US 4,370,531 A · Electric switch and improved device using same

Abstract

A high-speed switch usable at high voltage includes a pair of contacts movable apart along a fixed line. When the contacts are normally interconnected, at least one of them contributes to the definition of an enclosed chamber. Pressurizaton of the chamber by the ignition of a power cartridge therein rapidly drives the contacts apart, forming a first gap between them. When the contacts are interconnected, a first one of them is electrically connected to a terminal. As the contacts move apart, a second gap forms between the first contact and the terminal. The second gap is electrically insulated and may both be shielded from the ignition products of the cartridge and have any arc forming therein constricted and subjected to arc-extinguishing gas. The contacts may be shunted by a fuse to which current is commutated after the contacts move apart.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An electrical switch for opening a first current path in which the switch is included, comprising:

a pair of normally electrically interconnected contacts for carrying current in the first current path, the contacts being relatively movable apart along a fixed line of direction to break the electrical interconnection therebetween and to open the first current path, at least one of the interconnected contacts defining an enclosed chamber;
a terminal in the first current path;
means for
(a) electrically connecting a first of the contacts to the terminal when the contacts are electrically interconnected so that the terminal and contacts are in series in the first current path, and
(b) electrically insulating the first contact from the terminal as and when the contacts move apart;
and
ignitable means within the chamber for pressurizing the chamber upon ignition thereof to rapidly drive the contacts apart.

4 more elements

An electrical switch for opening a first current path in which the switch is included, comprising:

a pair of normally electrically interconnected contacts in the first path and relatively movable apart along a fixed line of direction to produce a first gap therebetween;
an enclosed chamber defined at least in part by at least one of the contacts when they are electrically interconnected;
a terminal in the first current path;
first means remote from the first gap and from the chamber for
(a) electrically connecting a first of the contacts to the terminal when the contacts are electrically interconnected so that the terminal and the contacts are in series in the first path, and
(b) producing a second insulated gap between the first contact and the terminal as and when the contacts move apart, the first and second gaps being in series in the first path;
and
second ignitable means in the chamber for pressurizing the chamber upon ignition thereof to rapidly drive the contacts apart.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Electric switch and improved device using same

Life of this patent

Electric switch and improved device using same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20