Patent ID: 7920037
Filing Date: 2011-04-05
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A transformer switch, comprising: an arc chamber assembly comprising a first member, a second member, and a channel extending between the first member and the second member; two stationary contacts coupled to the second member and disposed on opposite sides of the channel, each of the stationary contacts being configured to be electrically coupled to a circuit of a transformer; a rotor assembly disposed at least partially between the first member and the second member, substantially co-axial with the channel, the rotor assembly comprising a movable contact having a first end and a second end, wherein the circuit is closed when the first end of the movable contact engages a first of the stationary contacts and the second end of the movable contact engages a second of the stationary contacts; a trip assembly configured to open the circuit upon a fault condition in the transformer by electrically disengaging (a) the first end of the movable contact and the first of the stationary contacts, and (b) the second end of the movable contact and the second of the stationary contacts upon the fault condition, the trip assembly comprises a magnet; and a Curie metal element coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts and configured to release a magnetic coupling between the magnet and the Curie metal element to open the circuit upon the fault condition, wherein the trip assembly further comprises: a trip rotor coupled to the rotor assembly, and a spring configured to rotate the rotor about an axis of the channel upon release of the magnetic coupling between the magnet and the curie metal element, wherein rotation of the trip rotor about the axis causes similar rotation of the rotor assembly about the axis, to open the circuit.