High Voltage Circuit Breaker

Abstract

The present invention relates to a circuit breaker (1) for high voltage applications, comprising at least one make and break unit (10) having a first contact (12) and a second contact (14) for forming a conductive connection in a connection area (16), the first contact (12) passing through the connection area (16) and having an outlet (20) positioned away from the connection area (16) for insulating gas passing through the first contact (12), the first contact (12) extending in the axial direction of the circuit breaker (1) over a travel distance (24) between a closed position in which the conductive connection is made and an open position in which the conductive connection is broken. and a gas compression cylinder (30) movably coupled to a first contact (12) and defining a cylinder volume (34) for insulating gas, the cylinder volume (34) being variable by a piston (48) sliding within the gas compression cylinder (30) when moving the first contact (12), the gas compression cylinder (30) having a passage (36) extending between the cylinder volume (34) and a connection region (16).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] explanation Technical Field The present invention relates to a circuit breaker for high voltage applications, comprising at least one make and break unit having a first contact and a second contact for forming a conductive connection in a connection area, the at least one contact having an outlet for insulating gas passing through the connection area, the at least one make and break unit being movable along an axially extending switching axis of the high voltage circuit breaker between a closed position in which the conductive connection is made and an open position in which the conductive connection is separated, and also comprising a gas compression cylinder movably coupled to the first contact and defining a cylinder volume for the insulating gas that is variable when moving the first contact.

[0002] Background technology During high-current test duty, there may be an interaction between the pressure rise within the cylinder volume and the force moving the moving contact, which determines the contact movement. Such an interaction may physically slow or reverse the contact movement (here called retraction) depending on the pressure rise generated. Retraction causes an increase in the local electric field as the contacts approach. As a result, the circuit breaker may subsequently undergo restriking or dielectric breakdown. In the worst case, it may lead to a complete reclosure of the circuit breaker. Because retraction is not defined, no design measures can be taken to avoid failure.

[0003] To limit contact backout or stall, one could use a stronger drive or force to move the moving contact, which requires higher energy, meaning higher costs, or one would have to use a mechanical backout limiter, which introduces additional moving parts and other issues such as particle generation and mechanical reliability. Finding the optimal combination of drive energy (lower) and pressure rise (higher) is difficult. The present invention aims to reduce the required drive energy or force while preferably limiting backout.

[0004] Summary of the Invention SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a high voltage circuit breaker having an improved ability to economically interrupt high voltage connections.

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

[0006] The object is therefore to provide a circuit breaker for high voltage applications, comprising: at least one make and break unit having a first contact and a second contact for forming a conductive connection in the connection region, the first contact having an outlet located and / or terminating away from the connection region for insulating gas passing through the first contact, the first contact being movable along a switching axis extending in the axial direction of the circuit breaker over a travel distance between a closed position in which the conductive connection is made and an open position in which the conductive connection is separated; a gas compression cylinder movably coupled to the first contact and defining a cylinder volume for insulating gas, the cylinder volume being variable by a piston sliding within the gas compression cylinder when moving the first contact, the gas compression cylinder including a passage extending between the cylinder volume and the connection region; an exhaust for receiving the insulating gas through the outlet, the exhaust defining an exhaust volume for the received insulating gas, the cylinder volume being variable by a plunger movably coupled to the first contact; the exhaust section is designed to increase the exhaust volume based on the separation movement of the first contact, and the gas compression cylinder is designed to decrease the cylinder volume based on the separation movement of the first contact; a separate outlet and / or an outlet of the exhaust section for insulating gas passing through the exhaust volume is blocked by the exhaust section at least in the closed position; the first contact is operable to assume a first intermediate position between the open position and the closed position, wherein in the first intermediate position the outlet is fluidly connected to the evacuated volume; and a circuit breaker in which the first contact is capable of assuming a second intermediate position between the first intermediate position and the open position, and in which, in the second intermediate position, another outlet fluidly connects the exhaust volume with another volume of the circuit breaker and / or the outlet is fluidly connected to the exhaust volume.

[0007] The circuit breaker may include a housing defining a volume for the insulating gas, and in particular, at least one make-and-break unit and / or a gas compression cylinder and / or an exhaust may be disposed within the housing. Preferably, the gas compression cylinder may be designed to reduce the cylinder volume upon separation movement of the first contact, and in particular, the first contact element may move from the closed position to the open position, for example, to compress the gas and push it, for example, through the passage, through the connection region, and through the outlet. The first contact may have a channel, in particular, which may extend from the connection region at least partially and / or essentially along the switching axis. The outlet may be in the form of multiple outlets and / or there may be more than one outlet. For example, the first contact may have two, three, or more outlets.

[0008] The proposed solution is based on the idea of ​​adopting a combination of two compartments on the movable contact side that change size in opposite directions when the connection is separated with the help of a pulling axial separating force on the first contact, and at least one of the outlets or exhaust ports is closed to stop the insulating gas when the circuit breaker is in its closed position, and at least one of the outlets or exhaust ports provides a fluid connection for the insulating gas to allow it to flow when the circuit breaker is in a position different from the closed position (e.g., the first or second intermediate position and / or the open position), preferably when moving toward the open position. The force acting against the separating force resulting from the pressure increase in the first compartment or cylinder volume can be partially compensated / reduced by the second compartment or exhaust volume, which is at least partially subjected to the increased pressure, especially by opening at least one of the outlets when not in the closed position. The force caused by such a separate pressure increase in the second compartment or exhaust volume may essentially act in the same direction as the separating force. This is because the evacuated volume specifically increases upon contact separation to receive insulating gas through the outlet of the moving first contact. In particular, there may be a pressure rise from compression in the first compartment or cylinder volume, as well as an arcing pressure rise in the cylinder volume that typically acts towards the second compartment or evacuated volume and / or outlet, which may be used to reduce the overall required separation force.

[0009] The invention provides that the outlet and the further outlet may open one after the other along the path of movement of the first contact towards the open position, for example the outlet opens in a first intermediate position and the further outlet opens in a second intermediate position, and both the outlet and the further outlet open in the open position.

[0010] In other words, the idea is to have two volumes whose pressure is variable based on a motion coupling combined with a cylinder-piston mechanism to move insulating gas from the first volume to the second volume via or through the outlet of the movable contact when the switch moves between the open and closed positions, and to include the clever placement of an opening for insulating gas and / or another opening to beneficially utilize the pressure changes in the volumes affected by the position selection. When moving from the closed position to the open position, i.e., when leaving the closed position by moving the first contact toward the open position, the insulating gas may be compressed in the first volume, increasing its internal resistance. However, the other volume intended to receive the insulating gas may at some point increase in size, thus providing a fluid connection to act against the resistance and / or reducing the required force. In particular, if an arc is present during the interruption, the pressure may further increase, and as a result, this pressure may act on the second volume to support a separating force, thereby further pushing it toward the open position and / or at least reducing retraction. At some point, for example when a second intermediate position or another position is reached, pressure compensation in the second volume (i.e., exhaust volume) becomes possible via a fluid connection, in particular to the first volume (i.e., cylinder volume) and / or to another volume of the circuit breaker.

[0011] The housing is preferably airtight and / or has a tubular or cylindrical form extending along the switching axis. The first contact and / or the second contact preferably extend along the switching axis. The second contact can be fixed relative to the housing and / or movably arranged along the switching axis. The term kinematically coupled means that when the first contact is moved, for example, by a drive device, the gas compression cylinder, cylinder element, plunger, etc. move together at least translationally, preferably with the same or similar kinematic characteristics, speed, acceleration, and / or jerk, for example, in parallel.

[0012] The make and break unit may be provided as an interrupter. The gas compression cylinder and exhaust are preferably associated with and / or located on at least one make and break unit and / or are located remotely from each other.

[0013] The travel distance is preferably at least the distance between a state in which the first and second contacts form a conductive connection and another state in which the contact elements do not form such a conductive connection. The travel distance may be 10 to 500 mm, in particular 100 to 300 mm.

[0014] Damping means may be provided for damping the movement, in particular the movement of the first contact, and are constructed in particular to provide a damping force acting and / or increasing along the switching axis, in particular depending on the movement distance, stroke, acceleration, speed, jerk, etc. of the first contact. The term damping the movement of the first contact with a damping force that increases with the movement distance means in particular that the damping force increases with the movement distance, and may for example be low or even zero, preferably zero or a minimum movement distance, initially when the first and second contacts still form a conductive connection, and may be highest, preferably a maximum movement distance, when the first and second contacts no longer form a conductive connection.

[0015] The term "high voltage" refers to voltages above 1 kV. High voltage preferably refers to nominal voltages in the range of greater than 72 kV to 800 kV, e.g., 145 kV, 245 kV, or 420 kV. A high-voltage circuit breaker may be implemented as a circuit breaker and / or may include one or more components, such as a puffer cylinder, a self-blast chamber, a pressure collection space, a compression space, or a puffer volume, and an expansion space. A high-voltage circuit breaker may cause an interruption of a conductive connection through one or more of these components, thereby cutting off the flow of current in the conductive connection and / or causing the quenching of an arc generated when the conductive connection is interrupted. The term "axial" refers to an extension, distance, etc. in the direction of an axis. Axial separation between parts means that the parts are separated from each other when viewed or measured in the direction of the axis. The term "radial" refers to an extension, distance, etc. in a direction perpendicular to the axis. "Cross-section" refers to a plane perpendicular to the axis, and "cross-sectional area" refers to the area within such a plane. The axis here is the switching axis.

[0016] The insulating gas and / or dielectric insulating medium may be any suitable gas capable of properly quenching an electric arc formed between contact elements during a current interruption operation, such as, but not limited to, an inert gas, such as sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Specifically, the insulating gas used may be SF6 gas or any other dielectric insulating medium and / or insulating gas, and may be a gas and / or liquid, particularly a dielectric insulating gas or arc quenching gas. Such dielectric insulating medium and / or insulating gas may include, for example, a medium containing an organic fluorine compound, such as a fluoroether, oxirane, fluoroamine, fluoroketone, fluoroolefin, fluoronitrile, or a mixture and / or decomposition product thereof. As used herein, the terms "fluoroether," "oxirane," "fluoroamine," "fluoroketone," "fluoroolefin," and "fluoronitrile" refer to at least partially fluorinated compounds. In particular, the term "fluoroether" includes both hydrofluoroethers and perfluoroethers, the term "oxirane" includes both hydrofluorooxiranes and perfluorooxiranes, the term "fluoroamine" includes both hydrofluoroamines and perfluoroamines, the term "fluoroketone" includes both hydrofluoroketones and perfluoroketones, the term "fluoroolefin" includes both hydrofluoroolefins and perfluoroolefins, and the term "fluoronitrile" includes both hydrofluoronitriles and perfluoronitriles. Thus, it may be preferred that the fluoroethers, oxiranes, fluoroamines, and fluoroketones are fully fluorinated, i.e., perfluorinated.

[0017] The insulating gas and / or dielectric insulating medium may be selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoroethers, perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroolefins, perfluoronitriles, and mixtures thereof. In particular, the term "fluoroketone" as used in the context of the present invention should be broadly interpreted and encompasses both fluoromonoketones and fluorodiketones, or generally fluoropolyketones. Specifically, multiple carbonyl groups adjacent to a carbon atom may be present in the molecule. The term also encompasses both saturated compounds and unsaturated compounds containing double and / or triple bonds between carbon atoms. The at least partially fluorinated alkyl chain of the fluoroketone may be linear or branched, and may optionally form a ring. The dielectric insulating medium and / or insulating gas may also include at least one compound that is a fluoromonoketone and / or also contains a heteroatom, e.g., at least one of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur atoms, incorporated into the carbon backbone of the molecule replacing one or more carbon atoms. More preferably, the fluoromonoketone, especially the perfluoroketone, may have 3 to 15 or 4 to 12 carbon atoms, especially 5 to 9 carbon atoms. Most preferably, it may contain exactly 5 carbon atoms and / or exactly 6 carbon atoms and / or exactly 7 carbon atoms and / or exactly 8 carbon atoms.

[0018] Furthermore, the insulating gas and / or dielectric insulating medium may contain at least one compound that is a fluoroolefin selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) containing at least three carbon atoms, hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) containing exactly three carbon atoms, trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (HFO-1234ze), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (HFO-1234yf), and mixtures thereof. The organic fluorine compound may also be a fluoronitrile, particularly a perfluoronitrile. In particular, the organic fluorine compound may be a fluoronitrile containing two, three, and / or four carbon atoms, specifically a perfluoronitrile. More particularly, the fluoronitrile may be a perfluoroalkylnitrile, specifically perfluoroacetonitrile, perfluoropropionitrile (CFCN), and / or perfluorobutyronitrile (CFCN). Most particularly, the fluoronitrile can be perfluoroisobutyronitrile (according to the formula (CF)CFCN) and / or perfluoro-2-methoxypropanenitrile (according to the formula CFCF(OCF)CN). Among these, perfluoroisobutyronitrile (i.e., 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-trifluoromethylpropanenitrile, also known as i-CFCN) is particularly preferred due to its low toxicity. The dielectric insulating medium and / or insulating gas can further include a background or carrier gas different from organofluorine compounds (particularly different from fluoroethers, oxiranes, fluoroamines, fluoroketones, and fluoroolefins), which in some embodiments can be selected from the group consisting of air, N, O, CO, noble gases, H; NO, NO, NO; fluorocarbons, particularly perfluorocarbons such as CF; CF1, SF; and mixtures thereof. For example, the dielectric insulating gas can be CO in one embodiment.

[0019] One or more outlets may be blocked, at least in the closed position, preferably by an exhaust, particularly by a surface of the exhaust housing, particularly a surface extending at least essentially parallel to the switching axis and / or an outlet arranged on a side of the first contact. An outlet may be blocked in the sense of a closed or at least substantially closed valve or passage. The exhaust housing, particularly a surface of the exhaust housing, may be annular and / or cylindrical and may surround and / or face the side of the outlet and / or the first contact, e.g., radially inward, at a particular position of the first contact, e.g., in the closed position, or at least when the first contact is close to the closed position.

[0020] If the outlet is blocked, at least in the closed position, and the circuit breaker is moved from the closed position, pressure may increase in the connection area and insulating gas cannot pass through the outlet unless the blockage is removed. This may cause pressure to increase in the cylinder volume, but not in the exhaust volume in particular.

[0021] The first contact can have a first intermediate position between the open and closed positions, where the one or more outlets are fluidly connected to the exhaust volume. In particular, in the first intermediate position, the one or more outlets are not blocked. In other words, in the first intermediate position, the outlets may function as a path for insulating gas, particularly from the cylinder volume and / or having passed through the connection region, to enter the exhaust volume via the one or more outlets. In this position, the outlets may be unblocked, for example, as opposed to the situation preferably present in the closed position. This can ensure that a pressure increase can occur in the exhaust volume that could result in an axial force acting on the first contact toward the open position. This can also ensure that a pressure increase is only provided at a specific point in the exhaust volume.

[0022] The exhaust outlet or the exhaust outlet may be blocked by the exhaust, preferably by a surface of the plunger, particularly a surface extending at least essentially parallel to the switching axis, at least in the closed position, preferably in the first intermediate position or the first intermediate position. There may be two or more additional outlets, e.g., two, three, or more additional outlets. The exhaust may be provided with additional outlets distributed circumferentially. The additional outlets may be closed and / or blocked unless a specific position of the first contact is reached when separating the contacts. The additional outlet may ensure that the exhaust volume, apart from the outlet, is substantially fluid-tight with respect to the outside and / or the volume within the housing and / or the additional outlet. The additional outlet may be blocked in the sense of a closed or at least substantially closed valve or passage. The plunger surface may be annular and / or cylindrical and may surround and / or face the additional outlet radially outward, e.g., at a specific position of the first contact, e.g., in the closed position or the first intermediate position, or at least when the first contact is close to the closed position. This allows pressure to build up within the evacuated volume and ensures that insulating gas cannot pass through to another outlet unless the blockage is removed and / or another outlet is opened.

[0023] The second intermediate position may be between the closed and open positions. The second intermediate position is between the first and open positions. The first contact may have a second intermediate position, in which the outlet is fluidly connected to the exhaust volume and is not blocked, and / or the other outlet is fluidly connected to the exhaust volume and is not blocked, in the second intermediate position. In other words, the outlet and / or the other outlet may function as a path for the insulating gas, particularly coming from the cylinder volume and / or having passed through the connection area, to exit in the second intermediate position. In this position, the other outlet may be unblocked, for example, preferably opposite to the situation present in the closed and first intermediate positions. This may ensure that a pressure drop can occur in the exhaust volume to complete the separation of the contact.

[0024] In particular, the travel distance and / or stroke of the first contact between the closed position and the first intermediate position is 1 to 400 mm or 1 to 200 mm, more particularly 5 to 150 mm. The first contact may be movable by at least 1 mm or 5 mm and / or by a maximum of 400 mm, 200 mm, 150 mm or 50 mm between the closed position and the first intermediate position. Thus, the outlet may be blocked unless the first contact has traveled by at least 1 mm or 5 mm and / or by a maximum of 400 mm, 200 mm, 150 mm or 50 mm from the closed position and / or has reached the first intermediate position.

[0025] The travel distance and / or stroke of the first contact while in the first intermediate position is preferably 1 to 100 mm or 1 to 50 mm. The first contact may be movable to the first intermediate position by at least 1 mm and / or by a maximum of 100 mm or 50 mm. Thus, an outlet may not be blocked and / or another outlet may be blocked unless the first contact has moved at least 1 mm and / or by a maximum of 50 mm or 100 mm from the first intermediate position and / or has reached the second intermediate position.

[0026] The travel distance and / or stroke of the first contact between the first intermediate position and the second intermediate position may be 1 to 400 mm or 1 to 200 mm, particularly 5 to 150 mm. The first contact may be movable by at least 1 mm or 5 mm and / or by a maximum of 400 mm, 200 mm, or 150 mm between the first intermediate position and the second intermediate position. Thus, the alternative outlet may be blocked unless the first contact moves by at least 1 mm or 5 mm and / or by a maximum of 400 mm, 200 mm, or 150 mm from the first intermediate position and / or reaches the second intermediate position.

[0027] The travel distance and / or stroke of the first contact between the second intermediate position and the open position may be 1 to 400 mm or 1 to 200 mm, particularly 5 to 150 mm. The travel distance of the first contact while in the open position may be 1 to 100 mm or 1 to 50 mm. The first contact may be movable by at least 1 mm or 5 mm and / or by a maximum of 400 mm, 200 mm, or 150 mm between the second intermediate position and the open position. Thus, the gap between the exhaust housing and the plunger and / or first contact may be blocked unless the first contact moves by at least 1 mm or 5 mm and / or by a maximum of 400 mm, 200 mm, or 150 mm from the second intermediate position and / or reaches the open position.

[0028] The travel distance and / or stroke of the first contact between the closed and open positions may be 400±40 mm or 200±20 mm or less.

[0029] The closed position may include blocking an outlet, preferably another outlet, due to the pressure buildup in the evacuated volume during isolation and / or when leaving the closed position.

[0030] The first intermediate position may include that the outlet is not blocked, preferably another outlet is blocked, preferably the contacts are positioned at a distance from each other and / or the contacts are forming or forming an arc due to the generation of an axial support force by the exhaust section during fluid communication between the cylinder volume and the exhaust volume and / or separation.

[0031] The second intermediate position may include an outlet being unblocked and another outlet being unblocked, and preferably the contacts being spaced apart and / or arcing or having arced for overall pressure relief during separation.

[0032] The open position may include an outlet not being blocked, another outlet not being blocked, preferably a gap being formed in the exhaust, and preferably the contacts being spaced apart and / or arcing or having arced for overall pressure relief during separation.

[0033] A gap may be formed between the first contact and the exhaust part. A gap may be formed between the first contact and the exhaust housing, in particular between a plunger movably coupled to the first contact / the plunger and the exhaust housing. A gap may be formed between a surface or edge of the exhaust part and a surface or edge of the first contact, in particular between a surface or edge of the plunger.

[0034] The gap may be annular. The gap may be disposed substantially parallel and / or coaxially to the switching axis. The gap may be present in the open position. The gap is particularly absent and / or blocked in the closed position, the first intermediate position, and / or the second intermediate position. The circuit breaker is particularly configured to form and / or unblock the gap upon movement toward the open position, preferably after or upon exiting the second intermediate position. The gap thus provides a further path for insulating gas to exit the circuit breaker, apart from another exit. The gap is typically blocked unless the first contact moves from the second intermediate position toward the open position.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, the exhaust volume is at least essentially smaller than the cylinder volume, particularly at least at one of the locations, and / or by at most two, ten, or even more. The exhaust volume may be designed with a smaller cross section than the cylinder volume, thereby ensuring that the pressure coming from the cylinder volume can be mechanically withstood by the exhaust, which has a structure substantially the same rigidity as the gas compression cylinder.

[0036] According to a further preferred embodiment, the exhaust is located away from the connection area and / or on the opposite side of the first contact along the switching axis. The exhaust may be attached to and / or formed on an end of the first contact opposite the connection area. This helps to enable a compact design. Therefore, the exhaust can be easily movably coupled to the first contact.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment, the exhaust housing is fixedly disposed relative to, movably coupled to, and / or formed with the second contact, piston, and / or housing of the circuit breaker. At least two or all of the second contact, piston, and housing may be movably coupled. Thus, by moving the first contact, the sizes of both the cylinder volume and the exhaust volume may be changed / varied, particularly interactively, e.g., decreasing one and increasing the other.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the outlet and / or further outlets are in the form of radial holes and / or oblong holes, in particular with sizes in the range of 1 to 100 mm. The outlet and / or further outlet(s) (or a plurality of each) are preferably distributed circumferentially on the respective component, e.g., the first contact and / or the exhaust housing. For example, the oblong hole may be elongated along the switching axis in order to vary its effective size depending on the movement of the first contact.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, to allow for a compact size, the gas compression cylinder, in particular the cylinder element, and / or the exhaust, in particular the exhaust housing, at least partially surrounds and / or is coaxial with the first contact.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the first contact may have a channel extending from the connection region. The channel may extend along and / or parallel to the switching axis. The outlet may extend from the channel to a side / side surface of the first contact. The outlet may be arranged away from the connection region, particularly in a direction along or parallel to the switching axis. The outlet is preferably shaped to open on the face side / side surface of the first contact, most preferably via the channel. The channel may be in the form of an axial bore in the first contact. The channel preferably opens laterally via the outlet, but may also terminate away from the face side and / or the connection region. The channel serves, in particular, to guide insulating gas between the outlet and the connection region. The channel and the outlet may be arranged consecutively with one another. It is optional for the outlet to serve as a fluid connection, preferably a direct fluid connection, between the connection region and the exhaust volume.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, the vent, particularly the vent housing, surrounds the plunger such that the plunger slides on a surface of the vent, particularly a surface facing radially inward. The plunger may be formed to at least substantially seal with the surface of the vent. The plunger may be fixedly disposed relative to, movably coupled to, and / or formed with the first contacts to function like a syringe.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the second contact has the shape of a pin for being inserted into the first contact, in particular into the outlet, channel and / or face side of the first contact. Thus, the electrical connection may be established via an at least substantially circumferential and / or annular contact surface between the first and second contacts to minimize transition resistance. It may also be an option for the second contact to at least substantially fluidly seal and / or interrupt the channel and / or outlet, especially for an initial pressure increase in the cylinder volume upon interruption, especially starting in the closed position.

[0043] The first contact may comprise contact means such as a spring contact and / or a contact sleeve which, in the closed position by the second contact, is preferably pressed back towards the face that is contacted, preferably radially outwards. The contact means may be elastically deformable, thereby increasing the surface area of ​​the electrical connection.

[0044] The first and / or second contacts may preferably be made of an alloy containing at least 25 or 50 wt% and / or at least essentially consisting of iron, copper, silver and / or gold. The first and / or second contacts may be coated with, for example, copper, silver and / or gold. This may be beneficial for the electrical properties and / or sealing of the channels and / or outlets in the connection area.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment of the connection region, the gas compression cylinder passage extending from the cylinder volume is oriented obliquely to the switching axis. The passage may face the connection region and / or terminate within it. The passage thus serves to direct the insulating gas directly and with little aerodynamic loss to the arc discharge region.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment, the gas compression cylinder surrounds and slides on the piston, the piston surrounds and slides on the first contact, and / or the piston is fixedly disposed relative to, movably coupled to, and / or formed with the circuit breaker housing / said housing, the second contact, and / or the exhaust device. The piston may be formed to at least substantially seal a surface of the gas compression cylinder and a surface of the first contact. The piston may be at least substantially fixedly disposed relative to, movably coupled to, and / or formed with the housing and / or the exhaust housing to function like a syringe. The second contact may be separately movable in a direction opposite to the movable first contact from the closed position toward the open position.

[0047] This object is further solved by a method for increasing the support pressure in a circuit breaker for high voltage applications moving from a closed position to an open position, the method comprising compressing insulating gas in a cylinder volume / said cylinder volume and increasing a connection area / a vent volume / said vent volume receiving insulating gas that has passed through said connection area. The vent volume may not be fluidly connected to the cylinder volume in the closed position, for example due to an increase in pressure in the cylinder volume when movement is initiated. The circuit breaker may be as described herein.

[0048] The method and circuit breaker allow for high opening speeds with little delay. The method and circuit breaker reduce the force required to separate the contacts, and in particular reduce the required driver power. The method and circuit breaker may require the contacts to be in contact with a power source, for example a high voltage power source, because the contacts will arc during separation and the insulating gas will support arc quenching.

[0049] In another preferred embodiment, the high-voltage circuit breaker includes a gas damper for damping movement of the first contact of at least one make and break unit. According to a further preferred embodiment, the gas damper includes a damping volume having a closed first end and a piston element configured to move into the damping volume from a second end opposite the first end. In another preferred embodiment, the first end is cup-shaped and / or tubular with a closed side extending radially.

[0050] The circuit breaker may have a drive / said drive, in particular, kinetically coupled to the first contact and configured to move the first contact. The drive is preferably located at one end of the make-and-break unit and / or away from the connection area and / or the second contact for a compact arrangement. The drive may be configured to switch between at least two of the positions specified herein. The drive is preferably electrically powered and / or provided external to the housing. In such an embodiment, the drive may be connected to the first contact via a pull rod. The drive may comprise an additional damper, which may be associated with and / or integrated into the drive.

[0051] Further embodiments and advantages of the method are directly and clearly derivable by those skilled in the art from the high voltage circuit breaker as described above.

[0052] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic view of a circuit breaker in a closed position according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of a circuit breaker in a first intermediate position; [Figure 3]1 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of a circuit breaker in a second intermediate position. [Figure 4] 1 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of a circuit breaker in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] Description of the Embodiments FIG. 1 shows in cross-sectional schematic view a high voltage circuit breaker 1 according to a preferred embodiment.

[0055] The circuit breaker 1 has a housing 2 which defines a volume 4 for an insulating gas. A make-and-break unit 10 disposed within housing 2 has a first contact 12 and a second contact 14 for forming a conductive connection within a connection region 16. First contact 12 has a channel 18, generally intended to allow an insulating gas to pass through and / or be guided by it. Channel 18 extends from connection region 16 to a plurality of (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) circumferentially distributed outlets 20, hereinafter referred to as "outlets 20."

[0056] The outlet 20 is located away from the connection area 16 and is for insulating gas that passes through or has passed through the connection area 16, particularly compressed insulating gas and / or that has served to extinguish the arc A.

[0057] The flow direction of the insulating gas is shown by dotted lines with arrows in FIGS. The channel 18 extends axially. The outlets 20 extend from the channel 18 to a side 13 of the first contact 12 remote from the connection region 16. Each outlet 20 is in the form of an oblong radial hole along the switching axis 22, with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 mm.

[0058] The first contact 12 is movable along an axially extending switching axis 22 over a travel distance 24 between a closed position in which a conductive connection is made, as shown in Figure 1, and an open position in which the conductive connection is broken, as shown in Figure 4. The second contact 14 is movable in a substantially opposite direction relative to the first contact 12, from the closed position as shown in Figure 1, toward the open position as shown in Figure 4.

[0059] The second contact 14 has the form of a pin for being inserted into the first contact 12, in particular into its channel 18 and / or into its face side 19. When said pin starts to break in the closed position shown in FIG. 1, it at least substantially fluidly seals and / or blocks the channel 18 due to an initial pressure buildup in the cylinder volume 34.

[0060] The first contact 12 has, on its face side 19, contact means 21 in the form of an elastically deformable contact sleeve which is contacted in the closed position by the second contact 14 (see FIG. 1).

[0061] In the connection region 16, the passage 36 extending from the cylindrical volume 34 is oriented obliquely relative to the switching axis 22, the second contact 14 and / or the channel 18 so that the insulating gas crosses the arc A obliquely.

[0062] In particular, the passage 36 or passages 36 are arranged on the face side 19 in a circumferential direction relative to the axial direction 22, in particular distributed, to surround the arc A.

[0063] A gas compression cylinder 30 arranged in the housing 2 is movably coupled to the first contact 12 and defines a cylinder volume 34 for insulating gas. The cylinder volume 34 is variable by a piston 48 sliding in the gas compression cylinder 30, in particular its cylinder element 32. The piston 48 is designed to slide in the gas compression cylinder 30 when moving the first contact 12. Here, the gas compression cylinder 30 comprises a passage 36 extending between the cylinder volume 34 and the connection region 16. As the first contact 12 moves along the switching axis 22 (to the left in the figure), the cylinder volume 34 varies, in particular is reduced, in order to compress the insulating gas therein.

[0064] The gas compression cylinder 30 can be understood to comprise parts and means that allow the compression of insulating gas, such as the piston 48, the passage 36, the cylinder element 32, the housing, etc. The cylinder element 32 relates to a body or shell that is at least essentially cylindrical in shape.

[0065] An exhaust section 40, disposed within the housing 2 and adapted to receive insulating gas through the outlet 20, is located away from the connection region 16 and opposite the face side 19 of the first contact 12 along the switching axis 22. The exhaust section 40 defines an exhaust volume 44 for the insulating gas received from the outlet 20. The exhaust volume 44 is adjustable by a plunger 56 movably coupled to the first contact 12. To separate the connection, the exhaust volume 44 increases when the first contact 12 is moved from the closed position, for example, to the left along the switching axis 22 in FIGS. 1-4 .

[0066] The exhaust section 40 and / or the gas compression cylinder 30 are individually constructed to linearly change their storage volume during linear movement of the first contact 12. This is because both the piston 48 and / or the plunger 56 can move, preferably sealing on a cylindrical surface. An extension volume section may be provided that increases the storage volume stepwise during movement. Here, the piston 48 has sealing means and / or gaskets facing the inside of the cylinder element 32 and the outside of the first contact 12 to seal the volume section 34. The plunger 56 may, but does not necessarily, have sealing means and / or gaskets.

[0067] The exhaust housing 42 is fixedly disposed relative to and / or movably coupled to the piston 48, such that the first contact 12 can move relative thereto along with (or be stationary with) the cylinder element 32 and the plunger 56. The exhaust housing 42 is also fixedly disposed relative to the housing 2.

[0068] In particular, the cylinder element 32 at least essentially and / or partially surrounds the first contact 12 and is disposed substantially coaxially therewith.

[0069] In particular, the exhaust housing 42 at least essentially and / or partially surrounds the first contact 12 and is disposed substantially coaxially therewith.

[0070] The exhaust housing 42 particularly surrounds the plunger 56, so that the plunger 56, together with its surface 54, slides over the surface 47 of the exhaust housing 42. Here, the plunger 56 is fixedly arranged relative to the first contact 12 and is therefore motionally coupled thereto.

[0071] The cylinder element 32 surrounds and slides on the piston 48, which in turn surrounds and slides on the first contact 12. The motional coupling between the cylinder element 32 and the first contact 12 means that the piston 48, which is a movable cover for the cylinder volume 34, is penetrated by the first contact 12 and acts as a force device within the cylinder element 32. The piston 48 is fixedly arranged relative to the housing 2 and the exhaust housing 42 and is therefore motionally coupled thereto.

[0072] In particular, the primary path for insulating gas to enter and exit cylinder volume 34 is via passage 36 and / or connection region 16. Thus, if passage 36 or connection region 16 is directly or indirectly blocked, the pressure within cylinder volume 34 can be reduced or increased via movement of piston 48 relative to cylinder element 32. Insulating gas can then be pushed or sucked into cylinder volume 34 via connection region 16, face side 19, and channel 18, among others, to pass through arc A.

[0073] Here, the plunger 56, the first contact 12, and the cylinder element 32 are movably coupled to move in parallel along the switching axis 22. The driver 6 is movably coupled to the first contact 12 and configured to move the first contact 12. Thus, when the first contact 12 is moved toward the open position, away from the closed position, the cylinder volume 34 is reduced in size by the front end of the gas compression cylinder 30 moving toward the piston 48, compressing the contained insulating gas, and the exhaust volume 44 is increased in size by the plunger 56 moving toward the rear end of the exhaust section 40, specifically the exhaust housing 42, and thus retracting therefrom. Thus, the method of the present invention is implemented, compressing the insulating gas within the cylinder volume 34 and increasing the exhaust volume 44 that receives the insulating gas that has passed through the connection region 16.

[0074] When the contacts 12, 14 are cut / separated, an arc A (see Figures 2-4) may be generated which further increases the gas pressure in the volumes 34, 44 from the high temperature; therefore, the increased pressure acts partially towards the evacuated volume 44, effectively reducing the axial force required for the cut / separation movement.

[0075] As shown, the second contact 14 may be movable in the opposite direction relative to the first contact 12 to enable even quicker disconnection. In this sense, the first contact 12 and the second contact 14 may be kinetically coupled by a gear and / or lever mechanism.

[0076] In the closed position shown in FIG. 1, the outlet 20 is blocked by a surface 46 of the exhaust housing 42 of the exhaust section 40. The surface 46 extends parallel to the switching axis 22. The outlet 20 is located on the side surface 13 of the first contact 12. The surface 46 has a cylindrical shape and a diameter corresponding to the side surface 13 of the first contact 12. Therefore, the insulating gas compressed within the cylindrical volume 34 when leaving the closed position cannot yet pass through the outlet 20 because the outlet 20 is blocked for a certain distance, for example, from 0, 1 to 10, 25, or 50 mm, measured from the closed position.

[0077] FIG. 2 shows a first intermediate position of the first contact 12 between the open and closed positions. Here, the outlet 20 is fluidly connected to the exhaust volume 44 and is not blocked. This is because the outlet 20 is at least partially recessed from the surface 46 of the exhaust volume 40. The outlet 20 therefore functions as a fluid connection between the connection area 16 and the exhaust volume 44, particularly via the channel 18 in the first contact 12. In particular, the first contact 12 and the second contact 14 are positioned at a distance from each other, allowing an arc A to be generated in the insulating gas present. The arc A may increase the pressure in the volumes 34, 44 due to its high temperature, which acts to expand and / or evaporate the insulating gas present. In this state, the gas cylinder volume 34 compresses the insulating gas, which is a resistance to the drive 6, thus forcing the insulating gas through the passage 36 and the connection area 16, through which the arc A can pass through the channel 18 and the outlet 20. The exhaust volume 44 can receive compressed insulating gas, which therefore supports the drive device 6, especially when pressure increases from the arc A.

[0078] There are a plurality of alternative outlets 52 of the exhaust section 40, each of which is blocked at least in the closed position shown in Figure 1, but also in a first intermediate position as shown in Figure 2. The plurality of (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) alternative outlets 52 are particularly distributed circumferentially, and the alternative outlets 52 are hereinafter referred to as "alternative outlets 52."

[0079] The surface 54 of the plunger 56 serves to block the further outlet 52. The surface 54 is at least essentially cylindrical and extends parallel to the surface 47 of the switching shaft 22 and / or the exhaust section 40. The surfaces 54, 47 face each other. The further outlet 52 closes the exhaust volume 44 to contain the insulating gas and increase the pressure so that the drive device 6 is supported. The further outlet 52 is in the form of a radial hole with a size ranging from 1 to 100 mm.

[0080] Between the closed and open positions, and between the first intermediate position and the open position, the first contact 12 assumes a second intermediate position as shown in Figure 3. Here, the outlet 20 is fluidly connected to the exhaust volume 44 and is not blocked. Furthermore, another outlet 42 fluidly connects the exhaust volume 44 with another volume of the circuit breaker 1, for example volume 4, and is not blocked. The cylinder volume 34 is therefore connected to the outside of the make and break unit 10, as a result of which the built-up pressure is at least partially relieved.

[0081] As the first contact 12 moves further toward the open position, shown in FIG. 4 , the side 13 and / or the portion of the first contact 12 that is connected to the outlet 20 recedes from the surface 46 of the exhaust portion 40, so that gas can even pass through the outlet 20 either through another outlet 52 or through a gap 58 formed between the first contact 12 and the exhaust portion 40.

[0082] The open position includes that the outlet 20 is unblocked, the further outlet 52 is unblocked, and a gap 58 is formed in the exhaust 40 (see FIG. 4). The gap 58 is formed between the first contact 12 and the exhaust 40, and in particular between the plunger 56 and the exhaust housing 42. The gap 58 has an annular shape.

[0083] The present invention employs the idea that the initially closed volumes 34, 44 are designed to open with a specific stroke of the first contact 12. Initially, the insulating gas is compressed within volume 34, causing volume 44 to increase in size but remain unconnected to volume 34. The volumes 34, 44 are then interconnected via the arc discharge region, thereby increasing the insulating gas support pressure, particularly in volume 44, which acts as a transfer aid. As the first contact 12 moves further and / or the pressure within volume 44 increases sufficiently, volume 44 is designed to release the pressure. This is achieved by appropriately ordered and appropriately sized holes. First, outlet 20 of the first contact 12 contributes to the outflow of mechanically compressed, heated, and / or evaporated insulating gas into volume 44. Later, another, preferably larger, outlet 52 begins to contribute to the outflow area.

[0084] Preferably, the exhaust volume 44 is at most two times smaller than the cylinder volume 34 throughout.

[0085] In particular, in the closed position, the exhaust volume 44 is substantially zero, and therefore the cylinder volume 34 is greater than the exhaust volume 44 .

[0086] In particular, in the first intermediate position, the cylinder volume 34 is particularly 1 to 1000 times larger than the exhaust volume 44 .

[0087] In particular, in the second intermediate position, the cylinder volume 34 is particularly 1 to 1000 times larger than the exhaust volume 44 .

[0088] In particular, in the closed position, the cylinder volume 34 is typically 1 to 1000 times larger than the exhaust volume 44 .

[0089] In particular, in the first intermediate position, one or both of the volumes 34, 44 is in particular 1 to 100 times larger than in the closed position.

[0090] In particular, in the second intermediate position, one or both of the volumes 34, 44 is in particular 1 to 100 times larger than in the first intermediate position.

[0091] In particular, in the closed position, one or both of the volumes 34, 44 is in particular 1 to 100 times larger than in the second intermediate position.

[0092] Reference Code List 1 Circuit Breaker 2. Housing 4 Volume 6. Drive unit 10 Make and Break Units 12 First Contact 13 Side 14 Second Contact 16 Connection Area 18 channels 19th side 20 exit 21 Contact Methods 22 Switching axis 24 Distance traveled 30 gas compression cylinders 32 Cylinder element 34 Cylinder volume 36 Passage 40 Exhaust section 42 Exhaust housing 44 Exhaust volume 46 (exhaust section, outlet facing) surface 47 (exhaust section, with separate outlet) surface 48 Piston 52 Alternate Exit 54 (surface of plunger facing the other outlet) 56 Plunger 58 Gap

Claims

1. A circuit breaker (1) for high voltage applications, comprising: at least one make and break unit (10) having a first contact (12) and a second contact (14) for forming a conductive connection in a connection area (16), the first contact (12) passing through the connection area (16) and having an outlet (20) arranged away from the connection area (16) for insulating gas passing through the first contact (12), the first contact (12) being movable along a switching axis (22) extending in the axial direction of the circuit breaker (1) over a movement distance (24) between a closed position where the conductive connection is made and an open position where the conductive connection is separated; a gas compression cylinder (30) movably coupled to the first contact (12) and defining a cylinder volume (34) for the insulating gas, the cylinder volume (34) being variable by a piston (48) sliding within the gas compression cylinder (30) when moving the first contact (12), the gas compression cylinder (30) including a passage (36) extending between the cylinder volume (34) and the connection region (16); an exhaust portion (40) for receiving the insulating gas through the outlet (20), the exhaust portion (40) defining an exhaust volume (44) for the received insulating gas, the exhaust volume (44) being variable by a plunger (56) movably coupled to the first contact (12); the exhaust (40) is designed to increase the exhaust volume (44), and the gas compression cylinder (30) is designed to decrease the cylinder volume (34) upon separation movement of the first contact (12); a further outlet (52) of the exhaust section (40) for insulating gas passing through the exhaust volume (44) and / or the outlet (20) are blocked by the exhaust section (40) at least in the closed position, the first contact (12) is capable of assuming a first intermediate position between the open position and the closed position, in which the outlet (20) is fluidly connected to the exhaust volume (44); and a first contact (12) capable of assuming a second intermediate position between the first intermediate position and the open position, wherein in the second intermediate position, the further outlet (52) fluidly connects the exhaust volume (44) to another volume of the circuit breaker (1), and the outlet (20) is fluidly connected to the exhaust volume (44).

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

3. 10. The circuit breaker (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in said first intermediate position said outlet (20) is unblocked.

4. 10. The circuit breaker (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the further outlet (52) of the exhaust (40) is blocked in the first intermediate position / the first intermediate position, preferably by the exhaust (40), more preferably by a surface (54) of the plunger (56), in particular by the surface (54) extending at least essentially parallel to the switching axis (22).

5. 10. The circuit breaker (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in said second intermediate position, said outlet (20) is unblocked and / or said further outlet (52) is unblocked.

6. 10. The circuit breaker (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the open position comprises the outlet (20) being unblocked, the further outlet (52) being unblocked, and a gap (58) being formed in the exhaust portion (40).

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

8. 10. The circuit breaker (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the exhaust volume (44) is at least essentially smaller than the cylinder volume (34), in particular at at least one of said locations, and / or by at most half, one tenth, or more.

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

10. 10. The circuit breaker (1) according to any preceding claim, fixedly disposed relative to and / or formed with the exhaust housing (42), the second contact (14), the piston (48) and / or the housing (2) of the circuit breaker (1).

11. 10. The circuit breaker (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet (20) and / or the further outlet (52) are in the form of radial holes and / or oblong holes, in particular including sizes in the range of 1 to 100 mm.

12. 10. The circuit breaker (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the gas compression cylinder (30) and / or the exhaust (40), in particular the exhaust housing (42), at least partially surrounds and / or is coaxial with the first contact (12).

13. 10. The circuit breaker (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first contact (12) has a channel (18) extending from the connection area (16), preferably with the outlet (20) extending from the channel (18) to a side surface (13) / the side surface (13) of the first contact (12), the outlet (20) being arranged away from the connection area (16) and / or along, for example parallel to, the switching axis (22) and / or the outlet (20) being shaped such that it opens at a face side (19) / the face side (19) of the first contact (12).

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

15. 10. The circuit breaker (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second contact (14) has the shape of a pin for being inserted into the channel (18) and / or the face side (19) / the face side (19) of the first contact (12), and / or wherein in the connection region (16), a passage (36) of the gas compression cylinder (30) extending from the cylinder volume (34) is oriented obliquely with respect to the switching axis (22).

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

17. 1. A method for increasing the support pressure in a circuit breaker (1) for high voltage applications or a circuit breaker (1) according to any of the preceding claims, which is moving from a closed position to an open position, comprising: The method includes compressing insulating gas within a cylinder volume (34) and increasing a discharge volume (44) that receives the insulating gas that has passed through the connection region (16).

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