High-voltage circuit breaker

Abstract

The invention relates to a high-voltage circuit breaker (10), comprising: a closed container (12); -at least two bushings (14, 16) for the respective high-pressure connections, which bushings are arranged on the container (12) at a distance from one another; -at least one high-voltage switching unit (18) which is electrically connected to at least two of the bushings (14, 16) and which is arranged in a cavity (20) provided by the container (12); -a drive unit (22) arranged outside the container (12) for mechanically operating the high-voltage switching unit (18); and-a coupling mechanism (24), which is mechanically connected to the drive unit (22) and to the high-voltage switching unit (18), for transmitting a switching operation of the drive unit (22) to the high-voltage switching unit (18) in order to achieve one of at least two switching states of the high-voltage switching unit (18). According to the invention, the dimensions of the coupling means (24) extend at least partially parallel along a connecting line (50) formed by the bushings (14, 16) and are arranged at least adjacent to one of the bushings (14, 16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a high-voltage circuit breaker comprising: a closed container; at least two bushings for corresponding high-voltage connections, the bushings being arranged on the container in a spaced-apart manner; at least one high-voltage switching unit electrically connected to at least two bushings and arranged in a cavity provided by the container; a drive unit arranged outside the container for mechanically operating the high-voltage switching unit; and a coupling mechanism mechanically connected to the drive unit and the high-voltage switching unit for transmitting the switching operation of the drive unit to the high-voltage switching unit to realize one of at least two switching states of the high-voltage switching unit. Background Technology

[0002] High-voltage circuit breakers are widely known in the prior art, therefore no separate literature is required to prove their existence. High voltage, in the standard sense, refers to an AC voltage with an effective value greater than 1000 V and a DC voltage greater than 1500 V. This definition of high voltage, which is also covered by relevant standards, is usually additionally divided into two ranges, more precisely, a first range and a second range. The first range is called medium voltage and extends from 1 kV to 52 kV (inclusive), while the second range covers voltages greater than 52 kV and is called extra-high voltage.

[0003] A circuit breaker is, in principle, an electrical switching device used, particularly in areas of power supply equipment, to switch current in lines of an energy supply network. Circuit breakers are typically designed to reliably switch conventional rated currents and minor overload currents. Furthermore, even in the event of a fault in the power supply equipment or its connected electrical installations, a circuit breaker can handle very large overload currents and even short-circuit currents, maintain such currents for a predetermined time, and safely disconnect them without suffering severe damage that would render the circuit breaker unusable. Circuit breakers are typically designed for high switching power at low switching frequencies. Circuit breakers can be constructed, for example, as single-pole or three-pole, depending on the structural design of the energy supply network and the corresponding application. Such circuit breakers are also covered, in particular, by standards such as the IEC 62271 series.

[0004] Especially in ultra-high voltage ranges, circuit breakers with enclosed containers are used, with at least two bushings arranged at intervals between each other for the corresponding high-voltage connections on the enclosed container. Through these bushings, the corresponding high-voltage lines can be connected to the high-voltage circuit breaker, and the current flow between the connected high-voltage lines can be controlled by means of the high-voltage circuit breaker according to the corresponding switching state of the high-voltage circuit breaker.

[0005] The container is often formed of a conductive material, such as metal, particularly steel, or similar materials, and provides a cavity in which a high-voltage switch unit, electrically connected to at least two bushings, is arranged. The high-voltage switch unit provides the actual switching function of the high-voltage circuit breaker and for this purpose often has at least two electrical switch contacts. These contacts are mechanically and electrically connected to each other in the closed switching state, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the bushings, depending on the switching state of the high-voltage circuit breaker. In the second switching state, i.e., the open switching state, they are mechanically and electrically disconnected from each other to prevent current flow.

[0006] In the prior art, a common practice is to load insulating gas, more specifically SF6, onto the high-voltage switch unit to achieve insulation strength, especially during the switching process, that is, during the switching between the on and off states.

[0007] The high-voltage circuit breaker has an external drive unit for mechanically operating the high-voltage switching unit. This drive unit is mechanically connected to the high-voltage switching unit via a coupling mechanism, thereby transmitting the switching operation of the drive unit to the high-voltage switching unit to achieve at least one of two switching states of the high-voltage switching unit.

[0008] The drive unit may have a fault memory or similar device, enabling at least one of the switching states to be achieved without externally feeding drive energy. This switching state is typically an open switching state. The coupling mechanism may have one or more switch levers, sway levers, flanges, and / or similar components for transmitting the switching operation.

[0009] Furthermore, the high-voltage circuit breaker preferably has a retaining unit mechanically connected to the container and can be connected to a horizontal support, such as a base or similar structure, for positioning or erecting the container. Typically, the retaining unit is arranged opposite the bushing on the container side. This means that when the high-voltage circuit breaker is properly erected for its specified operation, the bushing is usually arranged vertically above the retaining unit.

[0010] The use of the insulating gas SF6 enables the realization of high-voltage circuit breakers with relatively small dimensions. However, this insulating gas has proven to be extremely harmful to the climate, and therefore its use in future applications should be avoided whenever possible. Furthermore, there is an ongoing search for alternatives to high-voltage circuit breakers using this insulating gas, employing novel structural designs that do not utilize this climate-harmful gas.

[0011] However, when avoiding the insulating gas SF6, it becomes apparent that the replacement insulating gas results in a larger structural form for the high-voltage circuit breaker. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that, due to mechanical stress, at least the coupling mechanism is also arranged on the vessel side opposite the bushing, that is, in the area of ​​the holding unit. Now, if, for example, such a high-voltage circuit breaker is to be replaced by one without SF6, significant disadvantages emerge in terms of size, particularly in terms of structural height, because in a given vertical location, such as within a building, there are typically limitations, at least in terms of structural height. Here, the larger size of such a high-voltage circuit breaker has become a problem. However, it should be noted that the coupling mechanism is therefore typically arranged vertically below the vessel to keep the mechanical stress on the coupling mechanism as low as possible. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to realize a high-voltage circuit breaker that is more compact in size and does not contain SF6.

[0013] As a solution, the present invention proposes a high-voltage circuit breaker according to claim 1.

[0014] Advantageous extensions are derived through the features of the dependent claims.

[0015] In particular, this invention proposes that the dimensions of the coupling mechanism extend at least partially parallel to the connecting line formed by the bushings and are arranged to be adjacent to at least one of the bushings.

[0016] This structural design avoids placing the coupling mechanism below the container when the high-voltage circuit breaker is in an upright position, thereby reducing the structural height of the high-voltage circuit breaker. Instead, unlike prior art, the coupling mechanism is now arranged in the bushing area, thus also achieving a retaining unit with a correspondingly smaller structural height. The coupling mechanism is arranged adjacent to, and particularly directly adjacent to, the bushing. This allows for a more compact design of the high-voltage circuit breaker from its overall structural height, resulting in improved installation possibilities, especially in existing buildings. This proves particularly advantageous when additional high-voltage applied units are arranged on one or both of at least two bushings.

[0017] Therefore, this invention enables the implementation of high-voltage circuit breakers with SF6-free designs, thus allowing for better retrofitting.

[0018] Typically, bushings are designed to allow electrical wiring to be introduced from outside the container into its interior, enabling connection to a high-voltage switching unit. The bushing preferably provides electrical insulation relative to the container material. Furthermore, the bushing may also provide a retaining function for the high-voltage electrical wiring, securing it relative to the container at a predetermined location within the container's area.

[0019] This high-voltage circuit breaker is specifically designed for use under ultra-high voltage (UHV) conditions. The invention has proven particularly advantageous under UHV conditions because the high voltage necessitates meeting specific requirements regarding withstand voltage, electrical safety, and other aspects.

[0020] The sleeve is preferably provided with a basically circular cross-section. However, if required, the sleeve may also be at least partially constructed to be angular or elliptical.

[0021] According to an extended embodiment, the bushings each have connecting tubes for electrical connection to high-voltage lines. For this purpose, the connecting tube may have corresponding contact units, by which connecting lines arranged inside the container can be electrically connected to the high-voltage lines to be connected. Preferably, the connecting lines are already connected to at least one of the connectors of the high-voltage switch unit. For this purpose, the connecting tube may have threaded connections and / or clamping connections, by which mechanical and electrical coupling with the high-voltage lines can be achieved. The connecting tube preferably extends from the circumferential surface of the container. In the case of a circular container, the connecting tube extends radially from the container, or protrudes radially from the container.

[0022] The preferred container is constructed as a cylinder, wherein at least two bushings are arranged on the cylindrical shell of the cylinder, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder and spaced apart from each other axially. Here, the longitudinal central axis of the cylinder can be arranged parallel to the connecting line. These bushings, particularly when constructed as connecting flanges or connecting pipes, can protrude radially from or extend radially outward from the cylindrical shell. The preferred container is constructed for horizontal installation, so that the longitudinal central axis is arranged substantially horizontally when the container or high-voltage circuit breaker is erected and connected as specified. The bushings are preferably arranged or formed at the vertical upper end or in the vertical upper region of the shell above the longitudinal central axis. Thus, high-voltage lines can be fed from above the high-voltage circuit breaker, thereby achieving simple electrical insulation of the high-voltage lines even when constructed as specified.

[0023] Furthermore, it is proposed that the drive unit be arranged on the outer side of one of the two opposing bottom surfaces of the cylinder. This allows for a further reduction in the overall structural height of the circuit breaker, as the drive unit can be arranged on the side of the container. The drive unit can be mechanically and permanently connected to the container. However, it can also be detachably connected to the container. Additionally, the drive unit can have a manual operating device configured to manually achieve at least one of at least two switching states of the high-voltage circuit breaker. Alternatively, the drive unit can additionally have an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive mechanism by which at least one of the switching states of the circuit breaker can be operated. Preferably, the drive mechanism can be configured to achieve each switching state of the high-voltage circuit breaker.

[0024] Furthermore, a longitudinal central axis of one of the sleeves defines a virtual cross-sectional plane extending perpendicularly thereto, in which the longitudinal axis of the cylinder extends, wherein the sleeve and the sleeve formed on the cylindrical shell for the coupling mechanism are arranged on the same side of the cross-sectional plane. Thus, the sleeves and the coupling mechanism can be arranged to be adjacent, particularly directly adjacent, to each other. At least one sleeve and the coupling mechanism can, for example, be arranged to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction, particularly directly spaced apart.

[0025] In particular, the container may have a sleeve for the coupling mechanism, which is formed in a region on the cylindrical outer shell in the circumferential direction, wherein the region may extend in the circumferential direction from one end of an extension of at least one of the sleeves at an angle of, for example, from about 3° to about 45°, preferably up to about 30°. This allows the coupling mechanism to be arranged integrally above the horizontal extension of the container in an upright position. By shifting the proposed angle in the circumferential direction, the sleeve allows for simultaneous vertical connection of high-voltage lines from above the container.

[0026] Furthermore, the coupling mechanism can be configured to be spaced circumferentially from at least one component in the sleeve by a pre-given distance. This distance can be given, for example, by a circumferential path of a few centimeters. It is also possible that the distance is given by a minimum angle, for example, at least approximately 5°. Preferably, this distance is at least approximately 10°.

[0027] Furthermore, a high-voltage circuit breaker is proposed to have a retaining unit connected to the container and capable of being connected to a horizontal support. The retaining unit is arranged on a side of the cylindrical housing opposite the lower side of the cross-sectional plane, with the bushing and coupling mechanism arranged on that side of the cross-sectional plane. Preferably, the retaining unit is arranged on the cylindrical housing opposite the bushing in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the container or high-voltage circuit breaker is erected and connected as specified, the retaining unit is preferably arranged substantially below the longitudinal centerline of the cylinder. Thus, the retaining unit is configured to face the bushing and high-voltage connector, resulting in a large distance between the bushing or high-voltage connector and the retaining unit on the installation side.

[0028] Furthermore, the retaining unit is constructed such that the container can contact the support. This allows for a further reduction in the structural height of the high-voltage circuit breaker. Here, undesirable large forces can be avoided on the cylindrical casing. This extension particularly addresses the possibility of erecting the high-voltage circuit breaker. Preferably, the retaining unit can be constructed such that no significant force transmission or gravity occurs in the contact area. Here, gravity continues to be transmitted substantially to the support through the retaining unit. This enables a particularly small structural height without requiring undesirable additional forces to act on the container.

[0029] Furthermore, it is proposed that the high-voltage switch unit has at least one vacuum switch tube. The vacuum switch tube is preferably configured to provide single-pole switching. If the high-voltage circuit breaker is configured to provide switching functionality, then for example, two vacuum switch tubes can be provided. Conversely, if the high-voltage circuit breaker is to be configured as a three-pole circuit breaker, it can be configured to have three vacuum switch tubes arranged inside the container. The vacuum switch tubes are typically configured to have fixed switch contacts and movable switch contacts, wherein the movable switch contacts can be operated in a desired manner by means of a coupling mechanism. In the case of multiple vacuum switch tubes, the coupling mechanism is configured to be adjusted accordingly to achieve the desired switching function.

[0030] The preferred container is constructed to be airtight. This ensures that, on the one hand, substances from the surrounding atmosphere will not enter the container and will not affect its electrical and / or mechanical properties. Furthermore, this extension allows for the placement of additional insulating gases within the container itself, such as technically clean air, SF6-free insulating gases, such as perfluorinated nitriles, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, inert gases, combinations thereof, and / or similar gases.

[0031] A particular advantage is that the container is filled with an insulating gas that does not contain SF6. This avoids the disadvantages described in the prior art, especially those related to the insulating gas. This further improves the function of the high-voltage circuit breaker. Furthermore, the size of the high-voltage circuit breaker can be further reduced.

[0032] Furthermore, it is proposed that the high-voltage circuit breaker be constructed to be seismic resistant. To this end, the container can be configured accordingly to be robust, particularly with the high-voltage switching unit being mechanically and firmly connected to the container wall. It is particularly advantageous that at least two bushings are also correspondingly constructed to compensate for or intercept forces and / or vibrations acting on the holding unit, for example, through the high-voltage lines connected to the bushings or due to the base.

[0033] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. The features and combinations of features given in the foregoing description, as well as those mentioned in the following description of the embodiments and / or shown only in the drawings, can be used not only in the corresponding given combinations but also in other combinations. Therefore, it also includes or is considered to disclose implementations of the invention that are not explicitly shown and described in the drawings but are obtained and can be produced by separate combinations of features from the described embodiments. The features, functions, and / or effects illustrated by the embodiments can, in themselves, be considered as separate and independent features, functions, and / or effects of the invention, and correspondingly, independently extend the invention further. Therefore, the embodiments should also include combinations different from the described embodiments. Furthermore, the described embodiments can be supplemented by additional features, functions, and / or effects from the already described features, functions, and / or effects of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same features and functions.

[0035] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, people with either male or female gender identity are included.

[0036] In the attached diagram:

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic top view of the end face of a high-voltage circuit breaker with a cylindrical container is shown; and

[0038] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic side view of a high-voltage circuit breaker. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1A top view of the end face of a high-voltage circuit breaker 10 is shown, which has a closed container 12 constructed as a cylinder. The high-voltage circuit breaker 10 has two bushings 14 and 16 arranged spaced apart from each other on the container 12 for corresponding high-voltage connections (not shown). Here, bushings 14 and 16 are configured to have connecting pipes 30 and 32, respectively, for electrical connection to corresponding high-voltage lines (not shown).

[0040] Here, the high-voltage circuit breaker 10 has a high-voltage switching unit configured as a vacuum switch tube 18, which is arranged in a cavity 20 provided by the container 12.

[0041] Furthermore, the high-voltage circuit breaker 10 has a drive unit 22 disposed outside the container 12 for mechanically operating the vacuum switch tube 18. Here, the drive unit 22 is constructed in the manner of a spring accumulator.

[0042] In addition, the high-voltage circuit breaker 10 has a coupling mechanism 24 that is mechanically connected to the drive unit 22 and the vacuum switch tube 18, for transmitting the switching operation of the drive unit 22 to the vacuum switch tube 18 to realize one of at least two switching states of the vacuum switch tube 18.

[0043] Here, the container 12 is constructed as a cylinder, wherein two sleeves 14, 16 are arranged on the cylindrical outer shell 34 of the cylinder along the longitudinal axis 28 of the cylinder in a manner spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. Here, the drive unit 22 is arranged on the outside of one of the two opposing bottom surfaces 36, 38 of the cylinder, which is bottom surface 38.

[0044] Here, the sleeves 14 and 16 are essentially provided with a circular inner cross-section serving as a through hole, in which an electrical line is arranged substantially centrally along the longitudinal central axis 44. This electrical line may at least partially be formed by a high-voltage line. Furthermore, an electrical insulating material may be arranged in the through hole (not shown here) so that the cavity 20 can be sealed in an airtight manner relative to the external atmosphere.

[0045] The longitudinal central axis 44 extends perpendicularly to the cross-section of the corresponding through hole. A virtual cross-sectional plane 46 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal central axis 44 of one of the sleeves 14, 16, in which the longitudinal axis 28 of the cylinder extends. The sleeves 14, 16 or the corresponding connecting pipes 30, 32, and the sleeve 40 formed on the cylindrical shell 34 of the cylinder for the coupling mechanism 24 are arranged on the same side of this cross-sectional plane 46. In this respect, the dimension of the coupling mechanism 24 extends at least partially parallel to the connecting line 50 formed by the sleeves 14, 16, which here extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 of the cylinder. This dimension of the coupling mechanism 24 is arranged adjacent to one of the sleeves 14, 16, and in particular, is arranged directly adjacent to it. This is from... Figure 1 This can be seen from the text.

[0046] Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic side view of the high-voltage circuit breaker 10. It can be seen that the connecting line 50 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 of the cylinder.

[0047] In addition, such as from Figure 1 As can be seen from this, the angle 52 between the longitudinal central axis 44 and the radial axis 54 in the circumferential direction 42 can be determined. In this embodiment, this angle extends in the range of about 15° to about 45° relative to the longitudinal axis 28 of the cylinder, preferably about 30°.

[0048] In addition, from Figure 1 As can be seen, the high-voltage circuit breaker 10 has a retaining unit 26 that connects to the container 12 and can be connected to a horizontal support 48. The retaining unit 26 is used to connect the high-voltage circuit breaker 10 to the support 48, which can be a base, for erecting it in a predetermined location or inside a predetermined building. Thus, the high-voltage circuit breaker 10 can be erected in a predetermined manner for operation as specified. The retaining unit 26 is arranged on the cylindrical housing 34 on one side of the cross-sectional plane 46 opposite to the lower side of the cross-sectional plane 46, where the bushings 14, 16 and the coupling mechanism 24 are arranged. Therefore, the structural design of the retaining unit 26 allows for... Figure 1 The minimum possible structural height in the state shown.

[0049] exist Figure 1The configuration is such that the longitudinal central axis 44 is oriented substantially vertically, while the longitudinal axis 28 of the cylinder and the cross-sectional plane 46 extend substantially horizontally. Furthermore, as can be seen from the figures, the dimensions of the coupling mechanism 24 and the drive unit 22 do not exceed their extensions in the cross-sectional plane 46, and their dimensions are determined by the extension of the container 12. This allows for a very compact structural design of the high-voltage circuit breaker 10.

[0050] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structural design even allows the retaining unit 26 to be configured such that the container 12 can contact the support 48. This allows for a particularly small structural height.

[0051] Because container 12 is constructed to be airtight, a suitable insulating gas that does not contain SF6 can be arranged in cavity 20. For example, perfluorinated nitriles, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, inert gases, mixtures thereof, or similar gases can be used as suitable insulating gases.

[0052] Here, the high-voltage circuit breaker 10 is designed to be earthquake-resistant, so that it can also be used in areas where earthquake safety is critical, such as Japan.

[0053] In addition, from Figure 2 As can be seen, the coupling mechanism 24 has multiple levers and steering devices for directing the operational movement of the drive unit 22 through the sleeve 40 to the vacuum switch tube 18, so as to operate the vacuum switch tube 18 for a switching state to be set according to regulations. Here, the sleeve 40 is also constructed to be airtight, so that the container 12 is airtight overall.

[0054] These embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit it.

Claims

1. A high-voltage circuit breaker (10), comprising: - Closed container (12) - At least two bushings (14, 16) for corresponding high-pressure connectors, the bushings being arranged on the container (12) at intervals from each other. - At least one high-voltage switch unit (18), which is electrically connected to at least two of the bushings (14, 16) and arranged in a cavity (20) provided by the container (12). - A drive unit (22) disposed outside the container (12) is used to mechanically operate the high-voltage switch unit (18), and - A coupling mechanism (24), which is mechanically connected to the drive unit (22) and the high-voltage switch unit (18), is used to transmit the switching operation of the drive unit (22) to the high-voltage switch unit (18) to realize one of at least two switching states of the high-voltage switch unit (18). Its features are, The dimensions of the coupling mechanism (24) extend at least partially parallel to the connecting line (50) formed by the sleeves (14, 16) and are arranged to be adjacent to at least one of the sleeves (14, 16).

2. The high voltage circuit breaker of claim 1, wherein, The bushings (14, 16) each have connecting pipes (30, 32) for electrical connection with high-voltage lines.

3. The high voltage circuit breaker according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The container (12) is constructed as a cylinder, wherein the at least two sleeves (14, 16) are arranged on the cylindrical shell (34) of the cylinder in a manner that is parallel to the longitudinal axis (28) of the cylinder and spaced apart from each other in the axial direction.

4. The high voltage circuit breaker of claim 3, wherein, The drive unit (22) is arranged on the outside of one of the two opposite bottom surfaces (36, 38) of the cylinder.

5. The high-voltage circuit breaker according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The longitudinal central axis (44) of one of the sleeves (14, 16) defines a virtual cross-sectional plane (46) extending perpendicularly thereto, in which the longitudinal axis (28) of the cylinder extends, wherein the sleeves (14, 16) and the sleeve (40) formed on the cylindrical shell (34) for the coupling mechanism (24) are arranged on the same side of the cross-sectional plane (46).

6. The high voltage circuit breaker of claim 5, wherein A retaining unit (26) is connected to the container (12) and is capable of being connected to a horizontal support (48), wherein the retaining unit (26) is arranged on the cylindrical outer shell (34) on one side of the cross-sectional plane (46) opposite to the lower side of the cross-sectional plane, and the sleeves (14, 16) and the coupling mechanism (24) are arranged on the side of the cross-sectional plane.

7. The high voltage circuit breaker of claim 6, wherein, The retaining unit (26) is configured such that the container (12) can contact the support (48).

8. The high voltage circuit breaker according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The high-voltage switch unit (18) has at least one vacuum switch tube.

9. The high voltage circuit breaker according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The container (12) is constructed to be airtight.

10. The high voltage circuit breaker according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The high-voltage circuit breaker (10) is constructed to be earthquake resistant.

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