US3773993A - Arc electrode, especially for vacuum switches - Google Patents

Arc electrode, especially for vacuum switches Download PDF

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Publication number
US3773993A
US3773993A US00232480A US3773993DA US3773993A US 3773993 A US3773993 A US 3773993A US 00232480 A US00232480 A US 00232480A US 3773993D A US3773993D A US 3773993DA US 3773993 A US3773993 A US 3773993A
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Prior art keywords
electrode
plates
arc
arc electrode
oppositely
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Expired - Lifetime
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US00232480A
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English (en)
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J Amsler
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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
    • H01H33/60—Switches wherein the means for extinguishing or preventing the arc do not include separate means for obtaining or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
    • H01H33/66—Vacuum switches
    • H01H33/664—Contacts; Arc-extinguishing means, e.g. arcing rings
    • H01H33/6643—Contacts; Arc-extinguishing means, e.g. arcing rings having disc-shaped contacts subdivided in petal-like segments, e.g. by helical grooves
    • 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
    • H01H33/60—Switches wherein the means for extinguishing or preventing the arc do not include separate means for obtaining or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
    • H01H33/66—Vacuum switches
    • H01H33/664—Contacts; Arc-extinguishing means, e.g. arcing rings
    • H01H33/6646—Contacts; Arc-extinguishing means, e.g. arcing rings having non flat disc-like contact surface

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a new and improved construction of arc electrode, especially for vacuum switches, which is of the type incorporating two oppositely situated electrodes formed of a plurality of plates and destined to take-up the arc base points, the narrow surfaces of the plates confronting the oppositely situated electrodes.
  • a contact mechanism especially for vacuum switches, is known to the art wherein each switching element or piece is enclosed by an arc electrode.
  • the arc electrode is composed of involute-shaped flexed plates disposed parallel to the axis of the switching element, the plates being assembled together into a rigid package and these plates alternately consist of two materials of different electrical conductivity. The infeed of current to the base points of the are displaced radially outwardly at the arc electrode,
  • each electrode being provided with an inwardly turned or flanged lip portion bounding an opening, the openings of the bowl-shaped electrodes confronting one another.
  • the ionized gas from the space between the electrodes is collected in the spaces of the bowl-shaped electrodes which are not electrically loaded, cooled and condensed.
  • a drawback of this arrangement is that between the bowl-shaped electrodes there also appears a column arc when exceeding approximately kA cut-off currents, bringing about marked contact burn-off.
  • Another and more specific object of the present invention relates to a new and improved construction of arc electrode rendering possible maintenance of the diffuse range of the arc also when exceeding approximately 5 l0 kA cut-ofi current values.
  • the invention contemplates leaving spaces or gaps free between the individual plates, the width of such spaces or gaps being at least equal to the thickness of a plate.
  • a particularly advantageous arrangement of the plates is then realized if the plates are radially arranged about an axis common to both oppositely situated electrodes.
  • FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view through a preferred constructional form of inventive vacuum switch embodying the teachings of this development;
  • FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken through the center of the vacuum switch depicted in FIG. 1, taken substantially along the line IIII thereof;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates details of an electrode construction consisting of parallel plates
  • FIG. 4 illustrates details of an electrode construction consisting of coaxial cylinders
  • FIG. 5 illustrates details of an electrode construction formed of flexed or angled plates
  • FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a portion of the surface of an electrode.
  • the vacuum tight or sealed housing of the switch consists of a cylindrical portion 1 formed of electrically insulating material, a metallic cover member 2 with the switching element or piece 3 fixedly seated therein and the tubular-shaped elecrode support or carrier 4 mounted thereon, and a second metallic cover member 5 which carries a switching element or piece 7 and the electrode support 8, the switching element 7 being secured so as to be movable via a diaphragm or bellows 6 with the metallic cover member 5.
  • the movable switching element 7 has been illustrated in its switching-in or connection position and can be moved to-and-fro in the direction of the arrow by means of any suitable and therefore non-illustrated actuation mechanism.
  • the electrode supports 4 and 8 carry the radially arranged plates 9 and 10 of the arc electrode. In this connection reference should also be made to FIG. 2.
  • the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 1 is protected against condensation of the metal vapors which are present by means of a tubularshaped metal shield 11 which is only secured to the center of the cylindrical part 1 and thus completely insulated from both metallic cover members 2 and 5.
  • the switching elements or pieces 3 and 7 possess a truncated or blunt contact support surface 12. During disconnection of the current the switching elements 3 and 7 separate and the are initially burns therebetween. The base points of the are then wander over to the plates 9 and 10, wherein the delivery of current occurs by means of both electrode supports 4 and 8. The are burning between the electrodes formed of the plates arranged so as to have therebetween intermediate compartments or spaces is practically not able to build-up an axial pressure of force because the axially accelerated ionized gases in the spaces between the plates arrives at a compartment or space which is not electrically loaded. The hot gases flowing through the spaces between the plates 9 and 10 are cooled and condensed.
  • the gaps or spaces formed between the plates 9 and 10 and the very narrow surfaces of the plates 9 and 10 confronting the opposed electrodes prevent the formation of column arcs and therefore increase the longevity of the vacuum switch.
  • the oppositely situated electrodes could also be formed of parallelly armaged plates 13.
  • the plates 13 of the arrangement of FIG. 3 are inserted into slots 14a of the electrode support 14 and welded or riveted thereat.
  • FIG. 4 there is shown a further construction of the electrodes wherein the latter are assembled together from concentric cylinders 15 secured to electrode supports 16.
  • An essential criteria for maintaining a diffuse are between the electrodes consisting of adjacently arranged plates with free intermediate spaces therebetween concerns the sum of the length of the edges appearing at one square centimeter of electrode surface.
  • the sum of the edge length should at least amount to 3 cm. per square centimeter of electrode surface.
  • FIG. 6 there is illustrated an embodiment wherein the sum of the edge lengths of the plates 20, 21 and 22 amounts to 6 cm. for a square centimeter of electrode surface.
  • the diffuse are not only has its arc projection surface at the narrow surfaces of the plates confronting the oppositely situated electrodes, rather also at the wide surfaces of the plates bounding the spaces or gaps between the plates.
  • the dimensions 23 (FIG. 1) of the plates below the narrow surfaces confronting the oppositely situated electrodes must amount to at least 1 cm.
  • inventively constructed arc electrodes is not solely limited to merely vacuum switches, although such constitutes a particularly useful environment. 7
  • An arc electrode arrangement particularly for vacuum switches comprising two oppositely located electrode rods, arcing means for each electrode rod and having a plurality of plates separated from another by gaps therebetween, said plates extending substantially parallel to the axis of the respective electrode rod, said arcing means having an arcing face defined by edges of the plates to take up the base points of the arc, the width of said gaps being at least equal to the thickness of a plate.

Landscapes

  • High-Tension Arc-Extinguishing Switches Without Spraying Means (AREA)
  • Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)
US00232480A 1967-06-01 1972-03-07 Arc electrode, especially for vacuum switches Expired - Lifetime US3773993A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH778167A CH451286A (de) 1967-06-01 1967-06-01 Kontaktvorrichtung, insbesondere für Vakuumschalter
CH1470271A CH525548A (de) 1967-06-01 1971-10-08 Lichtbogenelektrode, insbesondere für eine Kontaktanordnung in einem Vakuumschalter

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3773993A true US3773993A (en) 1973-11-20

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US00232480A Expired - Lifetime US3773993A (en) 1967-06-01 1972-03-07 Arc electrode, especially for vacuum switches

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US3773993A (de)
AT (1) AT316680B (de)
CH (2) CH451286A (de)
DE (2) DE1765157C2 (de)
GB (1) GB1363013A (de)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3866005A (en) * 1972-03-03 1975-02-11 Sprecher & Schuh Ag Arc electrode structure, especially for vacuum switches
US4004117A (en) * 1973-09-19 1977-01-18 Sprecher & Schuh Ag Arcing electrode, more particularly for vacuum switches
US4021629A (en) * 1974-09-05 1977-05-03 Sprecher & Schuh Ag Arc electrode, especially for a contact arrangement in a vacuum switch
US4041262A (en) * 1974-09-02 1977-08-09 Sprecher & Schuh Ag Contact arrangement for an electrical switch, especially for a vacuum switch
US4171474A (en) * 1977-05-27 1979-10-16 Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. Current interrupter electrode configuration
US5597992A (en) * 1994-12-09 1997-01-28 Cooper Industries, Inc. Current interchange for vacuum capacitor switch
EP1840917A1 (de) * 2006-03-27 2007-10-03 Abb Ab Schutz

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH451286A (de) * 1967-06-01 1968-05-15 Sprecher & Schuh Ag Kontaktvorrichtung, insbesondere für Vakuumschalter
DE2048506C3 (de) * 1970-10-02 1978-09-28 Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen Vakuumschalter
DE3107155C2 (de) * 1981-02-26 1984-12-13 Calor-Emag Elektrizitäts-Aktiengesellschaft, 4030 Ratingen Vakuumschalter
DE3130466C2 (de) * 1981-07-23 1984-06-20 Calor-Emag Elektrizitäts-Aktiengesellschaft, 4030 Ratingen Verfahren zur Herstellung von Kontakten für Vakuumschalter
JPS5830254U (ja) * 1981-08-24 1983-02-26 三菱電機株式会社 回路しや断器
DE3150973A1 (de) * 1981-12-23 1983-06-30 Calor-Emag Elektrizitäts-Aktiengesellschaft, 4030 Ratingen Vakuum-leistungsschalter

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3210505A (en) * 1962-04-03 1965-10-05 Gen Electric Electrode structure for an electric circuit interrupter
US3261954A (en) * 1965-01-11 1966-07-19 Joslyn Mfg & Supply Co Current interruption and separation electrode structure for vacuum switching apparatu
CH451286A (de) * 1967-06-01 1968-05-15 Sprecher & Schuh Ag Kontaktvorrichtung, insbesondere für Vakuumschalter

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1266130A (fr) * 1959-08-28 1961-07-07 Thomson Houston Comp Francaise Perfectionnements aux électrodes d'interrupteur à vide
US3158719A (en) * 1962-04-03 1964-11-24 Gen Electric Contact structure for an electric circuit interrupter
FR1353285A (fr) * 1962-04-03 1964-02-21 Thomson Houston Comp Francaise Structure de contact pour interrupteur de circuit électrique
BE639838A (de) * 1962-11-14

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3210505A (en) * 1962-04-03 1965-10-05 Gen Electric Electrode structure for an electric circuit interrupter
US3261954A (en) * 1965-01-11 1966-07-19 Joslyn Mfg & Supply Co Current interruption and separation electrode structure for vacuum switching apparatu
CH451286A (de) * 1967-06-01 1968-05-15 Sprecher & Schuh Ag Kontaktvorrichtung, insbesondere für Vakuumschalter

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3866005A (en) * 1972-03-03 1975-02-11 Sprecher & Schuh Ag Arc electrode structure, especially for vacuum switches
US4004117A (en) * 1973-09-19 1977-01-18 Sprecher & Schuh Ag Arcing electrode, more particularly for vacuum switches
US4041262A (en) * 1974-09-02 1977-08-09 Sprecher & Schuh Ag Contact arrangement for an electrical switch, especially for a vacuum switch
US4021629A (en) * 1974-09-05 1977-05-03 Sprecher & Schuh Ag Arc electrode, especially for a contact arrangement in a vacuum switch
US4171474A (en) * 1977-05-27 1979-10-16 Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. Current interrupter electrode configuration
US5597992A (en) * 1994-12-09 1997-01-28 Cooper Industries, Inc. Current interchange for vacuum capacitor switch
EP1840917A1 (de) * 2006-03-27 2007-10-03 Abb Ab Schutz
WO2007110388A1 (en) * 2006-03-27 2007-10-04 Abb Ab A contactor
US20090272636A1 (en) * 2006-03-27 2009-11-05 Peter Isberg Contactor
US8188392B2 (en) 2006-03-27 2012-05-29 Abb Ab Serrated contact members

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2204113A1 (de) 1973-04-12
CH451286A (de) 1968-05-15
DE1765157B1 (de) 1972-05-31
GB1363013A (en) 1974-08-14
DE1765157C2 (de) 1974-05-22
CH525548A (de) 1972-07-15
DE2204113C3 (de) 1980-10-09
DE2204113B2 (de) 1980-01-17
AT316680B (de) 1974-07-25

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