US 7,473,863 B2 · High voltage operating rod sensor and method of making the same

Abstract

Methods and system for making and using vacuum switching devices are disclosed. A vacuum switching device has an operating rod for actuating a movable electrical contact within the device. The operating rod may be a hollow epoxy glass tube with an electrical sensor disposed within it, and there may be an elastomeric polymer filling compound disposed within the tube and encasing the sensor. The operating rod may be attached to the movable electrical contact on one end by a steel end-fitting that has been press-fit into the tube and secured with at least one cross pin. In this way, a very secure electromechanical connection may be made between the operating rod and the rest of the vacuum switching device, and the sensor is protected from shock associated with the operation of the device. Moreover, the vacuum switching device is compact and easy to construct.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A vacuum switching device, the device comprising:

a vacuum assembly having switching contacts disposed therein, one of the switching contacts being a movable switching contact that is movable along an axis;
a tube disposed along the axis and operable to actuate movement of the movable switching contact along the axis;
a sensor disposed within the tube;
and
an elastic compound that encapsulates the sensor, is provided within the tube, and is made from a material different from a material of the tube;
wherein the tube is encased in a ribbed silicone sleeve.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

High voltage operating rod sensor and method of making the same

Life of this patent

High voltage operating rod sensor and method of making the same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12