High-voltage circuit breaker

Abstract

The invention relates to a circuit breaker (1) for high-voltage applications, comprising: at least one switching-on and switching-off unit (10) having a first contact (12) and a second contact (14) for forming an electrically conductive connection in a connection region (16), the first contact (12) having an outlet (20) arranged remote from the connection region (16) for an insulating gas passing through the connection region (16) and through the first contact (12), and the second contact (14) having an outlet (20) for an insulating gas passing through the connection region (16) and through the second contact (14); the first contact (12) can be moved by a displacement distance (24) along an axially extending switching axis (22) of the circuit breaker (1) between a closed position in which the electrically conductive connection is formed and an open position in which the electrically conductive connection is broken. A gas compression cylinder (30) coupled in motion with the first contact (12) and defining a cylinder volume (34) for the insulating gas, where the cylinder volume (34) can be varied by means of a piston (48) sliding in the gas compression cylinder (30) when the first contact (12) is moved, where the gas compression cylinder (30) comprises a passage (36) extending between the cylinder volume (34) and the connection region (16).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a circuit breaker for high voltage applications, the circuit breaker comprising at least one make-and-break unit having a first contact and a second contact for forming an electrically conductive connection in a connection area, wherein at least one of the contacts has an outlet for an insulating gas through the connection area and is movable along a switching axis of the high voltage circuit breaker in an on position in which the electrically conductive connection is formed and an off position in which the electrically conductive connection is broken; and the circuit breaker comprises a gas compression cylinder which is motion-coupled with the first contact and which defines a cylinder volume for the insulating gas, the cylinder volume being variable when moving the first contact. BACKGROUND

[0002] In high current test conditions, the pressure build-up in the cylinder volume can interact with the force that moves the movable contact, which determines the contact travel. Depending on the pressure build-up that is generated, this interaction can physically slow down the contact movement or reverse the contact movement (here: forward, called backstroke). The backstroke results in an increase of the local electric field as the contacts get closer and closer. Therefore, the circuit breaker can experience a delayed re-breakdown or dielectric failure. In the worst case, it can result in a complete re-closing of the circuit breaker. Since the backstroke is not deterministic, no design measures can be taken to avoid the failure.

[0003] To limit the backstroke or stall of the contact, a stronger drive or force can be used to move the movable contact, which requires higher energy, meaning higher costs, or a mechanical backstroke limiter has to be used, which introduces additional moving parts and further issues like particle generation, mechanical reliability, etc. It is difficult to find an optimal combination of drive energy (low) and pressure build-up (high). The invention aims at reducing the necessary drive energy or force while preferably limiting the backstroke. SUMMARY

[0004] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a high voltage circuit breaker with improved ability to interrupt a high voltage connection economically.

[0005] The object of the invention is solved by the features of the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are detailed in the dependent claims.

[0006] The object is therefore solved by a circuit breaker for high voltage applications, the circuit breaker comprising:

[0007] at least one make-and-break unit having a first contact and a second contact for forming an electrically conductive connection in a connection region, wherein the first contact has an outlet for an insulating gas through the connection region and past the first contact arranged / terminated away from the connection region, and wherein the first contact is movable along an axial extension of the circuit breaker, a switching axis, between a closed position in which the electrically conductive connection is formed and an open position in which the electrically conductive connection is broken;

[0008] a gas compression cylinder which is kinematically coupled with the first contact and which defines a cylinder volume for the insulating gas, wherein the cylinder volume is changeable by means of a piston which slides in the gas compression cylinder when the first contact is moved, and wherein the gas compression cylinder comprises a passage which extends between the cylinder volume and the connection region; and

[0009] an exhaust structure for receiving the insulating gas through the outlet, the exhaust structure defining an exhaust volume for the received insulating gas, wherein the exhaust volume is changeable by means of a plunger which is kinematically coupled with the first contact,

[0010] wherein the exhaust structure is designed to increase the exhaust volume based on a breaking movement of the first contact and the gas compression cylinder is designed to decrease the cylinder volume based on the breaking movement of the first contact;

[0011] wherein a further outlet of the exhaust structure for the insulating gas through the exhaust volume and / or the outlet is at least in the closed position blocked by means of the exhaust structure;

[0012] wherein the first contact is movable in a first transition position between the open position and the closed position, wherein in the first transition position the outlet is fluidically connected to the exhaust volume; and

[0013] wherein the first contact is movable in a second transition position between the first transition position and the open position, in which second transition position the further outlet fluidically connects the exhaust volume with a further volume of the circuit breaker and / or the outlet is fluidically connected to the exhaust volume.

[0014] The circuit breaker can comprise a housing defining a volume for insulation gas, in particular wherein at least one make and break unit and / or a gas compression cylinder and / or a gas exhaust structure can be arranged in the housing. Preferably, the gas compression cylinder can be designed to reduce the cylinder volume based on a breaking movement of the first contact, in particular wherein the first contact element moves in a direction from the closed position to the open position, for example to compress the gas and push the gas, for example through a passage, via a connection area and through an outlet. There can be a passage in the first contact, which can extend from the connection area, in particular at least partially and / or substantially along the switch axis. The outlet can be in the form of multiple outlets and / or there can be more than one outlet. For example, there can be two, three or more outlets on the first contact.

[0015] The proposed solution is based on the idea that there are two compartments on the moving contact side, which change their size in opposite ways when breaking the connection by means of an axial breaking force acting at the first contact, the circuit breaker in particular employing the following combination: when the circuit breaker is in its closed position, at least one of the outlets or gas exhaust structures is closed to block the insulation gas, and when the circuit breaker is in a position other than the closed position, for example a first transition position or a second transition position and / or an open position, preferably when moving towards the open position, at least one of the outlets or gas exhaust structures provides a fluid connection for the insulation gas, so that the insulation gas can flow. The force that arises due to the pressure build-up in the first compartment or cylinder volume and which opposes the breaking force can be partially compensated / reduced by the second compartment or exhaust volume at least partially receiving the built-up pressure, in particular by opening at least one of the outlets when in the non-closed position. The direction of action of the force caused by this additional pressure build-up in the second compartment or exhaust volume can inherently be the same as the direction of action of the breaking force. This is because the exhaust volume in particular increases when the breaking contact and receives the insulation gas that passes through the outlet of the moving first contact. In particular, since there can not only be a pressure build-up due to compression in the first compartment or cylinder volume, but also a pressure build-up due to the arc in the cylinder volume, which typically acts towards the second compartment or exhaust volume and / or the outlet, this pressure can be used to reduce the overall required breaking force.

[0016] The invention provides that the outlet and the further outlet can be opened in sequence along the movement path of the first contact towards the open position, for example the outlet is opened in the first transition position and the further outlet is opened in the second transition position, wherein both the outlet and the further outlet are opened in the open position.

[0017] In other words, the idea is to have two volumes which, when moving between an open and a closed position, can change based on a kinematic coupling with the combination of the gas cylinder piston mechanism, so that the insulation gas moves from the first volume via or through the outlet of the moving contact to the second volume, and a clever arrangement of openings for insulation gas and / or further openings is included to advantageously exploit the pressure change in the volumes affected by the position selection. When moving from the closed position to the open position, i.e. by moving the first contact away from the closed position towards the open position, in the first volume the insulation gas is compressed and a resistance builds up therein. However, the further volume which is intended to receive said insulation gas increases in size and thus can come into play at a certain moment in time when establishing the fluid connection to counteract said resistance and / or to reduce the force required. In particular when there is an arc at the time of interruption, the pressure even increases, so that this pressure can come into play in the second volume to support the breaking force and thus further push towards the open position and / or at least reduce the backstroke. At a certain moment, for example when a second transition position or another position is reached, the pressure at the second volume, i.e. the exhaust volume, can be compensated by a fluid connection, in particular to the first volume, i.e. the cylinder volume, and / or to a further volume of the circuit breaker.

[0018] The housing is preferably provided to be gas-tight and / or comprises a tubular or cylindrical shape extending along the switch axis. The first contact and / or the second contact is preferably extending along the switch axis. The second contact can be fixed relative to the housing and / or can be arranged to be movable along the switch axis. The term kinematic coupling means that if the first contact is moved, for example by a drive device, the gas compression cylinder, the cylinder element, the plunger, etc. move at least in translation together, preferably with the same or similar kinematic properties, speed, acceleration and / or jerk, for example in parallel.

[0019] The making and breaking unit can be provided to be a disconnector. The gas compression cylinder and the exhaust structure are preferably associated and / or arranged at least one making and breaking unit and / or arranged remote from each other.

[0020] The movement distance is preferably at least the distance between a state in which the first contact and the second contact form an electrically conductive connection and another state in which said contact elements do not form such an electrically conductive connection. The movement distance can be between 10 mm and 500 mm, in particular between 100 mm and 300 mm.

[0021] A damping device can be provided to dampen the movement of the first contact, in particular the damping device is configured to provide a damping force acting along the switch axis and / or an increasing damping force along the switch axis, in particular as a function of the movement distance, travel, acceleration, velocity, jerk and / or similar parameters of the first contact. The term "damping the movement of the first contact by an increasing damping force with the movement distance" in particular means that the damping force increases with the movement distance, e.g. at the beginning when the first contact and the second contact still form an electrically conductive connection, preferably at zero or minimum movement distance, the damping force can be low or even zero, and at the moment when the first contact and the second contact no longer form an electrically conductive connection, preferably at maximum movement distance, the damping force can be highest.

[0022] The term high voltage relates to voltages exceeding 1 kV. High voltage preferably relates to nominal voltages in the range from 72 kV and above to 800 kV, like 145 kV, 245 kV or 420 kV. The high voltage circuit breaker can be provided as a circuit breaker and / or can comprise one or more components, e.g. a pressurized gas cylinder, a gas blast chamber, a pressure collection space, a compression space or pressurized volume and an expansion space. The high voltage circuit breaker can interrupt the electrically conductive connection by means of one or more of such components, thereby interrupting the current flow in the electrically conductive connection and / or extinguishing an electric arc generated when the electrically conductive connection is interrupted. The term "axial" denotes an extension, distance, etc. in the direction of the axis. An axial separation between components means that the components are separated from each other when viewed or measured in the direction of the axis. The term "radial" denotes an extension, distance, etc. in a direction perpendicular to the axis. The term "cross section" refers to a plane perpendicular to the axis and the term "cross sectional area" refers to an area in such a plane. The axis is presently the switch axis.

[0023] The insulating gas and / or dielectric insulating medium can be any suitable gas capable of extinguishing an electric arc formed between the contact elements during a current interruption operation, such as, but not limited to, a noble gas, for example, sulfur hexafluoride SF6. In particular, the insulating gas used can be a SF6gas or any other dielectric insulating medium and / or insulating gas, which can be gaseous and / or liquid, and in particular can be a dielectric insulating gas or arc extinguishing gas. Such dielectric insulating medium and / or insulating gas can for example encompass a medium comprising an organic fluorine compound, such organic fluorine compound being selected from the group consisting of a fluoroether, an oxirane, a fluoramine, a fluoroketone, a fluoroolefin, a fluoronitrile, and mixtures thereof and / or decomposition products thereof. Herein, the terms "fluoroether", "oxirane", "fluoroamine", "fluoroketone", "fluoroolefin", and "fluoronitrile" refer to at least partially fluorinated compounds. In particular, the term "fluoroether" encompasses both a hydrofluoroether and a perfluoroether, the term "oxirane" encompasses both a hydrofluoro-oxirane and a perfluoro-oxirane, the term "fluoroamine" encompasses both a hydrofluoroamine and a perfluoroamine, the term "fluoroketone" encompasses both a hydrofluoro-ketone and a perfluoro-ketone, the term "fluoroolefin" encompasses both a hydrofluoro-olefin and a perfluoro-olefin, and the term "fluoronitrile" encompasses both a hydrofluoro-nitrile and a perfluoro-nitrile. It is thus preferred that the fluoroether, the oxirane, the fluoramine, and the fluoroketone are fully fluorinated, i.e. perfluorinated.

[0024] The insulating gas and / or dielectric insulating medium can be selected from the group consisting of a hydrofluoroether, a perfluoroketone, a hydrofluoroolefin, a perfluoronitrile, and mixtures thereof. In particular, the term "fluoroketone" used in the context of the present application is to be interpreted broadly and shall encompass a fluoromono-ketone and a fluorodi-ketone or a fluoropoly-ketone in the broadest sense. Explicitly, there can be more than a single pendant carbonyl group of a carbon atom in the molecule. The term shall also include saturated compounds as well as unsaturated compounds including double and / or triple bonds between carbon atoms. The at least partially fluorinated alkyl chain of the fluoroketone can be linear or branched and can optionally form a ring. The dielectric insulating medium and / or insulating gas can comprise at least one compound which is a fluoromono-ketone and / or further comprises a heteroatom bound to the carbon backbone of the molecule substituting one or more carbon atoms, such as at least one of a nitrogen atom, an oxygen atom, and a sulfur atom. More preferably, the fluoromono-ketone, in particular the perfluoroketone, can have 3 to 15 or 4 to 12 carbon atoms, in particular 5 to 9 carbon atoms. Most preferably, it can comprise exactly 5 carbon atoms and / or exactly 6 carbon atoms and / or exactly 7 carbon atoms and / or exactly 8 carbon atoms.

[0025] Furthermore, the insulating gas and / or the dielectric insulating medium can comprise at least one compound which is a fluoroolefin selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) comprising at least three carbon atoms, hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) comprising exactly three carbon atoms, trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1 -propene (HFO-1234ze), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1 -propene (HFO-1234yf) and mixtures thereof. The organofluorine compound can also be a fluoronitrile, in particular a perfluoronitrile. In particular, the organofluorine compound can be a fluoronitrile, in particular a perfluoronitrile, comprising two carbon atoms and / or three carbon atoms and / or four carbon atoms. More particularly, the fluoronitrile can be a perfluoroalkyl nitrile, in particular perfluoroacetonitrile, perfluoropropionitrile (C2F5CN) and / or perfluorobutyronitrile (C3F7CN). Most particularly, the fluoronitrile can be perfluoroisobutyronitrile (according to formula (CF3)2CFCN) and / or perfluoro-2-methoxypropionitrile (according to formula CF3CF(OCF3)CN)). Among these, perfluoroisobutyronitrile (i.e. 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-trifluoromethylpropionitrile, alias i-C3F7CN) is particularly preferred due to its low toxicity. The dielectric insulating medium and / or the insulating gas can also comprise a background gas or carrier gas different from the organofluorine compound, in particular different from the fluoroether, the oxirane, the fluoramine, the fluoroketone and the fluoroolefin, and in embodiments can be selected from the group consisting of air, N2, O2, CO2, noble gases, H2; NO2, NO, N2O; fluorocarbons, and in particular perfluorocarbons such as CF4; CF3I, SF6; and mixtures thereof. For example, in an embodiment, the dielectric insulating gas can be CO2.

[0026] The outlet or the plurality of outlets can be at least in the closed position blocked, preferably by means of the exhaust structure, in particular by means of a surface of the exhaust housing, in particular which extends at least substantially parallel to the switch axis and / or the outlet is arranged on a side of the first contact. Blocked outlet can be understood as the valve or the path being closed or at least substantially closed. The exhaust housing, in particular a surface of the exhaust housing, can be annular and / or cylindrical and surround and / or face the outlet and / or the side of the first contact, for example in a radially inward direction, for example at a specific position of the first contact, such as the closed position or at least when the first contact is close to the closed position.

[0027] When the outlet is at least in the closed position blocked and when the circuit breaker is moved away from the closed position, the pressure in the connection area can increase and the insulating gas cannot pass through the outlet unless the blocking is released. This provides the possibility of a pressure increase in the cylinder volume and in particular no pressure increase in the exhaust volume.

[0028] The first contact can be in a first transition position between the open position and the closed position, wherein in the first transition position the outlet or the plurality of outlets is fluidically connected to the venting volume. In particular, in the first transition position the outlet or the plurality of outlets is not blocked. In other words, in the first transition position the outlet or the plurality of outlets can serve as a path for the insulation gas to enter the venting volume via the outlet or the plurality of outlets, in particular for insulation gas coming from the cylinder volume and / or having passed the connecting region. In this position the outlet can not be blocked, e.g. contrary to the preferably existing situation in the closed position. This can ensure that a pressure increase in the venting volume occurs, which leads to an axial force acting on the first contact towards the open position. This can also ensure that the pressure increase in the venting volume occurs only at a certain moment in time.

[0029] The further outlet of the venting structure or said further outlet of the venting structure can be blocked at least in the closed position and preferably in the first transition position or at said first transition position, preferably by means of a surface of the venting structure, more preferably by means of a surface of the plunger, in particular said surface extending at least substantially parallel to the switch axis. There can be more than one further outlet, e.g. a plurality of outlets, such as two, three or more further outlets. The further outlet can be arranged at the venting structure in a circumferential distribution. The further outlet can be closed and / or blocked unless a certain position of the first contact has been reached when the contact is being broken. The further outlet being blocked can be understood as the valve or the path being closed or at least substantially closed. The surface of the plunger can be annular and / or cylindrical and surround and / or face the further outlet, e.g. in a radially outward direction, e.g. in the certain position of the first contact, such as the closed position or the first transition position or at least when the first contact is close to the closed position. This ensures that a pressure increase in the venting volume occurs and that the insulation gas cannot pass the further outlet unless the blocking is lifted and / or the further outlet is opened.

[0030] The second transition position can be located between the closed position and the open position. The second transition position is located between the first transition position and the open position. The first contact can be in the second transition position, in which the outlet is fluidically connected to the venting volume and in particular not blocked, and in which the further outlet fluidically connects the venting volume to a further volume of the circuit breaker and in particular not blocked. In other words, in the second transition position the outlet and / or the further outlet can serve as a path for the insulation gas to exit, in particular for insulation gas coming from the cylinder volume and / or having passed the connecting region. In this position the further outlet can not be blocked, e.g. contrary to the preferably existing situation in the closed position and the first transition position. This can ensure that a pressure decrease in the venting volume occurs close to the completion of the contact breaking.

[0031] In particular, the movement distance and / or travel of the first contact between the closed position and the first transition position is between 1 mm and 400 mm or between 1 mm and 200 mm, more particularly between 5 mm and 150 mm. The first contact can be moved at least 1 mm or 5 mm and / or at most 400 mm, 200 mm or 150 mm or 50 mm between the closed position and the first transition position. Thus, the outlet can be blocked unless the first contact is moved at least 1 mm or 5 mm and / or at most 400 mm, 200 mm or 150 mm or 50 mm from the closed position and / or reaches the first transition position.

[0032] The movement distance and / or travel of the first contact when being in the first transition position is preferably between 1 mm and 100 mm or between 1 mm and 50 mm. The first contact can be moved at least 1 mm and / or at most 100 mm or 50 mm in the first transition position. Thus, the outlet can be unblocked and / or the further outlet can be blocked unless the first contact is moved at least 1 mm and / or at most 50 mm or 100 mm from the first transition position and / or reaches the second transition position.

[0033] The movement distance and / or travel of the first contact between the first transition position and the second transition position can be between 1 mm and 400 mm or between 1 mm and 200 mm, in particular between 5 mm and 150 mm. The first contact can be moved at least 1 mm or 5 mm and / or at most 400 mm, 200 mm or 150 mm between the first transition position and the second transition position. Thus, the further outlet can be blocked unless the first contact is moved at least 1 mm or 5 mm and / or at most 400 mm, 200 mm or 150 mm from the first transition position and / or reaches the second transition position.

[0034] The movement distance and / or travel of the first contact between the second transition position and the open position can be between 1 mm and 400 mm or between 1 mm and 200 mm, in particular between 5 mm and 150 mm. The movement distance of the first contact when being in the open position is between 1 mm and 100 mm or between 1 mm and 50 mm. The first contact can be moved at least 1 mm or 5 mm and / or at most 400 mm, 200 mm or 150 mm between the second transition position and the open position. Thus, the gap between the exhaust housing and the plunger and / or the first contact can be blocked unless the first contact is moved at least 1 mm or 5 mm and / or at most 400 mm, 200 mm or 150 mm from the second transition position and / or reaches the open position.

[0035] The movement distance and / or stroke of the first contact between the closed position and the open position can be 400 ± 40 mm or 200 ± 20 mm or less.

[0036] The closed position can comprise that the outlet is blocked and preferably the further outlet is blocked in order to build up pressure in the exhaust volume during the breaking and / or when leaving the closed position.

[0037] The first transition position can comprise that the outlet is unblocked and preferably the further outlet is blocked and preferably the contacts are arranged at a distance from each other and / or form or have formed an arc in order to achieve a fluid communication between the cylinder volume and the exhaust volume by means of the exhaust structure and / or to generate an axial support force during the breaking.

[0038] The second transition position can comprise that the outlet is unblocked and the further outlet is unblocked and preferably the contacts are arranged at a distance from each other and / or form or have formed an arc in order to achieve an overall pressure release during the breaking.

[0039] The open position can comprise that the outlet is unblocked, the further outlet is unblocked and preferably a gap is formed at the exhaust structure and preferably the contacts are arranged at a distance from each other and / or form or have formed an arc in order to achieve an overall pressure release during the breaking.

[0040] The gap can be formed between the first contact and the exhaust structure. The gap can be formed between the first contact and the exhaust housing, in particular between the plunger, which is kinematically coupled to the first contact, and the exhaust housing. The gap can be formed between a surface or edge of the exhaust structure and a surface or edge of the first contact, in particular of the plunger.

[0041] The gap can be annular. The gap can be arranged substantially parallel and / or coaxial to the switch axis. The gap can exist in the open position. In particular, in the closed position, the first transition position and / or the second transition position, the gap does not exist and / or is blocked. The circuit breaker is in particular configured to form the gap and / or unblock the gap when moving towards the open position, preferably after or when leaving the second transition position. Thus, the gap provides a further path for the insulation gas to exit the circuit breaker in addition to the further outlet. The gap is normally blocked, unless the first contact moves out of the second transition position towards the open position.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the exhaust volume is at least substantially smaller than the cylinder volume, in particular in at least one of the positions, and / or at least two times smaller or one order of magnitude or more smaller than the cylinder volume. The exhaust volume can be designed with a cross section that is smaller than the cylinder volume. This ensures that the pressure from the cylinder volume can be mechanically withstood by means of the exhaust structure, which has essentially the same structural rigidity as the gas compression cylinder.

[0043] According to another preferred embodiment, the exhaust structure is arranged distally from the connection region and / or opposite a face side of the first contact along the switching axis. The exhaust structure can be attached to and / or formed together with an end of the first contact opposite the connection region. This facilitates a compact construction. Thus, the exhaust structure can easily be kinematically coupled with the first contact.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, the exhaust housing is fixedly arranged relative to, kinematically coupled to and / or formed together with the second contact, the piston and / or the housing of the circuit breaker. At least two or all of the second contact, the piston and the housing can be kinematically coupled. Thus, moving the first contact can cause a change in size of both the cylinder volume and the exhaust volume, in particular in an interacting manner, e.g. one decreases while the other increases.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment, the outlet and / or the further outlet is in the form of a radial hole and / or an oblong hole, in particular with a size in the range of 1 mm to 100 mm. The outlet and / or the further outlet (or a respective plurality of outlets and / or further outlets) is preferably distributed circumferentially at the respective component, e.g. at the first contact and / or the exhaust housing. For example, the oblong hole can extend along the switching axis in order to change the effective size depending on the movement of the first contact.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment, the gas compression cylinder, in particular the cylinder element, and / or the exhaust structure, in particular the exhaust housing, at least partially surrounds and / or is coaxial with the first contact in order to achieve a compact size.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment, the first contact can have a channel extending from the connection area. The channel can extend along and / or parallel to the switch axis. An outlet can extend from the channel to a side of the first contact. The outlet can be arranged distal to the connection area, in particular when considered in a direction along or parallel to the switch axis. The outlet is preferably shaped to open at a front face of the first contact, most preferably via the channel. The channel can be in the form of an axial bore in the first contact. The channel can have an end distal to the front face and / or the connection area, while the channel is preferably laterally open via the outlet. The channel is in particular for guiding insulating gas between the outlet and the connection area. The channel and the outlet can be arranged one after the other from each other. Optionally, the outlet serves as a fluidic connection, preferably a direct fluidic connection, between the connection area and the exhaust volume.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment, the exhaust structure, in particular the exhaust housing, surrounds the plunger so that the plunger slides on a surface of the exhaust structure, in particular a surface facing in a radial inner direction. The plunger can be formed to be at least substantially sealed at the surface of the exhaust structure. The plunger can be fixedly arranged relative to the first contact, movably coupled to the first contact and / or formed with the first contact so as to work in the manner of a syringe.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, the second contact has the shape of a pin so as to be inserted into the first contact, in particular the outlet, the channel and / or the front face of the first contact. Thus, the electrical connection can be achieved via an at least substantially circumferential and / or annular shaped contact surface between the first contact and the second contact to minimize the transition resistance. It is also optional that the second contact at least substantially fluidically seals and / or plugs the channel and / or the outlet upon interruption, in particular when starting from the closed position, so as to increase the initial pressure in the cylinder volume.

[0050] The first contact can preferably comprise a contact device, such as a spring contact and / or a contact sleeve, at the front face, which is contacted by the second contact, preferably pushed back in a radial outward direction by the second contact, in the closed position. The contact device can be elastically deformable. This increases the surface area of the electrical connection.

[0051] The first contact and / or the second contact can be made of an alloy, preferably comprising at least 25 wt.-% or 50 wt.-% of iron, copper, silver and / or gold and / or consisting at least substantially of the aforementioned constituents. The first contact and / or the second contact can be plated, for example, with copper, silver and / or gold. This can be advantageous for the electrical properties and / or the sealing of the channel and / or the outlet at the connection area.

[0052] In another preferred embodiment, at the connection region, the passages of the gas compression cylinder extending from the cylinder volume are oriented obliquely with respect to the switch axis. The passages can be directed to and / or terminate in the connection region. Thus, the passages serve to direct the insulation gas directly to the arcing region with little aerodynamic losses.

[0053] In another preferred embodiment, the gas compression cylinder surrounds and slides on a piston, wherein the piston surrounds and slides on the first contact, and / or wherein the piston is fixedly arranged with respect to, kinematically coupled to, and / or formed with the housing of the circuit breaker, the second contact, and / or the exhaust structure. The piston can be formed at least substantially sealing on a surface of the gas compression cylinder and on a surface of the first contact. The piston can be at least substantially fixedly arranged with, kinematically coupled to, and / or formed with the housing and / or the exhaust housing in order to work in the manner of a syringe. The second contact can be moved independently in a direction opposite to the movement of the first contact from the closed position to the open position.

[0054] The object is also achieved by a method of accumulating support pressure in a circuit breaker for high voltage applications being moved from a closed position to an open position, the method comprising the steps of compressing insulation gas in a cylinder volume, and increasing an exhaust volume receiving insulation gas having passed a connection region. In the closed position, the exhaust volume can not be fluidly connected with the cylinder volume, for example, in order to increase the pressure in the cylinder volume at the beginning of the movement. The circuit breaker can be the circuit breaker described herein.

[0055] The method and the circuit breaker allow for a high opening speed with little delay. The method and the circuit breaker reduce the force required for splitting the contacts, in particular the required drive device power. The method and the circuit breaker can require the contacts to be in contact with a power source, for example, a high voltage power source, in order to cause the contacts to create an electric arc during splitting and to cause the insulation gas to support the arc extinction.

[0056] In another preferred embodiment, the high voltage circuit breaker comprises a gas damper for suppressing a movement of the first contact of the at least one closing and opening unit. According to another preferred embodiment, the gas damper comprises a damping volume having a closed first end and a piston element configured to move into the damping volume from a second end opposite the first end. In another preferred embodiment, the first end is provided in a cup shape and / or a tube shape, having a closed radially extending side surface.

[0057] The circuit breaker can have a drive device, which is in particular kinematically coupled with the first contact and configured for moving the first contact. The drive device is preferably arranged at one end of the make-and-break unit and / or remote from the connection region and / or the second contact, to achieve a compact arrangement. The drive device can be configured to switch between at least two of the positions described herein. The drive device is preferably electric and / or arranged outside the housing. In such an embodiment, the drive device can be connected to the first contact element via a pull rod. The drive device can comprise an additional damper, which can be associated with the drive device and / or integrated into the drive device.

[0058] Further embodiments and advantages of the method can be directly and explicitly derived by the person skilled in the art from the above high-voltage circuit breaker. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0059] These and other aspects of the present application will become apparent from and elucidated with respect to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0060] In the drawings:

[0061] Figure 1 a circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment in a closed position is shown in a sectional schematic view,

[0062] Figure 2 a circuit breaker in a first transition position is shown in a sectional schematic view,

[0063] Figure 3 a circuit breaker in a second transition position is shown in a sectional schematic view, and

[0064] Figure 4 a circuit breaker in an open position is shown in a sectional schematic view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Figure 1 a high-voltage circuit breaker 1 according to a preferred embodiment is shown in a sectional schematic view.

[0066] The circuit breaker 1 has a housing 2, which defines a volume 4 for an insulating gas.

[0067] The make-and-break unit 10 arranged in the housing 2 has a first contact 12 and a second contact 14 for forming an electrically conductive connection in a connection region 16. The first contact 12 has a channel 18, which is generally for passing and / or guiding the insulating gas therethrough. The channel 18 extends from the connection region 16 to a plurality of outlets 20 (e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more outlets) distributed circumferentially, which are referred to as “outlets 20” in the following.

[0068] The outlets 20 are arranged distally from the connection region 16 and serve for the passage or have passed the insulating gas, in particular the compressed insulating gas and / or the insulating gas that has been used to extinguish the electric arc A.

[0069] The flow direction of the insulating gas is indicated in Figures 1 to 4 by the arrowed dashed line.

[0070] The channels 18 extend axially. The outlets 20 extend from the channels 18 to the side face 13 of the first contact 12 distally from the connection region 16. Each outlet 20 is in the form of a radial hole that is oblong along the switch axis 22 and has a dimension in the range of 1 mm to 100 mm.

[0071] The first contact 12 is movable along the axially extending switch axis 22 between Figure 1 the shown closed position in which the electrically conductive connection is formed and Figure 4 the shown open position in which the electrically conductive connection is broken. The second contact 14 is movable relative to the first contact 12 in an essentially opposite direction from the closed position as Figure 1 shown to the open position as Figure 4 shown.

[0072] The second contact 14 has the shape of a pin in order to be inserted into the first contact 12, in particular into its channel 18 and / or its front face 19. As Figure 1 shown, when the interruption is initiated in the closed position, the pin at least essentially fluidically seals and / or plugs the channel 18 in order to increase the initial pressure in the cylinder volume 34.

[0073] The first contact 12 has at the front face 19 a contact device 21 in the form of an elastically deformable contact sleeve that is contacted by the second contact 14 in the closed position, cf. Figure 1 .

[0074] At the connection region 16, a passage 36 extending from the cylinder volume 34 is obliquely oriented relative to the switch axis 22, the second contact 14 and / or the passage 18 in order to obliquely pass the insulating gas through the electric arc A.

[0075] In particular, the passage 36 or a plurality of passages are arranged at the front face 19 circumferentially, in particular distributed, relative to the axial direction 22 in order to surround the electric arc A.

[0076] The gas compression cylinder 30 arranged in the housing 2 is kinematically coupled with the first contact 12 and defines a cylinder volume 34 for the insulation gas. The cylinder volume 34 is variable by means of a piston 48 sliding in the gas compression cylinder 30, in particular in its cylinder element 32. The piston 48 is designed to slide in the gas compression cylinder 30 when moving the first contact 12. Here, the gas compression cylinder 30 comprises a passage 36 extending between the cylinder volume 34 and the connection area 16. When the first contact 12 is moved along the switch axis 22, in particular to the left in the figure, the cylinder volume 34 is variable, in particular reduced, in particular to compress the insulation gas therein.

[0077] It is understood that the gas compression cylinder 30 comprises components and means capable of compressing the insulation gas, such as the piston 48, the passage 36, the cylinder element 32, the housing, etc. The cylinder element 32 is at least substantially a cylindrical body or shell.

[0078] The exhaust structure 40 arranged in the housing 2 and provided for receiving the insulation gas passing through the outlet 20 is placed away from the connection area 16 and opposite the front face 19 of the first contact 12 along the switch axis 22. The exhaust structure 40 defines an exhaust volume 44 for the insulation gas received from the outlet 20. The exhaust volume 44 is variable by means of a plunger 56 kinematically coupled with the first contact 12. It is provided that the exhaust volume 44 increases when the first contact 12 is moved out of the closed position in order to break the connection, for example to the left along the switch axis 22 in the figure. Figures 1 to 4

[0079] The exhaust structure 40 and / or the gas compression cylinder 30 are respectively designed so that the accommodation volume is linearly variable when the first contact 12 is linearly moved. This is because the piston 48 and / or the plunger 56 are preferably sealably movable on a surface, in particular cylindrical. An expandable volume can be provided which individually stepwise increases the accommodation volume during the movement. Here, the piston 48 has sealing means and / or a gasket facing the interior of the cylinder element 32 and the exterior of the first contact 12 in order to seal the volume 34. The plunger 56 can have sealing means and / or a gasket, but is not necessarily required.

[0080] The exhaust housing 42 is fixedly arranged relative to the piston 48 and / or kinematically coupled with the piston 48 so that the first contact 12 can be moved relative to the exhaust housing 42 and the piston 48 (or stationary with these components) and together with the cylinder element 32 and the plunger 56. The exhaust housing 42 is also fixedly arranged relative to the housing 2.

[0081] In particular, the cylinder element 32 at least substantially and / or partially surrounds the first contact 12 and is arranged substantially coaxially with the first contact 12.

[0082] ​In particular, the exhaust housing 42 at least substantially and / or partially surrounds the first contact 12 and is arranged substantially coaxially to the first contact 12.

[0083] The exhaust housing 42 particularly surrounds the plunger 56 such that the plunger 56 slides with its surface 54 on the surface 47 of the exhaust housing 42. Here, the plunger 56 is fixedly arranged relative to the first contact 12 and thus kinematically coupled with the first contact 12.

[0084] The cylinder element 32 surrounds and slides on the piston 48, wherein the piston 48 surrounds and slides on the first contact 12. The kinematic coupling of the cylinder element 32 and the first contact 12 is such that the piston 48 is a movable cover of the cylinder volume 34 through which the first contact 12 passes and functions as a punch in the cylinder element 32. The piston 48 is fixedly arranged relative to the housing 2 and the exhaust housing 42 and thus kinematically coupled with the housing 2 and the exhaust housing 42.

[0085] In particular, the main path for the insulating gas to exit or enter the cylinder volume 34 is via the passage 36 and / or the connection region 16. Thus, in the event of a direct or indirect blocking of the passage 36 or the connection region 16, the pressure in the cylinder volume 34 can be reduced or increased by the relative movement of the piston 48 in the cylinder element 32. The insulating gas can then be pushed out of or sucked into the cylinder volume 34, in particular via the connection region 16, the front face 19 and the channel 18, to pass through the electric arc A.

[0086] Here, the plunger 56, the first contact 12 and the cylinder element 32 are kinematically coupled in order to be moved parallel along the switch axis 22. The drive device 6 is kinematically coupled to the first contact 12 and is configured for moving the first contact 12. Thus, when moving away from the closed position by moving the first contact 12 towards the open position, the size of the cylinder volume 34 is reduced by the front end of the gas compression cylinder 30 moving towards the piston 48, which compresses the contained insulating gas, and the size of the exhaust volume 44 is increased by the plunger 56 moving towards and thus receding from the rear end of the exhaust structure 40, in particular the exhaust housing 42. Thus, the method of the present invention is implemented, wherein the insulating gas is compressed in the cylinder volume 34 and the exhaust volume 44, which receives the insulating gas that has passed through the connection region 16, is increased.

[0087] Upon opening / dividing the contacts 12, 14, an electric arc A can be generated (see Figures 2 to 4 ), which even further increases the gas pressure in the volumes 34, 44 due to the high temperature, thus the increased pressure acts partially on the exhaust volume 44, effectively reducing the axial force required for the opening / dividing movement.

[0088] As shown in the figure, the second contact 14 can move in the opposite direction to the first contact 12 to break the connection even faster. In this sense, the first contact 12 and the second contact 14 can be kinematically coupled by means of gears and / or lever mechanisms.

[0089] Indicating the closed position Figure 1 In the process, outlet 20 is blocked by surface 46 of exhaust housing 42 of exhaust structure 40. Surface 46 extends parallel to switch axis 22. Outlet 20 is arranged on side 13 of first contact 12. Surface 46 has a cylindrical shape and its diameter corresponds to side 13 of first contact 12. Therefore, when leaving the closed position, the insulating gas compressed in cylinder volume 34 cannot pass through outlet 20, because outlet 20 is blocked for a specific distance, for example, within the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, 25 mm or 50 mm measured from the closed position.

[0090] Figure 2 The first transition position of the first contact 12 between the open and closed positions is shown. Here, the outlet 20 is fluidly connected to the exhaust volume 44 and is not blocked. This is because the outlet 20 is at least partially retracted from the surface 46 of the exhaust structure 40. The outlet 20 thus serves as a fluid connection between the connection area 16 and the exhaust volume 44, particularly via the passage 18 in the first contact 12. Specifically, the first contact 12 and the second contact 14 are arranged at a distance from each other, at which an electric arc A may be present, emitting towards the insulating gas present therein. The electric arc A may expand and / or evaporate the present insulating gas due to its high temperature, thereby significantly increasing the pressure increase in the volumes 34, 44. In this state, the cylinder volume 34 compresses the insulating gas—which is the resistance of the drive device 6—and thus forces the insulating gas through the passage 36 and the connection area 16 (where the electric arc A may be present) through the passage 18 and the outlet 20. Compressed insulating gas can be received in exhaust volume 44, which supports drive unit 6, especially when the pressure increases due to electric arc A.

[0091] The exhaust structure 40 has multiple additional outlets 52, each additional outlet 52 having at least one... Figure 1 The indicated closing position is blocked, but... Figure 2 The first transition position shown is also blocked. Multiple additional outlets 52 (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more additional outlets) are particularly circumferentially distributed, and these multiple additional outlets 52 are referred to below as "additional outlets 52".

[0092] The surface 54 of the plunger 56 serves to block the further outlet 52. The surface 54 is shaped at least substantially cylindrical and extends parallel to the switching axis 22 and / or to the surface 47 of the exhaust structure 40. The surfaces 54, 47 face each other. The further outlet 52 closes the exhaust volume 44 to block the insulation gas and to accumulate pressure in order to support the drive device 6. The further outlet 52 is in the form of a radial hole having a size in the range of 1 mm to 100 mm.

[0093] In the closed position and between the first transition position and the open position, the first contact 12 is in the second transition position, as shown in Figure 3 Here, the outlet 20 is fluidically connected to the exhaust volume 44 and is not blocked. Further, the further outlet 42 fluidically connects the exhaust volume 44 to a further volume of the circuit breaker 1, for example the volume 4, and the further outlet 42 is not blocked. Thus, the cylinder volume 34 is connected to the outside of the make-and-break unit 10, so that the accumulated pressure is at least partially released.

[0094] Upon further movement of the first contact 12 towards the open position, which is shown in Figure 4 , the side 13 of the first contact 12 with the outlet 20 and / or the portion thereof is withdrawn from the surface 46 of the exhaust structure 40, so that the gas can even pass through the further outlet 52 via the outlet 20 or through the gap 58 formed between the first contact 12 and the exhaust structure 40.

[0095] The open position comprises that the outlet 20 is not blocked, the further outlet 52 is not blocked, and the gap 58 is formed at the exhaust structure 40, with reference to Figure 4 . The gap 58 is formed between the first contact 12 and the exhaust structure 40, in particular between the plunger 56 and the exhaust housing 42. The gap 58 has an annular shape.

[0096] The idea employed by the present invention is that the initially closed volumes 34, 44 are designed to open at a certain stroke of the first contact 12. Initially, insulation gas is compressed in the volume 34, while the volume 44 increases in size, but the volume 44 is not yet connected to the volume 34. Then, the volumes 34, 44 are interconnected via the arc region, so that a support pressure of the insulation gas is built up, in particular in the second volume 44, which serves to assist the movement of the first contact 12. The volume 44 is designed to release pressure upon further movement of the first contact 12 and / or upon a sufficient increase in pressure in the volume 44. This is achieved by providing the holes of appropriate area in the appropriate order: first, the outlet 20 in the first contact 12 facilitates the outflow of the mechanically compressed, heated and / or evaporated insulation gas to the volume 44; subsequently, preferably, the larger further outlet 52 begins to contribute to the outflow area.

[0097] Preferably, the exhaust volume 44 is at least twice smaller than the cylinder volume 34 in all positions.

[0098] In particular, in the closed position, the exhaust volume 44 is essentially zero, wherein the cylinder volume 34 is thus larger than the exhaust volume 44.

[0099] In particular, in the first transition position, the cylinder volume 34 is larger than the exhaust volume 44, in particular between 1 and 1000 times larger.

[0100] In particular, in the second transition position, the cylinder volume 34 is larger than the exhaust volume 44, in particular between 1 and 1000 times larger.

[0101] In particular, in the closed position, the cylinder volume 34 is larger than the exhaust volume 44, in particular between 1 and 1000 times larger.

[0102] In particular, one or both of the volumes 34, 44 is larger in the first transition position than in the closed position, in particular between 1 and 100 times larger.

[0103] In particular, one or both of the volumes 34, 44 is larger in the second transition position than in the first transition position, in particular between 1 and 100 times larger.

[0104] In particular, one or both of the volumes 34, 44 is larger in the closed position than in the second transition position, in particular between 1 and 100 times larger.

[0105] List of reference signs

[0106] 1 circuit breaker

[0107] 2 housing

[0108] 4 volume

[0109] 6 drive device

[0110] 10 make and break unit

[0111] 12 first contact

[0112] 13 side face

[0113] 14 second contact

[0114] 16 connection region

[0115] 18 passage

[0116] 19 front face

[0117] 20 outlet

[0118] 21 contact device

[0119] 22 switch axis

[0120] 24 movement distance

[0121] 30 gas compression cylinder

[0122] 32 cylinder element

[0123] 34 cylinder volume

[0124] 36 passage

[0125] 40 exhaust structure

[0126] 42 exhaust housing

[0127] 44 exhaust volume

[0128] 46 (of the exhaust structure and facing the outlet) surface

[0129] 47 (of the exhaust structure and with the further outlet) surface

[0130] 48 piston

[0131] 52 further outlet

[0132] 54 (of the plunger and facing the further outlet) surface

[0133] 56 plunger

[0134] 58 gap

Claims

1. A circuit breaker (1) for high-voltage applications, comprising: At least one switching unit (10) having a first contact (12) and a second contact (14) for forming a conductive connection in a connection region (16), wherein the first contact (12) has an outlet (20) for insulating gas arranged away from the connection region (16) and for passing through the connection region (16) and through the first contact (12), and wherein the first contact (12) is movable by a movement distance (24) along a switching axis (22) extending axially along the circuit breaker (1) between a closed position forming the conductive connection and an open position breaking the conductive connection; A gas compression cylinder (30) kinetically coupled to the first contact (12) and defining a cylinder volume (34) for the insulating gas, wherein the cylinder volume (34) is variable by means of a piston (48) sliding within the gas compression cylinder (30) when the first contact (12) is moved, wherein the gas compression cylinder (30) includes a passage (36) extending between the cylinder volume (34) and the connection region (16); and An exhaust structure (40) for receiving insulating gas passing through the outlet (20) defines an exhaust volume (44) for the received insulating gas, wherein the exhaust volume (44) is variable by means of a plunger (56) kinetically coupled to the first contact (12). The exhaust structure (40) is designed to increase the exhaust volume (44) based on the discontinuous movement of the first contact (12), and the gas compression cylinder (30) is designed to decrease the cylinder volume (34) based on the discontinuous movement of the first contact (12). In this configuration, the additional outlet (52) of the exhaust structure (40) for insulating gas passing through the exhaust volume (44) and / or the outlet (20) are blocked by means of the exhaust structure (40) at least in the closed position. The first contact (12) is capable of being in a first transition position between the open position and the closed position, wherein, in the first transition position, the outlet (20) is fluidly connected to the exhaust volume (44); and The first contact (12) is capable of being in a second transition position between the first transition position and the open position. In the second transition position, the additional outlet (52) fluidly connects the exhaust volume (44) to another volume of the circuit breaker (1) and the outlet (20) fluidly connects to the exhaust volume (44).

2. The circuit breaker (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The outlet (20) is blocked at least in the closed position by means of the surface (46) of the exhaust housing (42), in particular, the surface (46) extends at least substantially parallel to the switch axis (22) and / or the outlet (20) is arranged on the side (13) of the first contact (12).

3. The circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At the first transition position, the outlet (20) is not blocked.

4. The circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The additional outlet (52) of the exhaust structure (40) is blocked at the first transition position / first transition position, preferably by means of the exhaust structure (40), more preferably by the surface (54) of the plunger (56), in particular, the surface (54) extends at least substantially parallel to the switch axis (22).

5. The circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At the second transition position, the outlet (20) is not blocked, and / or the other outlet (52) is not blocked.

6. The circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The opening position includes: the outlet (20) is not blocked, the other outlet (52) is not blocked, and a gap (58) is formed at the exhaust structure (40).

7. The circuit breaker (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The gap (58) is formed between the first contact (12) and the exhaust structure (40).

8. The circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The exhaust volume (44) is at least substantially smaller than the cylinder volume (34), and in particular, is smaller than the cylinder volume (34) in at least one of the positions, and / or is at least twice as small as the cylinder volume (34), an order of magnitude or more small than the cylinder volume (34).

9. The circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The exhaust structure (40) is arranged away from the connection area (16) and / or along the switch axis (22) opposite to the front (19) of the first contact (12).

10. The circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The exhaust housing (42) is fixedly arranged relative to the second contact (14), the piston (48) and / or housing (2) of the circuit breaker (1), and / or is formed together with the second contact (14), the piston (48) and / or housing (2) of the circuit breaker (1).

11. The circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The outlet (20) and / or the other outlet (52) are in the form of radial holes and / or rectangular holes, particularly having dimensions in the range of 1 mm to 100 mm.

12. The circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The gas compression cylinder (30) and / or the exhaust structure (40), particularly the exhaust housing (42), are at least partially surrounding the first contact (12) and / or coaxial with the first contact (12).

13. The circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first contact (12) has a channel (18) extending from the connection region (16), preferably, the outlet (20) extends from the channel (18) to the side / side (13) of the first contact (12), the outlet (20) being arranged away from the connection region (16) and / or along the switch axis (22), for example parallel to the switch axis (22), and / or the outlet (20) being shaped to open at the front / front (19) of the first contact (12).

14. The circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The exhaust structure (40), in particular the exhaust housing (42) of the exhaust structure (40) surrounds the plunger (56) so that the plunger (56) slides on the surface (47) of the exhaust structure (40), and / or wherein the plunger (56) is fixedly arranged relative to the first contact (12).

15. The circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second contact (14) has the shape of a pin so as to be inserted into the channel (18) and / or front (19) of the first contact (12), and / or wherein, at the connection area (16), the passage (36) of the gas compression cylinder (30) extending from the cylinder volume (34) is oriented obliquely relative to the switch axis (22).

16. The circuit breaker (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The gas compression cylinder (30) slides around and on the piston (48), wherein the piston (48) slides around and on the first contact (12), and / or wherein the piston (48) is fixedly arranged relative to the housing (2) of the circuit breaker (1), the second contact (14), and / or the exhaust structure (40).

17. A method for accumulating support pressure in a circuit breaker (1) for high-voltage applications according to any one of the preceding claims, or in said circuit breaker (1), as it moves from a closed position to an open position, comprising the steps of: The insulating gas in the compressed cylinder volume (34) is increased, and the exhaust volume (44) that is receiving the insulating gas that has passed through the connection area (16) is increased.

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