014-11-27 2016-06-13 As Wodschow & Co Magnetisk aktiverbart sikkerhedsafbryderarrangement
JP2018137175A (ja) * 2017-02-23 2018-08-30 ソニー株式会社 コントローラおよび情報処理システム
CN107707237B (zh) * 2017-10-27 2021-08-24 潍坊宏图环保设备有限公司 一种具有伸缩功能的光电接近开关
GB2607789A (en) * 2020-01-24 2022-12-14 General Equipment And Mfg Company Inc D/B/A Topworx Inc High temperature switch apparatus
CN114724891A (zh) * 2022-05-12 2022-07-08 贵州华阳电工有限公司 永磁式多刀接近开关

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FR1431841A (fr) * 1965-02-03 1966-03-18 Bernier & Cie Ets Contacteur magnétique et ses applications
BE703128A (ko) * 1967-08-25 1968-01-15
JPH05342961A (ja) * 1992-06-03 1993-12-24 Omron Corp 近接スイッチ
JP3094665B2 (ja) * 1992-06-25 2000-10-03 オムロン株式会社 有極電磁石装置
JPH06295649A (ja) * 1993-04-12 1994-10-21 Tdk Corp 永久磁石スイッチ
JPH07320615A (ja) * 1994-05-23 1995-12-08 Tdk Corp 永久磁石スイッチ
US5877664A (en) * 1996-05-08 1999-03-02 Jackson, Jr.; John T. Magnetic proximity switch system
US5929731A (en) * 1996-05-08 1999-07-27 Jackson Research, Inc. Balanced magnetic proximity switch assembly
WO1997042709A1 (en) * 1996-05-08 1997-11-13 Jackson John T Jr Magnetic proximity switch system
WO2011156206A1 (en) * 2010-06-11 2011-12-15 General Equipment And Manufacturing Company, Inc., D/B/A Topworx, Inc. Magnetically-triggered proximity switch
AR089904A1 (es) * 2012-02-09 2014-10-01 Gen Equipment & Mfg Co Inc Dba Topworx Inc Interruptor de proximidad activado magneticamente

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IN2014DN07366A (ko) 2015-04-24
WO2013119723A1 (en) 2013-08-15
KR20140128334A (ko) 2014-11-05
EP2812905A1 (en) 2014-12-17
CN103247473B (zh) 2017-09-29
BR112014019606A2 (ko) 2017-06-20
AR089904A1 (es) 2014-10-01
CA2862726A1 (en) 2013-08-15
MX2014009549A (es) 2014-11-21
RU2014134277A (ru) 2016-03-27
CN203312157U (zh) 2013-11-27
BR112014019606A8 (pt) 2017-07-11
JP2015510245A (ja) 2015-04-02
CN103247473A (zh) 2013-08-14

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