摘要 |
<p>IMPROVED CIRCUIT INTERRUPTING DEVICE An improved circuit interrupting device extinguishes an arc by directing a dielectric fluid at the arc as it is elongated. Elongation is effected by relative movement apart of a pair of contacts between which the arc is established. A reservoir contains a piston which defines a first volume and a second volume. The fluid is held under pressure in the second volume. The reservoir directs the fluid in the second volume at the arc from a port normally closed by a diaphragm. One contact is normally mechanically attached to the diaphragm and is adjacent the other contact which is on the reservoir. Sudden expansion of the first volume, such as by the ignition of a power cartridge, forcefully moves the reservoir relative to the piston and away from the one contact. The seal is torn or cut open to permit the pressurized fluid to flow from the port simultaneously with the piston forcing the fluid from the second volume and the movement apart of the contacts.</p> |