Power disconnect switch, switching device with power disconnect switch, method for operating a switching device and use of a power disconnect switch

Description

[0001] The invention relates to circuit breakers for high-voltage networks, a switching device with a circuit breaker, a method for operating a switching device and a use of a circuit breaker.

[0002] Circuit breakers combine the functions of a circuit breaker with that of a disconnector. Circuit breakers make it possible, for example, to connect or disconnect line sections or equipment in a high-voltage network under load or power. Circuit breakers can switch operating currents or short-circuit currents on and off and create a standardized isolation in the sense of a disconnector.

[0003] Known circuit breakers feature an automatic mechanical interlock that locks the circuit breaker in the off state to ensure the disconnecting function. As soon as such a circuit breaker changes from an on state, in which it connects line sections or equipment, to an off state, in which it disconnects line sections or equipment, the circuit breaker is locked or blocked in this off position. The automatic mechanical interlock has the disadvantage that a short-circuit interruption or rapid closing, e.g., in the event of a fault, is not possible.

[0004] It is also disadvantageous if the position of the mechanical interlock is determined based on control commands sent to the mechanical interlock. Thus, the transmission of a control signal to the mechanical interlock only indirectly indicates that the circuit breaker is locked in its open position. If, for example, the circuit breaker is not locked or is only partially locked, the circuit breaker is still assumed to be locked in its open position. Safe isolation of line sections and / or equipment in the sense of a circuit breaker is therefore not guaranteed.

[0005] Until now, the circuit breaker and the interlocking system were controlled and signaled back separately as two devices. The circuit breaker can be opened and signaled back as open. The circuit breaker can then be locked and signaled back as locked. In this combination, one disconnection point is assumed to be safe. The disadvantage here is that the circuit breaker must be controlled and signaled back via two paths. Use, for example, as a load-break switch in existing systems is not possible, as only one path is available.

[0006] Furthermore, it is not possible to integrate known circuit breakers into an earthing system for maintenance or assembly work, i.e., to safely connect an earthing connection across the switched-on circuit breaker. There is a risk of the earthing being interrupted by opening the circuit breaker, thus ensuring reliable and operationally safe protective earthing.

[0007] From WO2016119147A1 a locking device for an earthing device of a disconnector is known.

[0008] From DE 197 12 346 A a device for blocking the rotation of a shaft of an electric drive for a moving contact of a switching device is known.

[0009] DE 755 953 C describes a mechanical switching fault protection for a switchgear assembly with disconnectors and circuit breakers, wherein the switching fault protection is designed in such a way that the disconnectors and circuit breakers are interlocked with each other in such a way that movement of the circuit breaker is only possible when the disconnectors are in the end position.

[0010] WO 2011 / 020509 A1 describes a switching device comprising at least one circuit breaker or load switch, an earthing switch, and a disconnector. In the switching device, the earthing switch is coupled to a first straight drive shaft, and the disconnector is coupled to a second straight drive shaft.

[0011] DE 660 818 C discloses a circuit breaker for high-voltage networks according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0012] The invention is based on the technical problem of providing improved circuit breakers that do not have the disadvantages described above, or at least have them to a lesser extent, and in particular enable reliable locking and / or operationally safe connection of an earthing connection. Furthermore, a switching device, a method for operating a switching device, and a use of a circuit breaker are to be provided.

[0013] The technical problem described above is solved by a circuit breaker according to claim 1, a switching device according to claim 5 and a method according to claim 7 and claim 10. Further embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0014] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a circuit breaker for high-voltage networks, comprising a switching element and a locking device, wherein the locking device is configured to lock or release the switching element in a switched-off position of the switching element, and wherein the locking device is configured to lock or release the switching element in a switched-on position of the switching element. Because the locking device is configured to lock the switching element in a switched-on position, for example, an earthing connection can be safely and reliably connected across the switched-on circuit breaker.

[0015] The circuit breaker can therefore be used for earthing purposes. This is advantageous in that a short-circuit-proof connection or through-connection of an earthing connection can be realized via the circuit breaker. Another advantage is that unavoidable inductive and / or capacitive earth currents / voltages, particularly during operation, can be switched via the circuit breaker. Conventional earthing switches are not suitable for this purpose, or are only suitable to a limited extent. The locking of the switching element in the closed state prevents the earthing from being switched off due to an unintentional opening of the switching element.

[0016] The locking device is a functional lock for the switching element of the circuit breaker. As long as the locking device locks the switching element in the on or off state, the switching element cannot be switched by external devices, such as protective devices or the like. The switching element of the circuit breaker, as long as it is locked by the locking device in the on or off state, can only be released for switching operations by removing the lock by the locking device.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, the circuit breaker has a detector configured to detect a switching position of the locking device and provide a safe-to-reach feedback signal. The detector can therefore provide feedback regarding the actual switching position of the locking device to a control or operating device. In this way, the state of the locking device can be reliably monitored.

[0018] For example, the detector can be configured to detect a switched-on position of the locking device in which the locking device blocks the switching element.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the detector can be configured to detect an open position of the locking device in which the switching element of the circuit breaker is released, i.e., not locked by the locking device. A separate detector or a separate sensor can be provided for an on position of the locking device and for an off position of the locking device.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a circuit breaker for high-voltage networks, comprising a switching element, a locking device, and a detector. The locking device is configured to lock or release the switching element in a switched-off position of the switching element, and the detector is configured to detect a switching position of the locking device and provide end-of-position feedback. As already explained above, the detector can provide feedback about the actual switching state of the locking device. For example, it can be detected whether the locking device has actually locked the switching element in its switched-off position in order to monitor a reliable disconnecting function of the circuit breaker.

[0021] The locking device may comprise a mechanical locking element. The mechanical locking element may, for example, be a movable latch or bolt configured to block movement of the switching element from an off position to an on position, or vice versa. The mechanical locking element counteracts movement of the switching element, particularly in a positive-locking manner.

[0022] The locking device may comprise a first locking element for locking the switching element in the switched-on state and a second locking element for locking the switching element in the switched-off state.

[0023] The locking device can be configured to lock the switching element mechanically and / or electrically and / or by software or control technology.

[0024] A locking element can be configured to lock the switching element mechanically and / or electrically.

[0025] A first locking element for locking the switching element in the switched-on state can be configured to mechanically and / or electrically lock the switching element. A second locking element for locking the switching element in the switched-off state can be configured to mechanically and / or electrically lock the switching element.

[0026] The detector can be configured to detect the end position of a mechanical locking element of the locking device and provide end-position-safe feedback. For example, the end position of the mechanical locking element can be detected tactilely, optically, electrically, or magnetically. One or more sensors can be provided to detect the end position of a mechanical locking element. This allows redundancies to be created to ensure reliable monitoring of the locking device.

[0027] The detector can be configured to detect a first end position in which the locking element locks the switching element. Alternatively or additionally, the detector can be configured to detect a second end position in which the locking element releases the switching element.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the locking device can be controlled separately from the switching element. Thus, separate operating elements for switching the switching element on and off and for locking and releasing the switching element can be provided on a control or operating device assigned to the circuit breaker. In this way, four different switching states or functions of the circuit breaker can be switched.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, a switching device for high-voltage networks is specified, comprising a circuit breaker which is designed in a manner described above, with a first terminal, with a second terminal and with an earthing device, wherein the earthing device is branched off between the first terminal and the switching element of the circuit breaker.

[0030] If the locking device is designed to lock or release the switching element in a switched-on position of the switching element, a reliable and safe switching through of an earthing established by the earthing device via the switching element from the first terminal to the second terminal can take place.

[0031] If, alternatively or additionally, a detector is provided to detect the switching position of the locking device, the disconnecting function of the circuit breaker can be reliably monitored. Alternatively or additionally, proper locking of the switching element in its closed position can be monitored.

[0032] The first connection can be a field connection to which, for example, a busbar, a switchgear and / or a power transformer field is connected.

[0033] The second connection can be a network connection to which an overhead line, a cable, a line or a gas-insulated line is connected.

[0034] An external system can be connected to the second terminal, so that the voltage present at the second terminal cannot be controlled or switched by control or operating devices associated with the switching device. By incorporating a grounding device in the area of ​​the first terminal, an earthing switch associated with the earthing device can be separated from the second terminal by the switching element before a switching operation. This prevents switching stress on the earthing switch under load.

[0035] It is advantageous to avoid wear on the earthing switch by using a suitable switching sequence. This can be achieved, for example, by switching off a load via the switching element before the earthing switch is switched off.

[0036] The switching device can have an auxiliary switch, wherein the auxiliary switch is coupled to the grounding device, the switching element, and the locking device, and wherein the auxiliary switch is configured to pass a switching command to the switching element and / or to release the locking device depending on a switching position of the grounding device, and wherein the auxiliary switch, the grounding device, and the switching element are coupled such that the switching element is switched off before the grounding device, in particular such that a switching time of the switching element is shorter than a switching time of the grounding device. In this way, it is possible to avoid power or load being switched by a grounding switch of the grounding device, so that the grounding switch is exposed to only minimal wear.

[0037] In this case, the switching time is the period of time required by a respective switch to establish, interrupt, or separate an electrical connection between two terminals assigned to the switch. Because the switching time of the switching element is shorter than the switching time of the earthing device or an earthing switch of the earthing device, it can be avoided that the earthing device or the earthing switch is switched under load or power, so that, in particular, no short-circuit or leakage currents are switched through the earthing device or the earthing switch. This increases the service life of the earthing device or the earthing switch.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, an earthing switch of the earthing device can have an idle travel. This means that the earthing disconnector, which is to be opened from an on-state, initially maintains the electrical connection over a predetermined opening or actuating travel starting from an end position. From the end position in the on-state, an opening movement of the switch along the idle travel therefore does not break the electrical connection. The idle travel therefore specifies a dead time or dead time period after the signal to open the earthing switch, during which the earthing is maintained. The dead time or dead time period is preferably longer than the switching time of the switching element. This prevents the earthing switch from being switched under load, so that in particular no short-circuit or leakage currents are switched through the earthing switch. This increases the service life of the earthing switch.

[0039] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a switching device, wherein the following method steps are carried out: a) Providing a switching device according to the invention, wherein the switching element is in the switched-on state and the earthing device is in a switched-off state, and wherein the locking device is configured to lock or release the switching element in a switched-on position of the switching element; b) Switching off the switching element; c) Switching on the earthing device; d) Switching on the switching element; e) Locking the switching element in the switched-on position.

[0040] Using the method described above, reliable earthing is possible via the switched-on switching element. The circuit breaker can be integrated into a protective earthing system.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, a procedure is specified with the following procedural steps: f) Releasing the switching element in the closed position; g) Switching off the switching element; h) Switching off the earthing device.

[0042] In this way, wear of an earthing switch of the earthing device can be avoided by switching off any load that may be present through the switching element before switching off the earthing device or an earthing switch of the earthing device.

[0043] It can be provided that the switching element is automatically locked in the closed position, provided the earthing device is activated when the switching element is switched on. This can prevent incorrect operation when connecting an earthing connection.

[0044] It can be provided that the switching element is blocked from being released in the closed position as long as the earthing device is switched on. This prevents unintentional de-earthing by opening the switching element.

[0045] It can be provided that the switching element is released and opened automatically in the closed position, provided that the earthing device is deactivated. If a switching command to remove the earthing is issued, the switching element can be automatically released and opened as a result of the switching command to remove the earthing before an earthing switch of the earthing device opens, in order to prevent wear on the earthing device or the earthing switch of the earthing device.

[0046] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a switching device, wherein the following method steps are carried out: a) Providing a switching device according to the invention, wherein the switching element is in the switched-on state and the earthing device is in a switched-off state, wherein the circuit breaker has a detector, wherein the detector is configured to detect a switching position of the locking device; b) Switching off the switching element; c) Locking the switching element in the switched-off position by the locking device; d) Detecting the switching position of the locking device; e) Reporting back an end position of the locking device.

[0047] The detector can be used to monitor whether the switching element has actually been locked in the off position, thus ensuring safe disconnection.

[0048] It can be provided that the switching element is automatically locked in the switched-on state when the earthing device is switched on. In particular, the locking of the switching element in the switched-on position can be linked to the switched-on position of an earthing device. In this way, incorrect operation by an operator when switching through an earthing connection can be prevented.

[0049] For example, if an earthing connection is established via the switching element locked in the closed position, the locking of the switching element in the closed position can only be released if the earthing device receives a signal to deactivate or disconnect the earthing. In this case, the earthing of the line section cannot be deactivated solely by controlling the switching element; rather, the locking of the switching element in the closed position must be released separately, e.g., by an operator deactivating the earthing.

[0050] It may be provided that the locking or release is mechanical; and / or the locking or release is electrical.

[0051] If a mechanical interlock is provided, disconnecting an earthing device can proceed as follows: In an initial state, the earthing device is switched on, and the switching element of the circuit breaker is mechanically locked in its closed position. In this way, a first terminal of the circuit breaker, facing away from the earthing switch, and a second terminal of the circuit breaker, facing the earthing switch, can be earthed.

[0052] To deactivate the grounding, the switching element must first be mechanically unlocked. The switching element can be switched again in this state. By deactivating the switching element, a terminal of the circuit breaker facing away from the grounding device can be de-grounded. Subsequently, by deactivating the grounding device, a terminal facing the grounding device can be de-grounded.

[0053] If an electrical interlock, especially an exclusively electrical interlock, is provided, switching off an earthing device can proceed as follows: The combination of the activated earthing device and the activated switching element interrupts the electrical control paths of the circuit breaker, so that the switching element of the circuit breaker cannot be controlled independently of the earthing device. This prevents any possible protective tripping.

[0054] In an initial state, the switching element is closed, the earthing switch is closed, and the switching element is only electrically interlocked. The switching element of the circuit breaker cannot be controlled (switched off). Only the earthing switch can be controlled (switched off).

[0055] The earthing device receives a switch-off command. Following the switch-off command to the earthing device, the circuit-breaker simultaneously receives a switch-off command. Since the unlocking and switch-off of the switching element occurs significantly faster – e.g., within milliseconds – than the earthing switch, a power is switched by the switching element of the circuit-breaker during the switch-off process. The earthing switch is protected by the fact that it switches off much later – e.g., within several seconds. After the switch-off process is complete, the circuit-breaker and the earthing device are switched off, thus de-earthing the circuit-breaker connections.

[0056] According to a final aspect, the invention relates to the use of a circuit breaker in a high-voltage network, comprising: a) replacing a circuit breaker and a disconnector of the high-voltage network with a circuit breaker or a switching device as described above; b) connecting and operating the circuit breaker with equipment designed to operate the circuit breaker and the disconnector.

[0057] The circuit breaker according to the invention can therefore be cost-effectively integrated into existing systems, with a single circuit breaker replacing the two separate "circuit breaker" and "disconnector" switches. The interlocking mechanism allows a "virtual disconnector" to be implemented. This means that the familiar control layout, which presents the operator with a separate circuit breaker and a separate disconnector, continues to exist in a control or operating device for controlling or switching the circuit breaker. However, when the "disconnector" is switched off in a control room or on a switching module, no disconnector is opened; instead, the switching element is locked in its off position. In this way, existing systems with separate circuit breakers and separate disconnectors can be easily and cost-effectively converted to compact circuit breakers.

[0058] The switching element of a circuit breaker can have contacts that are movable relative to one another and can be brought into contact with one another. The contacts can be housed in a pressure chamber filled with sulfur hexafluoride gas (SF 6 ). The switching element can be dimensioned such that a reliable isolating function in the sense of a circuit breaker is ensured in the pressure chamber, even under ambient pressure.

[0059] The circuit breakers, switching devices and methods described above can be designed for voltages greater than or equal to 72.5 kV.

[0060] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to a drawing illustrating exemplary embodiments. The drawings schematically show: Fig. 1 a circuit breaker according to the invention; Fig. 2 another circuit breaker according to the invention; Fig. 3 a switching element, a locking element and a detector; Fig. 4 an embodiment of a circuit breaker not according to the invention; Fig. 5 a switching device according to the invention; Fig. 6 an operating device for switching devices; Fig. 7 Flowcharts of inventive methods and uses.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows a circuit breaker 2 for high-voltage networks. Variants A, B, C and D according to Fig. 1 show four different switching states of the circuit breaker 2.

[0062] The circuit breaker 2 has a switching element 4 and a locking device 6. The locking device 6 is configured to lock or release the switching element 4 in an off position of the switching element 4. The locking device 6 is configured to lock or release the switching element 4 in an on position of the switching element 4. The locking device 6 can be controlled and switched separately from the switching element 4.

[0063] The switching state according to Fig. 1A Describes a safe disconnection function of the circuit breaker 2. The switching element 4 is in an open position. The switching element 4 is locked in its open position by the locking device 6. In this case, the locking device 6 forms a functional lock for the switching element 4. In this locked state, the switching element 4 cannot be moved into its closed position. This provides a reliable and safe separation between a first terminal 8 and a second terminal 10 of the circuit breaker 2.

[0064] Fig. 1B shows the switching element 4 in its off position. The switching element 4 is in Fig. 1B not locked by the locking device 6, but released for switching operations, such as switching on or rapid switching on.

[0065] Fig. 1C shows the switching element 4 in a switched-on position. In the switched-on position, an electrically conductive connection is established between the first terminal 8 and the second terminal 10 via the switching element 4. Furthermore, in the Fig. 1C In the switching state shown, the switching element 4 is locked in the switched-on position by the locking device 6. The locking device 6 acts, as already described with reference to Fig. 1A described, as a functional lock for the switching element 4. It is therefore not possible to move the switching element 4 from the switched-on state to its switched-off position without first releasing the switching element 4 by the locking device 6. In this way, for example, an earthing connection or an earthing potential can be reliably connected via the switching element 4 from the first terminal 8 to the second terminal 10, or vice versa. The circuit breaker 2 can therefore be integrated into an earthing connection in the switched-on state by the locking function.

[0066] Fig. 2 shows a further circuit breaker 12 according to the invention, wherein the circuit breaker 12 has a detector 14 which is designed to detect a switching position of the locking device 6. The variants A, B, C and D according to Fig. 2 show four different switching states of the circuit breaker 12, as already described above with reference to Fig. 1 described.

[0067] The detector 14 is designed to detect end positions of a mechanical locking element 16 of the locking device 6. With the aid of the detector 14, a safe end position feedback on the actual position of the locking element 16 can be sent to a control or operating device 32 ( Fig. 6 ) take place.

[0068] The Figuren 3A bis 3D describe by way of example the functional interaction of switching element 4, detector 14 and locking element 16. According to further exemplary embodiments, it can be provided to mechanically and / or electrically lock drive elements, such as motors, gears, actuators or springs, which are provided for moving the component 4B, wherein the drive elements can in particular be arranged at least in sections outside a pressure chamber of a switching element.

[0069] The locking device 6 has a mechanical bolt 16 ( Fig. 3 ), which is movable between two end positions to positively block or release the movement of the switching element 4. The switching element 4 has a stationary component 4A and a movable component 4B, which can be brought into contact with the component 4A.

[0070] Fig. 3A shows the switching element 4 in the switched-off state, wherein the movement of the movable component 4B towards the stationary component 4A is positively blocked by the bolt 16. The arrangement corresponds to the Fig. 2A The tactile sensor 18 of the detector 14 detects the switching state shown in Fig. 3A shown locking end position of bolt 16.

[0071] Fig. 3B shows the switching element 4 in the switched-off state, wherein the movement of the movable component 4B towards the stationary component 4A is not blocked by the bolt 16. The arrangement corresponds to that shown in Fig. 2B The tactile sensor 19 of the detector 14 detects the switching state shown in Fig. 3B shown release end position of bolt 16.

[0072] Fig. 3C shows the switching element 4 in the switched-on state, wherein the movement of the movable component 4B away from the stationary component 4A is positively blocked by the bolt 16. The arrangement corresponds to the Fig. 2C The tactile sensor 18 of the detector 14 detects the switching state shown in Fig. 3C shown locking end position of bolt 16.

[0073] Fig. 3D shows the switching element 4 in the switched-on state, wherein the movement of the movable component 4B away from the stationary component 4A is not blocked by the bolt 16. The arrangement corresponds to that shown in Fig. 2D The tactile sensor 19 of the detector 14 detects the switching state shown in Fig. 3D shown release end position of bolt 16.

[0074] Alternatively or in addition to a mechanical locking, an electrical locking of the switching element can be provided according to further embodiments.

[0075] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a circuit breaker 20 which is not according to the invention. The circuit breaker has a switching element 4, a locking device 6 and a detector 14. The locking device 6 is designed to lock the switching element 4 in an off position of the switching element 4 ( Fig. 4A ) or release ( Fig. 4B ). The detector 14 is configured to detect a switching position of the locking device 6 and to provide a safe end-position feedback signal. In the present embodiment of the circuit breaker 20, no locking or release of the switching element 4 by the locking device 6 is provided in the switched-on state ( Fig. 4C ).

[0076] Fig. 5A shows a switching device 22 for high-voltage networks with a circuit breaker 2 according to Fig. 2 . Fig. 5B shows a switching device 24 for high-voltage networks with a circuit breaker 12 according to Fig. 2 . Fig. 5C shows a switching device 26 for high-voltage networks with a circuit breaker 12 according to Fig. 4 .

[0077] The switching devices 22, 24, 26 each have an earthing device 28, wherein the earthing device 28 is branched off between the first terminal 8 and the switching element 4 of the respective circuit breaker 2, 12, 20.

[0078] The switching devices 22, 24, 26 each optionally have an auxiliary switch 30, wherein the auxiliary switch 30 can be coupled to the grounding device 28, the switching element 4, and the locking device 6. The auxiliary switch 30 is configured, depending on a switching position of the grounding device 28, to pass a switching command to the switching element (4) and / or to release the locking device 6. The auxiliary switch (30), the grounding device (28), and the switching element (4) are coupled in such a way that the switching element (4) is switched off before the grounding device (28), and that a switching time of the switching element 4 is shorter than a switching time of the grounding device 28.

[0079] The switching devices 22, 24 or 26 can be operated with control or operating devices 32 which were originally intended for switching devices with a separate disconnector and load or circuit breaker in order to simplify the conversion of existing systems.

[0080] Fig. 6 shows such a control or operating device 32 for switching or controlling switching devices 22, 24 or 26. The operating device 32 has operating elements 34 that serve to control switching devices 22, 24 or 26. Furthermore, the operating device 32 has a visualization unit 36 ​​that displays the switching state of switching devices 22, 24 or 26 for an operator.

[0081] The operating elements 14 have operating switches 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48.

[0082] Operating switch 38 is used to switch off the switching element 4. If the switching element 4 is in the switched on and released state (e.g. Fig. 1D ), actuating the operating switch 38 causes the switching element 4 to be moved into its off position (e.g. Fig. 1B ).

[0083] Operating switch 40 is used to switch on the switching element 4. If the switching element 4 is in the switched off and released state ( Fig. 1B ), actuating the operating switch 40 causes the switching element 4 to be moved into its switched-on position ( Fig. 1D ).

[0084] Operating switch 42 is used to lock the switching element 4. If the locking device is in the switched-off state, so that the switching element 4 is released (e.g. Fig. 1B oder Fig. 1D ), actuating the operating switch 22 causes the switching element 4 to be locked in its switching position (e.g. Fig. 1A or Fig. C).

[0085] Operating switch 44 is used to release the switching element 4 by the locking device 6. If the switching element 4 is in the locked state (e.g. Fig. 1A oder Fig. 1C ), actuating the operating switch 44 causes the switching element 4 to be released in its switching position for switching operations (e.g. Fig. 1B oder Fig. 1D ).

[0086] The visualization unit 36 ​​has a visualization element 50 which displays the switching state of the switching element 4.

[0087] The visualization unit 36 ​​has a visualization element 52 which displays the switching state of the locking device 6.

[0088] The visualization unit 36 ​​has a visualization element 54 which displays the switching state of the earthing device 28.

[0089] The representation of the visualization elements 50, 52 according to Fig. 6A corresponds, for example, to the isolating function of the circuit breaker 2 according to Fig. 1A A graphically represented line section 56 of the visualization element 50 is perpendicular to graphically represented line sections 58, 60, indicating to the operator that the switching element 4 is in the off position. Furthermore, a graphically represented line section 62 of the visualization element 52 is perpendicular to graphically represented line sections 60, 64, indicating to the operator that the switching element 4 is locked in the off position.

[0090] Furthermore, a graphically displayed line section 64 of the visualization element 54 is perpendicular to graphically displayed line sections 66, 68, which indicates to the operator that there is no grounding.

[0091] The representation of the visualization elements 50, 52 according to Fig. 6B shows a safe connection of an earthing.

[0092] Fig. 7A describes a method for operating a switching device 22 or 24, wherein the following method steps are carried out: a) Providing a switching device 22 or 24, wherein the switching element 4 is in the switched-on state and the earthing device 28 is in a switched-off state, and wherein the locking device 6 is configured to lock or release the switching element 4 in a switched-on position of the switching element 4; b) Switching off the switching element 4; c) Switching on the earthing device 28; d) Switching on the switching element 4; e) Locking the switching element (4) in the switched-on position; f) Releasing the switching element (4) in the switched-on position; g) Switching off the switching element (4); h) Switching off the earthing device (28).

[0093] It can be provided that the switching element (4) is automatically locked in the switched-on position, provided that the earthing device (28) is switched on when the switching element is switched on.

[0094] It can be provided that the switching element cannot be released in the switched-on position as long as the earthing device is switched on.

[0095] It can be provided that the switching element is released and switched off automatically in the switched-on position, provided that switching off of the earthing device is provided.

[0096] Fig. 7B describes a method for operating a switching device 24 or 26, wherein the following method steps are carried out: a) Providing a switching device 24 or 26, wherein the switching element 4 is in the switched-on state and the earthing device 28 is in a switched-off state, wherein the circuit breaker 12 or 20 has a detector 14, wherein the detector 14 is configured to detect a switching position of the locking device 6; b) Switching off the switching element 4; c) Locking the switching element 4 in the switched-off position by the locking device 6; d) Detecting the switching position of the locking device; e) Reporting back an end position of the locking device.

[0097] Fig. 7C describes a method for operating a switching device 24, wherein the following method steps are carried out: a) Providing a switching device 24, wherein the switching element 4 is in the switched-off state and the grounding device 28 is in a switched-off state, wherein the circuit breaker 12 has a detector 14, wherein the detector 14 is configured to detect a switching position of the locking device 6; b) Switching on the grounding device 28; c) Switching on the switching element 4; d) Locking the switching element 4 in the switched-on position by the locking device 6; e) Detecting the switching position of the locking device 6.

[0098] Fig. 7D describes the use of a circuit breaker in a high-voltage network, with: a) replacing a circuit breaker and a disconnector of the high-voltage network with a circuit breaker or a switching device as described above; b) connecting and operating the circuit breaker with equipment designed to operate the circuit breaker and the disconnector. Bezugszeichen

[0099] 2 Circuit breaker 4 Switching element 6 Locking device 8 First connection 10 Second connection 12 Circuit breaker 14 Detector 16 Locking element, bolt 18 Sensor 19 Sensor 20 Circuit breaker 22 Switching device 24 Switching device 26 Switching device 28 Earthing device 30 Auxiliary switch 32 Control or operating device 34 Operating elements 36 Visualization unit 38-48 Operating switches 50-54 Visualization elements 56-68 Graphically represented line sections

Claims

1. Power circuit breaker for high voltage networks, being designed to lock or release sections of lines or operating means of a high-voltage network under load or under operation, comprising: - a switching element (4) and - a locking device (6) designed as a function block for the switching element (4) of the power circuit breaker, wherein the locking device (6) being designed to lock or to release the switching element (4) in an activation position of the switching element (4), characterised in that - the locking device (6) is designed to lock or release the switching element (4) in a switched off position and the locking device (6) being designed such that it may be switched and actuated independently from the switching element (4).

2. Power circuit breaker according to claim 1, comprising - a detector (14), - wherein the detector being designed to detect a switching position of the locking device (6) to generate a feedback as to whether the locking device (6) has securely reached its end position.

3. Power circuit breaker according to claim 2, - wherein the detector (14) is designed such that it detects an end position of a mechanical locking element (16) of the locking device (6).

4. Power circuit breaker according to anyone of the preceding claims, - wherein the locking device (6) is designed such that the switching element (4) may be mechanically and / or electrically locked.

5. Switching device for high voltage networks, comprising - a power circuit breaker (2,12,20) according to anyone of the preceding claims comprising: - a first terminal (8), - a second terminal (10) and - an earthing device (28), - the earthing device (28) being branched off between the first terminal (8) and the switching element (4) of the power circuit breaker (2,12,20).

6. Switching device according to claim 5, comprising - an auxiliary switch (30), - the auxiliary switch (30) being coupled with the earthing device (28), the switching element (4) and the locking device (6) and - the auxiliary switch (30) being designed that depending on the switching position of the earthing device (28) it passes and releases a switching command to the switching device (4) and / or the locking device (6), and - the auxiliary switch (30), the earthing device (28) and the switching element (4) being coupled in such a way that the switching element (4) will be deactivated prior to the earthing device (28), in particular that the switching time of the switching element (4) is smaller than the switching time of the earthing device (28).

7. Method for operating a switching device, the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a switching device (22,24,26) according to anyone of the claims 5 or 6, wherein the switching device (4) is switched on and the earthing device (28) is switched off, and wherein the locking device (6) is designed such that the switching device (4) may be locked or released in the switched on state of the switching device (4); c) switching off the switching element (4); c) switching on the earthing device (28); d) switching on the switching element (4); e) locking the switching element (4) in the switched on position.

8. Method according to claim 7, further comprising the steps of: f) releasing the switching element (4) in the switched on position; g) switching off the switching element (4); h) switching off the earthing device (28).

9. Method according to anyone of the claims 7 or 8, wherein - locking of the switching element (4) in the switched on position will happen automatically, if the earthing device (28) is switched on upon switching on the switching element (4) and / or - a release of the switching element (4) in its switched on position is being locked as long as the earthing device (28) is switched on; and / or - a release and switching off of the switching element (4) in the switched on position will happen automatically as long as the earthing device (28) is switched off.

10. Method for operating a switching device, the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a switching device (22,24,26) according to anyone of the claims 5 or 6, whereby the switching device (4) is in an switched on state and the earthing device (28) is in an switched off state, wherein the power circuit breaker comprises a detector (14), the detector (14) being designed to detect a switching position of the locking device (6); b) switching off the switching element (4); c) locking the switching element (4) in the switched off position by the locking device (6); d) detecting the switching position of the locking device (6); e) giving feedback on the end position of the locking device (6).

11. Method according to anyone of the claims 7 to 10, wherein - the locking or releasing will be provided mechanically; and / or - the locking or releasing will be provided electronically.

12. Use of a power circuit breaker in a high-voltage network comprising; a) exchanging a power switch and a circuit breaker of a high-voltage power network by a power circuit breaker according to anyone of the claims 1 to 4 or a switching device according to anyone of the claims 5 or 6; b) connecting and operating the power circuit breaker with operating means which are designed to operate a power switch and a circuit breaker.