Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A modular vacuum interrupter for controlling the application of single or polyphase electrical power to single or polyphase electrical apparatus includes a rigid base, a plurality of identical vacuum switch modules, an operating mechanism and cover. The base includes a pair of inclined surfaces that define a pair of tracks for capturing and retaining the plurality of vacuum switch modules and the cover therebetween and in contact with the base. Each of the vacuum switch modules includes first and second electrical terminals, an enclosed vacuum switch having a pair of electrical contacts in an evacuated environment, an operating plunger for moving contact into engagement with a stationary contact, a return spring for biasing the operating plunger and vacuum contacts to an OPEN position, a movable flexible shunt for electrically interconnecting the first terminal to the movable contact and an internally threaded insulating cap for isolating the vacuum switches mounted in adjacent vacuum switch modules. The operating mechanism includes a rotatable operating shaft mechanically interconnected with each operating plunger in each switch module for placing the pairs of contacts simultaneously in their CLOSED positions. The operating mechanism also includes solenoids for initiating the rotational movement of the operating shaft. The cover includes a plurality of integrally formed, nubs configured to be engaged by a notch formed at the lower edge of each cap for interconnecting the base, switch modules, operating mechanism and the cover to form a unitary vacuum interrupter.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim