EP0011972B1 - Electrical switchgear - Google Patents
Electrical switchgear Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0011972B1 EP0011972B1 EP19790302617 EP79302617A EP0011972B1 EP 0011972 B1 EP0011972 B1 EP 0011972B1 EP 19790302617 EP19790302617 EP 19790302617 EP 79302617 A EP79302617 A EP 79302617A EP 0011972 B1 EP0011972 B1 EP 0011972B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- contact
- electrical switchgear
- switchgear according
- field coil
- switches
- 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
Links
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000005291 magnetic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- SFZCNBIFKDRMGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N sulfur hexafluoride Chemical compound FS(F)(F)(F)(F)F SFZCNBIFKDRMGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 8
- 229960000909 sulfur hexafluoride Drugs 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000005294 ferromagnetic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012141 concentrate Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008033 biological extinction Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003822 epoxy resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000647 polyepoxide Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000010791 quenching Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000171 quenching effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012216 screening Methods 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 240000000731 Fagus sylvatica Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000010099 Fagus sylvatica Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910001209 Low-carbon steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000872 buffer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000020169 heat generation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007885 magnetic separation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005476 soldering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011179 visual inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- H01H33/18—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts using blow-out magnet
- H01H33/187—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts using blow-out magnet comprising a hollow annular arc runner and a central contact between which a radially drawn arc rotates
Definitions
- This invention relates to electrical switchgear, the term "switchgear" being used to embrace circuit breakers and other electrical switches.
- a common form of distribution switchgear for voltages up to 36 kilovolts incorporates circuit breakers of the oil-filled type isolated from fixed units by vertical withdrawal. This range of switchgear also incorporates non-automatic load break switches and, especially for voltages of 12 kilovolts and lower, ring main equipment incorporating at least three switch functions to control, for example, a transformer and two ring main cables.
- a switchgear construction which is capable in principle of satisfying the above-described needs is described in the article entitled "Sch- suchungen am rotierenden Wegbogen in Schwefelhexafluorid” by Markusch in ELEKTRIE No. 10, 1967, Berlin.
- This construction during opening of the switchgear contacts an arc is formed between a first contact and an arcing electrode, and the arcing current flows through a field coil connected electrically in series with the arcing electrode to produce a magnetic field which causes the arc to rotate with one root thereof maintained on the first contact and to become extinguished.
- the first contact is pivotable about an axis transverse to the axis of the field coil, and has an end portion which moves transversely of and towards the field coil axis when the contacts are moved to an open position.
- pivotable first contact has the advantage that the pivot point controls the geometry of movement of the contact, no additional guides being required for this purpose.
- movement of the first contact between the contacts open and contacts closed positions can be performed by means of a lay shaft through the intermediary of a simple crank arm.
- the switchgear disclosed in the Markusch article does, however, suffer from the major drawback that the field coil is connected in series with the arcing electrode and the first contact, so that it remains in circuit in the contacts closed position.
- the load current will flow through the field coil under no-fault conditions, and this gives rise to problems of heat generation which can impose a limit on the degree to which the size of the switchgear can be reduced.
- One possible answer is to provide a set of main contacts which are connected electrically in parallel with the field coil, the arcing electrode and the first contact, but this will greatly increase the bulk of the switchgear.
- the invention achieves this object by arranging for the first contact to engage a second contact disposed externally of the field coil in the contacts closed position of the switchgear such that an initial arc is drawn across a pole face of the field coil between the first and second contacts during movement of the contacts to their open position, and by arranging during further movement of the contacts to their open position for the arc to transfer its root from the second contact to the arcing electrode by the action of the end portion of the first contact passing within a short distance from the arcing electrode.
- This arrangement has the particular advantage that transfer of the arc root to the arcing electrode can be obtained easily even when low fault currents (for example capacitive currents in unloaded cables and the small inductive currents associated with unloaded transformers and rotating machines) are to be interrupted.
- low fault currents for example capacitive currents in unloaded cables and the small inductive currents associated with unloaded transformers and rotating machines
- a circuit breaker is shown suitable for replacing an existing 12 or 36 kilovolt oil-filled circuit breaker in an electrical distribution system.
- the circuit breaker comprises a switch 1 contained in a gas-tight metal housing 2 on which terminal bushings 3 and 4 are mounted.
- the housing 2 and terminal bushings 3 and 4 correspond respectively to the tank and bushings of a conventional oil-filled circuit breaker.
- the interior of the housing 2 does not, however, contain oil but the well-known, highly insulating gas sulphur hexafluoride for the purpose of arc quenching.
- the gas is present preferably at a pressure of 3.17 kg/cm 2 (45 psi), and is supplied through a valve (not shown) in a wall of the housing 2.
- the mechanism of the circuit breaker is so constructed and arranged as to enable sulphur hexafluoride arc quenching to be applied to the breaking of currents occurring in an electrical distribution system within the space limitation imposed by making the circuit breaker a replacement for an existing oil-filled circuit breaker.
- a conductor 5 passes through the bushing 3 and carries on its end within the housing 2 a transverse contact support arm 6 which carries resilient contact fingers 7, and a support member 8 which carries a field coil 9.
- a conductor 10 passes through the bushing 4 and carries on its end within the housing 2 a mounting 11 on which a movable contact arm 12 of circular cross-section is mounted for angular movement about a pivot 13.
- a flexible, electrically conductive strap 14 connects the contact arm 12 to the conductor 10 for the passage of most of the load current therethrough, the strap 14 being connected to the conductor 10 by way of an L-shaped copper bracket 15 and being bolted to the contact arm 12.
- the contact arm 12 can be mounted on the end of the conductor 10 by means of a spring loaded pivot through which the load current passes in use.
- An operating shaft 16 is rotatable by means of an operating mechanism (not shown) disposed externally of the housing 2 and carries an arm 17 which is pivotally connected to one end of a linkage comprising a pair of parallel, spaced links 18 (only one shown) made of insulating material, such as PERMALI (Registered Trade Mark) which is a densified resin beech.
- an operating mechanism not shown
- an arm 17 which is pivotally connected to one end of a linkage comprising a pair of parallel, spaced links 18 (only one shown) made of insulating material, such as PERMALI (Registered Trade Mark) which is a densified resin beech.
- PERMALI Registered Trade Mark
- the other end of the linkage is pivotally connected to the contact arm 12 at or near the centre of the latter, such that rotation of the shaft 16 causes the contact arm 12 to move angularly about the pivot 13 between a position in which an end portion 19 thereof is engaged with the contact fingers 7 (as shown in chain-dotted lines) and a position in which the end portion 19 is disengaged from the fingers 7 and is disposed on the axis of the field coil 9 (as shown in full lines).
- the pivotal connection between the arm 17 and the linkage 18 and the pivotal connection between the linkage 18 and the contact arm 12 are substantially in a common plane.
- any slight movement of the arm 17 due, for example, to play between the various parts or oscillation of the parts due to the absorbing of shocks upon opening of the switch will result in only a very small movement of the contact arm 12, and thus the end portion 19 thereof will remain substantially on the axis of the field coil 9.
- a plate 20 of arc-resistant material is provided adjacent the contact fingers 7 to protect the support member 8 and the field coil 9 from the effects of arcing.
- the arc-resistant material of which the plate 20 is made can be either conducting or insulating. If it is conducting, it must be ensured that the plate cannot short out the fieldcoil 59. This can be arranged by fixing the plate 20 at an angle to the support member 8 so that it is normal to the end portion 19 of the contact arm 12 when the latter engages the contact fingers 7 and is directed away from the outer windings of the field coil and the support member 8. If necessary, for certain applications of the switchgear, the end portion 19 of the contact arm 12 can have a region 21 which is also protected by conducted arc-resistant material.
- the support member 8 is made of mild steel such that it serves to concentrate the magnetic field produced by the field coil 9 and screens the coil from the effects of adjacent metalwork or current-carrying conductors.
- the support member comprises a portion 22 defining part of a cylinder (as shown to advantage in Figure 2) carried on integral mounting lugs 23.
- the field coil 9 comprises a spiral metal strip of the same width as the portion 22 and consists of, for example, twenty turns of sheet metal 0.5 mm thick. The turns are equally spaced from each other, insulation between the turns being provided by means of an insulating coating or an inter-wound insulating strip.
- An inner end of the field coil 9 is attached to and assists in supporting a tubular arcing electrode 24 made of nonferrous metal which projects beyond the ends of the field coil and its support member.
- a suitable means of attaching the inner end of the field coil to the electrode is by rivetting and/or brazing or soldering.
- An outer end of the field coil is bolted between one of the lugs 23 and the support arm 6, as can be seen in Figure 2.
- the above-described circuit breaker operates as follows. In a closed position thereof, the end portion 19 of the contact arm 12 is engaged with the contact fingers 7 so that current can flow through the circuit breaker by way of the conductor 10, the strap 14, contact arm 12, contact fingers 7 and the conductor 5. Opening of the circuit breaker is performed by rotating the operating shaft 16 by way of the aforementioned operating mechanism to pivot the contact arm 12 out of engagement with the contact fingers 7. During such movement of the contact arm 12, the end portion 19 thereof moves transversely relative to the end of the field coil 9 to draw an arc from the contact fingers 7 radially across the pole face of the coil.
- This arc subsequently transfers itself from the contact fingers 7 to the electrode 24, so that the field coil 9 (previously out of circuit) now forms part of the current flow path through the circuit breaker.
- the current flowing through the coil 9 creates a magnetic field which causes the arc to rotate in a known manner and become extinguished.
- a porthole 25 is provided in side wall of the housing 2 so that a visual inspection can be made of the internal mechanisms.
- the porthole also permits photography of the rotating arcs to be taken.
- the above arrangement can, if desired, be applied to a mere switch rather than to a circuit breaker.
- circuit breaker described above is intended to control one phase of a three phase electrical supply, similar circuit breakers being provided for the other two phases.
- the circuit breaker is, however, also suitable for controlling a single phase electrical supply.
- the switchgear illustrated in Figures 3 to 5 is in the form of a circuit breaker for use with a three phase electrical supply, and comprises three switches 101 a, 101 b and 101 c (one for each phase) contained in a common housing 102 filled with sulphur hexafluoride gas.
- Each of the switches is similar to that described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2, similar parts being denoted by the same reference numerals but with 100 added.
- a common operating shaft 116 is used to operate all three of the switches, and passes through a gas-tight bearing 126 in a side wall of the housing 102.
- the three switches are disposed generally on a common axis 127.
- the field coils 109 thereof are mutually staggered transversely of the axis 127. In the particular arrangement shown, this means that the coils 109 are disposed in a triangular array, as can be seen to advantage in Figure 5.
- the screening effect performed by the support members 108 is now of particular importance, since each support member shields its respective coil 109 from the effects of the other phases of the electrical supply.
- Figure 6 illustrates switchgear for use with ring main equipment and comprises a pair of switches 201 a and 201 b for controlling respective ring main cables and a third switch 201 c for a tee-off circuit.
- the switch 201 c can provide automatic circuit breaking and/or can be associated with an externally-mounted high- capacity fuse: where three phases are provided, blowing of one such fuse can be arranged to cause the tee-off switches of all three phases to open.
- Each of the switches 201 a, 201b and 201 c is generally similar to the switch 1 described - above in relation to Figures 1 and 2, similar parts being accorded the same reference numerals but with 200 added.
- the link mechanism which connects the operating shaft 216 of each switch to the respective contact arm 212 differs slightly from the arrangement depicted in Figure 1, in that triangular plates 230 are provided on the contact arm and the linkage 218 is pivotally connected to these plates, rather than being connected directly to the contact arm.
- the ring main switches 201 a and 201 b are disposed adjacent one another and share a common field coil 209, support member 208 and arcing electrode 224.
- the contact arms 212 of the two switches are disposed at opposite ends of the field coil 209, and an electrically insulating member 231 extends transversely across the centre of the electrode 224 to help isolate the contact arms from each other when the switches are both in their open positions.
- the field coil 209 is spirally wound, it is symmetrical about a transverse plane through its centre: the coil 209 can, therefore, be relied upon to provide the same operating characteristics for each of the two switches 201 a and 201 b.
- a mechanical interlock (not shown) of known type is provided to prevent simultaneous opening of the switches 201 a and 201 b although consecutive opening (after the arc in one circuit has been extinguished) is permitted.
- the field coil 209, support member 208 and arcing electrode 224 which are common to the switches 201 a and 201 b, and the corresponding parts of the tee-off switch 201 c are carried by a common insulating support 232 mounted on the housing 202. Moreover, the contact fingers 207 of all three switches are carried by a common support arm 206 which is in turn supported by the support 232. Again, the screening effect of the support members 208 is of particular importance since the coils 209 are shielded thereby against the effects of adjacent current-carrying conductors.
- a fourth switch can be provided which shares the field coil and arcing electrode of the tee-off switch 201 c in the same manner as described above in relation to the ring main switches 201 a and 201 b. Again, a mechanical interlock will be used to prevent simultaneous opening of the switches.
- Reference 233 shows in broken line the manner in which a conductor and bushing for the fourth switch would be arranged on the housing 202.
- Figure 7 illustrates a number of modifications which can be applied, singly or in combination, to any of the embodiments described above. Those components or elements which correspond to the parts of the switchgear embodiments already described are denoted by the same reference numerals as used in Figures 1 and 2 but with 300 added, and will not in general be described again.
- a cranked contact arm 312 is used instead of a straight one, the arm being pivoted at a point spaced from the axis of the field coil 309 so that in the open position of the switch the end portion 319 of the contact arm not only lies along the axis of the field coil but also extends into the adjacent end of the arcing electrode 324.
- This arrangement helps in transferring the arc from the contact fingers 307 to the electrode 324, and brings the arc within the coil where the magnetic field is more concentrated.
- the arcing electrode 324 has a radial flange 340 at an end thereof which faces the contact arm 312 and is also provided with an internal annular insert 341 of bulged cross-section.
- the insert forms a so-called arc runner along which the arc tracks during its rotation, so that the arc can be made to rotate in a predetermined plane which is chosen with regard to the magnetic field generated by the field coil.
- the arrangement as illustrated is not suited to being shared between two switches: however, the provision of a flange and an annular insert at the other end of the electrode to give a symmetrical construction and the addition of a central insulating member similar to that referenced 231 in Figure 6 will enable the arrangement to be made common to two switches.
- the field coil 309 is helically, rather than spirally, wound. If the coil is to be shared between two switches, it is to be appreciated that the inherent asymmetry of the helical coil may result in some difference in operating characteristics between the two switches. Because the helical coil 309 is not self-supporting, a separate mechanical support is provided for the arcing electrode 324. This support can be in the form of an electrically-insulating member 342 as shown, or the coil can be cast onto the electrode using, for example, an epoxy resin.
- An electrically conductive finger 343 is provided on the supprt arm 306 adjacent the contact fingers 307, the initial arc being drawn from this finger rather than from the contact fingers 307 when the contact arm 312 moves away from the latter.
- the finger 343 can thus be made of arc-resistant material, whereas this may not be desirable for the contact fingers 307.
- Figures 8 and 9 show two modifications (usable singly or in combination) to the switchgear of Figures 1 and 2 but which can likewise be applied to the switchgear embodiments of Figures 3 to 6 and which can be used in combination with modifications shown in Figure 7.
- Components or elements shown in Figures 8 and 9 which correspond to parts described already are given the same reference numerals as used in Figures 1 and 2 but with 400 added, and will not in general be described again.
- an insulated supporting cup 450 is provided within the arcing electrode 424 and has mounted therein a ferromagnetic ring 451.
- the cup 450 shields the ring 451 from the arc, and the ring concentrates the magnetic field produced by the field coil 409 to aid arc extinction.
- the action of the ring is of particular benefit when breaking relatively low currents.
- the supporting cup 450 can be made of annular configuration as indicated in broken line in Figure 8.
- a ferromagnetic yoke 452 is provided to concentrate the magnetic field to encourage the initial arc to stay at the end of the contact arm 412 to facilitate transfer to the electrode 424. If desired, the yoke 452 can be covered in insulating material (for example, epoxy resin) to enable it to be placed close to the initial arc. The yoke enhances the action of the electromagnetic loop defined by the contacts and the arc.
- Figure 10 shows schematically how the features shown in Figures 6 and 7 can be combined to produce ring main switchgear of compact form.
- a metal housing 500 filled with sulphur hexafluoride gas has mounted therein two ring main switches 501 and 502 which share a common field coil assembly 503 and a tee-off circuit breaking or load break switch 504 (which has a similar function to the switch 201 c in the embodiment of Figure 6) which has an associated field coil assembly 505.
- the field coil assemblies 503 and 505 and fixed contact assemblies 506 for the various switches are all carried by a common insulating support 507.
- An insulating member 507' is provided transversely of the shared coil assembly 503 to isolate the contact arms of the ring main switches 501 and 502 from one another when in their open positions. If desired, a fourth switch whose bushing is indicated in broken line at 508 can also be provided to share the field coil assembly 505 with the switch 504.
- the conductor bushings for the switches 501, 502 and 504 can be arranged radially of the housing 500 as shown in full lines, or tangentially of the housing as indicated in broken lines.
- the contact arms on the embodiments of Figures 1 to 10 can be of rectangular cross-section, and the field coil and arcing electrode can be of oval cross-section.
- the invention has other applications besides the distribution switchgear described above. It is applicable to the control of industrial circuits and to distribution and transmission circuits at higher voltages. It can also be supplied to circuit breakers and switches having an insulated enclosure.
Landscapes
- Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)
Description
- This invention relates to electrical switchgear, the term "switchgear" being used to embrace circuit breakers and other electrical switches.
- A common form of distribution switchgear for voltages up to 36 kilovolts incorporates circuit breakers of the oil-filled type isolated from fixed units by vertical withdrawal. This range of switchgear also incorporates non-automatic load break switches and, especially for voltages of 12 kilovolts and lower, ring main equipment incorporating at least three switch functions to control, for example, a transformer and two ring main cables.
- Although this type of equipment has been used satisfactorily for many years, in recent times circuit breakers have been developed which make use of the highly insulating gas sulphur hexafluoride to extinguish an arc drawn between contacts and subsequently made to rotate. It would be desirable to apply rotating arc sulphur hexafluoride techniques to the above-described switchgear to gain the advantages of higher interrupting performance with a corresponding reduction in the frequency of contact maintenance and freedom from fire hazard. It is particularly desirable for this class of equipment because of the small mechanical energy requirements resulting from the relatively short contact stroke and the fact that a mechanical compression device or puffer is not required. However, difficulties are experienced in applying rotating-arc sulphur hexafluoride techniques to circuit breakers and switches of the size associated with distribution switchgear up to 36 kilovolts. These difficulties include the need to ensure that the arc can be made to rotate reliably at all values of breaking current, and the need to provide a compact and economical arrangement which is not at a disadvantage in size or requirements of mechanical operating energy with respect to oil-filled equipment.
- A switchgear construction which is capable in principle of satisfying the above-described needs is described in the article entitled "Unter- suchungen am rotierenden Schaltlichtbogen in Schwefelhexafluorid" by Markusch in ELEKTRIE No. 10, 1967, Berlin. In this construction, during opening of the switchgear contacts an arc is formed between a first contact and an arcing electrode, and the arcing current flows through a field coil connected electrically in series with the arcing electrode to produce a magnetic field which causes the arc to rotate with one root thereof maintained on the first contact and to become extinguished. The first contact is pivotable about an axis transverse to the axis of the field coil, and has an end portion which moves transversely of and towards the field coil axis when the contacts are moved to an open position.
- The use of a pivotable first contact has the advantage that the pivot point controls the geometry of movement of the contact, no additional guides being required for this purpose. In addition, although not specifically described in the above-mentioned article, movement of the first contact between the contacts open and contacts closed positions can be performed by means of a lay shaft through the intermediary of a simple crank arm. These factors enable a compact construction to be obtained.
- The switchgear disclosed in the Markusch article does, however, suffer from the major drawback that the field coil is connected in series with the arcing electrode and the first contact, so that it remains in circuit in the contacts closed position. Thus, the load current will flow through the field coil under no-fault conditions, and this gives rise to problems of heat generation which can impose a limit on the degree to which the size of the switchgear can be reduced. One possible answer is to provide a set of main contacts which are connected electrically in parallel with the field coil, the arcing electrode and the first contact, but this will greatly increase the bulk of the switchgear.
- Published German Patent Application No. 2224082 discloses switchgear of the rotating arc type wherein coils which produce the arc-rotating magnetic field are kept out of circuit in the contacts closed position. In this switchgear, a pivotable first contact engages a fixed second contact in the contacts closed position, such that an arc is drawn therebetween during initial opening of the contacts. The roots of this arc are subsequently transferred to respective arc runners, thereby bringing into circuit the field coils (which are connected electrically in series with the arc runners), such that the magnetic field which is then generated causes the arc to rotate along a barrel-shaped path on the arc runners. During initial opening of the contacts, there will be no current flow through the field coils, and hence the arc runners will be at the same potential as the first and second contacts, respectively. Accordingly, there will be little likelihood of the arc transferring its roots as aforesaid (particularly the root on the first contact) until the gap between the first and second contacts has become somewhat larger than that between the arc runners. A significant delay will therefore occur before the field coils are brought into circuit, during which time the arc drawn between the first and second contacts will be highly unstable. This delay will impose a serious limitation on the current interrupting capability of the switchgear.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide switchgear of the general type disclosed in the Markusch article, but wherein the field coil is kept out of circuit in the contacts closed position without the problems and disadvantages mentioned above.
- The invention achieves this object by arranging for the first contact to engage a second contact disposed externally of the field coil in the contacts closed position of the switchgear such that an initial arc is drawn across a pole face of the field coil between the first and second contacts during movement of the contacts to their open position, and by arranging during further movement of the contacts to their open position for the arc to transfer its root from the second contact to the arcing electrode by the action of the end portion of the first contact passing within a short distance from the arcing electrode.
- This arrangement has the particular advantage that transfer of the arc root to the arcing electrode can be obtained easily even when low fault currents (for example capacitive currents in unloaded cables and the small inductive currents associated with unloaded transformers and rotating machines) are to be interrupted.
- Attention is hereby drawn to the fact that the embodiments of figs. 6, 7, and 10 are also disclosed in our European Application EP-A-0 012 522, published 25.06.1980, claiming a priority date of 28.11.1978, which claims electrical switchgear employing an electrically insulating fluid for arc extinction and comprising a pair of switches each having first and second contact means which are relatively movable between a closed position in which they are mutually engaged and an open position in which they are mutually separated, and an arcing electrode arrangement and shared field coil for both switches, movement of each switch to its open position causing an arc to be produced between the first contact means and the arcing electrode arrangement such that the arcing current flows through the shared field coil to create an arc-rotating magnetic field to extinguish the arc, characterised in that the second contact means of both switches are electrically connected to a common point, the shared field coil is electrically connected between said common point and the arcing electrode arrangement, and interlock means is provided to prevent simultaneous opening of the two switches.
- Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
- Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of electrical switchgear according to the present invention, in the form of a circuit breaker for a single-phase electrical supply or one phase of a circuit breaker for a three-phase supply;
- Figure 2 is a view in the direction of arrow II in Figure 1 of part of the electrical switchgear shown therein;
- Figure 3 is a side view, partly in section, of a second embodiment of electrical switchgear according to the present invention;
- Figure 4 is a front view, partly in section, of the electrical switchgear shown in Figure 3;
- Figure 5 is schematic plan view of the electrical switchgear shown in Figures 3 and 4;
- Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of electrical switchgear according to the present invention, for use with ring main equipment;
- Figure 7 shows a number of modifications which can also be applied to any of the above embodiments;
- Figure 8 shows a further modification which can also be applied to any of the above embodiments;
- Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in Figure 8; and
- Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of electrical switchgear according to the present invention, also for use with ring main equipment.
- Referring to Figure 1, a circuit breaker is shown suitable for replacing an existing 12 or 36 kilovolt oil-filled circuit breaker in an electrical distribution system. The circuit breaker comprises a switch 1 contained in a gas-
tight metal housing 2 on whichterminal bushings 3 and 4 are mounted. Thehousing 2 andterminal bushings 3 and 4 correspond respectively to the tank and bushings of a conventional oil-filled circuit breaker. The interior of thehousing 2 does not, however, contain oil but the well-known, highly insulating gas sulphur hexafluoride for the purpose of arc quenching. The gas is present preferably at a pressure of 3.17 kg/cm2 (45 psi), and is supplied through a valve (not shown) in a wall of thehousing 2. The mechanism of the circuit breaker is so constructed and arranged as to enable sulphur hexafluoride arc quenching to be applied to the breaking of currents occurring in an electrical distribution system within the space limitation imposed by making the circuit breaker a replacement for an existing oil-filled circuit breaker. - A conductor 5 passes through the bushing 3 and carries on its end within the housing 2 a transverse
contact support arm 6 which carries resilient contact fingers 7, and a support member 8 which carries afield coil 9. Aconductor 10 passes through thebushing 4 and carries on its end within the housing 2 a mounting 11 on which amovable contact arm 12 of circular cross-section is mounted for angular movement about apivot 13. A flexible, electrically conductive strap 14 connects thecontact arm 12 to theconductor 10 for the passage of most of the load current therethrough, the strap 14 being connected to theconductor 10 by way of an L-shaped copper bracket 15 and being bolted to thecontact arm 12. As an alternative to the provision of the strap 14, thecontact arm 12 can be mounted on the end of theconductor 10 by means of a spring loaded pivot through which the load current passes in use. - An operating shaft 16 is rotatable by means of an operating mechanism (not shown) disposed externally of the
housing 2 and carries anarm 17 which is pivotally connected to one end of a linkage comprising a pair of parallel, spaced links 18 (only one shown) made of insulating material, such as PERMALI (Registered Trade Mark) which is a densified resin beech. The other end of the linkage is pivotally connected to thecontact arm 12 at or near the centre of the latter, such that rotation of the shaft 16 causes thecontact arm 12 to move angularly about thepivot 13 between a position in which anend portion 19 thereof is engaged with the contact fingers 7 (as shown in chain-dotted lines) and a position in which theend portion 19 is disengaged from the fingers 7 and is disposed on the axis of the field coil 9 (as shown in full lines). In the latter position of thecontact arm 12 the axis of the operating shaft 16, the pivotal connection between thearm 17 and the linkage 18 and the pivotal connection between the linkage 18 and thecontact arm 12 are substantially in a common plane. Therefore, any slight movement of thearm 17 due, for example, to play between the various parts or oscillation of the parts due to the absorbing of shocks upon opening of the switch will result in only a very small movement of thecontact arm 12, and thus theend portion 19 thereof will remain substantially on the axis of thefield coil 9. - A
plate 20 of arc-resistant material is provided adjacent the contact fingers 7 to protect the support member 8 and thefield coil 9 from the effects of arcing. The arc-resistant material of which theplate 20 is made can be either conducting or insulating. If it is conducting, it must be ensured that the plate cannot short out the fieldcoil 59. This can be arranged by fixing theplate 20 at an angle to the support member 8 so that it is normal to theend portion 19 of thecontact arm 12 when the latter engages the contact fingers 7 and is directed away from the outer windings of the field coil and the support member 8. If necessary, for certain applications of the switchgear, theend portion 19 of thecontact arm 12 can have aregion 21 which is also protected by conducted arc-resistant material. - The support member 8 is made of mild steel such that it serves to concentrate the magnetic field produced by the
field coil 9 and screens the coil from the effects of adjacent metalwork or current-carrying conductors. The support member comprises aportion 22 defining part of a cylinder (as shown to advantage in Figure 2) carried onintegral mounting lugs 23. Thefield coil 9 comprises a spiral metal strip of the same width as theportion 22 and consists of, for example, twenty turns of sheet metal 0.5 mm thick. The turns are equally spaced from each other, insulation between the turns being provided by means of an insulating coating or an inter-wound insulating strip. An inner end of thefield coil 9 is attached to and assists in supporting atubular arcing electrode 24 made of nonferrous metal which projects beyond the ends of the field coil and its support member. A suitable means of attaching the inner end of the field coil to the electrode is by rivetting and/or brazing or soldering. An outer end of the field coil is bolted between one of thelugs 23 and thesupport arm 6, as can be seen in Figure 2. - The above-described circuit breaker operates as follows. In a closed position thereof, the
end portion 19 of thecontact arm 12 is engaged with the contact fingers 7 so that current can flow through the circuit breaker by way of theconductor 10, the strap 14,contact arm 12, contact fingers 7 and the conductor 5. Opening of the circuit breaker is performed by rotating the operating shaft 16 by way of the aforementioned operating mechanism to pivot thecontact arm 12 out of engagement with the contact fingers 7. During such movement of thecontact arm 12, theend portion 19 thereof moves transversely relative to the end of thefield coil 9 to draw an arc from the contact fingers 7 radially across the pole face of the coil. This arc subsequently transfers itself from the contact fingers 7 to theelectrode 24, so that the field coil 9 (previously out of circuit) now forms part of the current flow path through the circuit breaker. The current flowing through thecoil 9 creates a magnetic field which causes the arc to rotate in a known manner and become extinguished. - A
porthole 25 is provided in side wall of thehousing 2 so that a visual inspection can be made of the internal mechanisms. The porthole also permits photography of the rotating arcs to be taken. - The above arrangement can, if desired, be applied to a mere switch rather than to a circuit breaker.
- The circuit breaker described above is intended to control one phase of a three phase electrical supply, similar circuit breakers being provided for the other two phases. The circuit breaker is, however, also suitable for controlling a single phase electrical supply.
- The switchgear illustrated in Figures 3 to 5 is in the form of a circuit breaker for use with a three phase electrical supply, and comprises three
switches common housing 102 filled with sulphur hexafluoride gas. Each of the switches is similar to that described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2, similar parts being denoted by the same reference numerals but with 100 added. Acommon operating shaft 116 is used to operate all three of the switches, and passes through a gas-tight bearing 126 in a side wall of thehousing 102. - The three switches are disposed generally on a common axis 127. In order to optimise the electrical clearances and magnetic separations of the switches, the field coils 109 thereof are mutually staggered transversely of the axis 127. In the particular arrangement shown, this means that the
coils 109 are disposed in a triangular array, as can be seen to advantage in Figure 5. The screening effect performed by thesupport members 108 is now of particular importance, since each support member shields itsrespective coil 109 from the effects of the other phases of the electrical supply. - Figure 6 illustrates switchgear for use with ring main equipment and comprises a pair of switches 201 a and 201 b for controlling respective ring main cables and a
third switch 201 c for a tee-off circuit. Theswitch 201 c can provide automatic circuit breaking and/or can be associated with an externally-mounted high- capacity fuse: where three phases are provided, blowing of one such fuse can be arranged to cause the tee-off switches of all three phases to open. - Each of the
switches 201 a, 201b and 201 c is generally similar to the switch 1 described - above in relation to Figures 1 and 2, similar parts being accorded the same reference numerals but with 200 added. However, the link mechanism which connects the operatingshaft 216 of each switch to therespective contact arm 212 differs slightly from the arrangement depicted in Figure 1, in thattriangular plates 230 are provided on the contact arm and thelinkage 218 is pivotally connected to these plates, rather than being connected directly to the contact arm. - The ring main switches 201 a and 201 b are disposed adjacent one another and share a
common field coil 209,support member 208 and arcingelectrode 224. Thecontact arms 212 of the two switches are disposed at opposite ends of thefield coil 209, and an electrically insulatingmember 231 extends transversely across the centre of theelectrode 224 to help isolate the contact arms from each other when the switches are both in their open positions. Because thefield coil 209 is spirally wound, it is symmetrical about a transverse plane through its centre: thecoil 209 can, therefore, be relied upon to provide the same operating characteristics for each of the two switches 201 a and 201 b. A mechanical interlock (not shown) of known type is provided to prevent simultaneous opening of the switches 201 a and 201 b although consecutive opening (after the arc in one circuit has been extinguished) is permitted. - The
field coil 209,support member 208 and arcingelectrode 224 which are common to the switches 201 a and 201 b, and the corresponding parts of the tee-off switch 201 c are carried by a common insulatingsupport 232 mounted on thehousing 202. Moreover, thecontact fingers 207 of all three switches are carried by acommon support arm 206 which is in turn supported by thesupport 232. Again, the screening effect of thesupport members 208 is of particular importance since thecoils 209 are shielded thereby against the effects of adjacent current-carrying conductors. - If desired, a fourth switch can be provided which shares the field coil and arcing electrode of the tee-
off switch 201 c in the same manner as described above in relation to the ring main switches 201 a and 201 b. Again, a mechanical interlock will be used to prevent simultaneous opening of the switches.Reference 233 shows in broken line the manner in which a conductor and bushing for the fourth switch would be arranged on thehousing 202. - Figure 7 illustrates a number of modifications which can be applied, singly or in combination, to any of the embodiments described above. Those components or elements which correspond to the parts of the switchgear embodiments already described are denoted by the same reference numerals as used in Figures 1 and 2 but with 300 added, and will not in general be described again.
- In Figure 7, a cranked
contact arm 312 is used instead of a straight one, the arm being pivoted at a point spaced from the axis of thefield coil 309 so that in the open position of the switch theend portion 319 of the contact arm not only lies along the axis of the field coil but also extends into the adjacent end of the arcingelectrode 324. This arrangement helps in transferring the arc from thecontact fingers 307 to theelectrode 324, and brings the arc within the coil where the magnetic field is more concentrated. - The arcing
electrode 324 has aradial flange 340 at an end thereof which faces thecontact arm 312 and is also provided with an internalannular insert 341 of bulged cross-section. The insert forms a so-called arc runner along which the arc tracks during its rotation, so that the arc can be made to rotate in a predetermined plane which is chosen with regard to the magnetic field generated by the field coil. The arrangement as illustrated is not suited to being shared between two switches: however, the provision of a flange and an annular insert at the other end of the electrode to give a symmetrical construction and the addition of a central insulating member similar to that referenced 231 in Figure 6 will enable the arrangement to be made common to two switches. - The
field coil 309 is helically, rather than spirally, wound. If the coil is to be shared between two switches, it is to be appreciated that the inherent asymmetry of the helical coil may result in some difference in operating characteristics between the two switches. Because thehelical coil 309 is not self-supporting, a separate mechanical support is provided for the arcingelectrode 324. This support can be in the form of an electrically-insulatingmember 342 as shown, or the coil can be cast onto the electrode using, for example, an epoxy resin. - An electrically
conductive finger 343 is provided on thesupprt arm 306 adjacent thecontact fingers 307, the initial arc being drawn from this finger rather than from thecontact fingers 307 when thecontact arm 312 moves away from the latter. Thefinger 343 can thus be made of arc-resistant material, whereas this may not be desirable for thecontact fingers 307. - Figures 8 and 9 show two modifications (usable singly or in combination) to the switchgear of Figures 1 and 2 but which can likewise be applied to the switchgear embodiments of Figures 3 to 6 and which can be used in combination with modifications shown in Figure 7. Components or elements shown in Figures 8 and 9 which correspond to parts described already are given the same reference numerals as used in Figures 1 and 2 but with 400 added, and will not in general be described again.
- In Figures 8 and 9, an insulated supporting
cup 450 is provided within the arcingelectrode 424 and has mounted therein aferromagnetic ring 451. Thecup 450 shields thering 451 from the arc, and the ring concentrates the magnetic field produced by thefield coil 409 to aid arc extinction. The action of the ring is of particular benefit when breaking relatively low currents. For some applications of the switchgear, it may be desirable to permit a flow of gas axially through theelectrode 424, and for this reason, the supportingcup 450 can be made of annular configuration as indicated in broken line in Figure 8. - A
ferromagnetic yoke 452 is provided to concentrate the magnetic field to encourage the initial arc to stay at the end of thecontact arm 412 to facilitate transfer to theelectrode 424. If desired, theyoke 452 can be covered in insulating material (for example, epoxy resin) to enable it to be placed close to the initial arc. The yoke enhances the action of the electromagnetic loop defined by the contacts and the arc. - Figure 10 shows schematically how the features shown in Figures 6 and 7 can be combined to produce ring main switchgear of compact form. A
metal housing 500 filled with sulphur hexafluoride gas has mounted therein two ringmain switches field coil assembly 503 and a tee-off circuit breaking or load break switch 504 (which has a similar function to theswitch 201 c in the embodiment of Figure 6) which has an associatedfield coil assembly 505. Thefield coil assemblies contact assemblies 506 for the various switches are all carried by a common insulatingsupport 507. An insulating member 507' is provided transversely of the sharedcoil assembly 503 to isolate the contact arms of the ringmain switches field coil assembly 505 with theswitch 504. The conductor bushings for theswitches housing 500 as shown in full lines, or tangentially of the housing as indicated in broken lines. - If desired, features shown in Figures 8 and 9 can also be provided in this arrangement.
- As an alternative to the use of circular cross-section components, the contact arms on the embodiments of Figures 1 to 10 can be of rectangular cross-section, and the field coil and arcing electrode can be of oval cross-section.
- The use of a rectangular cross-section arm is advantageous in that any burning caused by the arc upon opening of the switch under fault conditions occurs at the corners of the contact arm, the side surfaces of the contact arm which engage the fixed contact fingers in the closed position of the switch being substantially unaffected by such burning.
- The invention has other applications besides the distribution switchgear described above. It is applicable to the control of industrial circuits and to distribution and transmission circuits at higher voltages. It can also be supplied to circuit breakers and switches having an insulated enclosure.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AT79302617T ATE5926T1 (en) | 1978-11-28 | 1979-11-19 | ELECTRICAL SWITCHGEAR. |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB7846357 | 1978-11-28 | ||
GB4635778 | 1978-11-28 | ||
GB7918466 | 1979-05-25 | ||
GB7918466 | 1979-05-25 |
Publications (4)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0011972A2 EP0011972A2 (en) | 1980-06-11 |
EP0011972A3 EP0011972A3 (en) | 1980-08-06 |
EP0011972B1 true EP0011972B1 (en) | 1984-01-18 |
EP0011972B2 EP0011972B2 (en) | 1989-08-23 |
Family
ID=26269765
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19790302617 Expired EP0011972B2 (en) | 1978-11-28 | 1979-11-19 | Electrical switchgear |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0011972B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE2966563D1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3736165A1 (en) * | 1986-10-27 | 1988-04-28 | Stroemberg Oy Ab | POWER SWITCH |
CN103109419A (en) * | 2010-09-24 | 2013-05-15 | 西门子公司 | Subsea container electrical through connector |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2966587D1 (en) * | 1978-11-28 | 1984-03-01 | South Wales Switchgear | Electrical switchgear |
ATE6556T1 (en) * | 1979-05-25 | 1984-03-15 | South Wales Switchgear Limited | ELECTRICAL SWITCHGEAR OF THE ROTATING ARC TYPE WITH DOUBLE BREAKDOWN. |
FR2494493A1 (en) * | 1980-11-17 | 1982-05-21 | Merlin Gerin | ELECTRIC CIRCUIT BREAKER WITH SELF-BLOWING BY ARC ROTATION |
US5015810A (en) * | 1989-02-08 | 1991-05-14 | A. B. Chance Company | Arc spinner interrupter |
GB2260027A (en) * | 1991-09-30 | 1993-03-31 | Long & Crawford Limited | Electrical switchgear |
US5464956A (en) * | 1994-04-08 | 1995-11-07 | S&C Electric Company | Rotating arc interrupter for loadbreak switch |
TW389919B (en) | 1995-09-27 | 2000-05-11 | Hitachi Ltd | Insulated type switching device |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3156803A (en) * | 1962-05-29 | 1964-11-10 | Gen Electric | Circuit interrupter having uniformly spaced spiral arc runners in a confined atmosphere for improved arc voltage control |
CH462281A (en) * | 1966-05-26 | 1968-09-15 | Inst Prueffeld Fuer Elek Sche | Hermetically sealed AC high-voltage switch |
DE2224082A1 (en) * | 1972-05-17 | 1973-12-06 | Siemens Ag | PROCEDURE FOR EXTINGUISHING AN ARC AND ARRANGEMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE PROCEDURE |
US4052576A (en) * | 1975-09-02 | 1977-10-04 | I-T-E Imperial Corporation | Contact structure for SF6 arc spinner |
-
1979
- 1979-11-19 DE DE7979302617T patent/DE2966563D1/en not_active Expired
- 1979-11-19 EP EP19790302617 patent/EP0011972B2/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3736165A1 (en) * | 1986-10-27 | 1988-04-28 | Stroemberg Oy Ab | POWER SWITCH |
CN103109419A (en) * | 2010-09-24 | 2013-05-15 | 西门子公司 | Subsea container electrical through connector |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0011972A3 (en) | 1980-08-06 |
EP0011972A2 (en) | 1980-06-11 |
DE2966563D1 (en) | 1984-02-23 |
EP0011972B2 (en) | 1989-08-23 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
JP3043399B2 (en) | Hybrid medium voltage circuit breaker | |
CN101465236B (en) | Vacuum insulated switchgear | |
EP0012522B1 (en) | Electrical switchgear | |
EP0011972B1 (en) | Electrical switchgear | |
US4409446A (en) | Electrical switchgear | |
EP0021577B1 (en) | Electrical switchgear of the rotating arc, double-break type | |
US4301341A (en) | Electrical switchgear | |
US6005213A (en) | Insulated type switchgear device | |
CA3159774C (en) | Switch assembly with energy harvesting | |
US4525612A (en) | Gas insulated switch | |
US4249052A (en) | Arc spinner interrupter with chromium copper arcing contact | |
GB2044538A (en) | Electrical switchgear | |
US3676623A (en) | Circuit interrupter | |
JPH0444371B2 (en) | ||
US4743719A (en) | Arc interrupter | |
US4249051A (en) | Arc spinner interrupter with contact follower | |
US3148260A (en) | Disconnecting switch having surge suppressing impedance | |
GB2038100A (en) | Electrical switchgear | |
US4748302A (en) | Arc interrupter | |
US3711622A (en) | Means for reducing eddy current heating of a tank in electrical apparatus | |
GB2119573A (en) | Electric arc interrupter | |
GB2178239A (en) | Circuit breakers | |
GB2211998A (en) | Arc interrupter | |
CA1128979A (en) | Arc spinner interrupter with chromium copper arcing contact | |
GB2082391A (en) | Electrical circuit interrupters |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR IT LU NL SE |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR IT LU NL SE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19801210 |
|
ITF | It: translation for a ep patent filed |
Owner name: DOTT. FRANCO CICOGNA |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR IT LU NL SE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Effective date: 19840118 |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 5926 Country of ref document: AT Date of ref document: 19840215 Kind code of ref document: T |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 2966563 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 19840223 |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
PLBI | Opposition filed |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19841130 |
|
26 | Opposition filed |
Opponent name: MERLIN GERIN, S.A. Effective date: 19841015 |
|
PUAH | Patent maintained in amended form |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009272 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: PATENT MAINTAINED AS AMENDED |
|
27A | Patent maintained in amended form |
Effective date: 19890823 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B2 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR IT LU NL SE |
|
ITF | It: translation for a ep patent filed |
Owner name: DOTT. FRANCO CICOGNA |
|
NLR2 | Nl: decision of opposition | ||
NLR3 | Nl: receipt of modified translations in the netherlands language after an opposition procedure | ||
ET3 | Fr: translation filed ** decision concerning opposition | ||
ITTA | It: last paid annual fee | ||
EAL | Se: european patent in force in sweden |
Ref document number: 79302617.0 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 19971112 Year of fee payment: 19 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Payment date: 19971117 Year of fee payment: 19 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Payment date: 19971130 Year of fee payment: 19 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 19971201 Year of fee payment: 19 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Payment date: 19971209 Year of fee payment: 19 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Payment date: 19980115 Year of fee payment: 19 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19981120 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19981130 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19981130 |
|
BERE | Be: lapsed |
Owner name: SOUTH WALES SWITCHGEAR LTD Effective date: 19981130 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19990601 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19990730 |
|
EUG | Se: european patent has lapsed |
Ref document number: 79302617.0 |
|
NLV4 | Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee |
Effective date: 19990601 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19990901 |