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 (20) and a second contact (12) for forming an electrically conductive connection in a connection region (16), 20) is movable between a closing position forming an electrically conductive connection and an opening position separating the electrically conductive connection along a switching axis (18) extending in the axial direction of the circuit breaker; and a first contact housing (22) having a guide channel (24) surrounding the first contact (20) and forming a circumferential gap (14) with the first contact (20), the first contact housing (22) having at least one groove (26) surrounding the first contact (20), the at least one groove (26) being open towards the first contact (20) through a groove opening (28) facing the first contact (20), a circumferential gap (14) for capturing particles carried by the insulating gas coming from the connection region (16) and passing through the circumferential gap (14); wherein an extension (32) of the groove opening (28) along the switch axis (18) is shorter than an extension (34) of the at least one groove (26) along the switch axis (22), and / or two or more of the at least one groove (26) are arranged axially adjacent to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit breaker for high-voltage applications, the circuit breaker comprising at least one switching unit having two contacts for forming a conductive connection in a connection region, wherein at least one of the contacts is movable between a closed position forming the conductive connection and an open position separating the conductive connection; and the circuit breaker comprising a first contact housing having a guide channel surrounding the first contact and forming a circumferential gap with the first contact. Background Technology

[0002] In high-voltage circuit breakers, two contacts are typically movable relative to each other, while being arranged substantially electrically insulated from their surroundings and subjected to insulating gases. It is necessary to avoid particles and hot gases at any location of dielectrically critical areas. Such dielectrically critical areas can occur at the circuit breaker itself or anywhere within the circuit breaker where the contact components are located. Particularly near circumferential gaps, particles that can generate or potentially appear can lead to adverse electrical effects.

[0003] The present invention aims to avoid the accumulation of particles in the circumferential gap area and to provide a more reliable and / or longer-lasting circuit breaker. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker with improved capabilities for economically interrupting high-voltage connections. In particular, the object is to provide a circuit breaker with better ability to handle insulating gases carrying particles along the first contact and / or through the circumferential gap. In particular, the object is to avoid or reduce the disadvantages of known circuit breakers.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are detailed in the dependent claims.

[0006] Therefore, this objective is achieved by a circuit breaker for high-voltage applications, which includes:

[0007] At least one switching unit has a first contact and a second contact for forming a conductive connection in a connection area, wherein at least one of the first contact and the second contact has a switch axis extending along the axial direction of the circuit breaker that is movable between a closed position forming the conductive connection and an open position separating the conductive connection; and

[0008] A first contact housing having a guide channel surrounding and forming a circumferential gap with the first contact (particularly the first contact segment), the first contact housing having at least one groove surrounding the first contact (particularly the first contact segment), the at least one groove opening toward the first contact (particularly the first contact segment) through a groove opening facing the first contact (particularly the first contact segment) for capturing particles carried by insulating gas from the connection area and passing through the circumferential gap; wherein,

[0009] The extension dimension of the groove opening, particularly along the switch axis, is shorter than the extension dimension of the at least one groove, particularly along the switch axis, and / or, two or more of the at least one groove are arranged axially adjacent to each other.

[0010] The proposed solution is based on the idea that two contacts carrying high voltage (one or both of which are movable relative to each other along at least one axial direction to have a separable electrical connection) can be kept separated within an insulating gas supporting arc extinguishing. Since the presence of particles and hot insulating gas needs to be avoided in the dielectric critical region, the invention aims to achieve better sealing for such hot or heated insulating gas and the particles it carries by implementing geometric features near the first contact. This provides flow turbulence capable of trapping particles and reducing gas temperature due to gas expansion. A further idea is to reduce particle generation at the first contact and / or in the circumferential gap around the first contact (e.g., where the first contact is sealed).

[0011] In particular, the present invention provides a particularly non-contact seal through a circumferential gap to substantially / or partially suppress insulating gas that may carry particles. The at least one groove is capable of capturing at least some of the particles carried by the insulating gas passing through it. Groove openings may be present, configured to allow insulating gas to enter and mix with the insulating gas within the at least one groove. Particles can be collected and / or settled at the lowest point of the at least one groove by gravity. The flow of insulating gas can be effectively slowed and / or mixed with cold and / or stagnant insulating gas in the at least one groove, particularly due to the increased cross-sectional area faced by the insulating gas passing through the guide channel and / or circumferential gap. This facilitates the ejection of particles carried by the insulating gas into the at least one groove.

[0012] In other words, the idea is to have a turbulence generator within the guide channel, oriented towards the first contact and / or particularly at least one location near the circumferential gap and / or the open position. Providing at least one groove and / or multiple constricting gaps via groove openings is key to capturing the particles as the insulating gas carrying such particles passes through the circumferential gap. Typically, in said at least one groove, the gas is slowed and / or mixed with cold insulating gas, and particles may fall out. With this invention, the permissible number of cycles of the circuit breaker can be increased, and reliability can be increased. In particular, the voltage to be interrupted can be increased.

[0013] The present invention provides a better sealing function, especially for heated insulating gases, by providing a trapping mechanism for particles that can pass along the first contact.

[0014] By implementing at least one buffer volume structure, as described in this application and by means of the present invention, turbulent flow is achieved, which results in the trapping of particles and a reduction in gas temperature due to gas expansion. Since solid sealing systems will always lead to ablation and thus particle generation, the present invention avoids or reduces the adverse effects of particles carried by insulating gases.

[0015] The particles mentioned in this application can be generated from friction between contacts, from friction from any component of the mechanically guided circuit breaker, and / or from grease, residues, component deterioration / aging, dust, etc. Particles can be carried by insulating gases, as insulating gases are typically passively or actively moved when contacts separate. Particles may impair the dielectric strength of the area where they are present.

[0016] In the closed position, the contacts are in contact with each other to provide an electrical connection. In the open position, the contacts are separated from each other and / or arranged axially away from each other to provide a separation of the electrical connection. When the contacts are disconnected / separated and / or moved away from each other, an electric arc can be formed in the connection area, which temporarily generates a large amount of heat, such as heating the insulating gas, and / or particles can be generated from the evaporating material (e.g., at least one of the contacts), which can be re-solidified in granular form.

[0017] Typically, both contacts are designed to be at least partially made of a conductive material (particularly metal). At least one of the contacts (particularly the first contact) may be designed to be at least partially conductive. The contact does not need to be conductive overall. Some components or sections of the contact (e.g., a pull rod) may be electrically insulating, for example, made of ceramic, plastic, or other non-conductive materials. The contact is characterized in particular by being at least partially or entirely movable relative to the first contact housing, relative to another housing of the circuit breaker, relative to the other contact, and / or relative to its surroundings. The contact may at least partially comprise or be composed of, and / or coated with, copper, gold, and / or tungsten.

[0018] At least one movable contact is preferably understood to be capable of relative movement with respect to another component. For example, a first contact is understood to be movable when the first contact housing moves relative to the first contact, wherein the first contact can be at least substantially fixed in the circuit breaker.

[0019] The first contact housing can be designed to guide the first contact, particularly the first contact segment. The first contact housing can remain movable relative to the first contact, particularly along the switch axis. The first contact can be guided along a guide channel, particularly centrally located within the first contact housing. Thus, the first contact may or may not contact the guide channel. In any case, the first contact and / or its first contact segment form a circumferential gap in the guide channel, which extends axially and / or has a radial extension dimension at least half the diameter of the guide channel and / or at least one or two orders of magnitude smaller than the diameter of the guide channel. The first contact housing or the first contact, or both, can be movable relative to their periphery (e.g., another housing) along the switch axis. Furthermore, the second contact can be movable relative to its periphery (e.g., another housing) along the switch axis.

[0020] Typically, a circumferential gap is formed where the first contact and the first contact housing are movable relative to each other and where insulating gas can pass through due to the presence of a physical path. The circumferential gap can also be formed at an axially localized radial contraction between the first contact (segment) and the first contact housing, which can even move depending on the position of the first contact and its housing relative to each other.

[0021] Alternatively, the first contact housing can be movably arranged at the first contact to compress an insulating gas via a cylinder and piston, which is pushed toward the connection area during the disconnection movement of the circuit breaker, for example, to support arc extinguishing. The compressed gas, particularly in a heated state, can pass at least partially through a circumferential gap, where at least one groove is advantageously utilized. The first contact (particularly the first contact section) and the first contact housing can be in contact with each other.

[0022] Optionally, the first contact, particularly within the first contact housing, is movably arranged in a guide channel, wherein the circumferential gap is specifically configured to preferably eliminate mechanical contact, at least in the open position. In particular, a plurality of the at least one recess is advantageous in this case, for example, three, four, five, or more recesses, arranged, for example, axially adjacent to each other over an axial length of at least 5 mm and / or up to 500 mm or up to 200 mm. In a very basic and efficient design, the at least one recess is particularly an annular groove, typically deeper radially than its axial width. The first contact may have a hollow shape, particularly to reduce inertia.

[0023] The circumferential clearance specifically follows the position of the first contact in the guide channel. Thus, the circumferential clearance can be movable relative to the at least one groove. The circumferential clearance can be particularly understood as having a radially extending dimension that is at least two times or more smaller than its axially extending dimension, particularly by one or two orders of magnitude or more. In other words, the circumferential clearance can be radially flat and / or axially elongated.

[0024] The first contact section may have at least a substantially cylindrical shape and / or an outer surface. The guide channel may have at least a substantially cylindrical shape, an inner surface, and / or an inner wall. The first contact section and the guide channel may correspond to each other to form at least a substantially annular and / or circumferential free space, particularly a circumferential gap. The diameter of the first contact section (particularly the outer surface) may be at least 0.1% and / or up to 10% or up to 5% smaller than the diameter of the guide channel (particularly the inner surface) to form the circumferential gap. The first contact section may have particularly annular guiding and / or sealing elements to guide and / or seal at the guide channel (particularly at the inner wall).

[0025] The at least one groove may be in direct fluid contact with the circumferential gap at least at one location of the first contact (particularly the open position). The at least one groove is particularly located near the axial direction of the circumferential gap.

[0026] The at least one groove may be covered and / or closed at at least one position of the first contact by a circumferential gap and / or the first contact (particularly the first contact section), for example, to prevent or substantially reduce the entry of insulating gas, particularly hot gas, into the at least one groove. The length of the first contact (particularly the first contact section, for example in the form of a piston, plunger, and / or sleeve and / or having an outer surface) forming the circumferential gap is designed such that it closes / covers the at least one groove at at least one position, preferably at the contact separation and / or at the open position, and / or when a distance is created due to contact separation between the contacts, preferably having an axial overlap on both axial sides of the at least one groove, most preferably, the axial overlap on one or both axial sides is selected to be at least 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or greater.

[0027] During the opening operation of the circuit breaker, the at least one recess is typically closed / covered, preferably at least at a specific location, at the start of the physical contact separation. This makes the at least one recess a substantially enclosed volume, with the circumferential or annular gap between the first contact and the inner wall of the guide channel being the only opening or path toward this volume. In particular, hot insulating gas can then enter the at least one recess in the closed / covered state, and typically only afterwards also reach the venting device and / or the entire volume within the support insulator carrying the circuit breaker. Thus, when the circuit breaker is opened, the support insulator is at least partially or substantially sealed off from the insulating gas and the particles carried thereby.

[0028] According to the concept of the invention, the at least one groove is provided as a plurality of grooves, and / or groove openings are provided that taper axially relative to the at least one groove. This facilitates the introduction of turbulence and / or velocity and / or direction changes into the insulating gas passing through the at least one groove, in order to capture particles. Particles can be ejected from the insulating gas flow into the at least one groove by centrifugal force and / or spontaneous velocity changes within the at least one groove.

[0029] Damping components may be provided to reduce the movement of at least one of the contacts and / or the first contact housing and / or the other housing, particularly the movement of the first contact, and in particular, they are configured to provide a damping force acting and / or increasing along the switch axis, especially according to the distance of movement, stroke, acceleration, velocity, jerk and / or similarity of the first contact.

[0030] The term "high voltage" refers to voltages exceeding 1 kV. High voltage preferably refers to nominal voltages in the range of 72 kV to 800 kV, such as 145 kV, 245 kV, or 420 kV. A (high voltage) circuit breaker can be configured as a circuit breaker and / or may include one or more components, such as a pneumatic cylinder, a self-destructing arc-extinguishing chamber, a pressure collection space, a compression space or pneumatic volume, and an expansion space. A high voltage circuit breaker can use one or more such components to perform the interruption of a conductive connection, thereby stopping the flow of current in the conductive connection and / or extinguishing any arc generated when the conductive connection is interrupted. The term "axial" refers to the extension dimension, distance, etc., in the direction of the axis and / or the switch axis. Axial separation between components means that these components are separated from each other when viewed or measured in the direction of the axis. The term "radial" refers to the extension dimension, distance, etc., in the 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 the area in such a plane. "Axis," the term "axial extension," etc., generally refer to the switch axis.

[0031] The insulating gas and / or dielectric insulating medium can be any suitable gas capable of sufficiently extinguishing the arc formed between the contact elements during current interruption operation, such as, but not limited to, an inert gas like sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Specifically, the insulating gas used can be SF6 gas or any other dielectric insulating medium and / or insulating gas, which can be gaseous and / or liquid, and particularly can be a dielectric insulating gas or an arc-extinguishing gas. Such dielectric insulating medium and / or insulating gas can, for example, encompass media comprising organofluorine compounds selected from the group consisting of fluoroethers, ethylene oxide, fluoroamines, fluoroketones, fluoroolefins, fluoronitriles, and mixtures therewith and / or decomposition products. In this document, the terms “fluoroether,” “ethylene oxide,” “fluoroamine,” “fluoroketone,” “fluoroolefin,” and “fluoronitrile” refer to compounds that are at least partially fluorinated. Specifically, the term "fluoroether" encompasses both hydrofluoroethers and perfluoroethers; the term "ethylene oxide" encompasses both hydrofluoroethylene oxide and perfluoroethylene oxide; the term "fluoroamine" encompasses both hydrofluoroamine and perfluoroamine; the term "fluoroketone" encompasses both hydrofluoroketone and perfluoroketone; the term "fluoroolefin" encompasses both hydrofluoroolefin and perfluoroolefin; and the term "fluoronitrile" encompasses both hydrofluoronitrile and perfluoronitrile. Therefore, preferably, the fluoroethers, ethylene oxides, fluoroamines, and fluoroketones are fully fluorinated, i.e., perfluorinated.

[0032] The insulating gas and / or dielectric insulating medium may be selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoroethers, perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroolefins, perfluoronitriles, and mixtures thereof. In particular, the term "fluoroketone" as used in the context of this invention should be interpreted broadly and should cover fluoromonoketones and fluorodiketones or generally fluoropolyketones. Specifically, more than one carbonyl group side-attached to a carbon atom may be present in the molecule. The term should also cover saturated compounds and unsaturated compounds including double and / or triple bonds between carbon atoms. The at least partially fluorinated alkyl chain in the fluoroketone may be straight or branched and may optionally form a ring. The dielectric insulating medium and / or insulating gas may include at least one compound that is a fluoromonoketone and / or also include heteroatoms incorporated into the carbon backbone of the molecule, such as at least one of the following: nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur atoms, which replace one or more carbon atoms. More preferably, fluoromonoketones (especially perfluoroketones) may have 3 to 15 or 4 to 12 carbon atoms, particularly 5 to 9 carbon atoms. Most preferably, it may comprise exactly 5 carbon atoms and / or exactly 6 carbon atoms and / or exactly 7 carbon atoms and / or exactly 8 carbon atoms.

[0033] Furthermore, the insulating gas and / or dielectric insulating medium may include at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: hydrofluoroolefins (HFO) comprising at least three carbon atoms, hydrofluoroolefins (HFO) comprising exactly three carbon atoms, trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (HFO-1234ze), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropylene (HFO-1234yf), and mixtures thereof. The organofluorine compound may also be a fluoronitrile, particularly a perfluoronitrile. Specifically, the organofluorine compound may be a fluoronitrile, particularly a perfluoronitrile comprising two and / or three and / or four carbon atoms. More specifically, the fluoronitrile may be a perfluoroalkylnitrile, particularly perfluoroacetonitrile, perfluoropropionitrile (C2F5CN), and / or perfluorobutyronitrile (C3F7CN). Most notably, the fluoronitrile can be perfluoroisobutyronitrile (molecular formula (CF3)2CFCN) and / or perfluoro-2-methoxypropionitrile (molecular formula CF3CF(OCF3)CN). Perfluoroisobutyronitrile (i.e., 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-trifluoromethylpropionitrile, also known as i-C3F7CN) is particularly preferred due to its low toxicity. The dielectric insulating medium and / or insulating gas may also include a background gas or carrier gas that is different from organofluorine compounds (particularly different from fluorinated ethers, ethylene oxide, fluorinated amines, fluorinated ketones, and fluorinated alkenes), and in the examples may be selected from the group consisting of: air, N2, O2, CO2, inert gases, H2; NO2, NO, N2O; fluorocarbons, especially perfluorinated carbons, such as CF4; CF3I, SF6; and mixtures thereof. For example, in the examples, the dielectric insulating gas may be CO2.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the circumferential gap forms a direct or indirect passage for insulating gas between the connection area and the circuit breaker's venting device. The circumferential gap can be a side passage for insulating gas leaking from the main passage. The circumferential gap can form a passage along the first contact and / or toward the circuit breaker's drive mechanism. The circumferential gap can be at least substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, the circuit breaker has a gas movement device specifically configured to move the insulating gas at least at the connection area and toward the circumferential gap. In other words, the gas movement device can be a mechanism for pushing and / or compressing the insulating gas. The gas movement device can be fluidly connected to the connection area, at least indirectly or directly.

[0036] The gas moving device may include a cylinder with a piston movable therein along a switch axis, specifically the piston being kinetically coupled to a first contact housing and / or a first contact to change the cylinder volume according to the piston's position within the cylinder. The first contact may be movable relative to the first contact housing, and vice versa.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, the first contact and the first contact housing are movable relative to each other and / or along the switching axis. The first contact may be movable relative to the first contact housing (and vice versa) to radially and substantially (i.e., not particularly 100%) close and / or cover the recess opening, particularly in the open position, and / or to form a circumferential gap on both sides axially adjacent to the recess opening, particularly in the open position. In other words, the first contact may have a component capable of at least substantially blocking fluid from entering the recess, wherein this blocking can occur depending on the axial position of the first contact. In particular, when the contacts are separated, the recess opening may be at least substantially closed / covered / blocked, for example, between the (fully) open and closed positions. This has proven beneficial for particle capture.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the groove opening and / or the at least one groove is at least substantially annular in shape. In other words, the at least one groove and / or the groove opening (or a plurality of thereof) may be partially, partially, and / or completely annular in shape and / or surround the first contact. This provides a substantially circumferentially uniform flow path for the insulating gas, allowing particles to be reliably captured at most circumferential locations.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, the groove opening has an axially extending protrusion to narrow the passageway to the at least one groove. Preferably, the groove opening is particularly narrowed axially relative to the at least one groove. This allows the thermal insulating gas through the groove opening to mix with a large amount of cold insulating gas in the at least one groove, while maintaining a tight and substantially large circumferential gap. The protrusion may include at least substantially and / or partially annular shapes.

[0040] It can be provided that the groove opening is the only opening of the at least one groove. In other words, the at least one groove can be accessed only through the groove opening and / or only through the interior of the guide channel. There can be more than one groove opening. Therefore, the at least one groove is able to reliably collect particles with virtually no risk of particles being lost to other areas far from the connection area.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, the axially extending protrusion is formed to at least partially shape a guide channel. The protrusion may have a cylindrical and / or annular shape, at least on the side opposite to the at least one groove and / or facing the first contact. The protrusion may be integrally formed within the guide channel. The protrusion may participate in forming the guide channel and / or circumferential gap, at least in the open position and / or at at least one position of the first contact. The at least one groove may include a radially recessed portion, particularly for capturing particles. At its free end, the protrusion may be sharp and / or tapered, particularly wherein the angled surface of the protrusion may face the at least one groove. The protrusion may extend at least substantially parallel to the switch axis.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the axially extending protrusion faces and / or points toward the connection area. This protrusion is specifically positioned such that the at least one groove extends partially along the switch axis, separate from the guide channel, and / or in a direction away from the connection area. Particle capture has been shown to be enhanced in such an arrangement, particularly because an aerodynamic dead zone can be created.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the first contact contacts the inner wall of the guide channel to guide the first contact and / or substantially seal the circumferential gap for the insulating gas. The first contact may be equipped with a particularly annular seal and / or a particularly annular guide material extending along the inner wall when the circuit breaker is operated. Despite providing contact and / or despite being sealed, no solution can provide perfect fluid tightness without particle propagation in the insulating gas. However, this can support fewer particles ultimately ending up in said at least one groove.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, the first contact is guided. The first contact is specifically guided along the switch axis. At least when in the closed position, in the open position, and / or between the closed and open positions, the first contact is movable, at least substantially only along the switch axis. This ensures a constant circumferential clearance dimension and reliable access to the at least one recess for particle capture.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment, the extension dimension of the at least one groove along the switch axis is greater than the extension dimension of the at least one groove inclined to the switch axis. The at least one groove may, in particular, have a radially flat and / or axially elongated shape in a cross-section parallel to the switch axis.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment, the extension dimension of the at least one groove along the switch axis is smaller than the extension dimension of the at least one groove inclined to the switch axis. The at least one groove may, in particular, have a radially elongated and / or axially flat shape in a cross-section parallel to the switch axis.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment, three or more of the at least one groove are arranged axially adjacent to each other. It has been shown that multiple grooves in the at least one groove are advantageous for particle capture. For example, the at least one groove can be separated by radial protrusions, particularly single radial protrusions, especially protrusions for facing and / or forming guide channels, preferably by their free ends and / or their radially inward-facing surfaces.

[0048] In another preferred embodiment, the first contact is hollow and / or has at least one opening for insulating gas. The first contact can be designed to guide insulating gas at least partially. The second contact can be designed to insert into the first contact. In particular, when in the closed position, the second contact can be pin-shaped to insert into the first contact. The second contact can be inserted into the first contact, for example, into a channel of the first contact. Therefore, the circuit breaker can be designed in a more compact manner.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, the insulating gas is contained in a volume of the circuit breaker that is at least substantially fluid-sealed. The amount of insulating gas can be at least substantially predetermined. The volume can be at least substantially pressure-sealed. Therefore, loss of the insulating gas can be prevented, and the ability to reuse the circuit breaker with little or no maintenance can be provided.

[0050] The circuit breaker may have a drive unit or actuator that is specifically kinetically coupled to and configured to move the first contact. The drive unit is preferably located at one end of the switching unit and / or away from the connection area and / or the second contact for a compact arrangement. The drive unit may be configured to switch between at least two of the locations named herein. The drive unit is preferably electrically powered and / or located outside the housing. In this embodiment, the drive unit may be connected to the first contact element via a lever. The drive unit may include an additional damper that may be associated with and / or integrated into the drive unit.

[0051] Those skilled in the art can directly and clearly derive other implementations and advantages of this method from the high-voltage circuit breaker described above. Attached Figure Description

[0052] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and will be clarified with reference to the embodiments described below.

[0053] In the attached diagram:

[0054] Figures 1A-1D A high-voltage circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment is shown in cross-sectional schematic diagram and at different locations.

[0055] Figures 2A-2B A high-voltage circuit breaker according to another preferred embodiment is shown in cross-sectional schematic diagram and at different locations, as well as...

[0056] Figure 3 Shown in detailed view Figure 2B High-voltage circuit breakers. Detailed Implementation

[0057] When describing the structural features of a circuit breaker Figures 1A-1D And Figure 2- Figure 3 The description includes aspects of procedures or methods; structural features can be well understood in this manner. It is emphasized to the reader that such structural features can be extracted from the described context without hesitation or consideration of intermediate generalizations to form various aspects of the invention. Examples of this can be found in openings 48 or 52. It is also emphasized to the reader that any structural feature described below can be understood as a separate aspect of the invention to distinguish it from known solutions, although it may be extracted from the context.

[0058] Figures 1A-1D A circuit breaker for high-voltage applications is disclosed, including a switching unit 10 having a first contact 20 and a second contact 12 for forming a conductive connection in a connection region 16. The first contact 20 is at least partially hollow, and the second contact 12 is such that... Figure 1D The pin is inserted into the first contact 20 when the circuit is in the closed position. A lever and / or actuation device may be placed at one end 68 of the first contact 20, specifically opposite to the contact area 16. The circuit breaker is contained within an insulating gas volume 60 and also contains insulating gas.

[0059] Here, the first contact 20 is composed of separate parts connected to each other. Specifically, the first contact 20 has a cylindrical first contact section 21 and a hollow or tubular conductive tip facing the connection area 16. At the end 68, an electrically insulated and hollow pull rod is connected to the first contact section 21.

[0060] The first contact section 21 may have a shape that is at least partially hollow (not shown). However, the first contact section 21 may at least substantially serve as a plunger in the first contact housing 22 to form a circumferential gap 14 as a main path for allowing insulating gas to flow through the guide channel 24.

[0061] The switch shaft 18, extending axially along the two contacts 12 and 20, is in the closed position (e.g., when forming a conductive connection) Figure 1A The position can be moved between the open position (as shown) and the closed position where the conductive connection is disconnected (as shown). Figure 1C and Figure 1D Here, primarily, the second contact 12 is movable, and the first contact housing 22 is also movable.

[0062] The first contact housing 22 has a guide channel 24, which is configured to surround the first contact 20 and form a circumferential gap 14 with the first contact 20. The first contact housing 22 is particularly axially movable relative to the first contact 20 so that insulating gas can move in the connection region 16.

[0063] The first contact housing 22 has an annular groove 26, which specifically forms a recessed volume surrounding the first contact 20 at its first contact section 21. The first contact section 21 has a cylindrical outer surface, which corresponds to the cylindrical inner surface of the guide channel (particularly the inner wall 38). A circumferential gap 14 is formed between the surfaces.

[0064] The groove 26 opens toward the first contact 20 through an annular groove opening 28 facing the first contact 20 (or, depending on location, the circumferential gap 14) to capture particles carried by insulating gas from the connection region 16 and through the circumferential gap 14. Figures 1B-1D In this arrangement, the circumferential clearance 14 is positioned adjacent to and / or covering the recess opening 28. However, in Figure 1A In this case, the circumferential clearance 14 is arranged at a certain distance, for example, near the axial direction of the groove opening 28.

[0065] The extension dimension 32 of the recess opening 28 along the switch axis 18 is shorter than the extension dimension 34 of at least one recess 26 along the switch axis 22.

[0066] The circumferential gap 14 forms a passage for insulating gas between the connection area 16 and the venting device 54 of the circuit breaker.

[0067] The gas moving device 40 (e.g., a compressor) is configured to move insulating gas via the connection region 16, particularly toward the circumferential gap 14. The device 40 has a cylinder 42 with a piston 44, which is movable within the cylinder 42 and kinetically coupled to the first contact housing 22. The piston 44 is sealed by annular guide and / or sealing members 64, 66, which are located radially inward relative to the first contact 20 and radially outward relative to the cylinder 42.

[0068] The cylinder volume 46 can be changed according to the position of the first contact housing 22, wherein reducing the volume 46 allows for the compression and movement of the insulating gas. In such a case... Figures 1A to 1D As shown in the transition, the first contact housing 22 is moved to reduce the volume 46, thereby gradually covering the groove opening 28 with the first contact section 21. When contacts 12 and 20 are separated and formed as shown... Figure 1C When the electric arc A is in the middle, the groove opening 28 is covered on both axial sides.

[0069] During the opening of the circuit breaker, if Figures 1A-1D As shown in the process, insulating gas travels through the hollow first contact 12 via the connection region 16 at the conductive tip of the first contact. The insulating gas can exit through a radial opening 48 in the first contact 12 away from the connection region 16 to enter a chamber 50 between the first contact 20 and the first contact housing 22. The chamber 50 can be configured to increase its volume during the illustrated separation movement of the circuit breaker. The opening 52 in the first contact housing 22 initially covered by the first contact section 21 reaches... Figure 1C The first contact 20 becomes exposed when the first contact 20 is in its position. The second contact 12 is pulled axially from the first contact 20, and the first contact housing 22 is moved toward the connection area 16 when the contacts are separated. At the same time, the circumferential gap 14 following the position of the first contact segment 21 begins to approach the groove opening 28. Figures 1A-1B And finally cover the groove opening 28 ( Figures 1C-1D Insulating gas from opening 48 can not only exit through opening 52, but also enter circumferential gap 14 and pass through guide and / or sealing member 62. The particularly hot gas entering circumferential gap 14 can be slowed down near groove 26 so that particles carried therein can fall off.

[0070] Here, especially when contacts 12 and 20 are... Figures 1C-1D (and Figure 3 When separated as shown, the at least one groove can be covered by the first contact section 21 and thus substantially closed. The insulating gas can then pass through the groove 26 and can be slowed down in its vicinity to allow particles to fall.

[0071] The length of the first contact 20 and / or the first contact segment 21 forming the circumferential gap 14 is designed such that, at at least one location at the contact separation point, it closes / covers the groove 26 on both axial sides of the at least one groove via an axial overlap, the axial overlap on both axial sides being selected to be at least 5 mm or greater, as in... Figures 1C-1D What I saw in the video.

[0072] In this embodiment, the recessed opening 28 has an axially extending protrusion 30 to specifically narrow the passageway leading to at least one recess 26. The protrusion 30 is formed to partially shape the guide channel 24, particularly the inner wall 38. The protrusion 30 faces / points towards the connection area 16. At its free end, the protrusion 30 is tapered.

[0073] The first contact 20 contacts the inner wall 38 via an annular guide and / or sealing member 62, which radially guides the first contact 20, primarily for mechanical guidance. The guide and / or sealing member 62 may be shaped like a low-friction material (e.g., graphite, PTFE, etc.).

[0074] When in the closed position, the open position, and in between, the first contact 20 is guided and movable only along the switch axis 18. In particular, this design essentially prevents any radial movement of the first contact 20.

[0075] The groove 26 has an extension dimension 34 along the switch axis 18, which is greater than the extension dimension 36 of the groove 26 inclined to the switch axis 18 and / or in the radial direction.

[0076] exist Figures 2A-2B In, it is shown that at least substantially corresponds to Figures 1A-1D Another embodiment of the embodiment, however, wherein the first contact housing 22 does not contact the first contact 20 in any position to achieve a non-contact seal. Figure 2A The circuit breaker is currently in the closed position. Figure 2B In the open position, the lever of the first contact 20 at end 68 has been pulled out along the switch axis 18.

[0077] Here, the first contact 20 has a lever mechanism that is further kinetically connected to a gas moving device 40 with a cylinder 42 to change the cylinder volume 46 to move the gas and the piston 44 shown in part.

[0078] A circumferential gap 14 is formed between the generally cylindrical first contact section 21 of the first contact 20 and the first contact housing 22. It can also be understood that the circumferential gap is formed over the entire axial length of the first contact housing 22 and the first contact 20. However, at the first contact section 21, the circumferential gap 14 is specifically radially narrowed relative to the two axially adjacent sides of the first contact section 21.

[0079] Specifically, the inner wall 38 is substantially cylindrical to form an annular circumferential gap 14 with the first contact 20 and / or the first contact segment 21.

[0080] The first contact 20 does not contact the first contact housing 22. The first contact housing 22 has five grooves 26 arranged axially adjacent to each other. The grooves 26 are annular in shape and are used to trap particles from the insulating gas.

[0081] When the circuit breaker is being tripped, hot insulating gas can flow through the circumferential gap 14 and through multiple grooves 26, each of which can continuously trap insulating particles during the turbulent flow of the gas. Therefore, the amount of particles entering the exhaust device 54 can be significantly reduced.

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown in detail, the groove may have a circular bottom. In particular, the axial extension dimension 32 of the groove opening 28 is the same as the axial extension dimension 34 of the groove.

[0083] Specifically, the radial extension dimension 36 of the groove 26 is greater than the axial extension dimensions 32 and 34. In other words, the groove 36 can be formed as a deep groove 36.

[0084] As shown in Figure 2- Figure 3 Implementation examples and Figures 1A-1D The difference in the embodiments is that no guiding and / or sealing components are provided near the circumferential gap and / or at the groove 26. The first contact 20, which is guided in the section of the first contact housing 22 to form the circumferential gap 14, also lacks an opening for insulating gas, although it is hollow. Furthermore, the extension dimension 32 of the groove opening 28 along the switching axis 18 is the same size as the extension dimension 34 of the groove 26 along the switching axis 22. There are no protrusions 30 at the groove 26 or the groove opening 28.

[0085] Note that aspects of the embodiments described and shown above can be combined.

[0086] List of reference numerals

[0087] 10 Connecting and Disconnecting Units

[0088] 12 Second contact

[0089] 14 Circumferential clearance

[0090] 16 Connecting Areas

[0091] 18 Switch axis

[0092] 20 First Contact

[0093] 21 First contact section

[0094] 22 First contact housing

[0095] 24 Guiding Channel

[0096] 26 Grooves

[0097] 28. Groove opening

[0098] 30 protrusions

[0099] 32. Extension dimension of the groove opening

[0100] 34. Extension dimension of the groove

[0101] 36. Extension dimension of the groove

[0102] 38. Inner wall of the guide channel

[0103] 40 Gas moving device

[0104] 42 cylinders

[0105] 44 Pistons

[0106] 46 cylinder volume

[0107] 48. The opening of the first contact;

[0108] 50 chambers

[0109] 52. Opening of the first contact housing;

[0110] 54 Exhaust device

[0111] 60 cubic meters

[0112] 62. Guiding and / or sealing components

[0113] 64. Guiding and / or sealing components

[0114] 66. Guiding and / or sealing components

[0115] 68 end

Claims

1. A circuit breaker for high-voltage applications, comprising: At least one switching unit (10) having a first contact (20) and a second contact (12) for forming a conductive connection in a connection region (16), wherein at least one of the first contact (20) and the second contact (12) is movable along a switching axis (18) extending axially along the circuit breaker between a closed position forming the conductive connection and an open position separating the conductive connection; and A first contact housing (22) having a guide channel (24) surrounding the first contact (20) and forming a circumferential gap (14) with the first contact (20), the first contact housing (22) having at least one groove (26) surrounding the first contact (20), the at least one groove (26) opening toward the first contact (20) through a groove opening (28) facing the first contact (20) for capturing particles carried by insulating gas from the connection region (16) and through the circumferential gap (14); wherein, The extension dimension (32) of the groove opening (28) is shorter than the extension dimension (34) of the at least one groove (26), and / or, two or more of the at least one groove (26) are arranged axially adjacent to each other.

2. The circuit breaker according to the preceding claim, wherein, The circumferential gap (14) forms a channel for the insulating gas between the connection area (16) and the exhaust device (54) of the circuit breaker.

3. The circuit breaker according to any one of the preceding claims, the circuit breaker having a gas moving device (40) configured to move the insulating gas at least in the connection area (16) and toward the circumferential gap (14).

4. The circuit breaker according to the preceding claim, wherein, The gas moving device (40) includes a cylinder (42) having a piston (44) movable in the cylinder (42) along the switch axis (18), the piston (44) being kinetically coupled to the first contact housing (22) and / or the first contact (20) to change the cylinder volume (46) according to the position of the piston (44) in the cylinder (42).

5. The circuit breaker according to the preceding claim, wherein, The first contact (20) and the first contact housing (22) are movable relative to each other so as to radially and substantially close the groove opening (28) in the open position, and / or form the circumferential gap (14) on both sides axially adjacent to the groove opening (28) in the open position.

6. The circuit breaker according to the preceding claim, wherein, The groove opening (28) and / or the at least one groove (26) are at least substantially annular in shape.

7. The circuit breaker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The groove opening (28) has an axially extending protrusion (30) to narrow the passage leading to the at least one groove (26).

8. The circuit breaker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The axially extending protrusion (30) is formed to at least partially shape the guide channel (24).

9. The circuit breaker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The axially extending protrusion (30) faces and / or points toward the connection region (16).

10. The circuit breaker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first contact (20) contacts the inner wall (38) of the guide channel (24) to guide the first contact (20) and / or substantially seal the circumferential gap (14) for the insulating gas.

11. The circuit breaker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least when in the closed position, in the open position and / or between the closed and open positions, the first contact (20) is guided to be at least substantially capable of moving only along the switch axis (18).

12. The circuit breaker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The extension dimension (24) of the at least one groove (26) along the switch axis (18) is greater than the extension dimension (36) of the at least one groove (36) inclined to the switch axis (18).

13. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The extension dimension (24) of the at least one groove (26) along the switch axis (18) is smaller than the extension dimension (36) of the at least one groove (26) inclined to the switch axis (18).

14. The circuit breaker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Three or more of the at least one groove (26) are arranged axially adjacent to each other.

15. The circuit breaker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first contact (20) is hollow and / or has at least one opening (48) for the insulating gas, and / or wherein the second contact (12) is in the shape of a pin so as to be inserted into the first contact (20) particularly when in the closed position.

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