Apparatus and method for fast vacuum switch link
AssigneeSmart Wires Inc.
InventorsTrevor B. Marshall, Michael J. Saunders
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and methods of opening and closing a vacuum switched link are disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum interrupter including a mechanical coupling and a moving contact. The apparatus further includes a drive rod, where the mechanical coupling is disposed between the drive rod and the moving contact. The apparatus further includes a direct-acting closing spring coupled to the drive rod. The apparatus further includes a reset spring coupled to the drive rod. The apparatus further includes an armature slidably coupled to the drive rod and responsive to the reset spring during closing of the vacuum interrupter. The apparatus further includes a coil embedded in the armature.
Claims16
An apparatus, comprising:
- a vacuum interrupter comprising a mechanical coupling and a moving contact;
- a drive rod, wherein the mechanical coupling is disposed between the drive rod and the moving contact;
- a direct-acting closing spring coupled to the drive rod;
- a reset spring coupled to the drive rod;
- an armature slidably coupled to the drive rod and responsive to the reset spring during closing of the vacuum interrupter;
- and
- a coil embedded in the armature;
- wherein:
- contact load of the vacuum interrupter is in a range of 6,000-10,000 newtons;
- or
- a rated current of the vacuum interrupter is in a range of 1,800-5,400 amperes;
- or
- when the coil is de-energized, the drive rod is accelerated upward to close the vacuum interrupter, wherein time to close the vacuum interrupter is in a range of 18-22 milliseconds.
A method of opening a vacuum switched link having a vacuum interrupter, a drive rod, a direct-acting closing spring, a reset spring, and an armature having a coil embedded therein, the vacuum interrupter comprising a moving contact coupled to the drive rod, the drive rod further coupled to the direct-acting closing spring and the reset spring, and the armature slidably coupled to the drive rod, the method comprising:
- applying a pulse of current to the coil to open the vacuum interrupter, wherein the pulse of current applied to the coil generates an attractive magnetic force between the armature and an armature base plate that overcomes closing forces applied by the direct-acting closing spring and the reset spring;
- applying a holding current to the coil;
- and
- applying a constant resultant force to the drive rod, the constant resultant force comprising the closing forces exerted by the direct-acting closing spring and the reset spring, and a dominant opening force exerted by the armature due to the holding current applied to the coil;
- wherein:
- contact load of the vacuum interrupter is in a range of 6,000-10,000 newtons;
- or
- a rated current of the vacuum interrupter is in a range of 1,800-5,400 amperes;
- or
- when the coil is de-energized, the drive rod is accelerated upward to close the vacuum interrupter, wherein time to close the vacuum interrupter is in a range of 18-22 milliseconds.
A method of closing a vacuum switched link having a vacuum interrupter, a drive rod, a direct-acting closing spring, a reset spring, and an armature having a coil embedded therein, the vacuum interrupter comprising a moving contact coupled to the drive rod, the drive rod further coupled to the direct-acting closing spring and the reset spring, and the armature slidably coupled to the drive rod, the method comprising:
- quenching a holding current flowing in the coil;
- allowing unrestricted acceleration of the armature for a reset distance, driven by the reset spring, to accelerate closure of the vacuum interrupter;
- and
- applying forces to the drive rod including a closing force exerted by the direct-acting closing spring and another closing force exerted by the reset spring;
- wherein:
- contact load of the vacuum interrupter is in a range of 6,000-10,000 newtons;
- or
- a rated current of the vacuum interrupter is in a range of 1,800-5,400 amperes;
- or
- when the coil is de-energized, the drive rod is accelerated upward to close the vacuum interrupter, wherein time to close the vacuum interrupter is in a range of 18-22 milliseconds.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.