GB1332708A - Electrical contact devices for high voltage electrical systems - Google Patents

Abstract

1332708 Gas-blast switches AMERACE ESNA CORP 1 Dec 1970 [30 Deb 1969] 57104/70 Heading H1N [Also in Division H2] A device, e.g. a switch or coupling comprising connector member 34 for making contact with a complementary part 20 connected to a high voltage cable 10 has a socket contact 40 axially aligned with and spaced from an arc quenching sleeve 48, and a conducting sleeve 52 electrically connected to the contact 40 and surrounding the space between the contact and the sleeve 48, the dimensions L and W between the contact and the sleeve 48 and sleeve 52 respectively each being at least one half D, the maximum distance between the contact 40 and a contact pin 26 of the member 34 at which an arc can be struck. A cavity 66 defined by the sleeve 52 and a base 58 therefor is divided into first and second chambers 74, 76 respectively by a tubular extension 68 of the socket contact 40, the chamber 74 being in communication with the interior of the contact 40 by means of passages 78 in the socket, while apertures 80, covered by an elastic band 82, in the extension 68 permit gas flow from the first chamber 74 to the second chamber 76. On mating the contacts, gases formed within the socket through arcing between the contact pin 26 in the part 20 and the socket contact 40 and sleeve 52 vent through the passages 78 into the first chamber 74 and through the apertures 80 into the second chamber 76. Upon disconnection, withdrawal of the pin from the socket results in a reduced pressure in the socket, the elastic band 82 closes over the apertures 80 and the gases formed from arcing are drawn into and retained in the first chamber 74. The part 20 has a body 21 comprising an inner insulating elastomer 22 and an outer conducting elastomer 24, the pin 26 carrying an extension 30 of arc quenching insulating material. The member 34 has an insulating elastomeric housing 36 and the segments 42 of the socket, formed between the passages 78, are biased radially inwardly by an annular spring 44. A porous plug 88 permits slow leakage of gas from chamber 76 to chamber 74 when the apertures 80 are closed. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specification 1,097,978.