US1898901A - High tension circuit interrupter - Google Patents

High tension circuit interrupter Download PDF

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Publication number
US1898901A
US1898901A US302368A US30236828A US1898901A US 1898901 A US1898901 A US 1898901A US 302368 A US302368 A US 302368A US 30236828 A US30236828 A US 30236828A US 1898901 A US1898901 A US 1898901A
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United States
Prior art keywords
passage
gas
arcing
electrodes
electrode
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Expired - Lifetime
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US302368A
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English (en)
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Ruppel Sigwart
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority claimed from GB2517228A external-priority patent/GB324892A/en
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    • 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
    • H01H33/7015—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid characterised by flow directing elements associated with contacts
    • H01H33/7038—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid characterised by flow directing elements associated with contacts characterised by a conducting tubular gas flow enhancing nozzle
    • H01H33/7046—Switches with separate means for directing, obtaining, or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid characterised by flow directing elements associated with contacts characterised by a conducting tubular gas flow enhancing nozzle having special gas flow directing elements, e.g. grooves, extensions

Definitions

  • My invention relates to high tension circuit interrupter-s of the gas-blast type and has for its principal object the provision of an improved circuit breaker of the aforesaid type capable of quickly extinguishing high tension power arcs.
  • one contact or electrode is provided with a channel, as a diverging gas passage, and the other electrode is arranged to contact with the firstnamed electrode at the restricted portion of said passage, said point of contact forming the main current carrying area.
  • Auxiliary arcing means coacting with the aforesaid electrodes are disposed within the diverging passage beyond the main contact surfaces so that upon separation of the electrodes the gas blast directed between the same is effective to transfer arcing to the auxiliary arcing means within the diverging passage where it is extinguished.
  • Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, of a circuit interrupter of the gas-blast type embodying my invention
  • Figs. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are detailed views, partly in section, of different forms of electrodes and arcing means
  • Figs. 7 and 9 are fragmentary views, partly in sec- 45 tion, of other forms of electrode structures wherein the main contacts are separately controlled
  • Fig. 8 is a View, partly in sec tion, illustrating electrode structure and operating means therefor
  • Fig. 10 is a frag- 50 mentary view, partly in section, of another form of circuit interrupter having main and auxiliary contacts arranged to coact in accordance with my invention
  • Fig. 11 is a sectional view showing another form my invention may take. 5
  • FIG. 1 the electrode structure of a gas-blast circuit breaker comprising movable contact structure 1 and a stationary contact or electrode 2 forming adiverging exhaust passage, at the restricted portion of which the movable contact or electrade structure 1 is normally disposed.
  • separation of the contact surfaces is accompanied by a blast of gas through the diverging passage to extinguish arcing between the electrodes.
  • the pressure waves produced by the arc extend in the direction of the increasing cross section of the diverging passage, that is, in the direction of the gas blast itself, so that a serious counter-pressure is not exerted by the arc.
  • the counter-pressure of the arc is further minimized by the use of auxiliary arcing portions composed of a metal resistant to vaporization, as tungsten or the like. where the mass of the arc stream and its conducting constituents are reduced to a minimum, interruption of arcing by the gas blast is greatly facilitated even though the amperage and current density are high.
  • the rod portion 3 of the movable electrode is provided at its upper end with an auxiliary contact portion 4 arranged to engage in the closed circuit position the c-oacting auxiliary contact portions 6 forming part of the electrode 2.
  • the arrangement 1s such that upon opening or downward movement of the rod 3 the main contact surfaces at 1 separate prior to separation of the auxiliary arcing contacts 4 and 6. It shall be understood that this may be accomplished in a number of diflerentways, the construction shown being merely an illustration of the principle involved.
  • the rod 3 is provided with a lost-motion connection with the auxiliary arcing contact 4 comprising resilient means as a spring 7 arranged to bias upwardly the stem 8, which is in guided and sliding relation to the rod 3, so that the contact 4 is normally biased into engagement with the coacting arcing portions.
  • resilient means as a spring 7 arranged to bias upwardly the stem 8, which is in guided and sliding relation to the rod 3, so that the contact 4 is normally biased into engagement with the coacting arcing portions.
  • the main contact portions 1 are resiliently secured to the contact rod 3, as by laminated springs 9.
  • the springs serve normally to bias the contact portion 1 into engagement with the inner wall of the nozzle-like electrode 2 at the restricted portion thereof.
  • the operation of the device is as follows: When the rod contact 3 is lowered to open the circuit interrupter the contacts 1 will'be drawn away from the stationary electrode by the springs 9 which normally exert a radial force on the contacts 1. Separation of the contact surfaces at 1 therefore efl'ects transfer of the circuit through the arcing means within the diverging exhaust portion. During the initial opening movement of rod 3 the spring 7 maintains the auxiliary contacts in engagement until the stop member 8 is engaged by the rod 3. Separation of the auxiliary arcing contacts occurs coincident with or subsequent to a blast of gas which is directed into the casing 16 and through the nozzle-like electrode 2.
  • the auxiliary arcing contacts are preferably composed of a material, as tungsten or the like, which is resistant to vaporization and produces a minimum amount of metallic vapor in the arc stream.
  • the gas flows at high velocity past the open contact surfaces at 1 into the diverging portion of the exhaust passage to interrupt the arc at the auxiliary arcing means 4 and 6.
  • the main contact surfaces By arranging the main contact surfaces at the restricted portion of the passage, flashover or shifting of the arc from the auxiliary back to the main contact is substantially precluded, the arc instead being blown further into the diverging portion of the passage.
  • the main contacts in their closed position may wholly or partly close the restricted portion of the passage, the passage being opened upon openmea er ing of the main contacts.
  • the passage at the main contacts will be traversed by gas with high velocity and force. Separation of the electrodes may be effected in any suitable manner, as by well known mechanical operating mechanisms or by pneumatic means generally shown in Fig. 11.
  • the relation between the arc gap and the source of gas pressure or gas reservoir is preferably such that the gas blast is directed across the arc with mimmum loss of pressure.
  • the gas reservoir be closely positioned with respect to or form a part of the switch chamber itself.
  • movable electrode structure arranged to close the restricted portion of the passage in the closed circuit position.
  • flexible bands 10 are disposed between the contact portions 1 and the auxiliary arcing contact 4 and rod 3, respectively.
  • the control of the contacts 1 by the rod 3 is as previously described.
  • Fig. 3 a generally similar structure is shown wherein the springs 9 are combined with the flexible bands 10, the upper ends being free and only their lower ends being secured to the rod 3.
  • the auxiliary arcing means may comprise an annular member 12 as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6.
  • the annular member 12 is mounted within the diverging part of the exhaust passage and is flared in conformity with the nozzle exhaust.
  • the arcing portion 4 engages one end of the member 12 in the manner of a valve engaging its seat.
  • the gas blast is di-' rected through the restricted portion of the passage between the electrodes and extinguishes the are within the diverging portion at the annular member 12.
  • Fig. 6 shows a similar arrangement wherein the contact 4 is provided with an extension 13.
  • the annular member 12 and the extension 13 may be wholly or partly composed of special materials as graphite and the like.
  • Fig. 7 discloses another form of electrode structure wherein the main contacts 1 are supported by a pair of levers 14 pivotally mounted as at 14a on the rod 3.
  • the lower ends of the lever are provided with cam faces arranged to engage cam blocks 15 disposed within the casing 16.
  • Resilient means, as an elliptical spring 17, tends to bias the levers 14 apart and into engagement with the blocks 15.
  • the contacts 1 may wholly or in part consist of a metal which is resistant to vaporization for reasons previously set forth.
  • the nozzle-like electrode 2 may be of the resilient segmental type. In this case the nozzle is split into segments as at 2a and surrounded by an annular compression spring 2b or the like.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates another form of electrode structure and operating means therefor comprising a movable rod contact 4 and a stationary nozzle-like contact 2.
  • a movable rod contact 4 and a stationary nozzle-like contact 2.
  • Suitable means 35 are provided for adjusting the tension of the spring 34.
  • the contacts 33 are disposed at the restricted portion of the diverging passage where the gas velocity is high and are provided at their contact surfaces, or entirely, with a special metal which is resistant to vaporization or chemically inert, as rustless steel, tungsten, nickel, black lead, and the like. In order to minimize breaking up of -the gas flow by the contacts they may be stream lined.
  • strips or ribs 32 may be provided on the contact or arcing surface of the rod 4 to coact with the contacts 33.
  • the strips 32 may be composed of a metal resistant to vaporization, as above described, and may be stream lined and in connection with the extension 13. i
  • a nozzle 36 may be provided below the contact 33.
  • an agent which may be in the form of a liquid, gas or powder may be ad mitted to separately controlled passages, as by an ejector or the like (not shown), or entrained by the gas flowing through the nozzle.
  • the pneumatic operating means shown by way of example comprises a piston 4' suitably arranged to cause reciprocatory movement of the rod 4.
  • the piston is mounted within a cylinder 4 which is connected at one'end to a source of pressure generally indicated at P. Admission of gas to the cylinder causes opening of the switch.
  • the switch casing 16 is likewise connected as by a pipe 16 to the source of pressure so that the gas blast may be concurrent with opening movement of the rod contact 4.
  • Fig. 9 shows a switch generally similar to that shown in Fig. 7.
  • the levers 14 to which the main contacts 1 are connected are pivoted on the central rod 3 at 146, the inner ends of the levers being connected to a rod 18.
  • a spring 17b connected at one end o the arcing portion 4 and at its other end to the inner ends of the levers 14 tends to bias the main contacts into normal engagement.
  • the rod 18 is first moved downwardly, the rod 3 remaining in position. Accordingly, the contacts 1 are rotated out of engagement with the stationary electrode 2 producing an are between portions 1 and 2. Under the influence of the gas blast the arc at once is transferred to the arcing portion 4 and to the diverging wall of the electrode 2. The are is therefore extinguished within the diverging exhaust.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates another form of auxiliary arcing means.
  • the nozzle electrode 2 is mounted within a casing 16a which is secured to the top of the insulating switch casing 16.
  • the nozzle 2 is provided with spring buffers 19 and adjusting means 20 therefor arranged so that limited axial movement of the nozzle 2 within the casing 16a is permitted.
  • the nozzle 2 is moved upwardly and lifted away from the stationary central rod 3 including the arcing portion 4 and the t p extension 13.
  • the auxiliary arcing means 6 forming part of the nozzle 2 are arranged beyond the restricted portion of the passage so as to be within the diverging gas flow. Accordingly, the arc is transferred, upon separation of the electrodes at the restricted portion, to the auxiliary arcing means 613 within the diverging passage and is there extinguished.
  • FIG.-11 There is likewise shown in Fig.-11 electrode structure of the character above described arranged for relative movement.
  • a stationary central rod 3 formed as a tubular member open at its upper end and a movv the nozzle, with the arc, moves downwardly and the gas blast from the passages 3a is directed on the are so as to transfer the same from the engaging surface at the restricted portion of the exhaust passage to the tip of. the arcing pin or portion 4 which is carried at the end of rod 3 in fixed proximity to the gas exhaust passages 3a. It will, therefore, be apparent that the gas exhaust from the outlets 3a bears a fixed space relation to the arcing pin so that a gas stream of substantially uniform velocity on the engaging surface of the arcing pin is maintained during the switch opening operation.
  • a high tension circuit interrupter comprising a pair of electrodes, one of said electrodes having a nozzle-like expanding passage within which the other electrode is disposed in the closed circuit position of the interrupter, the main contact surfaces of said electrodes coacting adjacent the throat of said passage, arcing means extending within the exhaust expanding portion of said passage, and means for directing gas at high velocity between said electrodes and through said nozzle-like passage so that the are formed upon separation of said main contact surfaces is extinguished at said arcing means within said exhaust portion.
  • a high tension circuit interrupter comprising relatively movable electrodes, one of said electrodes surrounding the other in the closed circuit position and provided with a diverging exhaust passage, auxiliary arcingmeans extending within said passage, said electrodes engaging in the closed circuit position adjacent the entrance of said exhaust passage, and means for directing a gas at high velocity between said electrodes'upon separation thereof through said diverging passage for transferring the are formed upon separation of said electrodes to said auxiliary arcing means within said diverging exhaust passa e.
  • K circuit breaker for interru ting high tension power arcs comprising a uid chamber, an electrode having a nozzle-like passage mounted at one end of said chamber, said passage communicating at one end with said chamber and exhausting into a region of low pressure, a coacting rod electrode mounted within said chamber and engaging said firstnamed electrode within said passage, the main contact surfaces of said electrodes being disposed adjacent the entrance of said passage, auxiliary arcing means comprising part of said rod electrode disposed in the exhaust port-ion of said passage, and means for directing a gas at high velocity from said chamber through said passage and between said electrodes upon opening movement thereof so that the are formed upon separation of said electrodes is transferred to said auxiliary means and extinguished-by an expanding jet of high-velocity gas within said exhaust portion.
  • a high tension circuit interrupter comprising an electrode provided with a passage defined by a constricted and a diverging exhaust portion, a coacting electrode disposed within said passage in the closed circuit position of said interrupter, the main contact surfaces of said electrodes engaging adjacent said constricted portion, auxiliary arcing con tacts associated with said electrodes disposed in said diverging exhaust portion, means for effecting separation of said main contact surfaces prior to separation of said auxiliary contacts, and means for directing'a gas at high velocity through said constricted portion between said main contact surfaces and through said exhaust portion whereby the are formed between said auxiliary contacts is interrupted in said exhaust portion beyond the main contact surfaces.
  • a high tension circuit interrupter comprising a pair of electrodes, one of said electrodes having a nozzle-like passage within which the other electrode is disposed in the closed circuit position of the interrupter, main current-carrying contacts disposed at the constricted portion of said passage,-'auxiliary arcing contacts associated with-said electrodes disposed within the exhaust portion of said passage, means including a lostmotion connection for effecting opening movement of the main contacts prior to sep aration of the auxiliary contacts, and means for directing a gas at high Velocity upon separation of said electrodes past said main contacts and through said exhaust portion for interrupting therein the are formed at said auxiliary contacts.
  • auxiliary contacts carried by each of said electrodes extending into said exhaust portion, means for eflecting electrode opening movement prior to separation of the auxiliary contacts, and means for directing gas from said chamber at high velocity between said electrodes and through said exhaust portion to interrupt the are at said auxiliary contacts.
  • a circuit breaker for interrupting high tension power arcs comprising a fluid chamber, an electrode having a passage including a constricted and a diverging exhaust portion mounted at one end of said chamber, said passage communicating at one end with said chamber and exhausting into a region of low pressure, a coacting rod electrode mounted within said chamber and engaging said first-named electrode adjacent the constricted portion of said passage, said rod electrode provided with an arcing portion extending within the exhaust portion of said passage, coacting arcing portions mounted within the exhaust passage in the other electrode, the main contact surfaces of said electrodes being disposed adjacent said constricted portion, and means for directing a gas at high velocity from said chamber between said electrodes upon opening movement thereof and through said passage whereby the are formed adjacent said constricted portion is transferred to said arcing portions and interrupted within said exhaust portion.
  • a circuit breaker for interrupting high tension power arcs comprising a sleeve-like electrode having a passage defined by constricted and diverging exhaust portions, a fluid chamber in communication with said passage at one end thereof, said passage exausting into a region of low pressure, a coacting rod electrode mounted for reciprocal movement within said chamber for engaging said sleeve electrode within said passage and adjacent the constricted portion thereof, said rod electrode provided with an arcing tip of material resistant to vaporization at high temperatures extending within the exhaust portion of said passage, the main contact surfaces of said electrodes being disposed adjacent the constricted portion of said passage, and means for directing a gas from said chamber between said electrodes at a velocity suflicient to overcome the pressure of the are formed between said electrodes whereby said are is interrupted at said arcing tip within said exhaust portion in an expanding jet of high velocity gas.
  • a circuit interrupter of the gas-blast type comprising relatively movable electrodes, one of said electrodes having a diverging exhaust passage and the other of said electrodes comprising a rod member normally engaging said first-named electrode adjacent the restricted portion of said passage, and means directing gas at high velocity between said electrodes upon separation thereof and through said passage, said rod member including an arcing tip arranged to extend appreciably within said diverging passage in the direction of gas flow after sep aration of said electrodes.
  • a gas blast circuit breaker including a pair of relatively movable contacts between which a gas blast is directed for extinguishing arcing, one of said contacts comprising a nozzlelike structure forming the exhaust passage of the gas blast, the other coacting contact comprising a pin engaging and surrounded bv said nozzle contact in the closed circuit position, and means forming a gas passage from a source of pressure to an outlet in fixed proximity to the engaging surface of said coacting contact, so that the exhaust from said outlet impinges directly upon said engaging surface during the opening of the circuit breaker.
  • a gas blast circuit breaker comprising a nozzle contact and a coacting contact comprising a pin engaging and surrounded by said nozzle contact in the closed circuit position, a tubular member communicating with a source of gas pressure and forming a passage for directing gas to the point of separation of said contacts and through said nozzle contact, said contact pin carried by and positioned a fixed distance beyond the open end of said tubular member.

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US302368A 1927-08-30 1928-08-27 High tension circuit interrupter Expired - Lifetime US1898901A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE1898901X 1927-08-30
GB2517228A GB324892A (en) 1928-09-01 1928-09-01 Improvements in or relating to the quenching of sparks in spark gaps of electrical switches and the like

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US1898901A true US1898901A (en) 1933-02-21

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US302368A Expired - Lifetime US1898901A (en) 1927-08-30 1928-08-27 High tension circuit interrupter

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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2416466A (en) * 1943-01-18 1947-02-25 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie Gas blast circuit breaker
US2422805A (en) * 1943-04-17 1947-06-24 Ite Circuit Breaker Ltd Air blast circuit breaker
US2473892A (en) * 1944-12-05 1949-06-21 Westinghouse Electric Corp Circuit interrupter
US2599848A (en) * 1942-05-30 1952-06-10 Latour Andre Spark arrester for pressure gas switches
US2970198A (en) * 1957-02-18 1961-01-31 Westinghouse Electric Corp Compressed-gas circuit interrupter
US3253109A (en) * 1964-04-10 1966-05-24 Gen Motors Corp Electric switch having a flexible contact element
US3271548A (en) * 1963-10-11 1966-09-06 Westinghouse Electric Corp Contact constructions for circuit interrupters

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2599848A (en) * 1942-05-30 1952-06-10 Latour Andre Spark arrester for pressure gas switches
US2416466A (en) * 1943-01-18 1947-02-25 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie Gas blast circuit breaker
US2422805A (en) * 1943-04-17 1947-06-24 Ite Circuit Breaker Ltd Air blast circuit breaker
US2473892A (en) * 1944-12-05 1949-06-21 Westinghouse Electric Corp Circuit interrupter
US2970198A (en) * 1957-02-18 1961-01-31 Westinghouse Electric Corp Compressed-gas circuit interrupter
US3271548A (en) * 1963-10-11 1966-09-06 Westinghouse Electric Corp Contact constructions for circuit interrupters
US3253109A (en) * 1964-04-10 1966-05-24 Gen Motors Corp Electric switch having a flexible contact element

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