GB1275191A - A sealed type current interrupting device - Google Patents

Abstract

1275191 Spark-jump rotary distributers; mechanical interrupters; electromagnetic relays HITACHI Ltd 23 Feb 1970 [23 July 1969] 8666/70 Heading H1N A current interrupting device comprising at least a pair of members for making and breaking current in a sealed casing which are movable apart to break the current and in which ozone is generated by sparking between the electrodes has a catalyst in the casing to decompose the ozone. As applied to a spark-gap ignition distributer for internal combustion engines, ozone from the spark between electrodes 8, 18 is blown outwards by rotor 9 and decomposed by catalyst 21 in transparent casings 22 disposed round the distributer cap, casings 22 having removable covers 26 and gauze ends 27. Ozone from the spark falling under gravity to the base of the distributer is decomposed by catalyst 24 in similar cases 23 round the bottom of the distributer casing 1. Alternatively, the catalyst may be in exchangeable capsules. In an alternative embodiment, Figs. 4, 5 (not shown), the catalyst is inside the casing in cases 29 secured to the base 10. The catalyst may be silver, activated carbon, copper oxide, manganese dioxide, platinum or palladium. The catalysts are supported in suitable carriers such as granules or pellets of alumina, silicious marls &c. Various methods of preparation are given. It is stated that the use of the catalyst enables the casings to be hermetically sealed to exclude water, mud, petrol vapour &c. It is further stated that some catalysts also decompose nitrogen oxides which cause deterioration of the insulation and leakage of high voltage. Electromagnetic relays.-The invention is also described as being applied to electromagnetic relays 60, Fig. 6a, mounted on a base 66 provided with a cover 50, Fig. 6b (not shown), with a catalyst column 62.