Method for increasing insulation level in an encapsulation
AssigneeCooper Industries, Inc.
InventorsPaul N. Stoving, E. Fred Bestel, Charles Guenette
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A switchgear assembly includes a vacuum interrupter assembly having an internal switching contact. A conductive current exchange is in electrical contact with the switching contact, and the current exchange defines an internal chamber within the current exchange. A plug of non-conductive, compliant material has a first portion that extends into the internal chamber in contact with the current exchange. An insulative encapsulation surrounds the vacuum interrupter assembly, the current exchange, and the plug.
Claims18
A switchgear assembly comprising:
- a vacuum interrupter assembly having an internal switching contact;
- a conductive current exchange in electrical contact with the switching contact, the current exchange defining an internal chamber within the current exchange;
- a plug of non-conductive, compliant material having a first portion that extends into the internal chamber and is positioned against the current exchange;
- and
- an insulative encapsulation surrounding the vacuum interrupter assembly, the current exchange, and the plug.
A method of insulatively encapsulating an electrical switchgear assembly, the method comprising:
- surrounding with a mold a vacuum interrupter assembly having an internal switching contact, a current exchange in electrical contact with the switching contact and defining an internal chamber, and a plug of non-conductive, compliant material, having a first portion that extends into the internal chamber and is positioned against the current exchange;
- forming an insulative encapsulation around the vacuum interrupter assembly, the current exchange, and the plug;
- and
- removing the mold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.