Multiple electrode structure for a vacuum interrupter
US5444201A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H33/6643
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A multiple electrode structure for a vacuum interrupter that encourages formation of a diffuse arc includes a pair of disk-shaped, confronting electrical contacts that are relatively movable between a closed circuit position and an open circuit position and that are enclosed by a vacuum envelope. Each contact has generally spiral-shaped arms defining slots therebetween. The slots gradually widen towards the periphery of the contacts. In addition, the contacts are rotated relative to each other such that the tip of each spiral arm of one contact faces a generally radially extending portion of a spiral arm of the other contact. A generally tubular metal vapor shield surrounds the contacts within the envelope and is electrically isolated from at least one of the contacts in the open circuit position. The design and orientation of the contacts increases the radial component of the self-induced magnetic fields generated by the current in the interrupter. The Lorentz force on a high-current columnar arc between the contacts motivates the arc to attach to the vapor shield and become diffuse.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.