US 10,476,497 B2 · Safe switching device

Abstract

Method and device for safe switching of a signal between a first and second point. Device includes a first branch having a first switch and second switch arranged between the first and second point, and a parallel second branch having a third switch and fourth switch. A testing device instructs a control unit, in a test sequence, to open the first switch for a first period of time, open the second switch for a second period of time, open the third switch for a third period of time, and open the fourth switch for a fourth period of time. Neither the first nor second periods of time overlap with the third or fourth period of time. A testing unit tests functioning of the switches during respective period of time, and generates an error signal in the event of a malfunction of at least one switch.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A method for switching a signal on a connection between a first point and a second point, the method comprising:

passing the signal through a first switch and a serial second switch in a first branch connecting the first point and the second point;
passing the signal through a third switch and a serial fourth switch in a second branch that is parallel to the first branch and connects the first point and the second point;
and
in a test sequence:
opening the first switch for a first period of time and then closing the first switch;
opening the second switch for a second period of time and then closing the second switch;
opening the third switch for a third period of time and then closing the third switch;
and
opening the fourth switch for a fourth period of time and then closing the fourth switch,
wherein neither the first nor second period of time overlaps with the third or fourth period of time, and a functioning of the first, second, third and fourth switches is tested during a respective first, second, third and fourth period of time, and an error signal is generated in an event of a malfunction of at least one switch.

7 more elements

A switching device for switching a signal on a connection between a first point and a second point, the switching device comprising:

a first branch having a first switch and a serial second switch being arranged between the first point and the second point;
a second branch having a third switch and a serial fourth switch being arranged parallel to the first branch;
at least one control unit, which is connected to the switches and is configured to control the switches via control signals;
a testing device, which is connected to the at least one control unit and is configured to instruct the at least one control unit, in a test sequence, to:
open the first switch for a first period of time and then close same again,
open the second switch for a second period of time and then close same again,
open the third switch for a third period of time and then close same again, and
open the fourth switch for a fourth period of time and then close same again,
wherein neither the first period of time nor the second period of time overlaps with the third or fourth period of time;
and
at least one testing unit is configured to test the functioning of the switches during the respective periods of time, and to generate an error signal in the event of a malfunction of at least one switch.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Safe switching device

Life of this patent

Safe switching device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16