Electric switch and improved device using same
US4370531A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 1980 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H33/06
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A high-speed switch usable at high voltage includes a pair of contacts movable apart along a fixed line. When the contacts are normally interconnected, at least one of them contributes to the definition of an enclosed chamber. Pressurizaton of the chamber by the ignition of a power cartridge therein rapidly drives the contacts apart, forming a first gap between them. When the contacts are interconnected, a first one of them is electrically connected to a terminal. As the contacts move apart, a second gap forms between the first contact and the terminal. The second gap is electrically insulated and may both be shielded from the ignition products of the cartridge and have any arc forming therein constricted and subjected to arc-extinguishing gas. The contacts may be shunted by a fuse to which current is commutated after the contacts move apart.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.