Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Safety and protection of systems and devices – Arc suppression at switching point
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-14
2001-04-10
Jackson, Stephen W. (Department: 2836)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Safety and protection of systems and devices
Arc suppression at switching point
C361S008000, C361S013000, C361S115000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06215632
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a switching device having a movable contact member for producing an isolating distance, and having a switching element integrated in the contact member.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Switching devices having a movable contact member for producing an isolating distance, and having a switching element integrated in the contact member are known as fuse disconnecting switches. In these devices, the movable contact members contain fuses whose ends are provided with blade contacts, as is described in, for example, German Utility Model G 94 04 155.5.
It is also conventional for a load-current switch or circuit-breaker to be connected toward the input side in series with a switching unit, for example a soft starter for three-phase asynchronous motors.
For electronic branch switches, the use of semiconductor switching elements which, for example, contain silicon or, in a particularly advantageous way, silicon carbide as substrate is recommended. Despite the outstanding insulating properties of silicon carbide given appropriate driving into the locking state, a visible isolating distance is to be ensured for safety reasons in the case of interruption of the current flow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a switching device of the above-named type so that the advantageous properties of semiconductor switching elements are associated in a simple way with the requirement for a visible isolating distance.
The object is achieved according to the present invention by virtue of the fact that the switching element is a semiconductor switching element.
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Kaluza Peter
Maier Reinhard
Mitlehner Heinz
Schreckinger Christian
Schrother Gerhard
Jackson Stephen W.
Kenyon & Kenyon
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
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