US3291949A - Fluid-blast circuit interrupters having improved arc splitter structure - Google Patents

Fluid-blast circuit interrupters having improved arc splitter structure Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3291949A
US3291949A US397512A US39751264A US3291949A US 3291949 A US3291949 A US 3291949A US 397512 A US397512 A US 397512A US 39751264 A US39751264 A US 39751264A US 3291949 A US3291949 A US 3291949A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
interrupting
pressure
movable
contact
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US397512A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Charles F Cromer
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.)
Westinghouse Electric Corp
Original Assignee
Westinghouse Electric Corp
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 Westinghouse Electric Corp filed Critical Westinghouse Electric Corp
Priority to US397512A priority Critical patent/US3291949A/en
Priority to CH1256965A priority patent/CH438452A/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3291949A publication Critical patent/US3291949A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/02—Details
    • H01H33/04—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H33/14—Multiple main contacts for the purpose of dividing the current through, or potential drop along, the arc
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/70—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
    • H01H33/72—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid having stationary parts for directing the flow of arc-extinguishing fluid, e.g. arc-extinguishing chamber
    • H01H33/75—Liquid-break switches, e.g. oil-break
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/70—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
    • H01H33/88—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid the flow of arc-extinguishing fluid being produced or increased by movement of pistons or other pressure-producing parts
    • H01H33/94—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid the flow of arc-extinguishing fluid being produced or increased by movement of pistons or other pressure-producing parts this movement being effected solely due to the pressure caused by the arc itself or by an auxiliary arc
    • H01H33/96—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid the flow of arc-extinguishing fluid being produced or increased by movement of pistons or other pressure-producing parts this movement being effected solely due to the pressure caused by the arc itself or by an auxiliary arc the arc-extinguishing fluid being liquid, e.g. oil

Definitions

  • This invention relates, in general, to circuit interrupters of the fluid blast type, and, more particularly, to such types of circuit interrupters having improved arc-splitter structures.
  • the ability of a circuit interrupter to withstand high rates of rise of recovery voltages in alternating-current systems is proportional to the arc voltage at current zero. In other words, if a circuit interrupter is to withstand higher rates of rise of recovery voltages, the arc voltage must be increased at current zero.
  • the means for increasing the arc voltage at current zero should not jeopardize other critical areas, such as by bridging the contacts of the circuit interrupter with solid insulation when the contacts are in their open position, which would introduce the hazards of creepage. Any means for increasing the arc voltage must maintain an isolating gap between the contacts in their open position.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved circuit interrupter which provides a high are voltage at current zero.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a new and improved current interrupter which provides a high are voltage at current zero, and which has an isolating gap between its contacts when they are in their opencircuit position.
  • Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved fluid-blast circuit interrupter which has an improved interrupting structure capable of withstanding high rates of rise of recovery voltages and which generates the fluid-blast by pressure-generating contacts disposed within a pressure chamber, which operate simultaneously with the interrupting contacts.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved fluid-blast high-voltage circuit interrupter having pressure-generating and interrupting contacts, in which the movable portions of the pressure-generating and interrupting contacts are serially related to form a partial loop.
  • the present invention accomplishes the abovecited objects by providing a live-tank type of circuit interrupter supported by suitable insulating supports, in which is disposed an improved interrupting structure.
  • the fluid blast is generated within a pressure chamber disposed within each tank of the circuit interrupter, with pressuregenerating contacts disposed within the pressure chamber.
  • the movable portions of the pressure-generating contacts are serially related and operate simultaneously with the movable portions of the interrupting contacts.
  • the serially-related movable contacts provide a loop effect which forces the are generated between the interrupting contacts to move to the outside of the loop.
  • Splitter-type interrupters which provide a high are voltage at current zero, are mounted remotely, such as on one of the tank walls, and are disposed such that the arc moves against the splitter plates by the loop effect.
  • the fluid blast is directed to force the are into the splitters, lengthening and cooling the arc and increasing the arc voltage.
  • Another embodiment of the invention combines the splitter-type interrupter with the orifice-type interrupter, obtaining the advantages of both types of interrupters, and still providing the desirable isolating gap between the interrupting contacts while they are in their open-circuit position.
  • FIGURE 1 is an end elevational view of a three-phase, high voltage, fluid-blast circuit interrupter of the type which may utilize the teachings of this invention
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of one of the poleunits of the circuit interrupter shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken through one of the live-tank interrupting structures of FIGS. 1 and 2,
  • FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view similar to that of FIG. 3, but the contact structure shown in the closed-circuit position;
  • FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken through a modified-type of live-tank interrupting structure with the contact structure being shown in the open-circuit position, illustrating another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view of the contact structure shown in FIG. 5, with the contacts shown in the closedcircuit position.
  • the circuit-interrupting assemblage 10 may have pole-units 12, 14 and 16 mounted upon an angle-iron frame 18, with each poleunit having two or more similar serially-related interrupting portions, if desired.
  • the frame 18 is at ground potential and may be disposed upon a base 20, formed of concrete or other suitable material.
  • An enclosure 22, for the operating mechanism, may be mounted upon the frame 18, and may house any suitable operating mechanism 24, such as hydraulic, pneumatic or electric-solenoid.
  • the mechanical linkage extending from the operating mechanism 24 to the circuit-interrupting units 26 may include a reciprocally-operable rod 28, as shown in FIG. 2, extending upwardly from the operating mechanism 24 through a housing tube 30, where it is pivotally connected to one end of a bell-crank lever 32.
  • the bell-crank lever 32 is keyed to an operating shaft 34 extending in opposite directions from the bell-crank lever 32.
  • the rotatable operating shaft 34 is keyed to a pair of crank arms 36, which effect reciprocal horizontal movement of a pair of operating rods 38, shown in FIG. 1, which extend along the upper portion of frame 18 below insulating supporting columns 40, which are used to support the circuit-interrupting units 26.
  • the operating rods 38 are pivotally connected to bell-cranks 42 pivotally mounted on shafts 44.
  • the operating shafts 44 have crank-arms 46, to which insulating operating rods 48 are pivotally attached.
  • the insulating operating rods 48 extend upwardly through the insulating supporting columns 40, and their reciprocal operation effects the opening and closing movements required by the movable portions of the contact structures associated with each of the circuitinterrupting units 26, which will be described in more detail hereinafter. It is to be understood that the pa-rticular operating arrangement and sequence described is illustrative only. Any operating arrangement for effecting the opening and closing movement of the contact structures associated with the interrupting units 26 will be suitable.
  • Each interrupting unit 26 includes a pressurized metallic enclosure, or housing 50, and a pair of terminal bushings 52 and 54 having terminals 56 and 58, respectively, disposed at their outer end portions.
  • the number of interrupting units 26, serially connected to form each pole-unit depends upon the operating voltage, with two interrupting units 26, connected by a conductor 60, being shown in FIG. 2 for purposes of illustration.
  • the electrical circuit for the poleunit 16 would enter terminal 56 from line L1, traverse the interior of bushing 52 into the interrupting unit 26, and out of unit 26 through bushing 54 to terminal 58. The circuit then continues in a similar manner through the other serially-connected interrupting unit 26.
  • a pair of cylindrical support members 62 are secured, by welding or by any other suitable means, to the housing 50 of interrupting unit 26.
  • Each support member 62 includes a flange 64, which aligns and supports the flange member 66 associated with each of the terminal bushings 52 and 54.
  • Terminal bushings 52 and 54 may be constructed in a conventional manner, with each having an external weather-proof casing 70 and an internal casing 72 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).
  • a terminal stud 74 (FIGS. 3 and 4) extends centrally through each of the terminal bushings 52 and 54, and each stud 74 has threadably secured or clamped thereto a. fixed contact adapter 76.
  • each contact adapter 76 has a fixed contact 80 secured to its lower end, with the fixed contact 80 comprising a plurality of contact finger segments 82, which make contact with a movable knife-blade type of movable interrupting contact 84.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the movable interrupting contact 84 in the closed-circuit po-- sition, making electrical contact with the contact finger segments 82.
  • One of the contact finger segments 82 has a portion 86, which extends below the other finger segments 82 and, since it is the last portion of fixed contact 80 to break contact with movable contact 84, it always draws the arc 90, as shown in FIG. 3, which ensures that the other finger segments 82 will be maintained in good contacting condition for continuous current-carrying capability.
  • a knife-blade type contact structure 84 is shown in FIG. 3, it is to be understood that any suitable contact arrangement may be employed.
  • Each pressurized metallic interrupter enclosure 50 includes a pressure chamber, or reservoir 100 maintained in a fixed position within interrupter enclosure 50 by any suitable means, such as by bolts (not shown) or any other suitable fastening means.
  • a check valve 102 is disposed in the wall of the pressure chamber 100, which closes when the pressure within the chamber 100 exceeds the pressure outside of the chamber 100 by an amount sufficient to overcome the bias of valve springs 104. When the pressure differential subsides to a predetermined point, the spring bias opens the valve 102 to allow insulating fluid, such as liquid SP to pass into the chamber '100 from the surrounding region.
  • Opening accelerating springs may be disposed around the coupling member128 in a well known manner.
  • a metallic bellows 130 may be provided to seal the opening 132 leading into the pressurized enclosure 50.
  • Springs 133 may be used to cushion the movable portion of cross-head structure when the 'circuit is broken and the cross-head structure 110 returns to its fully open-circuit position, as shown in FIG. 3.
  • a downward opening motion of coupling member 128 causes the crank-arms 120 to be rotated in a direction toward each other, which action moves the driving rollers 118 to the inner portions of the raceways 116, thereby lifting the cross-head structure 110 and causing the movable contacts 84 and 85 to assume their closed-circuit position shown in FIG. 4.
  • This type of cross-head structure arrangement 110 has the advantage of self-alignment and the absence of any lateral forces, which could result in jamming.
  • a more detailed description of the mechanical features and advantages of this type of cross-head arrangement 110 is given in United States patent application Serial No. 101,620, filed April 3, 1961, now US. Patent 3,214,541, issued October 26, 1965, to Benjamin P. Baker, et al., and assigned to the same assignee as the present application.
  • Arc-splitter means 160 are disposed diametrically opposite the openings in the orifice members 154.
  • Splitter means 160 include a plurality of splitter members 162, which may be formed of polytetrafluoroethylene, or other suitable material, and are designed to surround and contain the are 90, with portions of the splitter members 162 cut away to allow the movable contact 84 to operate without interference with the splitter members 162.
  • Splitter means 162 provide the high-extinction arc voltage necessary to interrupt high voltages. It is important to note that the splitter means 160 are mounted remotely from the interrupting contacts 80 and 84, in order to eliminate any solid insulation that might bridge the gap between contacts 80 and 84 in their open-circuit position.
  • An isolating gap 164 is maintained between contacts 80 and 84 While they are in their open-circuit position, thus preventing possible creepage across solid insulating surfaces.
  • the splitter means 160 may be mounted on the side walls 166 of tank enclosure 50 by any suitable securing means.
  • the pressure-generating arcs 140 are produced at substantially the same instant that the interrupting arcs 90 are produced thereby, building up an extremely high pressure within the pressure chamber 100.
  • the fluid 141 such as liquefied SP with-in the pressure chamber 100, under the high pressure, is ejected outwardly through the directing orifices 152, as shown by the arrows, and forces the arcs 90 between the splitter members 162 of splitter means 160, thus lengthening and cooling the arcs 90 and increasing the arc voltage.
  • the orifices 152 to discharge the high pressure fluid outwardly in diametrically opposite directions, that the resultant reaction upon the pressure chamber 100 is substantially zero. Since these interrupting units are mounted on relatively long supporting columns 40, it is important not to generate unbalanced forces. The long moment arm would produce torques which would be difiicult to brace against if unbalanced forces were encountered.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, with like reference numerals in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, indicating like components.
  • the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 provides an interrupting structure 200, which extin-gu'ishes an are 201 due to the dual action of the splitter fingers 202 and the interrupting orifice 204.
  • the interrupting action is due primarily to orifice action, as sufficient fluid flow will be produced through the orifice 204 to extinguish the are 201 before contact 210 has reached a point which exposes the splitter interrupter.
  • As the current increases a point will be reached where the orifice interrupter 204 will be marginal and pass current zeroes.
  • the directing orifice 212, the interrupting orifice 204, and the splitter members 202 are all formed in one integral assembly, from polytetrafluo-roethylene, or any other suitable insulating material, th-us greatly simplifying installation, alignment and servicing of the interrupting structure.
  • the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes a pressure-generating tube 214, which may be formed of aluminum, or any other suitable metallic material, which insures that the pressure-generating tube is at the same floating potential as the casing 50 in the open-circuit position of the interrupting unit 26.
  • a pressure-generating tube 214 which may be formed of aluminum, or any other suitable metallic material, which insures that the pressure-generating tube is at the same floating potential as the casing 50 in the open-circuit position of the interrupting unit 26.
  • the pressure tube 214 may also be formed of an insulating material of sutficient strength to Withstand the pressures enerated.
  • the pair of U-shaped contact structures 216 and 218 are substantially the same as in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, except the movable interrupting contacts 210 are shown as being cylindrical in shape, similar to the movable pressure-generating contacts 220.
  • the relatively stationary interrupting contacts 208 include an inner spring-loaded portion 222 which has a limited travel, as shown in the closed-circuit position in FIG. 6 and in the open-circuit position in FIG. 5, which allows the fingers 224 to carry the current and the moving portion 222 to draw the are.
  • Relatively stationary pressure-generating contact structure 230 may be designed such that the upper connecting portion 244 carries the current between the two contact structures 230, while the pressure-generating contacts 230 and 220 are in their closed position, as shown in FIG. 6, and the lower connecting portion 246 carries the arc current during the time the movable pressure-generating contact 220 moves to its open-circuit position shown in FIG. 5.
  • the movable interrupting contacts 210 and the pressure-generating contacts 220 enter the pressure generating tube 214, through insulating members 250 and 242, respectively, with the movable interrupting contacts 210 extending through the opposite side of the pressuregenerating tube 214 through insulating member 251.
  • the interrupting are 201 is drawn externally of the pressure-generating tube 214, and the pressure-generating arcs 240 are drawn within the pressure-generating tube 214 to generate pressure therein.
  • the current path through interrupting structure 26, when it is in its closed-circuit position shown in FIG. 6, is from the left-hand terminal stud 74, through contact adapter 76, fixed interrupting contact 208, movable interrupting contact 210, connecting portion 252, movable pressure-generating contact 220, stationary pressuregenerating contact 232, connecting portion 244, stationary pressure-generating contact 232, movable pressure-generating contact 20, connecting portion 252, movable interrupting contact 210, stationary interrupting contact 208, contact adapter 76, and right-hand terminal stud 74.
  • the generally U-shaped movable contact structure 216 and 218 may be moved vertically by a cross-head structure 110, as already described in connection with FIG. 3, or by any other suitable mechanism.
  • the fluid moves both perpendicularly to the are 201, forcing the arc 201 into the vent openings formed by the interrupting fingers 202, and also moves parallel or axially of the arc through interrupting orifice 204, which aids in extinguishing the are 201 by orifice action.
  • the are 201 by the loop action hereinbefore described, immediately moves toward the splitters 200, and the gas blast forces the arc into the splitter vent openings, lengthening and cooling the arc and increasing the arc voltage.
  • the gas movement, parallel with the arc also cools the arc and aids its extinguishment by the abrupt pressure change due to orifice action.
  • isolation gap 206 ensures that there will be no restriking due to creepage across solid insulation surfaces.
  • the splitter 200 is mounted remotely from the stationary interrupting contacts 208. In this instance, the splitter-orifice assembly is mounted upon the pressuregenerating tube 214.
  • a pressure valve 262 which closes when the pressure builds up to a predetermined magnitude, opens to allow fluid 241 to enter the pressure tube 214 to make up for the fluid loss by the ejectment of fluid under high pressure.
  • the types of fluids usable in the embodiment shown in FIG. may be the same as those discussed relative to FIG. 3.
  • Are shields, such as shields 270 and 272, may be constructed of polytetrafluoroethylene and 8 disposed to protect metallic surfaces from the efiects of the arcs 201 and 240.
  • a new and improved interrupting unit suitable for very high voltages, which provides the advantage of high are voltage without the disadvantage of furnishing creepage paths across solid insulation between open interrupting contacts.
  • a new and improved interrupting unit which combines the high dielectric disconnect gap of the orificetype interrupter unit with the high are voltage of the splitter-type interrupter, to provide an interrupter of high efficiency, has been shown and described.
  • the directing orifice, the interrupting orifice and splitter may be formed in one simple integral assembly, which greatly facilitates manufacturing, assembly and maintenance of the interrupter unit.
  • a circuit interrupter comprising a plurality of interrupting and pressure-generating contacts connected in series circuit relation which open and close at substantially the same time to break and complete an electrical circuit, a pressure chamber, said pressure-generating contacts being disposed to break and complete the electrical circuit within said pressure chamber and to generate a pressure therein, said interrupting contacts being disposed to break and complete the electrical circuit externally of said pressure chamber, said pressure chamber having opposed side orifice openings with one orifice opening disposed adjacent each of said interrupting contacts, arc-interrupting means including an arc splitter structure disposed adjacent said interrupting contacts diametrically opposite the opposed side orifice openings in said pressure chamber, said arc-interrupting means being arranged by remote mounting to allow isolation gaps to be produced between said interrupting contacts when they are in their open position.
  • a circuit interrupter comprising first and second substantially U-shaped movable contact structures each providing a movable interrupting contact and a movable pressure-generating contact, a pressure chamber having two diametrically opposite side orifices therein, a pair of serially-connected stationary pressure-generating contacts disposed within said pressure chamber, a pair of stationary interrupting contacts disposed externally and on opposite sides of said pressure chamber adjacent the side orifices in said pressure chamber, a pair of interrupting means each including an arc splitter disposed adjacent said pair of stationary interrupting contacts and diametrically opposite a side orifice in said pressure chamber, the interrupting contacts of said movable U-shaped contact structures being movable into engagement with said stationary interrupting contacts, the associated pressure-generating contact of each U-shaped movable contact structure being cooperable with one of said interiorly-located stationary pressure-generating contacts for generating a pressure within said pressure chamber to provide opposed side fluid blasts out through the two side orifices, said pair of arc-interrupting means each being secured to a
  • a circuit interrupter including a casing and comprising first and second substantially U-shaped movable contact structures each providing a movable interrupting Contact and a movable pressure-generating contact, a pressure chamber disposed interiorly of said casing and having two diametrically opposite side orifices therein,
  • a circuit interrupter comprising an outer casing and a pair of substantially U-shaped movable contact structures disposed therein, each providing an interrupting contact and a pressure-generating contact, a pressure chamber disposed interiorly of said casing and having two lower openings for receiving the movable pressure generating contact of each U-shaped movable contact structure and two diametrically opposite side fluid-directing orifices therein, a pair of serially connected stationary pressure-generating contacts disposed within said pressure chamber and cooperable with said movable pressure-generating contacts, a pair of stationary interrupting contacts disposed externally of said pressure chamber but interiorly of said outer casing and cooperable with the movable interrupting contact of said U-shaped movable contact structure, said stationary and movable interrupting contacts being disposed so that an are drawn between them will be adjacent said side fluid-directing orifices, a pair of arc-splitter means disposed adjacent said stationary and movable interrupting contacts and diametrically opposite said fluid-directing orifices, said pair of arc-s
  • a fluid-blast type of circuit interrupter comprising a pressure-resistant outer enclosure, a pair of terminal bushings extending into said outer enclosure, a pair of stationary interrupting contacts disposed at the interior ends of said terminal bushings, a dielectric fluid disposed within said outer enclosure, a pressure chamber having a pair of side fluid-directing on'fices disposed therein, a pair of serially-connected stationary pressure-generating contacts disposed within said pressure chamber, a pair of substantially U-shaped movable contact structures each including a movable interrupting contact and a movable pressure-generating contact for engaging said pair of stationary interrupting contacts and said pair of stationary pressure-generating cont-acts, said stationary and movable interrupting contacts being disposed adjacent said .pair of side fluid-directing orifices, a pair of tare-splitter means disposed adjacent said stationary and movable interrupting contacts and diametrically opposite said side fluiddirecting orifices, said pair of arc-splitter means being secured to the opposed end walls of said outer
  • An electrical circuit interrupter of the fluid-blast type comprising a first and second set of serially-connected contacts each having a stationary and movable contact, a pressure chamber having a fluid-directing orifice disposed therein, said second set of contacts being disposed to break and complete an electrical circuit within said pressure chamber and generate a pressure therein, said first set of contacts being disposed to break and complete the electrical circuit outside of said pressure chamber adjacent the fluid-directing orifice in said pressure chamber, confining arc-interrupter means including an arc splitter and an interrupting orifice, said are splitter being disposed diametrically opposite said fluid directing orifice, said interrupting orifice being disposed to allow the movable contact of said second set of contacts to move through the opening in said orifice and draw :an are from its associated stationary contact therethrough and interiorly of said confining arc-interrupter means, the pressure generated Within said pressure chamber by said second set of contacts causing a fluid flow out of the directing orifice into said are splitter and said interrupt
  • a circuit interrupter of the fluid blast type comprising first and second substantially U-shaped movable contact structures each providing a movable interrupting contact and a movable pressure-generating contact, a pressure chamber having two diametrically opposite fluiddirecting openings therein, a pair of serially-connected stationary pressure-generating contacts disposed within said pressure chamber, a pair of stationary interrupting contacts disposed externally of the pressure chamber and adjacent the fluid-directing openings in said pressure chamber, a pair of confining arc-interrupting means each including an arc splitter and an interrupting orifice, the movable interrupting contacts of said movable U-sh-ape'd contact structures being movable through the interrupting orifices of said confining arc interrupting means and into engagement with said stationary interrupting contacts, the movable pressure-generating contacts of each of said U-shaped movable contact structures being cooperable with one of said interiorly-located stationary pressure generating contacts for generating a pressure Within said pressure chamber for generating a fluid blast out of said fluid-
  • a circuit interrupter of the fluid-blast type comprising a pair of substantially U-shaped movable contact structures each providing a movable interrupting contact and a movable pressure-generating contact, a pressure chamber having openings for receiving the movable interrupting and pressure generating contacts, with the movable interrupting contacts extending completely through said pressure chamber, said pressure chamber also having a pair of fluid-directing openings for allowing fluid to escape when the pressure in said pressure chamber exceeds the external pressure, a pair of serially-connected stationary pressure-generating contacts disposed within said pressure chamber and cooperable with said movable pressure-generating contacts, a pair of stationary interrupting contacts disposed external to said pressure cham her and cooperable with the movable interrupting contacts extending through said pressure chamber, said stationary and movable interrupting contacts being dis posed so that an arc drawn between them will be adjacent one of the fluid-directing openings in said pressure chamber, a pair of confining arc-interrupting means including an 'arc splitter and an interrupting orifice, said interrupting orific
  • a fluid-blast type circuit interrupter comprising a pressure-resistant outer enclosure, a pair of terminal bushings extending into said outer enclosure, a pair of stationary interrupting contacts disposed at the interior ends of said terminal bushings, a dielectric fluid disposed Within said outer enclosure, a pressure chamber having a pair of fluid-directing openings disposed therein, a pair of serially-connected stationary pressure-generating contacts disposed within said pressure chamber, a pair of substantially U-shaped movable contact structures each including a movable interrupting contact, and a movable pressure-generating contact for engaging said pair of stationary interruptin-g contacts and said pair of stationary pressure-generating contacts, said stationary and movable interrupting contacts being disposed adjacent said pair of fluid-directing openings, a pair of confining arc-interrupting means including an arc splitter and an interrupting orifice, said interrupting orifice being aligned with one of said movable interrupting contacts with the movable interrupting contact moving through the interrupting orifice to make engagement with said stationary interrupting
  • a fluid-blast circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, means defining a pressure chamber, a U-shaped movable contact structure including a movable pressure-generating contact and a movable interrupting contact, said movable pressure-generating contact being movable interiorly of said pressure chamber, a stationary pressure-generating contact disposed interiorly of said presssure chamber and cooperable with said movable pressure-generating contact to establish a pressuregenerating are within said pressure chamber for estabdishing pressure therein, a stationary interrupting contact disposed externally of said pressure chamber and coperable with said movable interrupting contact to establish an interrupting arc externally of said pressure chamber, a confining arc-interrupting means including an arc-extinguishing splitter structure and an orifice structure disposed adjacent the path of movement of said movable interrupting contact, fluid-directing means associated with :said pressure chamber for directing fluid under pressure out of said pressure chamber to force the interrupting tare laterally into said arc-extinguishing splitter structure with
  • a fluid-blast circuit interrupter according to the combination of claim 10, wherein two such U-shaped movable conta-ct structures are employed and the parts duplicated to result in a generally U-shaped current path through the interrupter so that magnetic action assists the fluid-blasting action to drive the two interrupting arcs into the two laterally positioned splitter structures.
  • a fluid-blast circuit interrupter including an insulating arc-extinguishing structure for extinguishing an arc
  • arc-extinguishing structure including an axiallydisposed exhaust orifice means (204) and a laterallydisposed fluid-entrance orifice means (212), contact means including a movable contact rod a'ctuable to Withdraw through said axially-disposed exhaust orifice means (204) and later-ally past said fluid-entrance orifice means (212), :an arc-splitter structure disposed diametrically on the opposite side of the path of movement of said movable contact rod from said fluid-entrance orifice means, means forcing fluid under pressure through said fluid-entrance orifice means transversely against the established arc to force the latter toward said arc-splitter structure, and said fluid also exhausting out of the insulating arc-extinguish ing structure through the axially-disposed exhaust orifice means.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Circuit Breakers (AREA)
US397512A 1964-09-18 1964-09-18 Fluid-blast circuit interrupters having improved arc splitter structure Expired - Lifetime US3291949A (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US397512A US3291949A (en) 1964-09-18 1964-09-18 Fluid-blast circuit interrupters having improved arc splitter structure
CH1256965A CH438452A (de) 1964-09-18 1965-09-09 Leistungsschalter

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US397512A US3291949A (en) 1964-09-18 1964-09-18 Fluid-blast circuit interrupters having improved arc splitter structure

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3291949A true US3291949A (en) 1966-12-13

Family

ID=23571488

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US397512A Expired - Lifetime US3291949A (en) 1964-09-18 1964-09-18 Fluid-blast circuit interrupters having improved arc splitter structure

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US3291949A (de)
CH (1) CH438452A (de)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3379848A (en) * 1965-01-26 1968-04-23 Westinghouse Electric Corp Gas-blast circuit breaker having a movable tubular venting contact and a laterally arranged exhaust vent in the interrupting chamber
US4273978A (en) * 1978-06-09 1981-06-16 Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. Liquid interrupter module
US4629840A (en) * 1984-04-04 1986-12-16 Felten & Guilleaume Inergietechnik GmbH Device for quenching an electric arc
US4752859A (en) * 1985-04-10 1988-06-21 S&C Electric Company Arrangement for providing various circuit protection device configurations
US20100270136A1 (en) * 2009-04-22 2010-10-28 AB Technology AG Interpole coupling system

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1934454A (en) * 1932-04-13 1933-11-07 Gen Electric Oil blast circuit breaker
US1940120A (en) * 1930-05-22 1933-12-19 Condit Electrical Mfg Corp Electric switch and arc extinguishing apparatus
US2081830A (en) * 1936-01-23 1937-05-25 Gen Electric Electric circuit interrupter
FR850075A (fr) * 1938-02-16 1939-12-07 Reyrolle A & Co Ltd Perfectionnements aux interrupteurs électriques
US2228232A (en) * 1938-02-28 1941-01-07 Allis Chalmers Mfg Co Expulsion circuit breaker
US3091678A (en) * 1961-02-17 1963-05-28 Westinghouse Electric Corp Circuit interrupter structure of the fluid blast type
US3110791A (en) * 1959-08-27 1963-11-12 Westinghouse Electric Corp Circuit interrupter with pressure-generating and interrupting contacts in insulating interrupting tube
US3214541A (en) * 1961-04-03 1965-10-26 Westinghouse Electric Corp Fluid-blast circuit interrupter with straight-line driving mechanism
US3214545A (en) * 1961-04-11 1965-10-26 Westinghouse Electric Corp Fluid-blast circuit interrupters with pressure-actuated fluid directors

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1940120A (en) * 1930-05-22 1933-12-19 Condit Electrical Mfg Corp Electric switch and arc extinguishing apparatus
US1934454A (en) * 1932-04-13 1933-11-07 Gen Electric Oil blast circuit breaker
US2081830A (en) * 1936-01-23 1937-05-25 Gen Electric Electric circuit interrupter
FR850075A (fr) * 1938-02-16 1939-12-07 Reyrolle A & Co Ltd Perfectionnements aux interrupteurs électriques
US2228232A (en) * 1938-02-28 1941-01-07 Allis Chalmers Mfg Co Expulsion circuit breaker
US3110791A (en) * 1959-08-27 1963-11-12 Westinghouse Electric Corp Circuit interrupter with pressure-generating and interrupting contacts in insulating interrupting tube
US3091678A (en) * 1961-02-17 1963-05-28 Westinghouse Electric Corp Circuit interrupter structure of the fluid blast type
US3214541A (en) * 1961-04-03 1965-10-26 Westinghouse Electric Corp Fluid-blast circuit interrupter with straight-line driving mechanism
US3214545A (en) * 1961-04-11 1965-10-26 Westinghouse Electric Corp Fluid-blast circuit interrupters with pressure-actuated fluid directors

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3379848A (en) * 1965-01-26 1968-04-23 Westinghouse Electric Corp Gas-blast circuit breaker having a movable tubular venting contact and a laterally arranged exhaust vent in the interrupting chamber
US4273978A (en) * 1978-06-09 1981-06-16 Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. Liquid interrupter module
US4629840A (en) * 1984-04-04 1986-12-16 Felten & Guilleaume Inergietechnik GmbH Device for quenching an electric arc
US4752859A (en) * 1985-04-10 1988-06-21 S&C Electric Company Arrangement for providing various circuit protection device configurations
US20100270136A1 (en) * 2009-04-22 2010-10-28 AB Technology AG Interpole coupling system
US8338727B2 (en) * 2009-04-22 2012-12-25 Abb Technology Ag Interpole coupling system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CH438452A (de) 1967-06-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5373130A (en) Self-extinguishing expansion switch or circuit breaker
CA1042493A (en) High voltage gas blast circuit interrupter
US4663504A (en) Load break switch
US3033962A (en) Circuit interrupters
US3009042A (en) Circuit interrupters
US3792213A (en) High-voltage circuit interrupter incorporating series vacuum interrupter elements
US3214550A (en) Circuit interrupters with crossbars captively related to piston structures
US2979591A (en) Circuit interrupters
US3947650A (en) Gas-insulated switch for an underground power distrubution system
US3110791A (en) Circuit interrupter with pressure-generating and interrupting contacts in insulating interrupting tube
US3291949A (en) Fluid-blast circuit interrupters having improved arc splitter structure
US2965735A (en) Compressed-gas circuit interrupter
US3214546A (en) Compressed-gas circuit interrupters having improved arc-extinguishing means
CN111466006B (zh) 气体绝缘高压或中压断路器
US2913556A (en) Circuit interrupters
US3290469A (en) Compressed-gas circuit interrupter having cavitation means
US3214541A (en) Fluid-blast circuit interrupter with straight-line driving mechanism
US2997564A (en) Circuit interrupter
US2284347A (en) Circuit interrupter
US3852551A (en) Puffer-type compressed-gas circuit-interrupter
US3214545A (en) Fluid-blast circuit interrupters with pressure-actuated fluid directors
US3612799A (en) Gas blast circuit interrupter using main movable contact as blast valve
US4440996A (en) Dead tank gas-insulated puffer-type circuit interrupter having interrupting unit in insulated casing
US3071669A (en) Circuit interrupters
US2162588A (en) Electric circuit breaker