High-voltage circuit breaker

Abstract

The present invention relates to a circuit breaker (1) for high-voltage applications, the circuit breaker comprising at least one conduction and interruption unit (10) having a first contact (20) and a second contact (12) for forming a conductive connection within a connection region (16), wherein at least one of the contacts (12, 20) is movable along a switching shaft (18) extending axially of the circuit breaker between a closed position in which a conductive connection is formed and an open position in which the conductive connection is separated, and a first contact housing (22) having a guide passage (24) surrounding the first contact (20) and forming a circumferential gap (14) with the first contact (20), the first contact The first contact housing (22) comprises a housing (22) having at least one recess (26) surrounding the first contact (20), the at least one recess (26) opening toward the first contact (20) by a concave opening (28) facing the first contact (20) to capture particles carried by an insulating gas coming from the connection region (16) and passing through the circumferential gap (14), wherein the extension (32) of the concave opening (28) along the switching shaft (18) is shorter than the extension (34) of the at least one recess (26) along the switching shaft (22), and / or two or more of the at least one recess (26) are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit breaker for high voltage applications, the circuit breaker being at least one conduction and interruption unit having two contacts for forming a conductive connection within a connection area, at least one of the contacts being at least one conduction and interruption unit movable between a closed position in which a conductive connection is formed and an open position in which the conductive connection is separated, and a first contact housing surrounding the first contact and having a guide passage forming a circumferential gap with the first contact.

[0002] Background Art In high voltage circuit breakers, two contacts are typically arranged substantially electrically insulated from the surroundings and movable relative to each other while being affected by an insulating gas, and particles and hot gases need to be avoided at the location of any dielectric critical region. Such a dielectric critical region can occur in a circuit breaker where there is a conductive part in the contact part or anywhere within the circuit breaker. Particularly in the vicinity of the circumferential gap, particles that can cause adverse electrical effects may be generated or occur.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to avoid the accumulation of particles in the region of the circumferential gap and to provide a more reliable and / or longer-lasting circuit breaker.

[0004] Summary of the Invention Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a circuit breaker having an improved ability to economically interrupt a high voltage connection. In particular, it is an object to provide a circuit breaker having the ability to better cope with an insulating gas that transports particles along the first contact and / or through the circumferential gap. In particular, it is an object to avoid or reduce the drawbacks of known circuit breakers.

[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] Therefore, this objective is solved by circuit breakers for high-voltage applications, and circuit breakers are, At least one conduction and interruption unit having a first contact and a second contact for forming a conductive connection within a connection area, wherein at least one of the contacts is movable along a switching axis extending axially of the circuit breaker between a closed position where a conductive connection is formed and an open position where the conductive connection is separated, A first contact housing having a guide passage that surrounds a first contact, particularly a portion of the first contact, and that forms a circumferential gap with the first contact, particularly a portion of the first contact, wherein the first contact housing has at least one recess surrounding the first contact, particularly a portion of the first contact, the at least one recess opening toward the first contact, particularly a portion of the first contact, by a concave opening facing the first contact, particularly a portion of the first contact, in order to capture particles carried by an insulating gas coming from the connection region and passing through the circumferential gap, In particular, the extension of the concave opening along the switching axis is shorter than the extension of at least one recess along the switching axis, and / or two or more of the at least one recess are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction.

[0007] The proposed solution is based on the concept that two contacts, one or both of which are movable relative to each other along at least one axial direction, can be held apart in an insulating gas that supports arc extinguishing, in order to have a separable electrical connection that carries a high voltage. Since the presence of particles and high-temperature insulating gas needs to be avoided in the dielectric critical region, the present invention aims for a better sealing function of such high-temperature or heated insulating gas and the particles carried thereby by implementing geometric features near the first contacts that can provide turbulent flow that can trap particles and reduce the gas temperature due to gas expansion. A further concept is to reduce particle generation at the first contacts and / or the circumferential gap surrounding the first contacts, for example, where the first contacts are sealed.

[0008] In particular, the present invention provides a non-contact seal by circumferential gaps to substantially and / or partially suppress insulating gas, which is particularly likely to carry particles. At least one recess can capture at least a portion of the particles carried by the insulating gas passing through the recess. A concave opening may be provided for the insulating gas to enter and mix with the insulating gas inside at least one recess. The particles can be collected and / or settled by gravity at the lowest point of at least one recess. The flow of insulating gas is effectively slowed down, particularly by increasing the cross-sectional area faced by the insulating gas passing through the guide passage and / or circumferential gaps, and / or can mix with the low-temperature and / or stationary insulating gas in at least one recess. This helps to discharge the particles carried by the insulating gas into at least one recess.

[0009] In other words, the concept involves positioning the turbulence generator within the guide passage so as to face the first contact point, and / or at least one location and / or open location particularly proximal to the circumferential gap. Providing a plurality of at least one recess and / or narrowed gaps via concave openings is important for trapping particles as the particle-carrying insulating gas passes through the circumferential gap. Typically, within at least one recess, the gas is slowed down and / or mixed with the low-temperature insulating gas, allowing the particles to fall off. The present invention can increase the allowable number of cycles of the circuit breaker and improve reliability. In particular, it can increase the voltage that is interrupted.

[0010] The present invention provides a better sealing function, particularly for heated insulating gases, by providing a capture mechanism for particles that can pass along a first contact point.

[0011] The present invention, and the embodiments described herein, implements at least one buffer volume structure that can trap particles and introduce turbulence into the flow, thereby lowering the gas temperature through gas expansion. Since solid sealing systems always result in ablation and thus particle generation, the present invention avoids or reduces the adverse effects of particles carried by insulating gases.

[0012] The particles referred to in this application may be generated from friction between contacts, from friction in mechanically guiding any part of a circuit breaker, and / or from grease, residue, component degradation / aging, dust, etc. Since insulating gases typically move passively or actively when contacts are separated, the particles may also be carried by insulating gases. The particles may impair the insulating strength wherever they are present.

[0013] In the closed position, the contacts are in contact with each other to provide an electrical connection. In the open position, the contacts are separated from each other and / or positioned axially apart from each other to provide isolation of the electrical connection. When the contacts are disconnected / separated and / or moving away from each other, an electric arc may form within the contact area, which may temporarily generate a large amount of heat, for example, heating an insulating gas, and / or generating particles from, for example, evaporating the material of at least one contact, which can then re-solidify in the form of particles.

[0014] Typically, both contacts are designed at least partially from a material capable of conducting electricity, particularly metal. At least one of the contacts, in particular the first contact, may be designed to be at least partially conductive. The contact does not need to be conductive as a whole. Some parts or sections of the contact, e.g., the pull rod, may be electrically insulating and may be made from, for example, ceramic, plastic, or other non-conductive material. The contact is particularly characterized by being at least partially or entirely movable, in particular, relative to the first contact housing, relative to another housing of the circuit breaker, relative to other contacts, and / or around them. The contact may at least partially contain, or consist of, or be coated with copper, gold, and / or tungsten.

[0015] It is generally understood that at least one movable contact can preferably achieve relative motion with respect to another part. For example, a first contact is understood to be movable when the first contact housing moves relative to the first contact, and the first contact can be at least substantially fixed within the circuit breaker.

[0016] The first contact housing may be designed to guide the first contact, particularly the portion of the first contact. The first contact housing may be held movable relative to the first contact, particularly along the switching axis. The first contact may be guided particularly centrally within the first contact housing, which is connected to the guide passage. This allows the first contact to be in contact with or not in the guide passage. In either case, the first contact and / or the portion of the first contact form a circumferential gap within the guide passage having a radial extension that extends particularly axially and / or is at least half the diameter of the guide passage and / or at least one or two orders of magnitude smaller than the diameter of the guide passage. The first contact housing, or either or both of the first contacts, may be movable around them, for example, along the switching axis relative to another housing. The second contact may also be movable around it, for example, along the switching axis relative to another housing.

[0017] Typically, a circumferential gap is formed when the first contact and the first contact housing are movable relative to each other and an insulating gas can pass through due to the existence of a physical path. The circumferential gap may be formed in a localized radial constriction in the axial direction between the first contact(s) and the first contact housing, and the constriction may move depending on the relative positions of the first contact and its housing.

[0018] The first contact housing may be movably positioned at the first contact so as to push and compress the insulating gas toward the connection area by a cylinder and piston during the disconnection operation of the circuit breaker, for example, to support arc extinguishing. The compressed gas can pass at least partially through the circumferential gap, in particular under heated conditions, where beneficial use of at least one recess is applied. The first contact, in particular the first contact portion and the first contact housing, may be in contact with each other.

[0019] The first contact may be particularly movably positioned within the first contact housing in the guide passage, and the circumferential gap may be formed, preferably at least in the open position, particularly without mechanical contact. In particular, a plurality of at least one recesses, e.g., three, four, five or more, e.g., adjacent to each other axially, e.g., over an axial length of at least 5 mm and / or up to 500 mm or up to 200 mm, are beneficial in this case. In a very basic and effective design, at least one recess is particularly annular groove in shape, typically deeper radially than its axial width. The first contact may have a hollow shape, particularly to reduce inertia.

[0020] The circumferential gap, in particular, follows the position of the first contact point in the guide passage. Therefore, the circumferential gap may be movable relative to at least one recess. The circumferential gap may be understood to include a radial extension that is at least twice as large as, and particularly one or two orders of magnitude smaller than, the axial extension. In other words, the circumferential gap may be radially flat and / or axially elongated.

[0021] The first contact portion may have at least a substantially cylindrical shape and / or an outer surface. The guide passage may have at least a substantially cylindrical shape, an inner surface and / or an inner wall. The first contact portion and the guide passage may correspond to each other to form at least a substantially annular and / or circumferential free space, particularly a circumferential gap. The diameter of the first contact portion, particularly the outer surface, may be at least 0.1% and / or up to 10% or up to 5% smaller than the diameter of the guide passage, particularly the inner surface, in order to form a circumferential gap. The first contact portion may have particularly annular guiding and / or sealing means for guiding and / or sealing with the guide passage, particularly the inner wall.

[0022] At least one recess can be in direct fluid contact with the circumferential gap at at least one position of the first contact, particularly in the open position. The at least one recess is located, in particular, near the axial direction of the circumferential gap.

[0023] At least one recess can be covered and / or closed by a circumferential gap and / or the first contact, particularly the portion of the first contact, at least one position of the first contact, for example, to avoid or substantially reduce the entry of a particularly hot insulating gas into the at least one recess. The length of the first contact forming the circumferential gap, particularly in the form of a piston, plunger and / or sleeve, and / or having an outer surface, is designed to close / cover the at least one recess, preferably with an axial overlap on both axial sides of the at least one recess, most preferably selected to be at least 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or more, when a distance is created when the contacts are separated and / or open.

[0024] During the opening operation of the circuit breaker, it is preferable that at least one recess is closed / covered at least a specific position, usually at the initiation of the physical contact separation. This makes at least one recess a substantially closed volume, and the only opening or path to it is the circumferential or annular gap between the first contact and the inner wall of the guide passage. Insulating gas, especially hot gas, can then enter the closed / covered at least one recess and typically, only then, reach the exhaust portion and / or the entire volume within the support insulator supporting the circuit breaker. As a result, the support insulator is at least partially or substantially sealed to the insulating gas and any particles carried by it when the circuit breaker is open.

[0025] At least one recess is provided, and / or a concave opening is provided that is axially narrowed relative to at least one recess. This helps to provide turbulence and / or changes in velocity and / or direction to the insulating gas passing through at least one recess in order to trap particles. Particles may be released from the flow of insulating gas into at least one recess due to centrifugal force and / or spontaneous changes in velocity within at least one recess.

[0026] Damping means can be provided to dampen the movement of at least one contact and / or the first contact housing and / or another housing, particularly the first contact, which is constructed to provide a damping force acting and / or increasing along the switching axis, particularly depending on the travel distance, stroke, acceleration, velocity, jerk and / or similar of the first contact.

[0027] The term "high voltage" refers to voltages exceeding 1 kV. Preferably, high voltage refers to nominal voltages in the range of 72 kV to 800 kV, e.g., 145 kV, 245 kV, or 420 kV. A (high voltage) circuit breaker may be provided as a circuit breaker and / or include one or more components such as a puffer-type cylinder, a self-blasting chamber, a pressure collection space, a compression space, or a puffer volume, and an expansion space. A high voltage circuit breaker can cause a disconnection of a conductive connection by one or more such components, thereby interrupting the flow of current in the conductive connection, and / or extinguishing the arc generated when the conductive connection is disconnected. The term "axial" refers to an extension, distance, etc., in the direction of an axis and / or switching axis. Axial separation between parts means that these parts are separated from each other when viewed or measured in the axial direction. The term "radial" refers to an extension, distance, etc., in the direction perpendicular to an axis. The term "section" refers to a plane perpendicular to an axis, and "cross-sectional area" refers to the area within that plane. Terms such as "axis" and "extending in the axial direction" usually refer to the switching axis.

[0028] The insulating gas and / or the dielectric insulating medium may be any suitable gas that enables the proper extinction of an electric arc formed between contact elements during a current interruption operation, such as an inert gas like sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), but is not limited thereto. Specifically, the insulating gas used can be SF6 gas or any other dielectric insulating medium and / or insulating gas, can be a gas and / or a liquid, and can particularly be a dielectric insulating gas or an arc-extinguishing gas. Such dielectric insulating media can include, for example, media containing organic fluorine compounds, and such organic fluorine compounds are selected from the group consisting of fluoroethers, oxiranes, fluoroamines, fluoroketones, fluoroolefins, fluoronitriles, and their mixtures and / or decomposition products. In this specification, 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. Thereby, fluoroethers, oxiranes, fluoroamines, and fluoroketones may preferably be fully fluorinated, i.e., perfluorinated.

[0029] The insulating gas and / or dielectric insulating medium can 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 interpreted broadly and shall include both fluoromonoketones and fluorodiketones or, in general, fluoropolyketones. Explicitly, there may be two or more carbonyl groups adjacent to carbon atoms in the molecule. This term shall also include both saturated compounds and unsaturated compounds containing double and / or triple bonds between carbon atoms. At least the 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 is a fluoromonoketone and / or includes at least one compound containing a heteroatom incorporated into the carbon skeleton of the molecule, e.g., at least one of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur atoms replacing one or more carbon atoms. More preferably, fluoromonoketones, and especially perfluoroketones, may have 3 to 15 or 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and 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.

[0030] Furthermore, the insulating gas and / or the dielectric insulating medium may include at least one compound that is a fluoroolefin selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) containing at least 3 carbon atoms, hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) containing exactly 3 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 2 carbon atoms, and / or 3 carbon atoms, and / or 4 carbon atoms, specifically a perfluoronitrile. More specifically, the fluoronitrile may be a perfluoroalkyl nitrile, specifically perfluoroacetonitrile, perfluoropropionitrile (C2F5CN) and / or perfluoro-butyronitrile (C3F7CN). Most specifically, the fluoronitrile may be perfluoroisobutyronitrile (according to the formula (CF3)2CFCN) and / or perfluoro-2-methoxypropanenitrile (according to the formula CF3CF(OCF3)CN). Among them, perfluoroisobutyronitrile (i.e., 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-trifluoromethylpropanenitrile alias i-C3F7CN) is particularly preferred because of its low toxicity. The dielectric insulating medium and / or the insulating gas may further include a background gas or a carrier gas different from the organic fluorine compound (particularly different from fluoroethers, oxiranes, fluoroamines, fluoroketones, and fluoroolefins), and in embodiments, it can be selected from the group including air, N2, O2, CO2, noble gases, H2; NO2, NO, N2O; fluorocarbons, particularly perfluorocarbons such as CF4; CF3I, SF6; and mixtures thereof. For example, the dielectric insulating gas may be CO2 in one embodiment.

[0031] In another preferred embodiment, the circumferential gap forms a particularly direct or indirect passage for insulating gas between the connection area and the exhaust section of the circuit breaker. The circumferential gap may also be a lateral passage for insulating gas leaking from the primary passage. The circumferential gap may form a passage along the first contact and / or toward the drive unit of the circuit breaker. The circumferential gap may include at least a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0032] In another preferred embodiment, the circuit breaker has a gas transfer device specifically constructed to move insulating gas toward the circumferential gap in at least the connection region. In other words, the gas transfer device may be a mechanism for pressing and / or compressing the insulating gas. The gas transfer device may be fluid-coupled to the connection region, at least indirectly or directly.

[0033] The gas transfer device may include a cylinder having a piston that is movable internally along a switching shaft, in particular, the piston being motion-coupled to a first contact housing and / or a first contact in order to change the cylinder volume depending on the position of the piston within the cylinder. The first contact may be movable relative to the first contact housing, or vice versa.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the first contact and the first contact housing are movable relative to each other and / or along the switching axis. The first contact may be movable relative to the first contact housing to substantially (i.e., not 100%) close and / or cover the concave opening radially, particularly in the open position, and / or to form circumferential gaps on both sides axially adjacent to the concave opening, particularly in the open position (or vice versa). In other words, the first contact may have means capable of at least substantially preventing fluid access to the recess, and the prevention may occur depending on the axial position of the first contact. In particular, when the contact is separated, the concave opening may be at least substantially closed / covered / blocked, for example between the (fully) open position and the closed position. This has proven beneficial for particle capture.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment, the concave opening and / or at least one recess has at least a substantially annular shape. In other words, at least one recess and / or concave opening (or more thereof) can have a partially, fragmentarily, and / or fully ring shape and / or surround the first contact. This provides a substantially circumferentially uniform flow path for the insulating gas, and as a result, particles can be reliably captured at most circumferential positions.

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, the concave opening has a projection extending axially to restrict access to at least one recess. The concave opening is preferably narrowed particularly axially with respect to at least one recess. This allows the high-temperature insulating gas passing through the concave opening to mix with a substantial amount of low-temperature insulating gas in at least one recess while maintaining a tight and substantially large circumferential gap. The projection may include at least substantially and / or partially annular shapes.

[0037] A concave opening can be defined as the sole opening to at least one recess. In other words, at least one recess may be accessible only through a concave opening and / or only through the inside of a guide channel. Multiple concave openings may exist. Thus, at least one recess can reliably collect particles with substantially no risk of particle loss to further areas away from the connection region.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, an axially extending projection is formed to at least partially shape the guide passage. The projection may have a cylindrical and / or annular shape on the side facing outward from at least one recess and / or facing the first contact. The projection may be formed monolithically within the guide passage. The projection can participate in forming the guide passage and / or circumferential gap at least in the open position and / or at at least one position of the first contact. Through the projection, at least one recess may include a radial undercut, in particular for trapping particles. At its free end, the projection may be sharp and / or tapered, and in particular, the inclined surface of the projection may face at least one recess. The projection may extend at least substantially parallel to the switching axis.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, the axially extending projection faces and / or is directed toward the connection region. The projection is arranged such that, in particular, at least one recess partially extends along the switching axis independently of the guide passage and / or away from the connection region. Particle capture has been proven to be enhanced in such an arrangement, particularly because an aerodynamic dead zone may be formed.

[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the first contact is in contact with the inner wall of the guide passage to guide the first contact and / or to substantially seal the circumferential gap to the insulating gas. The first contact may include a particularly annular sealant and / or particularly annular guideant that extends along the inner wall when the circuit breaker is operating. Even with contact and / or sealing, there is no solution that provides complete liquidtightness without transport of particles in the insulating gas. However, this may indicate that fewer particles will reach at least one recess.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, the first contact is guided. The first contact is guided in particular along the switching axis. The first contact is at least substantially movable only along the switching axis, in particular when it is in the closed position, when it is in the open position, and / or between the closed and open positions. This ensures a constant circumferential gap size and reliable access to at least one recess for capturing particles.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the extension of at least one recess along the switching axis is larger than the extension of at least one recess oblique to the switching axis. The at least one recess may, in particular, be radially flat and / or axially elongated in a cross section parallel to the switching axis.

[0043] In another preferred embodiment, the extension of at least one recess along the switching axis is smaller than the extension of at least one recess oblique to the switching axis. The at least one recess may, in particular, be radially elongated and / or axially flat in a cross section parallel to the switching axis.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, three or more of the at least one recess are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction. Multiple at least one recesses have been proven beneficial for particle capture. For example, the at least one recess may be separated by radial projections, in particular a single radial projection, especially a projection facing and / or forming a guide passage, preferably by its free end and / or its radially inward-facing surface.

[0045] In another preferred embodiment, the first contact is hollow and / or has at least one opening for insulating gas. The first contact may be designed to guide the insulating gas at least partially. The second contact may be designed to be inserted into the first contact. The second contact may be in the form of a pin that is inserted into the first contact, particularly when in the closed position. The second contact may be inserted into the first contact, for example, its channel. This allows for a more compact design of the circuit breaker.

[0046] In another preferred embodiment, the insulating gas is contained in the circuit breaker in a volume that is at least substantially fluid. The amount of insulating gas may be at least substantially predetermined. The volume may be at least substantially withstand voltage. Thus, the loss of insulating gas can be prevented, and the circuit breaker can be reused with little or no maintenance.

[0047] A circuit breaker may have a drive unit or drive mechanism that is specifically motion-coupled to a first contact and configured to move the first contact. The drive mechanism is preferably located at one end of the conduction and interruption unit, and / or away from the connection area and / or the second contact, for compact placement. The drive mechanism may be configured to switch between at least two of the positions specified herein. The drive mechanism is preferably electrically operated and / or located outside the housing. In such embodiments, the drive mechanism may be connected to the first contact element via a pull rod. The drive mechanism may include additional dampers that can be associated with and / or integrated with the drive mechanism.

[0048] Further embodiments and advantages of this method can be directly and clearly derived by those skilled in the art from the aforementioned high-voltage circuit breaker.

[0049] Brief explanation of the drawing These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent and clarified by reference to the embodiments described below.

[0050] The diagram is as follows. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0051] [Figure 1A] A high-voltage circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view and at different locations. [Figure 1B] A high-voltage circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view and at different locations. [Figure 1C] A high-voltage circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view and at different locations. [Figure 1D] A high-voltage circuit breaker according to a preferred embodiment is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view and at different locations. [Figure 2A] A high-voltage circuit breaker according to another preferred embodiment is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view and at different locations. [Figure 2B]A high-voltage circuit breaker according to another preferred embodiment is shown in a schematic cross-sectional view and at different locations. [Figure 3] Figure 2B shows a detailed view of the high-voltage circuit breaker. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0052] Description of the Embodiment The descriptions of Figures 1A–1D and Figures 2–3 include procedural or methodological aspects in describing the structural features of the circuit breaker, thereby enabling a thorough understanding of the structural features. It is emphasized to the reader that such structural features can be extracted from the described context without hesitation or the problem of intermediate generalization to form aspects of the present invention. An example of this can be found in openings 48 or 52. It is also emphasized to the reader that any structural features described below, even when extracted from context, can be understood as individual aspects of the present invention to distinguish them from known solutions.

[0053] Figures 1A to 1D disclose a circuit breaker for high-voltage applications comprising a conduction and interruption unit 10 having a first contact 20 and a second contact 12 for forming a conductive connection within a connection region 16. The first contact 20 is at least partially hollow, and the second contact 12 is a pin that is inserted into the first contact 20 when in the closed position, as shown in Figure 1D. A pull rod and / or drive device may be located at one end 68 of the first contact 20, particularly facing the contact region 16. The circuit breaker is located within a volume 60 of insulating gas, and further contains insulating gas.

[0054] Here, the first contact 20 consists of separate parts connected to each other. In particular, the first contact 20 has a cylindrical first contact portion 21 and a hollow or tubular conductive tip facing the connection region 16. At the end portion 68, an electrically insulating, hollow pull rod is connected to the first contact portion 21.

[0055] The first contact portion 21 may have a shape that is at least partially hollow (not shown). However, the first contact portion 21 may function at least substantially as a plunger within the first contact housing 22, forming a circumferential gap 14 as a primary path through which insulating gas flows within the guide passage 24.

[0056] Both contacts 12 and 20 are movable along an axially extending switching shaft 18 between a closed position where a conductive connection is formed (as shown in Figure 1A) and an open position where the conductive connection is separated (Figures 1C and 1D). Here, primarily the second contact 12 is movable, and the first contact housing 22 is also movable.

[0057] The first contact housing 22 is provided with a guide passage 24 that surrounds the first contact 20 and forms a circumferential gap 14 with the first contact 20. The first contact housing 22 is axially movable in particular relative to the first contact 20 in order to allow the movement of insulating gas in the connection region 16.

[0058] The first contact housing 22 has an annular recess 26 that forms a concave volume surrounding the first contact 20, particularly at the first contact portion 21. The first contact portion 21 has a cylindrical outer surface corresponding to the cylindrical inner surface of the guide passage, particularly the inner wall 38. A circumferential gap 14 is formed between the surfaces.

[0059] The recess 26 faces the first contact 20 and, depending on its position, opens toward the first contact 20 by an annular concave opening 28 facing the circumferential gap 14 to capture particles carried by the insulating gas coming from the connection region 16 and passing through the circumferential gap 14. In Figures 1B to 1D, the circumferential gap 14 is positioned adjacent to and / or covering the concave opening 28. However, in Figure 1A, the circumferential gap 14 is positioned near the axial direction of the concave opening 28, for example, at a certain distance.

[0060] The extension 32 of the concave opening 28 along the switching shaft 18 is shorter than the extension 34 of at least one recess 26 along the switching shaft 22.

[0061] The circumferential gap 14 forms a passage for insulating gas between the connection area 16 and the exhaust section 54 of the circuit breaker.

[0062] A gas transfer device 40, such as a compressor, is provided, which is constructed to move insulating gas through the connection region 16, particularly toward the circumferential gap 14. The device 40 has a cylinder 42 having a piston 44, the piston 44 being movable within the cylinder 42 and motion-coupled to the first contact housing 22. The piston 44 is sealed radially inward relative to the first contact 20 and radially outward relative to the cylinder 42 by annular guides and / or sealing means 64, 66.

[0063] The cylinder volume 46 can be changed according to the position of the first contact housing 22, and by decreasing the volume 46, the insulating gas can be compressed and moved. As shown in the transition between Figure 1A and Figure 1D, the first contact housing 22 moves to decrease the volume 46, thereby the first contact portion 21 gradually covers the concave opening 28. As shown in Figure 1C, when the contacts 12 and 20 are separated to form an arc A, the concave opening 28 is covered on both axial sides.

[0064] As shown in the sequence from Figure 1A to Figure 1D, during the opening of the circuit breaker, insulating gas moves through the connection region 16 and through the hollow first contact 12 at its conductive tip. The insulating gas may exit through a radial opening 48 of the first contact 12, which is located away from the connection region 16, and enter a chamber 50 between the first contact 20 and the first contact housing 22. The chamber 50 may be constructed such that its volume increases during the separation movement of the circuit breaker, as shown. The opening 52 of the first contact housing 22, which is initially covered by the first contact portion 21, becomes uncovered when it reaches the position shown in Figure 1C. The first contact 20 is substantially stationary, the second contact 12 is drawn axially from the first contact 20, and the first contact housing 22 moves toward the connection region 16 as the contacts separate, as shown. Meanwhile, the circumferential gap 14, which follows the position of the first contact portion 21, begins to approach the concave opening 28 (Figures 1A-1B) and eventually covers the concave opening 28 (Figures 1C-1D). The insulating gas coming from the opening 48 can not only exit through the opening 52 but also enter the circumferential gap 14 and pass through the guiding and / or sealing means 62. Particularly hot gas entering the circumferential gap 14 may be slowed down near the recess 26 to cause the particles it carries to fall.

[0065] Here, at least one recess can be covered by the first contact portion 21, and thereby substantially closed, especially when the contacts 12, 20 are separated as shown in Figures 1C to 1D (and Figure 3). The insulating gas can then pass through the recess 26 and be slowed down in its immediate vicinity, causing the particles to fall.

[0066] The length of the first contact 20 and / or first contact portion 21 that form the circumferential gap 14 is designed to close / cover the recess 26 with an axial overlap on both axial sides of at least one recess at at least one position when the contacts are separated, and the axial overlap on both axial sides is selected to be at least 5 mm, as shown in Figures 1C to 1D.

[0067] In this embodiment, the concave opening 28 has an axially extending projection 30 in particular to restrict access to at least one recess 26. The projection 30 is formed to form a portion of the guide passage 24, particularly the inner wall 38. The projection 30 faces / orients the connection area 16. The projection 30 tapers at its free end.

[0068] The first contact point 20 is in contact with the inner wall 38 by an annular guide and / or sealing means 62 that guides the first contact point 20 radially, and this primarily serves to mechanically guide the first contact point. The guide and / or sealing means 62 may be made of a low-friction material, such as graphite or PTFE.

[0069] The first contact 20 is guided only when in the closed position, the open position, or in between, and is movable along the switching shaft 18. In particular, any radial movement of the first contact 20 is substantially avoided by the design.

[0070] The recess 26 has an extension 34 that is larger than its extension 36 and oblique to the switching shaft 18 and / or radially.

[0071] Figures 2A to 2B show another embodiment that at least substantially corresponds to the embodiments in Figures 1A to 1D, but the first contact housing 22 does not contact the first contact 20 in any position to achieve non-contact sealing. In Figure 2A, the circuit breaker is in the closed position. In Figure 2B, it is in the open position with the pull rod of the first contact 20 at end 68 extended along the switching shaft 18.

[0072] Here, the first contact point 20 has a lever mechanism further motion-coupled to a gas transfer device 40 having a cylinder 42 and a partially shown piston 44 for changing the cylinder volume 46 for moving the gas.

[0073] The circumferential gap 14 is formed between the substantially cylindrical first contact portion 21 of the first contact 20 and the first contact housing 22. It may also be understood that the circumferential gap is formed along the entire axial length of the first contact 20 and the first contact housing 22. However, at the first contact portion 21, the circumferential gap 14 is narrowed particularly radially with respect to two axially adjacent sides of the first contact portion 21.

[0074] In particular, the inner wall 38 is substantially cylindrical and forms an annular circumferential gap 14 with the first contact point 20 and / or first contact portion 21.

[0075] The first contact 20 does not contact the first contact housing 22. The first contact housing 22 has five recesses 26 adjacent to each other in the axial direction. The recesses 26 are annular in shape and serve to trap particles from the insulating gas.

[0076] When the circuit breaker is open, the insulating gas, especially at high temperatures, can flow through the circumferential gap 14 and pass through multiple recesses 26, each of which can continuously capture insulating particles in the turbulent gas flow. This significantly reduces the amount of particles entering the exhaust section 54.

[0077] As shown in detail in Figure 3, the recess may have a rounded bottom. In particular, the axial extension 32 of the concave opening 28 is the same as the axial extension 34 of the recess.

[0078] In particular, the radial extension 36 of the recess 26 is larger than the axial extensions 32 and 34. In other words, the recess 36 may be formed as a deep recess 36.

[0079] A difference between the embodiments in Figures 2-3 and those in Figures 1A-1D is that no guide and / or sealing means are provided near the circumferential gap and / or recess 26. The first contact 20 in the section guided within the first contact housing 22 to form the circumferential gap 14 also does not have an opening for insulating gas, despite being hollow. Furthermore, the extension 32 of the concave opening 28 along the switching shaft 18 is the same size as the extension 34 of the recess 26 along the switching shaft 22. There are no protrusions 30 in the recess 26 and the concave opening 28.

[0080] Please note that the embodiments described above and illustrated can be combined. List of reference symbols 10 Conduction and interruption units 12. The second point of contact 14 Circumferential gap 16 Connection Areas 18 Switching axis 20 The first point of contact 21 First contact point 22 First contact housing 24 Guideway 26 recesses 28 Concave opening 30 Protrusion 32 Extension of the concave opening 34 Extension of the recess 36 Extension of the recess 38 Inner wall of the guide corridor 40 Gas transfer device 42 cylinders 44 pistons 46 Cylinder volume 48 Opening of the first contact point 50 Chambers 52 Opening of the first contact housing 54 Exhaust section 60 volume 62 Guiding and / or sealing means 64 Guiding and / or sealing means 66 Guiding and / or sealing means 68 End

Claims

1. A circuit breaker for high-voltage applications, At least one conduction and interruption unit (10) having a first contact (20) and a second contact (12) for forming a conductive connection within a connection region (16), wherein at least one of the contacts (12, 20) is movable along a switching shaft (18) extending axially of the circuit breaker between a closed position in which the conductive connection is formed and an open position in which the conductive connection is separated, A first contact housing (22) having a guide passage (24) that surrounds the first contact (20) and forms a circumferential gap (14) with the first contact (20), wherein the first contact housing (22) has at least one recess (26) surrounding the first contact (20), the at least one recess (26) opening toward the first contact (20) by a concave opening (28) facing the first contact (20) in order to capture particles carried by an insulating gas coming from the connection region (16) and passing through the circumferential gap (14), the first contact housing (22) comprises A circuit breaker for high-voltage applications, wherein the extension (32) of the concave opening (28) is shorter than the extension (34) of the at least one recess (26), and / or two or more of the at least one recess (26) are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction.

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

3. A circuit breaker according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a gas transfer device (40) constructed to move the insulating gas toward the circumferential gap (14) in at least the connection region (16).

4. The circuit breaker according to the preceding claim, wherein the gas transfer device (40) comprises a cylinder (42) having a piston (44) that is movable inside along the switching shaft (18), and the piston (44) is motion-coupled to the first contact housing (22) and / or the first contact (20) to change the cylinder volume (46) depending on the position of the piston (44) within the cylinder (42).

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

6. The circuit breaker according to the preceding claim, wherein the concave opening (28) and / or the at least one recess (26) has at least a substantially annular shape.

7. The circuit breaker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concave opening (28) has an axially extending projection (30) to restrict access to the at least one recess (26).

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

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

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

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

12. The circuit breaker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension (24) of the at least one recess (26) along the switching shaft (18) is larger than the extension (36) of the at least one recess (36) oblique to the switching shaft (18).

13. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the extension (24) of the at least one recess (26) along the switching shaft (18) is smaller than the extension (36) of the at least one (26) recess that is oblique to the switching shaft (18).

14. The circuit breaker according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein three or more of the at least one recess (26) are arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction.

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

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