High-voltage circuit breaker

Abstract

The invention relates to a high-voltage circuit breaker (10) comprising: - a closed container (12), - at least two feed-throughs (14, 16) for one high-voltage connection each, said feed-throughs being disposed at a distance from one another on the container (12), - at least one high-voltage switching unit (18) which is electrically connected to at least two of the feed-throughs (14, 16) and which is disposed in a cavity (20) provided by the container (12), - a drive unit (22) disposed outside the container (12), for mechanically actuating the high-voltage switching unit (18), and - a coupling mechanism (24) mechanically connected to the drive unit (22) and to the high-voltage switching unit (18), for transferring a switching actuation 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, a dimension of the coupling mechanism (24) extends at least partly parallel along a connecting line (50) formed by the feed-throughs (14, 16) and is adjacent at least to one of the feed-throughs (14, 16).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] High-voltage circuit breaker

[0003] The invention relates to a high-voltage circuit breaker with a closed container, at least two bushings arranged at a distance from one another on the container for a respective high-voltage connection, at least one high-voltage switching unit which is electrically connected to at least two of the bushings and is arranged in a cavity provided by the container, a drive unit arranged outside the container for mechanically actuating the high-voltage switching unit, and a coupling mechanism which is mechanically connected to the drive unit and the high-voltage switching unit for transmitting a switching actuation of the drive unit to the high-voltage switching unit in order to achieve one of at least two switching states of the high-voltage switching unit.

[0004] High-voltage circuit breakers are extensively known in the state of the art, so that separate printed documentation is not required. High voltage, as defined by the standard, is an electrical voltage which designates an alternating voltage with an effective value greater than 1,000 V, or a direct voltage with a value greater than 1,500 V. This definition of high voltage, which is also covered by the relevant standards, is also regularly divided into two ranges: a first range known as medium voltage, which extends from 1 kV up to and including 52 kV, and a second range covering voltages greater than 52 kV, which is known as extra-high voltage.

[0005] A circuit breaker is basically an electrical switching device which is used, particularly in the area of ​​electrical power supply, to switch an electrical current in a line of the power supply network. A circuit breaker is generally designed to be able to reliably switch a regular rated current and also a minor overload current. In the event of a fault in the electrical power supply or in electrical systems connected to it, the circuit breaker can also switch on a very high overload current and even a short-circuit current, hold such a current for a specified time and switch it off safely without suffering relevant damage that would prevent the circuit breaker from being used for its intended purpose. Circuit breakers are normally designed for high switching capacities with a low switching frequency.A circuit breaker can be single-pole or three-pole, depending on the specific application and the design of the power grid. Circuit breakers of this type are also covered by standards, for example, the IEC 62271 series of standards.

[0006] Particularly in the extra-high voltage range, circuit breakers are used that have a closed container on which at least two spaced-apart bushings for a respective high-voltage connection are arranged. Via the bushings, it is possible to connect a respective high-voltage line to the high-voltage circuit breaker and to control the current flow between the connected high-voltage lines by means of the high-voltage circuit breaker depending on the respective switching state of the high-voltage circuit breaker.

[0007] The container is often made of an electrically conductive material, such as metal, in particular steel, or the like, and provides a cavity in which the high-voltage switching unit is arranged, which is electrically connected to the at least two bushings. The high-voltage switching unit provides the actual switching function of the high-voltage circuit breaker and for this purpose often has at least two electrical switching contacts which, depending on the switching state of the high-voltage circuit breaker, are mechanically and electrically connected to one another in a switched-on switching state, so that an electrical connection is established between the bushings, and are mechanically and electrically separated from one another in a second switching state, the switched-off switching state, in order to prevent a flow of current.

[0008] In the prior art, it is customary to apply an insulating gas, namely SFe, to the high-voltage switching unit in order to achieve insulation strength, in particular during the execution of a switching operation, that is to say a change between the switched-on and the switched-off switching state.

[0009] Outside the container, the high-voltage circuit breaker has a drive unit for mechanically actuating the high-voltage switching unit. The drive unit is mechanically connected to the high-voltage switching unit via a coupling mechanism, so that a switching operation of the drive unit can be transmitted to the high-voltage switching unit to achieve one of the at least two switching states of the high-voltage switching unit.

[0010] The drive unit can, for example, have an error memory or the like, so that at least one of the switching states can be achieved without the external supply of drive energy. This switching state is generally the off switching state. The coupling mechanism can have one or more switching levers, pivoting levers, flanges, and / or the like for transmitting the switching operation.

[0011] Furthermore, the high-voltage circuit breaker preferably has a holding unit that is mechanically connected to the container and that can be connected to a horizontal support, for example a foundation or the like, in order to arrange or set up the container in a fixed location. As a rule, the holding unit is arranged on the container side opposite the bushings. This means that the bushings are usually arranged vertically above the holding unit when the high-voltage circuit breaker is properly set up for its intended operation.

[0012] The use of the insulating gas SFe makes it possible to realize high-voltage circuit breakers with comparatively small dimensions. However, it has been shown that this insulating gas is extremely harmful to the climate, which is why its use should be largely avoided in future applications. Furthermore, efforts are being made to replace high-voltage circuit breakers that use this insulating gas with newer designs that do not contain this climate-damaging gas.

[0013] When avoiding the insulating gas SFe, however, it has been shown that alternative insulating gases result in larger designs for high-voltage circuit breakers. A further problem is that, for reasons of mechanical stress, at least the coupling mechanism is also arranged on the vessel side opposite the bushings, i.e. in the area of ​​the holding unit. If, for example, such a high-voltage circuit breaker is to be replaced by an SFe-free high-voltage circuit breaker, disadvantages arise in particular with regard to the dimensions, particularly the overall height, because for a given installation location, for example in a building, there are usually limitations at least with regard to the overall height. The larger dimensions of this high-voltage circuit breaker prove to be problematic.However, it should be noted that the coupling mechanism is usually arranged vertically below the container in order to keep the mechanical stress on the coupling mechanism as low as possible.

[0014] The invention is based on the object of realising an SFe-free high-voltage circuit breaker with more compact dimensions.

[0015] As a solution, the invention proposes a high-voltage circuit breaker according to claim 1.

[0016] Advantageous further developments arise from features of the dependent claims.

[0017] With regard to a generic high-voltage circuit breaker, the invention proposes in particular that a dimension of the coupling mechanism extends at least partially parallel along a connecting line formed by the bushings and is arranged adjacent to at least one of the bushings.

[0018] This design makes it possible, in particular, to reduce the overall height of the high-voltage circuit breaker by avoiding the arrangement of the coupling mechanism below the container when the high-voltage circuit breaker is in the open state. Rather, the invention provides that the coupling mechanism—contrary to the prior art—is now arranged in the region of the bushings, so that the holding unit can also be realized with a correspondingly smaller overall height. The coupling mechanism is arranged adjacent, in particular directly adjacent, to the bushings.

[0019] This allows the high-voltage circuit breaker to be designed with a more compact overall height, thus improving installation options, particularly in existing structures. This is particularly advantageous if additional high-voltage units are arranged on one or both of the at least two bushings.

[0020] The invention thus makes it possible to realize the high-voltage circuit breaker in an SFe-free design and thus also to facilitate retrofitting.

[0021] The bushings are generally designed to allow the passage of an electrical line from outside the container into the interior of the container in order to connect this line to the high-voltage switching unit. At the same time, the bushing preferably provides electrical insulation from a material of the container. Furthermore, the bushing can also provide a holding function for the high-voltage electrical line in order to fix the high-voltage electrical line in a predetermined position relative to the container in the region of the container.

[0022] The high-voltage circuit breaker is particularly designed for use at very high voltages. The invention proves particularly advantageous at very high voltages because, due to the high electrical voltage, special requirements with regard to dielectric strength, electrical safety, and the like must be met.

[0023] The passages may preferably have a substantially circular cross-section. However, depending on requirements, the passages may also be at least partially rectangular or elliptical.

[0024] According to a further development, it is proposed that the bushings each have a connecting piece for the electrical connection of a high-voltage line. The connecting piece can for this purpose have a corresponding contact unit, by means of which a connecting line arranged inside the container can be electrically connected to the high-voltage line to be connected. The connecting line is preferably already connected to at least one of the connections of the high-voltage switching unit. For this purpose, the connecting piece can have a screw and / or clamp connection by means of which the high-voltage line can be mechanically and electrically coupled. The connecting piece preferably projects beyond a circumference of the container. In the case of a round container, the connecting piece projects radially beyond the container or protrudes radially from it.

[0025] The container is preferably designed as a cylinder, wherein the at least two feedthroughs are arranged parallel to a longitudinal cylinder axis of the cylinder and axially spaced from one another on a cylinder jacket of the cylinder. Here, the longitudinal center axis of the cylinder can be arranged parallel to the connecting line. The feedthroughs can, in particular if they are designed as a connecting flange or as a connecting piece, protrude radially from the cylinder jacket or project radially outwards beyond the cylinder jacket. The container is preferably designed for horizontal installation, so that the longitudinal center axis is arranged essentially horizontally when the container or the high-voltage circuit breaker is set up and connected as intended.The bushings are preferably arranged or formed at a vertically upper end or in a vertically upper region of the casing above the longitudinal central axis. This makes it possible to feed the high-voltage lines from above the high-voltage circuit breaker, so that simple electrical insulation of the high-voltage lines can also be achieved in the intended design. It is also proposed that the drive unit is arranged on the outside on one of two opposite base surfaces of the cylinder. This makes it possible to further reduce the overall height of the circuit breaker because the drive unit can be arranged on the side of the container. The drive unit can be mechanically firmly connected to the container. However, it can also be detachably connected to the container.Furthermore, the drive unit can have manual actuation means designed to achieve at least one of the at least two switching states of the high-voltage circuit breaker upon manual actuation. Furthermore, it can also be provided that the drive unit additionally has an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive, by means of which actuation at least one of the switching states of the circuit breaker can be achieved. Preferably, the drive can be designed to achieve each of the switching states of the high-voltage circuit breaker.

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed that a longitudinal center axis of one of the feedthroughs defines a virtual sectional plane extending perpendicular thereto, in which the cylinder's longitudinal axis runs, wherein the feedthroughs and a feedthrough formed on the cylinder jacket for the coupling mechanism are arranged on the same side of the sectional plane. As a result, the feedthroughs and the coupling mechanism can be arranged adjacent to one another, in particular directly adjacent to one another. The at least one feedthrough and the coupling mechanism can, for example, be arranged at a distance from one another, in particular directly, in the circumferential direction.

[0027] In particular, the container can have a feedthrough for the coupling mechanism which is formed in a circumferential direction in a region on the cylinder jacket, wherein the region can extend over an angle of, for example, approximately 3° up to approximately 45°, preferably up to approximately 30°, starting from one end of the extension of at least one of the feedthroughs in the circumferential direction. This ensures that the coupling mechanism as a whole can be arranged above a horizontal extension of the container in the erected state. By offsetting it in the circumferential direction over the proposed angle, it can be achieved that the feedthroughs simultaneously allow a vertical connection of the high-voltage lines from above the container.

[0028] It can further be provided that the coupling mechanism is arranged at a predetermined distance in the circumferential direction from at least one of the bushings. The distance can, for example, be a circumferential distance of several centimeters. It is also possible to specify the distance via a minimum angle, for example an angle of at least approximately 5°. Preferably, the distance is at least approximately 10°.

[0029] It is further proposed that the high-voltage circuit breaker has a holding unit which is connected to the container and can be connected to a horizontal support, the holding unit being arranged on the cylinder jacket on a side of the sectional plane which is opposite the side of the sectional plane on which the bushings and the coupling mechanism are arranged. The holding unit is preferably arranged on the cylinder jacket opposite the bushings in the circumferential direction. The holding unit is therefore preferably arranged substantially below the longitudinal center line of the cylinder when the container or the high-voltage circuit breaker is set up and connected as intended. The holding unit is therefore designed opposite the bushings and the high-voltage connections, so that on the assembly side there is a large distance between the bushings or high-voltage connections and the holding unit.Furthermore, it is proposed that the holding unit is designed such that the support can be touched by the container. This makes it possible to further reduce the overall height of the high-voltage circuit breaker. This avoids the effect of an undesirably large force on the cylinder casing. This further development relates in particular to the options when setting up the high-voltage circuit breaker. The holding unit can preferably be designed such that essentially no significant force is transmitted or a weight is applied in the area of ​​contact. The weight continues to be transmitted essentially through the holding unit to the support. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly low overall height without unwanted additional forces having to act on the container.

[0030] It is further proposed that the high-voltage switching unit has at least one vacuum interrupter. The vacuum interrupter is preferably designed to provide a single-pole switch. If the high-voltage circuit breaker is designed to provide a switching functionality, two vacuum interrupters can be provided for this purpose, for example. If, on the other hand, the high-voltage circuit breaker is to be designed as a three-pole circuit breaker, it can be provided that three vacuum interrupters are arranged within the container. The vacuum interrupters are generally designed with a fixed and a movable switching contact, wherein the movable switching contact can be actuated in the desired manner by means of the coupling mechanism. If there are several vacuum interrupters, the coupling mechanism is designed to be adapted accordingly so that the desired switching functionality can be achieved.

[0031] The container is preferably gas-tight. This ensures that substances from the surrounding atmosphere cannot penetrate into the interior of the container and influence its electrical and / or mechanical properties. Furthermore, this refinement makes it possible to arrange an additional insulating gas in the container itself, for example, technically pure air, an SFe-free insulating gas such as perfluorinated nitrile, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, a noble gas, combinations thereof, and / or the like.

[0032] Particularly advantageously, the container is filled with an SFe-free insulating gas. This avoids the disadvantages described in the prior art, particularly with regard to this insulating gas. This further improves the function of the high-voltage circuit breaker. Furthermore, the dimensions of the high-voltage circuit breaker can be further reduced.

[0033] It is further proposed that the high-voltage circuit breaker be designed to be earthquake-proof. To this end, the container can be designed to be correspondingly robust, in particular the high-voltage switching unit is mechanically connected particularly firmly to a wall of the container. Particularly advantageously, the at least two bushings are then also designed accordingly, so that forces and / or vibrations, which, for example, are transmitted via high-voltage lines connected to the bushings or also effects due to a foundation on the holding unit, can be compensated or absorbed accordingly.

[0034] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. The features and combinations of features specified above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned in the following description of exemplary embodiments and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations. Thus, embodiments are also encompassed by the invention or are to be regarded as disclosed which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which arise from and can be produced by separate combinations of features from the explained embodiments.The features, functions, and / or effects illustrated by the exemplary embodiments may, in and of themselves, represent individual features, functions, and / or effects of the invention that can be viewed independently of one another, and which also further develop the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments are intended to encompass combinations other than those in the embodiments explained. Furthermore, the described embodiments may also be supplemented by further features, functions, and / or effects of the invention already described.

[0035] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote the same features and functions.

[0036] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identity are included.

[0037] It shows :

[0038] FIG 1 is a schematic plan view of an end face of a high-voltage circuit breaker with a cylindrical container; and

[0039] FIG 2 is a schematic side view of the high-voltage circuit breaker according to FIG 1 .

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an end face of a high-voltage circuit breaker 10 with a closed container 12 designed as a cylinder. The high-voltage circuit breaker 10 has two bushings 14, 16 arranged at a distance from one another on the container 12 for a respective high-voltage connection (not shown). In the present case, it is provided that the bushings 14, 16 each have a connection piece 30, 32 for the electrical connection of a respective high-voltage line (not shown).

[0041] The high-voltage circuit breaker 10 in the present case has a high-voltage switching unit designed as a vacuum interrupter 18, which is arranged in a cavity 20 provided by the container 12.

[0042] The high-voltage circuit breaker 10 further comprises a drive unit 22 arranged outside the container 12 for mechanically actuating the vacuum interrupter 18. The drive unit 22 is designed in the form of a spring-loaded mechanism.

[0043] Furthermore, the high-voltage circuit breaker 10 has a coupling mechanism 24 which is mechanically connected to the drive unit 22 and the vacuum interrupter 18 for transmitting a switching operation of the drive unit 22 to the vacuum interrupter 18 in order to achieve one of at least two switching states of the vacuum interrupter 18.

[0044] In this case, the container 12 is designed as a cylinder, with the two passages 14, 16 arranged axially spaced from one another along a longitudinal cylinder axis 28 of the cylinder on a cylinder jacket 34 of the cylinder. The drive unit 22 is arranged on the outside on one of two opposite base surfaces 36, 38 of the cylinder; in this case, this is the base surface 38.

[0045] In the present case, the feedthroughs 14, 16 are provided essentially with a circular inner cross-section as a through-opening, in which an electrical line is arranged essentially centrally along a longitudinal central axis 44, which electrical line can be formed at least partially by a high-voltage line. Furthermore, an electrically insulating material can be arranged in the through-opening, which is not shown here, so that the cavity 20 can be sealed gas-tight against an external atmosphere.

[0046] The longitudinal center axis 44 extends perpendicular to the cross section of a respective through opening. A virtual sectional plane 46 extending perpendicular to this is determined by the longitudinal center axis 44 of a respective one of the feedthroughs 14, 16, in which virtual sectional plane a cylinder longitudinal axis 28 runs. The feedthroughs 14, 16 or the associated connecting pieces 30, 32 as well as a feedthrough 40 formed on a cylinder jacket 34 of the cylinder for the coupling mechanism 24 are arranged on the same side of the sectional plane 46. In this respect, one dimension of the coupling mechanism 24 extends at least partially parallel along a connecting line 50 formed by the feedthroughs 14, 16, which in this case runs parallel to the cylinder longitudinal axis 28. This dimension of the coupling mechanism 24 is arranged adjacent to one of the feedthroughs 14, 16, in particular directly adjacent thereto. This can be seen from FIG 1 .

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of the high-voltage circuit breaker 10 according to FIG. 1. It can be seen that the connecting line 50 runs parallel to the cylinder's longitudinal axis 28.

[0048] As can also be seen from FIG 1, an angle 52 between the longitudinal center axis 44 and a radial axis 54 in a circumferential direction 42 can be determined, which in the present embodiment extends in a range of approximately 15 ° to approximately 45 °, preferably approximately 30 °, with respect to the cylinder longitudinal axis 28.

[0049] From FIG 1 it can also be seen that the

[0050] High-voltage circuit breaker 10 has a holding unit 26 which is connected to the container 12 and can be connected to a horizontal support 48. The holding unit 26 serves to connect the high-voltage circuit breaker 10 to a support 48 provided for this purpose, which can be a foundation, for correct installation at a predetermined location or within a predetermined building. The high-voltage circuit breaker 10 can therefore be installed in a predetermined manner for correct operation. The holding unit 26 is arranged on the cylinder casing 34 on a side of the cutting plane 46 which is opposite the side of the cutting plane 46 on which the bushings 14, 16 and the coupling mechanism 24 are arranged. This makes it possible, among other things, to achieve the smallest possible overall height in the state shown in FIG. 1 due to the design of the holding unit 26.

[0051] In FIG. 1, the longitudinal center axis 44 is oriented substantially vertically, whereas the cylinder's longitudinal axis 28 and the sectional plane 46 extend substantially horizontally. The figures also show that the dimensions of the coupling mechanism 24 and the drive unit 22 do not exceed an extension in the sectional plane 46, the dimensions of which are determined by the extension of the container 12. This allows a very compact design of the high-voltage circuit breaker 10 to be achieved.

[0052] The construction according to FIGS. 1 and 2 even allows the holding unit 26 to be designed such that the support 48 can be touched by the container 12. This allows a particularly small overall height to be achieved.

[0053] Since the container 12 is gas-tight, a suitable insulating gas that does not contain SFe can be arranged in the cavity 20. Suitable insulating gases include, for example, perfluorinated nitrile, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, a noble gas, mixtures thereof, or the like. The high-voltage circuit breaker 10 is designed to be earthquake-proof, so that it can also be used in regions where earthquake safety is of great importance, such as Japan.

[0054] FIG. 2 also shows that the coupling mechanism 24 has a plurality of levers and deflections for redirecting an actuating movement of the drive unit 22 through the bushing 40 to the vacuum interrupter 18 in order to actuate it for the intended switching state. The bushing 40 is also designed to be gas-tight in this case, so that the container 12 is gas-tight overall. The exemplary embodiments serve merely to explain the invention and are not intended to limit it.

Claims

Patent claims 1. High-voltage circuit breaker (10) with: - a closed container (12), - at least two bushings (14, 16) arranged at a distance from one another on the container (12) for a respective high-voltage connection, - at least one high-voltage switching unit (18) 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) arranged outside the container (12) for mechanically actuating the high-voltage switching unit (18), and - a coupling mechanism (24) mechanically connected to the drive unit (22) and 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), characterized in that a dimension of the coupling mechanism (24) extends at least partially parallel along a connecting line (50) formed by the bushings (14, 16) and is arranged adjacent to at least one of the bushings (14, 16).

2. High-voltage circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that the bushings (14, 16) each have a connecting piece (30, 32) for electrically connecting a high-voltage line.

3. High-voltage circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (12) is designed as a cylinder, wherein the at least two bushings (14, 16) are arranged axially apart from one another parallel to a cylinder longitudinal axis (28) of the cylinder are arranged at a distance on a cylinder jacket (34) of the cylinder.

4. High-voltage circuit breaker according to claim 3, characterized in that the drive unit (22) is arranged on the outside on one of two opposite base surfaces (36, 38) of the cylinder.

5. High-voltage circuit breaker according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that a longitudinal central axis (44) of one of the bushings (14, 16) determines a virtual sectional plane (46) extending perpendicular thereto, in which the cylinder longitudinal axis (28) runs, wherein the bushings (14, 16) and a bushing (40) formed on the cylinder jacket (34) for the coupling mechanism (24) are arranged on the same side of the sectional plane (46).

6. High-voltage circuit breaker according to claim 5, characterized by a holding unit (26) connected to the container (12) and connectable to a horizontal support (48), wherein the holding unit (26) is arranged on the cylinder jacket (34) on a side of the cutting plane (46) which is opposite the side of the cutting plane (46) on which the bushings (14, 16) and the coupling mechanism (24) are arranged.

7. High-voltage circuit breaker according to claim 6, characterized in that the holding unit (26) is designed such that the support (48) can be touched by the container (12).

8. High-voltage circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high-voltage switching unit (18) has at least one vacuum interrupter.

9. High-voltage circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (12) is gas-tight.

10. High-voltage circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high-voltage circuit breaker (10) is earthquake-proof.

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