Electrical switching device are disclosed having a housing with internal component within the housing. The internal components comprise contacts configured to operate, to change the state of the switching device from a closed state, allowing current flow through the switching device to an open state which interrupts current flow through the switching device. A pyrotechnic feature is included that is configured to interact with the internal components to transition the switching device from the closed state to the open state when the pyrotechnic feature is activated. The pyrotechnic feature is configured to trigger in response to levitation between the contacts at elevated current signal flowing through the switching device.
Electrical switching devices that can have a housing cup having an opening and a header covering and making a seal with said cup. Internal components are included within the housing, with the internal components configured to change the state of the switching device from a closed state and an open state in response to input. The closed state allows current flow through said device and the open state interrupts current flow through said device. A plurality of fixed contact are included that are electrically connected to said internal components for connection to external circuitry, wherein the fixed contact pass though the header with a portion exposed above the header. A plurality of glass/ceramic eyelets are included, each of which is mounted to a respective one of the fixed contacts on the exposed portion of its one of the fixed contacts. Each of the eyelets can be radially symmetric about its one of the fixed contacts, with the eyelets covering less than all of the header.
Electrical switching devices, such contactor and fuse devices, are disclosed that have improved reliability particularly through thermal cycling. One electrical switching device according to the present invention comprises an outer housing and internal operational components within the outer housing. An internal housing in included in that outer housing that surrounds at least some of the internal operational components. A sealing material is also included within the outer housing that is capable of forming a hermetic seal within the outer housing, wherein the sealing material contacts the internal housing. The internal housing has a CTE that substantially matches the CTE of the sealing material. Electrical system according to the present invention comprises an electrical circuit and an improved electrical switching device electrically connected to the electrical circuit to reliably open or close the circuit.
Fuse devices and electrical systems using the fuse devices are disclosed, with the fuse devices having internal components to cause a fuse blown event when the pre-determined current level is reached through the contacts. The internal components can comprise a levitation actuator that causes separation between one or more of the contacts as the current level approaches the predetermined level. This causes contact levitation and arcing, which increases the resistance at the contact being separated. This in turn causes the current through the contacts to seek another path that in the embodiments herein is a path to a pyro feature. The current activates the pyro feature, which causes the contacts to separate and puts the fuse device in "fuse blown" condition where currents can no longer flow through the contacts.
H01H 3/32 - Mécanismes-moteurs, c.-à-d. pour transmettre la force motrice aux contacts
H01H 77/10 - Disjoncteurs de protection à maximum de courant actionnés par un courant en excès et nécessitant une manœuvre de réarmement séparée dans lesquels le courant excessif fournit l'énergie pour ouvrir les contacts et qui comportent un mécanisme de réarmement séparé à ouverture électrodynamique
Fuse devices and electrical systems using the fuse devices are disclosed, with the fuse devices having internal components to cause a fuse blown event when the pre-determined current level is reached through the contacts. The internal components can comprise a levitation actuator that causes separation between one or more of the contacts as the current level approaches the predetermined level. This causes contact levitation and arcing, which increases the resistance at the contact being separated. This in turn causes the current through the contacts to seek another path that in the embodiments herein is a path to a pyro feature. The current activates the pyro feature, which causes the contacts to separate and puts the fuse device in “fuse blown” condition where currents can no longer flow through the contacts.
H01H 39/00 - Dispositifs de commutation actionnés par une explosion produite à l'intérieur du dispositif et amorcée par un courant électrique
H01H 3/02 - Organes moteurs, c.-à-d. pour actionner le mécanisme d'entraînement par une force mécanique extérieure à l'interrupteur
H01H 9/10 - Adaptation pour coupe-circuit incorporé
H01H 71/32 - Mécanismes électromagnétiques comportant un organe à magnétisation permanente
H01H 77/06 - Disjoncteurs de protection à maximum de courant actionnés par un courant en excès et nécessitant une manœuvre de réarmement séparée dans lesquels le courant excessif fournit l'énergie pour ouvrir les contacts et qui comportent un mécanisme de réarmement séparé à ouverture électromagnétique
Contact assemblies are described herein having certain components, or portions thereof, that are formed integral to one another to reduce the complexity of manufacturing, improve the operation characteristics, and increase operational reliability of devices using the contact assemblies. New shapes to features and components of the contact assemblies are also disclosed, with the shapes providing the desired operational characteristics. Embodiments of the invention are also directed contactors or fuses (i.e., electrical switching devices) utilizing the contactor assemblies according to the present invention, and to electrical circuits and systems utilizing the electrical switching devices according to the present invention.
Contact assemblies are described herein having certain components, or portions thereof, that are formed integral to one another to reduce the complexity of manufacturing, improve the operation characteristics, and increase operational reliability of devices using the contact assemblies. New shapes to features and components of the contact assemblies are also disclosed, with the shapes providing the desired operational characteristics. Embodiments of the invention are also directed contactors or fuses (i.e., electrical switching devices) utilizing the contactor assemblies according to the present invention, and to electrical circuits and systems utilizing the electrical switching devices according to the present invention.
Electrical switching devices are disclosed that have pressure relief mechanisms to allow for the release of internal pressure within the switching device housing. The pressure within the housing can be caused by different events with one such event being internal arcing within the housing caused during operation of the housing's internal components. Is some cases the arcing can be caused during separation of the switching device contacts. The pressure relief mechanism allows for the high pressure to pass from the housing in a more controlled matter to minimize or prevent high pressure breach or rupture of the switching device housing. The pressure relief mechanisms are particularly applicable to switching devices with hermetically sealed housings. Many different pressure relief mechanisms can be used including rupture disks or engineered weak points in the switching device housing.
Electrical switching device are disclosed having a housing with internal component within the housing. The internal components comprise contacts configured to operate, to change the state of the switching device from a closed state, allowing current flow through the switching device to an open state which interrupts current flow through the switching device. A pyrotechnic feature is included that is configured to interact with the internal components to transition the switching device from the closed state to the open state when the pyrotechnic feature is activated. The pyrotechnic feature is configured to trigger in response to levitation between the contacts at elevated current signal flowing through the switching device.
Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, threshold strength of a magnetic field needed to trigger the passive triggering mechanism, which corresponds to a threshold level of current running through the switching devices indicating a dangerous overcurrent, can be adjusted based upon the distance between the passive triggering mechanism and a portion of the device such as a power terminal or feature connected to a power terminal.
H01H 39/00 - Dispositifs de commutation actionnés par une explosion produite à l'intérieur du dispositif et amorcée par un courant électrique
H01H 89/00 - Combinaisons de plusieurs types d'interrupteurs électriques, de relais, de sélecteurs et de dispositifs de protection d'urgence, non couvertes par un des autres groupes principaux de la présente sous-classe
Disclosed herein are passive triggering mechanisms for activation of pyrotechnic features within electrical switching devices, such as contactor devices and fuse devices. The activation of the pyrotechnic features is configured to change the configuration of the internal components of the switching device and prevent current flow through the device. In some embodiments, the triggering mechanisms comprise features that respond to a magnetic field, such as a reed switch. In some embodiments, threshold strength of a magnetic field needed to trigger the passive triggering mechanism, which corresponds to a threshold level of current running through the switching devices indicating a dangerous overcurrent, can be adjusted based upon the distance between the passive triggering mechanism and a portion of the device such as a power terminal or feature connected to a power terminal.
H01H 39/00 - Dispositifs de commutation actionnés par une explosion produite à l'intérieur du dispositif et amorcée par un courant électrique
H01H 89/00 - Combinaisons de plusieurs types d'interrupteurs électriques, de relais, de sélecteurs et de dispositifs de protection d'urgence, non couvertes par un des autres groupes principaux de la présente sous-classe
Disclosed herein are contactor devices, for example, devices that can be utilized as switching elements, comprising fixed contacts that are electrically isolated from one another and one or more moveable contacts that are configured to electrically contact the fixed contacts to provide an electrical connection between them. Movement of the fixed contacts into and out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts controls flow of electricity through the devices. The contactor devices also include pyrotechnic disconnect elements, which function as a circuit break or fuse-like element to protect against overcurrent. When the electrical current through the contactor device reaches a threshold level, a pyrotechnic charge activates, permanently forcing the moveable contacts out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts.
H01H 50/18 - Éléments mobiles de circuits magnétiques, p. ex. armature
H01H 71/10 - Mécanismes d'actionnement ou de déclenchement
H01H 89/00 - Combinaisons de plusieurs types d'interrupteurs électriques, de relais, de sélecteurs et de dispositifs de protection d'urgence, non couvertes par un des autres groupes principaux de la présente sous-classe
Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components. In some embodiments, the fuse devices can comprise pyrotechnic features.
H01H 71/10 - Mécanismes d'actionnement ou de déclenchement
H01H 89/00 - Combinaisons de plusieurs types d'interrupteurs électriques, de relais, de sélecteurs et de dispositifs de protection d'urgence, non couvertes par un des autres groupes principaux de la présente sous-classe
H01H 33/18 - Moyens pour éteindre ou empêcher des arcs entre organes traversés par le courant utilisant des aimants de soufflage
H01H 77/06 - Disjoncteurs de protection à maximum de courant actionnés par un courant en excès et nécessitant une manœuvre de réarmement séparée dans lesquels le courant excessif fournit l'énergie pour ouvrir les contacts et qui comportent un mécanisme de réarmement séparé à ouverture électromagnétique
H01H 9/44 - Moyens pour éteindre ou empêcher des arcs entre pièces traversées par le courant utilisant des aimants de soufflage
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
High voltage electrical components and subsystems,
consisting of relays, contactors, and capacitors, used in
transmitting and measuring electrical power; electrical
switches; electrical fuses.
Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components.
H01H 9/10 - Adaptation pour coupe-circuit incorporé
H01H 81/04 - Interrupteurs de protection dans lesquels les contacts sont normalement fermés, mais sont ouverts et fermés d'une façon répétée aussi longtemps que la cause persiste qui crée le courant excessif, p. ex. pour limiter le courant actionnés électromagnétiquement
H01H 85/02 - Dispositifs de protection dans lesquels le courant circule à travers un organe en matière fusible et est interrompu par déplacement de la matière fusible lorsqu'il devient excessif Détails
Disclosed herein are efficient mechanical fuse devices that are capable of functioning at high current levels. These devices comprise mechanical features configured such that the fuse devices have a non-triggered state, which allows current to flow through the device, and a triggered state, which does not allow current to flow through the device. In some embodiments, the devices are configured such that a certain pre-determined current level flowing through the device will generate a sufficient electromagnetic field to cause the mechanical elements to transition the fuse device into the triggered state and thus interrupt a connected electrical circuit, device or system. In some embodiments, these devices can also comprise hermetically sealed components.
H01H 9/10 - Adaptation pour coupe-circuit incorporé
H01H 81/04 - Interrupteurs de protection dans lesquels les contacts sont normalement fermés, mais sont ouverts et fermés d'une façon répétée aussi longtemps que la cause persiste qui crée le courant excessif, p. ex. pour limiter le courant actionnés électromagnétiquement
H01H 85/02 - Dispositifs de protection dans lesquels le courant circule à travers un organe en matière fusible et est interrompu par déplacement de la matière fusible lorsqu'il devient excessif Détails
A hermetically sealed, high voltage manual disconnect that can be manually operated from outside the disconnect to transition between connect and disconnect states. The disconnect comprises a hermetically sealed housing having internal components for changing the state of the disconnect. A gas can fill the housing to allow for reliable high voltage operation. Different embodiments of the manual disconnect can include electrical and electronic components so that the state of the disconnect can be changed in response to an electrical signal.
H01R 13/633 - Moyens additionnels pour faciliter l'engagement ou la séparation des pièces de couplage, p. ex. moyens pour aligner ou guider, leviers, pression de gaz pour la séparation uniquement
H01R 13/52 - Boîtiers protégés contre la poussière, les projections, les éclaboussures, l'eau ou les flammes
An improved electrical switch that provides for manual connection and disconnect of power by hand by utilizing a compressible stack of elements to load force over a radial distance as rotated by a user of the switch to establish a high force, low resistance connection.
A hermetically sealed, high voltage manual disconnect that can be manually operated from outside the disconnect to transition between connect and disconnect states. The disconnect comprises a hermetically sealed housing having internal components for changing the state of the disconnect. A gas can fill the housing to allow for reliable high voltage operation. Different embodiments of the manual disconnect can include electrical and electronic components so that the state of the disconnect can be changed in response to an electrical signal.
A hermetically sealed, high voltage manual disconnect that can be manually operated from outside the disconnect to transition between connect and disconnect states. The disconnect comprises a hermetically sealed housing having internal components for changing the state of the disconnect. A gas can fill the housing to allow for reliable high voltage operation. Different embodiments of the manual disconnect can include electrical and electronic components so that the state of the disconnect can be changed in response to an electrical signal.
A low cost, sealed contactor comprises a hermetically sealed housing with a flat header having internal components for changing the state of said contactor. Terminals are electrically connected to the internal components for connection to internal circuitry and applying an electrical signal to control the state of the contactor. A solenoid-driven plunger with a hollow shaft is included. Power-reducing electronics located within the hermetically sealed housing are also included. Two contact springs are also included to improve electrical performance. O-rings are added to help seal the contactor and keep it hermetically sealed.
A low cost, sealed contactor comprises a hermetically sealed housing with a flat header having internal components for changing the state of said contactor. Terminals are electrically connected to the internal components for connection to internal circuitry and applying an electrical signal to control the state of the contactor. A solenoid-driven plunger with a hollow shaft is included. Power-reducing electronics located within the hermetically sealed housing are also included. Two contact springs are also included to improve electrical performance. O-rings are added to help seal the contactor and keep it hermetically sealed.
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
High voltage electrical components and subsystems comprising circuits assembled from such components, the components including relays, contractors, and capacitors; all used in transmitting and measuring electrical power.
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
High voltage electrical components and subsystems, consisting of relays, contactors, and capacitors, used in transmitting and measuring electrical power
