Magnetic-capacitive switching appts. - has magnetic element brought into proximity of capacitor to alter spacing between capacitor plates

摘要

The switch has a permanent magnet (3) movable relative to a capacitor (2), to alter the capacitance. The magnet (3) may be movable transverse to the capacitor (2), or to and from it in a perpendicular direction, or it may be moved around a curved path to one side of the capacitor (2). Alternatively an electromagnet is used with the capacitance of the capacitor (2) altered by switching the electromagnet on or off, the capacitor (2) pref. lying within the electromagnet. The capacitor (2) has a stationary electrode (5) and a magnetically-sensitive movable electrode (6) separated by an intermediate dielectric (7), so that the distance between the electrodes (5,6) and hence the capacitance is dependant on the proximity of the magnet (3). The switch has a long working life and exhibits a constant switching point.