Circuit interrupter having a chemical operator with double-acting drive means

摘要

A double-acting chemical operator drive assembly having a pair of pistons that are secured to the ends of a single piston rod and cooperate with a pair of power cylinders provide a positive drive for opening and closing the separable contacts of a circuit interrupter when the pistons are sequentially actuated by high-pressure gas generated by chemical propellant charges. The power cylinders are spaced apart and aligned with one another and the piston rod extends through open ends of the power cylinders. This eliminates the need for shaft seals and simplifies the manufacture and maintenance of the drive assembly. The operator drive assembly is coupled to the operating mechanism of the circuit interrupter by a yoke that is secured to an exposed medial part of the piston rod and then to a tie bar by a pair of drive rods.