Multiple electrode structure for a vacuum interrupter

Details Multiple electrode structure for a vacuum interrupter Multiple electrode structure for a vacuum interrupter

1993-11-22

1995-08-22

Hoff, Marc S.

High-voltage switches with arc preventing or extinguishing devic

Arc preventing or extinguishing devices

Vacuum

H01K 3366

Patent

active

054442010

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.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3522399 (1970-07-01), Crouch
patent: 3809836 (1974-05-01), Crouch
patent: 4553007 (1985-11-01), Wayland
patent: 5103069 (1992-04-01), Yorita
Paul G. Slade, "The Vacuum Interrupter Contact", Mar., 1984, IEEE Trans. Comp. Hybrids Package vol. CHMT-7, pp. 25-32.
M. Bruce Schulman, "Separation of Spiral Contacts and the Motion of Vacuum Arcs at High AC Currents," Oct., 1993, IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci., vol. PS-21, No. 5.

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