US 4,359,710 A · Annular resistor with zig-zag layer pattern for resistance elements

Abstract

An improved annular resistor, suitable for use in a diesel electric locomotive dynamic braking system and similar applications comprising an assembly of similar arcuate segments. Each resistor segment has a supporting frame (11, 13) and a continuous resistance ribbon (53, 55, 57, 59) having a plurality of reflexed radial extensions between the two parts of the frame, electrically isolated from the frame. To allow expansion and contraction of the ribbon, U-shaped folds of the ribbon are mounted on pin supports (51). The pin supports are mounted to insulator blocks (27, 29, 37, 39), and are set so as to position the ribbons in a zig-zag or chevron pattern, in order to enhance cooling and improve the flow of air over the ribbon surfaces. Three terminals (67, 73, 75) are provided on each segment to allow part of the resistance of each segment to be removed from the circuit.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A resistor comprising in combination:

a supporting frame having inner and outer arcuate portions and portions holding them in spaced apart concentric relationship;
insulating means secured to the arcuate opposing faces of said inner and outer spaced frame portions;
a plurality of layers of reflexed resistance ribbons, each of said ribbons having segments arranged in a radial relation between the inner and outer portions of said supporting frame, said segments attached to each other at connections in proximity to said insulating means, said layers of resistance ribbon being mounted such that the ribbon surfaces of the different layers are skewed, in a zig-zag pattern;
support means between said insulating means and said connections between said radial segments of said ribbons for providing individual support for each of said connections and holding said ribbons in the zig-zag pattern within the space defined by opposing faces of said insulating means;
and
terminal means connected to said ribbons for connecting the latter to a source of electric current.

3 more elements

A resistor assembly comprising in combination:

a plurality of individually replaceable resistance units secured together in an annular configuration, each of said units being independently connectable to a source of electric current, and each of said units comprising:
a supporting frame having inner and outer arcuate portions and portions holding them in spaced apart concentric relationship;
insulating means secured to the arcuate opposing faces of said inner and outer spaced frame portions;
a plurality of layers of reflexed resistance ribbons, each of said ribbons having inner and outer U-shaped bends in proximity to said insulating means and segments connecting and arranged in a radial relation between said inner and outer bends, said layers of resistance ribbons being mounted on said insulating means such that the ribbon surfaces of the different layers are skewed, in a zig-zag pattern;
support means between said insulating means and said U-shaped bends for providing individual support for each of said bends and holding said ribbons in the zig-zag pattern within the space defined by opposing faces of said insulating means;
and
terminal means connected to said ribbons for connecting the latter to a source of electric current.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Annular resistor with zig-zag layer pattern for resistance elements

Life of this patent

Annular resistor with zig-zag layer pattern for resistance elements

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14