Patent Grant
9006600
1. Field of the Invention
The disclosed and claimed concept relates to circuit interrupters and, more specifically, to vacuum circuit interrupters, such as, for example, a vacuum circuit interrupter including electrodes enclosing heat transfer assemblies.
2. Background Information
Circuit breakers and other such devices provide protection for electrical systems from electrical fault conditions such as current overloads, short circuits, and low level voltage conditions. In one embodiment, circuit breakers include a spring-powered operating mechanism which opens electrical contacts to interrupt the current through the conductors in an electrical system in response to abnormal conditions. In particular, vacuum circuit interrupters include separable main contacts disposed within an insulated and hermetically sealed vacuum chamber within a housing. The contacts are part of an electrode including a stem and a contact member. Generally, one of the electrodes is fixed relative to the housing. The other electrode is moveable relative to the housing and the other electrode. In a vacuum circuit interrupter, the moveable electrode assembly usually comprises a copper stem of circular cross-section having the contact member at one end enclosed within the vacuum chamber, and a driving mechanism at the other end which is external to the vacuum chamber.
Vacuum interrupters are, in one embodiment, used to interrupt medium voltage alternating current (AC) currents and, also, high voltage AC currents of several thousands of amperes or more. In one embodiment, one vacuum interrupter is provided for each phase of a multi-phase circuit and the vacuum interrupters for the several phases are actuated simultaneously by a common operating mechanism, or separately or independently by separate operating mechanisms. The electrodes can take three positions: closed, opened and grounded.
When the electrodes are in the closed position, the contact members are in electrical communication and electricity flows therethrough. In this configuration, the electrodes become heated, Generally, the amount of heat generated is a function of the cross-sectional area of the electrodes and the amount of current. That is, smaller electrodes and/or higher currents generate more heat. Accordingly, using traditional electrodes, in order to have a circuit breaker rated at a higher current, the electrode must be larger.
Larger electrodes, however, have several disadvantages. For example, larger electrodes are more expensive and require a more robust operating mechanism, which is also more expensive. Further, a larger/more robust operating mechanism requires more energy to operate and is, therefore, more expensive to use as well. There is, therefore, a need for an electrode that is rated at a higher current while having a smaller size and/or volume. There is a further need for such an electrode to be operable with existing circuit breakers.
These needs, and others, are met by at least one embodiment of the disclosed concept which provides an electrode assembly for a circuit breaker. The electrode assembly includes a conductive assembly and a heat transfer assembly. The conductive assembly includes a stem portion and a contact portion. The heat transfer assembly includes a number of elongated bodies, a first heat transfer surface, and a second heat transfer surface. The first heat transfer surface is disposed on the conductive assembly. Each heat transfer assembly body includes a second heat transfer surface. Each heat transfer assembly body is coupled to the conductive assembly with the first heat transfer surface coupled to a number of second heat transfer surfaces.
The heat transfer assembly allows heat to be drawn from the electrode so that the electrode is cooled.
A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be gained from the following description of the disclosed embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in the figures herein and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided as non-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.
Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.
As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof.
As used herein, “sealingly coupled, directly coupled or fixed” means that the coupled elements are coupled with a seal so that no substantial amount of fluid passes through the coupling. Elements that are “sealingly coupled, directly coupled or fixed” are able to maintain a vacuum for an extended period of time.
As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components “engage” one another shall mean that the parts exert a force against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components.
As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body.
As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).
As used herein, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or other component. As such the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the same time in the following description.
As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or more component(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components that are structured to be coupled together. It is understood that the components of a coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component is a snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the other coupling component is a nut.
As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of the same assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon with each other in some manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire.
As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which “corresponds” to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition is modified if the two components are said to fit “snugly” together or “snuggly correspond.” In that situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into the opening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opening. This definition is further modified if the two components are said to “substantially correspond.” “Substantially correspond” means that the size of the opening is very close to the size of the element inserted therein; that is, not so close as to cause substantial friction, as with a snug fit, but with more contact and friction than a “corresponding fit,” i.e., a “slightly larger” fit.
As shown in
The vacuum interrupter assembly 30 includes vacuum chamber support housing 32, a vacuum chamber 34, and a pair of separable electrodes 36. That is, the separable electrodes 36, in an exemplary embodiment, includes two substantially similar electrode assemblies 70 (
The vacuum chamber 34 includes a sidewall 40 and a bellows 42. The vacuum chamber sidewall 40, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a hollow, generally cylindrical member 44, a first generally planar torus member 46, and a second generally planar torus member 48. That is, the first and second torus members are generally circular with a central opening, hereinafter the first opening 50 and the second opening 52, respectively. The vacuum chamber sidewall cylindrical member 44 includes a first end 54 and a second end 56. The first torus member 46 is sealingly coupled, directly coupled or fixed to the vacuum chamber sidewall first end 54. The second torus member 48 is sealingly coupled, directly coupled or fixed to the vacuum chamber sidewall second end 56. Thus, the vacuum chamber sidewall 40 defines a substantially enclosed space 38.
The bellows 42 include an extendable body 60 having a first end 62 and a second end 64. In an exemplary embodiment, the bellows body 60 is toroidal. The bellows body first end 62 is sealingly coupled, directly coupled or fixed to the second torus member 48 and extends about the second opening 52.
The stationary electrode assembly 72 and the moveable electrode assembly 74 are substantially disposed within the vacuum chamber enclosed space 38. That is, the stationary electrode assembly 72 and the moveable electrode assembly 74 each include an elongated stem portion 80, and a contact portion 82. A stationary electrode assembly stem portion proximal end 88 partially extends through the vacuum chamber sidewall 40 at the first opening 50. The vacuum chamber sidewall 40 is sealingly coupled, directly coupled or fixed to the stationary electrode assembly stem portion proximal end 88. A moveable electrode assembly stem portion proximal end 88 extends through the bellows 42. The bellows second end 64 is sealingly coupled, directly coupled or fixed to the moveable electrode assembly stem portion proximal end 88. In this configuration, the separable electrodes 36 are substantially sealed within the vacuum chamber enclosed space 38. The moveable electrode assembly stern portion proximal end 88 is further coupled, directly coupled or fixed to, and in electrical communication with, the upper terminal 16. The moveable electrode assembly stem portion proximal end 88 is further coupled, directly coupled or fixed to, and in electrical communication with, the lower terminal 18.
Details about the operating mechanism 20 for moving the electrode assemblies 72 and 74 are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,876. Generally, the operating mechanism 20 moves the separable electrodes 36 between an open first position, wherein the moveable electrode assembly 74 is spaced from, and not in electrical communication with, the stationary electrode assembly 72, and, a closed second position, wherein the moveable electrode assembly 74 is coupled to, or directly coupled to, and in electrical communication with, the stationary electrode assembly 72. The stationary electrode assembly 72 and the moveable electrode assembly 74 are substantially similar.
As shown in
The electrode assembly 70 further includes a conductive assembly 90 and a heat transfer assembly 200. The conductive assembly 90 includes a stem portion 92 and a contact portion 94. As discussed below, a first heat transfer surface 204 is incorporated into the conductive assembly 90 as well. The conductive assembly 90 includes a number of elongated coil members 100, an end cap 140, and a contact member 160. Further, the coil members 100 each include a stem portion 104 and a contact portion 106. The conductive assembly stem portion 92 includes the coil member stem portion 104 and the end cap 140. The conductive assembly contact portion 94 includes the coil member contact portion 106 and the contact member 160.
The number of coil members 100 are conductive members assembled so as to form a generally circular, or cylindrical, assembly, as shown in
The coil members 100 are, in an exemplary embodiment, substantially similar and, as such only one will be described. A coil member 100 includes a body 102 having a stern portion 104 and a contact portion 106. The coil member stem portion 104 is elongated and has a generally arcuate cross-section. Thus, the coil member stem portion 104 includes a longitudinal axis 107, a first lateral side 108 and a second lateral side 110. As noted above, the arc of the coil member stem portion 104 is related to the number of coil members 100. Further, as described below, in an exemplary embodiment, there is a gap 130 between adjacent coil members 100. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the arc of the coil member stem portion 104 is slightly less than 360/N wherein N is the number of coil members 100. Further, coil member stem portion 104 includes a first end 112 and a second end 114. As shown in
The coil member contact portion 106 includes an inner arcuate portion 118, a radial portion 120 and a circumferential portion 122. The coil member contact portion inner arcuate portion 118 (hereinafter, “coil member arcuate portion 118”) is, in an exemplary embodiment, unitary with the coil member stem portion 104 and is, in an exemplary embodiment, an extension of the coil member stem portion second end 114. The coil member contact portion radial portion 120 (hereinafter “coil member radial portion 120”) extends radially outwardly from the coil member arcuate portion 118 and generally perpendicular to the coil member stem portion longitudinal axis 107. That is, the coil member radial portion 120 is coupled, directly coupled, fixed, or unitary with, the coil member arcuate portion 118. The coil member radial portion 120, in an exemplary embodiment, extends over an arc that is substantially smaller than the arc of the coil member stem portion 104.
The coil member contact portion circumferential portion 122 (hereinafter “coil member circumferential portion 122”) is a generally planar, arcuate member. The coil member circumferential portion 122 is coupled, directly coupled, fixed, or unitary with, the coil member radial portion 120. The coil member circumferential portion 122 is spaced from the coil member stem portion 104. Similar to the coil member stem portion 104, the arc of the coil member circumferential portion 122 is related to the number of coil members 100. Further, as described below, in an exemplary embodiment, there is a gap 130 between adjacent coil members 100. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the arc of the coil member circumferential portion 122 is slightly less than 360/N wherein N is the number of coil members 100. The coil member circumferential portion 122 is disposed in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the coil member stem portion longitudinal axis 107.
The coil member contact portion 106 includes an outer, first surface 124 and an inner, second surface 126. In reference to the coil member contact portion first and second surfaces 124, 126, “outer” means away from the point where two electrode assemblies 70 engage each other, and, “inner” means toward the point where two electrode assemblies 70 engage each other. The coil member contact portion first surface 124 includes the outer surface of the coil member radial portion 120, and the coil member circumferential portion 122. The coil member contact portion second surface 126 includes the inner surface of the coil member arcuate portion 118, the coil member radial portion 120, and the coil member circumferential portion 122.
The end cap 140 is a conductive member and, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a generally planar disk-shaped body 142 having an outer, first surface 144, an inner, second surface 146 and a radial surface 148. The end cap 140 further includes a number of passages 150 extending through the end cap body 142. The end cap radial surface 148 is sealingly coupled, directly coupled or fixed to either the vacuum chamber first torus member 46 or the bellows body second end 64 depending upon the location of the electrode assembly 70.
As shown in
The conductive assembly contact portion 94 includes the coil member contact portion 106, described above, and the contact member 160. The contact member 160 is a conductive member and, in an exemplary embodiment, a generally planar disk-shaped body 162. The contact member body 162 includes an outer, first surface 164 and an inner, second surface 166. As shown in
The heat transfer assembly 200 includes a number of elongated bodies 202, a first heat transfer surface 204, and a second heat transfer surface 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongated bodies 202 are heat pipes 208. As used herein, a “heat pipe” is a hollow tubular member and, in an exemplary embodiment, a sealed member having a vacuum and a wire mesh wick (not shown) within the tubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer bodies 202 have a generally circular cross-section. The heat transfer bodies 202 each include a stem portion 210 and a contact portion 212. The heat transfer assembly body stem portion 210 includes a first end 214 (hereinafter “heat transfer assembly body first end 214”), and, the heat transfer assembly body contact portion 212 includes a second end 216 (hereinafter “heat transfer assembly body second end 216”). In an exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer assembly body contact portion 212 is disposed in a plane and that plane is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the heat transfer assembly body stem portion 210. Further, the heat transfer assembly body contact portion 212 is, in an exemplary embodiment, generally arcuate and has a curvature corresponding to the coil member circumferential portion 122.
The first heat transfer surface 204 is disposed on the conductive assembly 90. That is, the first heat transfer surface 204 is also part of the conductive assembly 90. In an exemplary embodiment, the first heat transfer surface 204 is the surface of a heat transfer passage 220 extending through the conductive assembly contact portion 94. For example, as shown in
In this configuration, the first heat transfer surface 204 is disposed substantially over the surface of the heat transfer passage 220. Further, the heat transfer assembly body contact portion 212 is sized and shaped to correspond to the heat transfer passage 220. Thus, when the heat transfer assembly body contact portion 212 has a generally circular cross-section, the contact member first surface channel 230 and each coil member contact portion second surface channel 232 have a generally semi-circular cross-sectional shape. When assembled, the heat transfer assembly body contact portion 212 is disposed in the heat transfer passage 220. In this configuration, the second heat transfer surface 206 is disposed over the surface of each said heat transfer assembly body contact portion 212.
In an alternate embodiment, shown schematically in
In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in
As noted above, each of the stationary electrode assembly 72 and the moveable electrode assembly 74 are electrode assemblies 70 as described above. The stationary electrode assembly 72 and the moveable electrode assembly 74 are disposed in the vacuum chamber 34 and in opposition to each other. That is, each of the stationary electrode assembly's 72 and the moveable electrode assembly's 74 contact member second surfaces 166 face each other. As further described above, the stationary electrode assembly 72 and the moveable electrode assembly 74 move between an open first position, wherein the moveable electrode assembly 74 is spaced from, and not in electrical communication with, the stationary electrode assembly 72, and, a closed second position, wherein the moveable electrode assembly 74 is coupled to, or directly coupled to, and in electrical communication with, the stationary electrode assembly 72.
In an exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer assembly 200 includes a heat sink 250. That is, as shown schematically in
Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the conductive assembly 90 includes a support member 260, as shown in
While specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4005297 | Cleaveland | Jan 1977 | A |
| 4012707 | Marek et al. | Mar 1977 | A |
| 4443672 | Oeschger | Apr 1984 | A |
| 4650939 | Milianowicz | Mar 1987 | A |
| 4743876 | Milianowicz et al. | May 1988 | A |
| 5646386 | Yorita et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
| 7173208 | Harada et al. | Feb 2007 | B2 |
| 20040232113 | Kynast et al. | Nov 2004 | A1 |
| 20060162160 | Hsu | Jul 2006 | A1 |
| 20090255794 | Kurth et al. | Oct 2009 | A1 |
| 20130075368 | Marchand et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 39 41 388 | Jun 1991 | DE |
| H06 150784 | May 1994 | JP |
| Entry |
|---|
| European Patent Office, “International Search Report and Written Opinion”, Sep. 5, 2014, 13 pp. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20140367363 A1 | Dec 2014 | US |
