US1909871A - Compressed gas switch - Google Patents

Description

May 16, 1933. s. RUPPEL coMPkEssED GAS SWITCH Filed Sept. 11, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet l //7 venfon: 3

3 Sheets-Sheet S. RUPPEL COMPRESSED GAS SWITCH Filed Sept. 11, 1929 May 16, 1933.

Filed Sept. 11, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented May 16, 1933 PATENT OFFICE SIGWART RUPPEL, OF FRANKFORT-ON-THE-MAIN, GERMANY COMPRESSED GAS SWITCH Application filed September 11, 1929, Serial No. 391,843, and in Germany September 20, 1928.

This invention relates to compressed gas switches for high power electrical installations, and has for its main object the provision of an improved practical high tension switch of the aforesaid type.

While compressed gas switches can. gener ally be constructed similarly to the known form of high power switches, special arrangements are rendered necessary by the actual character of the compressed gas switch with respect to air supply, drive and switch space, which differ greatly from the hitherto usual form both in action as well as in the internal and external shape. The constructional forms hereinafter described fully satisfy the particular requirements of compressed gas switches and show, in addition to the principle of construction, also various constructional examples of single and multiple phase switches. As oil-free power switches have hitherto been known only for cutting off low power and oil switches have been exclusively used for interrupting larger currents, in the present invention forms of construction are shown which permit the cutting off of high power as over 300,000 kilowatts without oil and only using compressed gas.

The construction of the compressed gas switches may be such that for example a three-phase switch is made of the three separately arranged poles, which have in common only the drive and the compressed gas supply. All three phases may, however, also be arranged in a common housing, this serving at the same time as the compressed gas container. If three single phase switches are combined into a three phase current unit, the position of these single phase switches with respect to each other may be variously chosen, thus, with the switches located in one plane or arranged in the form of a triangle. In this a common cross piece may serve for the three switching positions in common with a power drive as a spring, electro-magnet, compressed piston, or the like. The drive itself can be arranged either side by side with or under the switch, or it may be also placed in the switch itself. The break at each pole may either be a single break or a double or multiple break. The current supply to the movable switch part may take place either by sliding contacts or by flexible current leads which may be carried inside ahollow contact. Both for reasons of space as well as for technical working reasons, it may be advantageous to combine the switches. If the switches are arranged in a common switch chamber, this switch space will serve to a certain extent as a compressed gas reservoir, and if the switches are so arranged that the switching ofi can only take place after there is sufficient pressure in the switch chamber, the quantity of compressed gas contained in the switch space may suffice for the first ex- 5 tinction, and the compressed gas after-movement would only have to maintain the condition of extinction.

The switch chamber can be made of metal and the separating poles which are carried w by insulating material as porcelain, compressed paper, and the like may be inserted as separately insulated pieces or, if the poles are carried into the interior of the switch space they may be inserted with the leadingin insulators. The metal wall may be lined with insulating material in the interior, where there are parts carrying potentials or over its entire surface. To separate the different poles, insulating walls may be fitted which keep the three poles separated from each other both inside as well as outside. Instead of constructing the switch chamber of metal, it could be made substantially of insulating material. The poles could then be inserted directly in this insulating material, as compressed paper, porcelain, steatite and the like and the dividing walls could complete and strengthen the whole arrangement.

If the switch chamber is made substantially of porcelain, then, in addition to the lateral ribs, special cross ribs may be fitted.

A multiple break for higher potentials is effected, if it is desired to use separate standard parts, preferably in separate similarly 95 constructed switch chambers, so that the switch part only needs to be altered to cor respond with the potential difference. The supporting piece can if desired be the same, as an earthed or grounded piece of metal.

In this case a comparatively simple arrangement is obtained since with diflerent potentials it is only necessary for the hollow insulating supports which carry the contacts, to be exchanged. Otherwise, everything in the construction of the switch remains the same. Of course the distance between the poles must be suited to the potential; this distance, however, can be easily changed by the insertion of spacing pieces.

A condition, however, for such an arrangement, standardized in the most simple manner, is that the extension of the switch part be carried in insulating sleeves through the earthed part which carries the switch chambers in hollow supports. These insulating sleeves must be made to correspond in length to the potential which in turn determines the len th of stroke.

(Jompressed gas switches can, after opening the circuit, be made accessible at all parts. The whole mechanism is open. This accessibility is still more enhanced if the contacts are not titted inside the switch but at the outer ends. If this is done, then the switch can be simply fixed to a centre earthed metal part and the poles carried by insulated hollow parts in which the switch piece moves. The contacts are then entirely free at the ends of the insulating pieces; they can be easily inspected and repaired.

then such an arrangement is provided, then the switch parts carrying the current must move in an insulating sleeve in order that a sufficient insulating space or a sufii cient insulating power may exist between the switch part and the earthed centre part. In the case of such an arrangement, current transformers may be easily fitted on the earthed part surrounding the current carrying switch part.

lVith such an arrangement, the compressed gas supply can also be made directly through a metal pipe, as the compressed gas is fed into the earthed part. If the position is such that the metal pipe would come too near parts carrying potentials, then of course an insulating pipe could be used.

My invention will be more fully set forth in the following description referring to' the accompanying drawings, and the features of novelty which characterize my invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 is an elevational view, partly in section, of a high tension circuit breaker of the gas-blast type; Fig. 2 is a fragn'ientary elevat-ional end view of the switch shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an elevational View of another form of polyphase circuit interrupter; Fig. 4 is an elevational end view, partly in section, of the switch shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is an elevational view, partly in section, of another form of polyphase circuit interrupter, and Fig. 6 is a plan view of the switch shown in Fig. 5.

In Figs. 1 and 2, a constructional form of a compressed gas switch is shown in which all the switch parts are fixed on a common framework. The earthed or grounded centre part 5 comprising part of the switch casing is fitted on the metallic bracket 6 which is fixed on the frame 57. In this frame are also fitted the compressed gas chamber or reservoir 34, control valve 33, driving cylinder 10, and the compressed gas supply pipe 32 which supplies compressed gas to the three poles, as well as the other part of the driving mechanism. The upper pole-the stationary nozzle contact or electrode 2,is mounted on a half leading-in insulator 16 formed as an insulating shell, and the lower or movable electrode 1 together with the sliding current collecting contact, as sleeve contacts 3, on a half leading-in insulator 17. In this half leading-in insulator 17 there is an insulated tube or sleeve 4 in which the switch rod 1 with the end contact 51 reciprocates. The switch rod 1 may be mounted in an insulating sleeve 50.

On the switch being opened, the switch piece or electrode 1 moves downwardly through the insulating tube 4. The arrangement may here at the same time be so contrived that the insulating sleeve is within the contact 4 and thus interrupts also the current supply to the end contact 51 after the completion of the switching off in the extinguishing chamber.

A transformer 53, as a current transformer, can be carried on the earthed centre piece 5. The contact 3 may be covered by sleeves, easily removable, so that it can be inspected at any time. The guiding of the switch piece in the tube 4 can take place in any desired manner. If desired, felt rings may be inserted. The tube 4 may be constructed as a fiat or corrugated tube both outside and inside. If desired, ribs may be arranged which permit of a lateral spring support.

As the insulating sleeve 4 projects rather far into the switch space, its upper end must be sufiiciently far back from the separating point between electrodes 1 and 2 that on the disappearance of the end contact 51 in the insulating tube 4 the arc extinction is obtained with certainty. the insulating tube 4 may be of stream line form.

The driveof the movable switch part takes place by means of insulated rocking links 54 and levers 55 from the shaft 56. The compressed gas drive 10 actuates the shaft 56 which moves all three poles in common. In the figure shown, both the switching in valve as well as the other subsidiary apparatus appertaining to the switch as, for example, the pressure testing valve, are not shown. Upon opening or downward movement of electrode The upper end of.

1 the pressure gas supply to the blast space or gas chamber of the switch takes place through the valve 33, distributing pipe 32, supply pipe 52, switch gas chamber formed by the earthed centre piece 5 and insulating shells 16 and 17, to the blast point from the compressed gas chamber 34. The are drawn between the separating electrodes is quickly extinguished by the blast of gas exhausting through the nozzle electrode 2.

Figs. 3 and 4 show the construction of a compressed gas switch with double interruptor in which the three poles are arranged side by side. The hollow half-leading-in insulators 16 are mounted on an earthed centre part 5 which is constructed as a compressed gas distributing pipe. The phase displacement may be suitably subdivided by means of spacing pieces between the standard separate pieces 5. The whole of the moving parts are mounted in a frame 57 in which are arranged the compressed gas vessel 34, valve 33 and driving cylinder 10. In the arrangement shown, the driving cylinder 10 works on a double cross bar 20 on which are mounted the switch parts 1 by means of insulated cross pieces 58. The cross bar can be carried in special guides 22 on both sides so that a bending of the cross bar is not possible. Instead of effecting the drive with the cross bar, a rocking link drive similar to that shown in Fig. 1 could be provided. With an arrangement of the poles in one plane, the compressed gas may be either supplied from one side through the valve 33 and pipe 32, or the supply could take place also on both sides as shown in broken lines on the left-hand side of Fig. 3. If the supply takes place on one side, it may be fitted either on the left or on the right hand side of the switch according to the conditions of the site and according to the general scheme it several switches are to be mounted side by side. If required, in the case of switches which work together, a common drive could be used for several switches by means of a shaftrunningthrough. The drive could also be so provided that only under certain conditions could a common release take place from one drive. The switch piece 1 may be passed through the insulated pipes 4 which may be supplied with felt guide pieces or the like, and also be mounted in the earthed centre piece 5 so that they are to a certain extent flexible. The connection takes place in this switch on the two nozzle-shaped contacts 2. When the compressed gas supply is provided on both sides, then if required, with normal switchings, only one compressed gas valve 33 could be opened, the second compressed gas valve being controlled in accordance with the switching-off current.

In Figs. 5 and 6 are shown the elevation and plan of a compressed gas switch with double break, in which each switch piece 1 is carried in an insulating tube 4 which is supported by a separate earthed centre part 5. On the earthed centre part 5 which also represents the compressed gas supply, is then also fitted the hollow support 16 which on its part carries the nozzle contact 2. The whole switch consists of such above-described elements as are mounted on a triangular stand 59. Each two corresponding switch parts 1 are connected by the connecting piece 58 and driven by the shafts 56 through insulated rocking links 54 and levers 55. The compressed gas supply takes place from the compressed gas container 35 arranged in the base of the stand 59, through valves 33 and compressed gas distributing pipe 32 to the switch points. The drive of the separate poles can take place either for each pole separately by a compressed gas drive 10, or by any other method of driving; it necessary, however, the three shafts 56 could be coupled together by the bevel wheel 60 and only a single drive 10 be used. The coupling of the shaft 56 would be advantageous if all three poles are driven by a special drive, as all three poles would then be simultaneously interrupted. For the separation of the phases insulating walls can be fitted at the side as well as above the stand 59, which extend upwards into exhaust hoods, not shown, for the expelled switching gas. Instead of giving the stand 59 an angular shape, this could be of cylindrical form, the interruption points being arranged in a circle. If necessary, with this construction, the drive could be arranged in the centre of the stand 59 and the levers 55 extended towards the inside being driven by links. In this case, the shafts 56 need not be carried through and coupled as then one drive switches all three phases.

TVhat I claim is 1. A gas blast circuit interrupter comprising agrounded metallic casing having insulating structure at opposite ends thereof forming a gas chamber, relatively movable electrodes separable at one end of said chamber to form a gap through which gas may exhaust to interrupt the are formed therein, one of said electrodes comprising a current carrying rod member reciprocally mounted within said chamber and extending therethrough, a current transformer annular in form mounted upon said metallic casing and surrounding said rod electrode, and a pipe connected to said metallic casing for admitting gas thereto from a source of pressure.

2. A gas blast circuit interrupter comprising a metallic casing, said casing being grounded, insulating members mounted at opposite ends of said casing forming a switch chamber, a hollow electrode mounted upon one of said insulating members, a coacting rod electrode extending through said chamber and guided by the other insulating member for reciprocal movement therein, opening movement of said rod electrode in a direction towards the interior of said chamber forming a gap through which gas may exhaust from said chamber to extinguish the arc, and an insulating sleeve for said rod electrode ex tending through said chamber intermediate said insulating members so as to be disposed between said rod electrode and said grounded casing.

3. A gas blast circuit interrupter unit comprising a cylindrical casing forming a gas chamber, insulating shells at opposite ends of said casing for mounting and guiding stationary and movable electrodes respectively, said movable electrode comprising a current carrying rod member extending through and guided in said casing, said electrodes separable at one end of said casing toifor'm a gap through which gas may exhaust from said chamber to extinguish an arc therein, a grounded metallic frame upon which said casing is mounted, a gas collector tank mounted in said frame, means including grounded metallic pipes and controlling valve structure interposed between said tank and chamber admitting gas under pressure thereto during circuit interruption, and operating means for said rod electrode including a piston operatively connected thereto mounted with respect to said frame.

4. A polyphase circuit interrupter unit of the gas-blasttype comprising a plurality of phase switches each including a metallic supporting sleeve, a hollow insulator mounted on said sleeve and forming therewith a gas chamber, a nozzle-like contact mounted on said insulator, a coacting rod contact extending through said chamber, a metallic frame common to said sleeves supporting and.

grounding the same, said frame including means connecting each chamber to a common source of gas pressure, and operating means common to said rod contacts mounted on said frame.

5. A circuit interrupter of the gas-blast type comprising a grounded metallic supporting frame, a metallic switch casing mounted on and in conducting relation with said frame, an insulating shell forming with said casing a gas chamber, relatively movable electrodes coacting at one end of said chamber, said electrodes comprising a sta tionary nozzle contact mounted on said insulating shell and forming an exhaust opening for said gas chamber and a coacting rod contact movable in and longitudinally of said gas chamber, an insulating sleeve within said chamber for said rod electrode positioned between the same and said metallic casing, means directing gas under pressure from a source of pressure into said gas chamber, and means efi'ecting circuit opening and closin movements of said rod contacts.

ln testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

SIGWART RUPPEL.

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