Switching devices

Abstract

According to one embodiment, the switching device (100) comprises a base element (4, 14, 24), a first contact element (12), a second contact element (22), and at least one drive member (13, 23). The first and second contact elements are arranged to be movable relative to each other and relative to the base element along an axis (A). The switching device is configured to switch from a closed state to an open state. The switching device is configured to take a first intermediate state during the switching from the closed state to the open state. In the first intermediate state, the first and second contact elements are electrically in contact and are accelerated together in the first axial direction (A1) relative to the base element by at least one drive member. The switching device then switches from the first intermediate state to a second intermediate state. In the second intermediate state, the first and second contact elements are separated, and the second contact element continues to move relative to the base element, and in addition, moves in the first axial direction relative to the first contact element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switching device, particularly to a switching device for high-voltage applications.

Background Art

[0002] EP0785562A1 discloses a high-voltage circuit breaker in which a semi-mobile assembly having a first arc contact moves in the same direction as a mobile assembly having a second arc contact and is then driven in the opposite direction. Each of EP0540971A1 and DE102014102929A1 discloses a high-voltage circuit breaker in which the arc contacts move in opposite directions while separating from each other.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] One objective is to provide a switching device with high breaking capacity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] According to an embodiment of the switching device, the switching device comprises a base element, a first contact element, a second contact element, and at least one drive member. The first and second contact elements are arranged to be movable relative to each other and relative to the base element along an axis. The switching device is configured to switch from a closed state to an open state. The switching device is configured to take a first intermediate state during the switching from the closed state to the open state. In the first intermediate state, the first and second contact elements are in electrical contact and are accelerated together in a first axial direction relative to the base element by the at least one drive member. The switching device then switches from the first intermediate state to a second intermediate state. In the second intermediate state, the first and second contact elements are separated, and the second contact element continues to move relative to the base element and, in addition, moves in the first axial direction relative to the first contact element.

[0005] This invention is based, in particular, on the idea of ​​designing the dynamics of a switching device so that the two contact elements are accelerated simultaneously even while in contact. Therefore, at the time of separation, i.e., when switching from the first intermediate state to the second intermediate state, a state of instantaneous, high-speed separation occurs. In other words, separation is initiated by an increase in the relative velocity between the contact elements. This provides high interruption capability for electromagnetically induced ultra-high currents, electrostatically induced ultra-high currents, and ultra-high currents for bus transfers.

[0006] Switching devices are particularly suitable for high-voltage and / or high-current applications. For example, a switching device is configured for a current of at least 100A or at least 1000A flowing between a first contact element and a second contact element. The switching device may be a so-called disconnect switch or a so-called earth switch.

[0007] The base element may be a housing on which a first contact element and a second contact element and at least one drive member are arranged. During normal operation, the housing may be filled with a gas, particularly a quenching gas or an insulating gas such as SF6 or any alternative.

[0008] The first and second contact elements are movable relative to each other and relative to the base element along an axis also called the “longitudinal axis,” “separation axis,” or “interruption axis.” The first and / or second contact elements may be formed rotationally symmetric with respect to this axis. In this specification, the axial direction is defined as the direction parallel to this axis.

[0009] The first contact element and / or the second contact element may be formed as a hollow body, for example, as an elongated hollow body extending along the (separation) axis, such as a sleeve-shaped body. Each of the first and second contact elements may have a contact portion oriented in the axial direction. For example, the contact portions of the two contact elements face each other and are in direct electrical and mechanical contact, either in the first intermediate state or in the closed state, i.e., these contact portions are in contact with each other in these states. These contact portions may be formed as a lid that closes the hollow contact element in the axial direction.

[0010] The closed and open states of a switching device are, in particular, stationary states in which the contact elements do not move relative to each other or to the base element. The switching device comprises an input terminal and an output terminal. In the closed state, the switching device allows current to flow from the input terminal to the output terminal, while in the open state, it prevents current from flowing from the input terminal to the output terminal. For example, in the closed state, the first contact element and the second contact element are electrically connected to each other, for example, in contact with each other, while in the open state, the first contact element and the second contact element are electrically and physically separated from each other.

[0011] In the first and second intermediate states, at least one of the contact elements is moving relative to the base element. In the first intermediate state, the contact elements are electrically in continuous contact with each other, while simultaneously being accelerated together relative to the base element. In particular, in the first intermediate state, the magnitude and direction of acceleration are the same for both contact elements. "Accelerated" means increasing in speed. For example, in the first intermediate state, the first and second contact elements are constantly being accelerated.

[0012] The switch from the first intermediate state to the second intermediate state occurs, for example, automatically. The second intermediate state is, in particular, the state immediately following the first intermediate state. In other words, the separation of the contact elements or the switch from the first intermediate state to the second intermediate state occurs at the moment when the two contact elements are accelerated together.

[0013] When the switching device is operating, an arc may form between the first and second contact elements after they have separated. That is, in the second intermediate state, the arc may form between the first and second contact elements, particularly between the contact portions of these contact elements. The main direction in which this arc extends is, for example, the axial direction.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the switching device comprises two drive members. A drive member is defined herein as a member for moving at least one of the contact elements in the axial direction by applying force to that at least one contact element. The drive members may be implemented by springs or hydraulic members or other means, such as pneumatic means, magnetic means or electromagnetic means.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the second contact element is positioned downstream of the first contact element in the first axial direction. In other words, in the first intermediate state, the first contact element follows the second contact element while being accelerated together with the second contact element in the first axial direction and moving together.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the first contact element and the second contact element are accelerated together in the first axial direction during the first intermediate state by the first and second drive members. This causes the first drive member to press the first contact element against the second contact element in the first axial direction. The second drive member applies force to the second contact element in the first axial direction. The second drive member can pull the second contact element in the first axial direction.

[0017] The first drive member may be housed in a hollow first contact element, or it may press against the inner surface of the contact portion of the first contact element.

[0018] For example, the second drive member may be positioned on a hollow second contact element, or it may press against the inner surface of the second contact element. This inner surface faces the direction of the first contact element and is located at the end of the second contact element opposite to the first contact element (in the longitudinal direction).

[0019] According to further embodiments, in the first intermediate state, the forces exerted by the first and second drive members are selected such that the first contact element is constantly pressed against the second contact element. In other words, since the acceleration of the second contact element caused solely by the second drive member is less than the acceleration of the first contact element caused by the first drive member, in the first intermediate state, the first and second contact elements undergo the same acceleration and remain in constant electrical contact. For this reason, the contact portions of these contact elements remain in direct contact with each other, for example.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the second contact element is further accelerated in the first axial direction relative to the base element and also relative to the first contact element by at least one drive member at the beginning of the second intermediate state. For example, immediately after switching from the first intermediate state to the second intermediate state, the second contact element is further accelerated relative to the base element and also relative to the first contact element. In other words, at the time of switching from the first intermediate state to the second intermediate state, i.e., the moment the contact is separated, the acceleration of the second contact element in the first axial direction is greater than the acceleration of the first contact element in the first axial direction.

[0021] Further acceleration of the second contact element is caused solely by, for example, a second drive member. The first drive member will not contribute any further acceleration of the second contact element.

[0022] According to further embodiments, the switch from a first intermediate state to a second intermediate state is brought about by slowing, in particular stopping, the movement of the first contact element in the first axial direction relative to the base element. This may be done by a fastener. The movement of the second contact element in the first axial direction is further allowed or maintained, i.e., the fastener does not affect the movement of the second contact element. For example, the switch from the first intermediate state to the second intermediate state is caused by a portion of the first contact element, e.g., a projection, coming into contact with / striking against a fastener. In the first intermediate state, the fastener may be prevented from moving in the first axial direction. Thus, the contact of the first contact element with the fastener prevents the first contact element from moving further in the first axial direction.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the switching device is further configured to assume a third intermediate state before the first intermediate state during the switch from the closed state to the open state. In the third intermediate state, the first contact element and the second contact element are moved together in a second axial direction relative to the base element. The second axial direction is opposite to the first axial direction. During the switch from the closed state to the open state, the switching device switches from the third intermediate state to the first intermediate state.

[0024] The switch from the third intermediate state to the first intermediate state occurs particularly automatically. For example, the first intermediate state follows immediately after the third intermediate state. In the third intermediate state, the first contact element and the second contact element may be in continuous electrical contact with each other, for example, they may be in contact with each other. In particular, the above-mentioned contact portions of the first contact element and the second contact element may be in contact with each other in the third intermediate state.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, at least one drive member is loaded in the third intermediate state so as to accumulate potential energy. In particular, the first drive member and / or the second drive member is loaded during the third intermediate state, thereby accumulating potential energy.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, at least one drive member loaded releases at least a part of the accumulated potential energy in the first intermediate state. Then, the released potential energy is used to accelerate the first contact element and the second contact element in the first axial direction. In particular, the first drive member loaded and / or the second drive member loaded releases at least a part of the accumulated potential energy in the first intermediate state.

[0027] The start of at least one drive member, that is, the start of the release of energy, may occur automatically when switching from the third intermediate state to the first intermediate state.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment, at least one drive member is a spring. In particular, since both the first drive member and the second drive member are springs, they are also referred to herein as "the first spring and the second spring".

[0029] According to at least one embodiment, at least one drive member in the shape of a spring is biased in the third intermediate state. As an example, in the third intermediate state, both the first spring and the second spring are compressed.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the switching device further comprises a third contact element. The third contact element may be formed hollow and / or may be formed elongated along a (separation) axis. For example, the third contact element is in the shape of a sleeve or a cylinder. The first contact element may be at least partially received in the third contact element. Also, the first drive member may be at least partially received in the third contact element. At one (longitudinal) end of the third contact element on the side facing the second contact element, the third contact element may be open in order to enable the partial discharge of the first contact element from the third contact element in the first exit direction and / or to enable the first contact element to retract into the third contact element in the second axial direction.

[0031] According to a further embodiment, the third contact element is axially movable relative to the base element and relative to the first contact element and the second contact element. The third contact element may be, for example, permanently electrically connected to the first contact element. A sliding contact such as a spiral contact between the first contact element and the third contact element may be provided to maintain electrical contact during relative movement between the first contact element and the third contact element.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the switching device is configured such that current flows through a third contact element during normal operation in the closed state. That is, current flows from the input terminal to the output terminal through the third contact element. For example, during normal operation, in the closed state, there is little to no current flowing through the first contact element and / or the second contact element.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, in the first intermediate state, the third contact element moves in a second axial direction relative to the base element and / or relative to the first and second contact elements. This movement in the second axial direction can be maintained at least temporarily in the second intermediate state.

[0034] According to further embodiments, the first and second contact elements are coupled to the third contact element in a third intermediate state. "Coupled" specifically means, for example, mechanically or magnetically coupled.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, a driving force directed in the second axial direction is applied to the third contact element in a third intermediate state. This, and by coupling the first and second contact elements to the third contact element, causes the first, second, and third contact elements to move together in the second axial direction. In other words, the driving force and coupling are such that the first, second, and third contact elements move together in the second axial direction.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the driving force and coupling are such that the movement of the first and second contact elements, which are driven in a first axial direction by at least one driving member relative to the base element and relative to the third contact element, is not permitted in a third intermediate state. In other words, in the third intermediate state, the driving force and coupling are strong enough to withstand the force of at least one (loaded / biased) driving member acting in a first axial direction on the first and second contact elements, and as a result move the first and second contact elements in a second axial direction.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the switching device is configured such that, when switching from a third intermediate state to a first intermediate state, the coupling between the first and second contact elements and the third contact element is released, thereby allowing the first and second contact elements to be driven by at least one drive member to be accelerated together in the first axial direction relative to the base element. The release of the coupling may occur automatically when switching from the third intermediate state to the first intermediate state. A further driving force may then be applied to the third contact element so that the third contact element moves further in the second axial direction.

[0038] According to further embodiments, in a third intermediate state, the coupling between the first and second contact elements and the third contact element is achieved by coupled coupling elements. These coupling elements may be coupled by friction and / or gimbal fitting. Coupling by friction may also be referred to as "pressure fitting coupling." Coupling may be purely friction coupling.

[0039] For example, coupling may be achieved by coupling elements that engage with each other. For instance, one coupling element may be part of a third contact element, and another coupling element may be part of a first and / or second contact element. The coupling element of the third contact element may be a projection. The coupling elements of the first and / or second contact elements may include one or more elastic elements. The elastic elements may form a so-called finger cage. When one or more elastic elements engage with each other, they may be biased, for example, at least partially radially, and pressed against the projection. Radial direction is defined herein with respect to the (separation) axis. This means that radial direction is the direction extending perpendicular to the axis or the direction moving perpendicularly away from the axis.

[0040] According to further embodiments, the driving force acts on the first and second contact elements only through the coupling of the coupling elements. Thus, the driving force applied to the third contact element is transmitted to the first and second contact elements only through the coupling between the coupling elements.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, in the third intermediate state, the bonding force between the connecting elements is greater than the tensile force on the connecting elements, so that the first and second contact elements are pulled together with the third contact element. The tensile force attempts to move these connecting elements relative to each other in order to release the bond. However, in the third intermediate state, the bonding force, also called the "holding force," is greater, so the bond between the connecting elements is maintained.

[0042] In a further embodiment, the disengagement of the coupling, i.e., the switching from the third intermediate state to the first intermediate state, is brought about by the tensile force becoming greater than the coupling force.

[0043] In a further embodiment, disengagement is achieved by using a stopper to prevent, in particular from preventing, the movement of the first and second contact elements in the second axial direction relative to the base element. However, movement of the third contact element in the second axial direction may still be possible.

[0044] For example, at a specific position in the third intermediate state, the first or second contact element, for example, its projection, abuts against / strikes a fastener. The fastener may be fixed in place relative to the base element. By abutting against / strikes the fastener, movement of each contact element in the second axial direction is prevented. Then, the tensile force on the coupling element becomes greater than the coupling force, and the coupling is released.

[0045] According to further embodiments, the switching device comprises an additional drive member, also referred to herein as a “third drive member.” The additional drive member is configured to exert a driving force on a third contact element in a third intermediate state. This third drive member differs, in particular, from at least one (first and / or second) drive member that accelerates the first and second contact elements together. The third drive member may comprise an electric motor.

[0046] According to further embodiments, the switching device includes a reservoir for containing a gas such as a quenching gas or an insulating gas. The gas may be SF6.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, the switching device is configured to inject gas from a reservoir into the space between the separated first and second contact elements in a second intermediate state. This causes the direction of flow of the injected gas to be axial. The gas is injected in such a way that a flow sheath of the injected gas is formed. The flow sheath is configured to surround the arc that occurs between the first and second contact elements. For example, the (separation) axis extends through the flow sheath, particularly through the center of the flow sheath. In particular, the final contact point between the first and second contact elements is surrounded by the flow sheath. The final contact point is formed, in particular, between the aforementioned contact portions of the first and second contact elements.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, in a second intermediate state, at least one outlet passage leads from the reservoir to the space between the separated first and second contact elements. The reservoir is formed between a surface fixed axially to the base element and a further surface fixed axially to the second contact element. In the second intermediate state, the two surfaces are close to each other, thereby reducing the volume of the reservoir and pushing the gas in the reservoir into the outlet passage and injecting it into the space.

[0049] For example, the storage section is formed in a hollow second contact element. The further surface may be formed by the inner surface of the contact portion of the second contact element, which is located on the second contact element and faces away from the first contact element. The outlet passage may extend through the contact portion of the second contact element.

[0050] A surface fixed axially to the base element may be formed by a plunger housed in a hollow second contact element. This surface may face the first contact element. One end of the second drive member may be fixed to the plunger.

[0051] According to a further embodiment, at least one inlet passage leads from the external volume of the storage to the interior of the storage. The switching device is configured so that during a third intermediate state, gas from the external volume flows into the storage through at least one inlet passage.

[0052] For example, in the third intermediate state, the above surface and the further surface between which the storage area is formed move away from each other, thereby increasing the volume of the storage area and drawing gas from the outside into the storage area through the inlet passage.

[0053] All the features disclosed so far with respect to embodiments of switching devices are also disclosed with respect to alternative embodiments of switching devices described herein, and vice versa.

[0054] According to an alternative embodiment of the switching device, the switching device comprises a first contact element and a second contact element that are movable relative to each other along an axis, and a reservoir for containing gas. The switching device is configured to switch from a closed state to an open state. During the switching from the closed state to the open state, the switching device is configured so that the first contact element and the second contact element are electrically isolated from each other by moving relative to each other and away from each other along an axis. Furthermore, during the switching, gas from the reservoir is injected into the space between the separated first and second contact elements while the separated first and second contact elements are moving relative to each other. The direction of flow of the injected gas is axial, so that a gas flow sheath is formed which is configured to surround the arc that occurs between the first and second contact elements.

[0055] In particular, such arcs occur between contact elements, especially between their contact points, during normal operation and when switching from a closed to an open state. The gas sheath helps to surround the arc and prevent it from reaching parts other than the contact elements, and in particular helps to extinguish the arc.

[0056] The switching device will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, based on exemplary embodiments. The accompanying diagrams are included for further understanding. In the diagrams, elements having the same structure and / or function may be referred to by the same reference numerals. Please understand that the embodiments shown in the diagrams are illustrative representations and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where elements or components functionally correspond to each other in separate diagrams, their descriptions will not be repeated in subsequent diagrams. For clarity, elements may not necessarily be indicated by the corresponding reference numerals in all diagrams. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0057] [Figure 1] This figure shows a position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 2] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 3] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 4] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 5] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 6] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 7] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 8]This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 9] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 10] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 11] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 12] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 13] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 14] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 15] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 16] This figure shows another exemplary embodiment of the second contact element. [Figure 17] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 18] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 19] This figure shows another exemplary embodiment of the second contact element. [Figure 20] This figure shows another position during operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device. [Figure 21] This figure illustrates the operation of an exemplary embodiment of a switching device using graphs. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0058] Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a switching device 100 in an open state. The switching device 100 comprises a first assembly 1 and a second assembly 2 that are electrically isolated and insulated from each other. Both assemblies 1 and 2 are placed in a base element 4, i.e., a housing element 4, which is filled with a gas, for example, a quenching gas or an insulating gas. The gas may be SF6.

[0059] The first assembly 1 is electrically connected to a conductor 5 that extends from inside the housing element 4 through the housing element 4 to the outside, and the conductor 6 forms a terminal, for example, an input terminal. The second assembly 6 is electrically connected to a conductor 6 that extends from inside the housing element 4 through the housing element 4 to the outside, and the conductor 6 forms a terminal, for example, an output terminal.

[0060] As can be seen further from Figure 1, the electric motor 3 is located outside the housing element 4. The electric motor 3 is coupled to the first assembly 1 by the spindle 15. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0061] Figure 1 further shows axis A extending from left to right. Axis A is also referred to herein as the “longitudinal axis” or “separation axis.” Furthermore, two axial directions are shown: a first axial direction A1 from left to right and a second exit direction A2 from right to left.

[0062] Figure 2 shows the two assemblies 1 and 2 of Figure 1 in more detail. The first assembly 1 comprises a first contact element 12, which is hereafter also called the "arc contact 12" or "first arc contact 12". The first assembly 1 further comprises a third contact element 11, which is hereafter also called the "movable contact shield 11". The movable contact shield 11 is a hollow, elongated sleeve-shaped body extending in axial directions A1 and A2. The arc contact 12 is positioned inside the movable contact shield 11 and is also formed as a hollow, elongated sleeve. At its longitudinal end closest to the second assembly 2, the arc contact 12 has a lid-shaped contact portion 125. The lid 125 closes the sleeve-shaped body of the arc contact 12 and protrudes from the movable contact shield 11 in the first axial direction A1. The lid has a convex outer surface which faces the second assembly. The lid 125 is formed of, for example, WCu. The remaining portion of the arc contact 12 may be formed of Al.

[0063] The first drive member 13, which is shaped like a helical spring, is positioned on the arc contact 12 and protrudes from the arc contact 12 in a second axial direction A2. One longitudinal end of the spring 13 is fixed to the cover 125, i.e., its inner surface, and the other longitudinal end of the spring 13 that protrudes from the arc contact 12 is fixed to the movable contact shield 11. Therefore, by moving the arc contact 12 and the movable contact shield 11 axially relative to each other, the first spring 13 can be biased.

[0064] The movable contact shield 11 is provided with a spindle nut 16 at its end furthest from the second assembly 2. The spindle nut 16 is screwed onto the spindle 15. By rotating the spindle 15 using the electric motor 3, the spindle nut 16 can be moved together with the movable contact shield 11 in the first axial direction A1 or the second axial direction A2.

[0065] The first assembly 1 further includes a hollow, elongated sleeve-shaped elongated shield 18. The movable contact shield 11 is housed in the elongated shield 18. The elongated shield 18 is fixed in place to a housing element 14 of the first assembly 1 that surrounds the elongated shield 18. The elongated shield 18 is electrically connected to the conductor 5.

[0066] Furthermore, the elongated shield 18 is electrically connected to the movable contact shield 11 by a sliding contact 17 formed as a contact spiral portion 17. Even when the movable contact shield 11 is moving axially relative to the elongated shield 18, the contact spiral portion 17 maintains electrical contact between the movable contact shield 11 and the elongated shield 18.

[0067] The second assembly 2 comprises a second contact element 22, also referred to herein as the “second arc contact 22”. The second arc contact 22 is a hollow, elongated sleeve-shaped body. It has a contact portion 225 in the shape of a cover 225 at its longitudinal end closest to the first assembly 1. Thus, the two covers 125 and 225 face each other. The outer surface of the cover 225 facing the cover 125 is formed convex. The cover 225 may also be made of WCu. The remaining portion of the second arc contact 22 may be made of Al.

[0068] A plunger 26 is housed in the second arc contact 22. The plunger 26 is fixed in place to a fourth contact element 21, also referred to herein as the “fixed contact shield 21”. A reservoir 25 is formed between the inner surface of the lid 225 facing away from the first assembly 1 and the surface of the plunger 26 facing the first assembly 1. The fixed contact shield 21 is a hollow, elongated sleeve-shaped body that houses the second arc contact 22. A sliding contact 27, which has a helical contact shape, is visible through the radial inner surface of the fixed contact shield 21. The fixed contact shield 21 is positioned and fixed to the housing element 24 of the second assembly 2.

[0069] Furthermore, the second assembly 2 includes a second drive member 23 in the shape of a helical spring 23. The spring 23 is housed in a second arc contact 22 and surrounds the plunger 26. The longitudinal end of the spring 23 closest to the first assembly 1 is fixed to the plunger 26, and the longitudinal end of the spring 23 furthest from the first assembly 1 is fixed to the second arc contact 22. The spring 23 can be biased by moving the second arc contact 22 relative to the plunger 26.

[0070] Furthermore, the second arc contact 22 is provided with a coupling element 220 shaped like an elastic finger on its radially outer surface. The elastic finger 220 can be deformed radially inward. The coupling element 220 is configured to engage with the coupling element 110 of the movable contact shield 11, which is shown in detail in Figure 3. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the circle in Figure 2.

[0071] The coupling element 110 is a projection at the end of the movable contact shield 11 closest to the second assembly 2. At the same time, the projection 110 is configured to abut against the projection 120 of the arc contact 12. The functions of elements 110, 120 and 220 are described in more detail below.

[0072] Figure 4 shows the position when the switching device 100 in the above figure is switched from the open state to the closed state. At this time, the electric motor 3 is operated to rotate the spindle 15. As a result, the spindle nut 16 is moved in the first axial direction A1 together with the entire movable contact shield 11. The arc contact 12 is also moved in the first axial direction A1 by coupling the arc contact 12 to the movable contact shield 11 with the spring 13. Figure 4 shows the position where the cover 125 of the first arc contact 12 and the cover 225 of the second arc contact 22 come into contact with each other. At this point, the first assembly 1 and the second assembly 2 are electrically connected to each other.

[0073] Figure 5 shows the position during the latter half of the switching from the open state to the closed state, where the electric motor 3 has further moved the movable contact shield 11 and the first arc contact 12 in the first axial direction A1. However, since the first arc contact 12 is in contact with the second arc contact 22, and the second arc contact 22 is unable to move in the first axial direction A1 (for example, by a stopper), the first arc contact 12 does not move any further in the first axial direction A1. As a result, the first spring 13 is compressed.

[0074] In the position shown in Figure 6, the electric motor 3 has moved the movable contact shield 11 further in the first axial direction A1, so that the movable contact shield 11 is inserted into the fixed contact shield 21. Electrical contact is made between the fixed contact shield 21 and the movable contact shield 11 by the helical contact 27. Furthermore, the projection 110 of the movable contact shield 11 has passed through the cover 225 and the flexible finger portion 220 of the second arc contact 22. The first spring 13 is further compressed.

[0075] In the position shown in Figure 6, the switching device 100 is in its closed state. During operation, a current of, for example, several hundred amperes flows between the long shield 18 and the fixed contact shield 21 through the contact spiral portion 17, the movable contact shield 11, and the further contact spiral portion 27.

[0076] The following describes the switching of the switching device 100 from the closed state (see Figure 6) to the open state (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0077] Figure 7 shows the position during the switching from the closed state to the open state. At this time, the electric motor 3 is operated to rotate the spindle 15 in the opposite direction, and in response, to retract the spindle nut 16 together with the movable contact shield 11 in the second axial direction A2. As a result, the first spring 13 is partially loosened but remains biased.

[0078] Figure 7 shows the position where the projection 110 of the movable contact shield 11 engages with the flexible finger portion 220 of the second arc contact 22, thereby compressing the flexible finger portion 220 radially inward. This is shown in more detail in Figure 8, which shows the area enclosed by a circle in Figure 7. The flexible finger portion 220 has a projection with which the projection 110 abuts. In this way, a coupling by friction and shape fitting is achieved between the projection 110 and the flexible finger portion 220. From the moment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the switching device 100 is in a state referred to herein as the “third intermediate state”.

[0079] Figure 9 shows the further position in this third intermediate state. As the coupling element 110 and coupling element 220 are coupled and the movable contact shield 11 is driven by the electric motor 3, the movable contact shield 11 pulls the second arc element 22 in the second axial direction A2. The second arc contact 22, in particular its cover 225, abuts against the first arc contact 12, in particular its cover 125, in the second axial direction A2, so the first arc contact 12 is also pulled along the second axial direction A1. As a result, the arc contacts 12, 22 and the movable contact shield 11 move together in the second axial direction, driven by the driving force of the electric motor 3.

[0080] Note that since the first arc contact 12 moves in the second axial direction A2, the first spring 13 remains biased, meaning it is not completely released. Furthermore, as the second arc element 22 moves in the second axial direction A2 relative to the plunger 26, the second spring 23 is also biased, i.e., compressed.

[0081] In Figure 9, it should be further noted that the coupling force or holding force between the engaged coupling element 110 and coupling element 220 is greater than the tensile force attempting to disengage the coupling. The tensile force is, in particular, due to the biasing of the first spring 13 and the second spring 23 together, which attempts to move the first arc contact 12 and the second arc contact 22 in the first axial direction A1.

[0082] Figure 10 shows the latter half of the switching device 100, which is still in a third intermediate state (where coupling element 110 and coupling element 220 remain engaged). The electric motor 3 has moved contact elements 11, 12 and 22 further in the second axial direction A2. However, in Figure 10, further movement of the second arc contact 22 in the second axial direction A2 is prevented / prevented by the second contact element 22 hitting a stopper, i.e., its projection, formed by the plunger 26. This can be seen better in the diagram of Figure 11, which shows the area enclosed by a circle in Figure 10.

[0083] When the second arc contact 22 strikes the plunger 26, the tensile force on the coupling elements 110 and 220 becomes greater than the holding force, and as a result the coupling between coupling element 110 and coupling element 220 is released, that is, at this time projection 110 slides over the projection formed by the flexible finger portion 220. At this moment, the switching device 100 switches from a third intermediate state to a state called the first intermediate state.

[0084] Figure 12 shows the position of the switching device 100 in the very first stage of the first intermediate state in which the coupling is released. The coupling no longer prevents the arc contacts 12, 22 from moving in the first axial direction A1 by the springs 13, 23. In practice, as described above, the biasing springs 13, 23 exert a force on the arc contacts 12, 22 in the first axial direction A1.

[0085] The force exerted by the biasing springs 13 and 23 causes the arc contacts 12 and 22 to accelerate together in the first axial direction A1. As a result, the covers 125 and 225 remain in contact with each other. This is achieved by selecting the force exerted by the springs 13 and 23 such that the first arc contact 12 always presses against the second arc contact 22.

[0086] The arc contacts 12 and 22 are accelerated together in the first axial direction A1 to the position shown in Figure 13, which represents the very last moment of the first intermediate state or the very first moment referred to herein as the second intermediate state. The movable contact shield 11 is further moved in the second axial direction A2 by the electric motor 3 during the first intermediate state.

[0087] At the position shown in Figure 13, the aforementioned projection 120 of the first arc contact 12 contacts the projection 110 of the movable contact shield 11. Figure 14 shows an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the circle in Figure 13, allowing for a better view of the aforementioned phenomenon.

[0088] When projection 120 strikes projection 110, the movement of the first arc contact 12 in the first exit direction A1 comes to a sudden halt. However, at the position shown in Figure 13, the second spring 23 is not yet completely released, so the movement of the second arc contact 22 in the first axial direction A1 is still possible and maintained. As a result, the arc contacts 12, 22, and especially the covers 125, 225, begin to separate from each other at a very high separation speed. The second intermediate state is when the second arc contact 22 continues to move in the first axial direction A1 so as to separate from the first arc contact 12 and move away from the first arc contact 12.

[0089] Figure 15 shows the position in the latter half of the second intermediate state. The second spring 23 further accelerates the second arc contact 22 in the first axial direction A1, and accordingly the space between the lids 125 and 225 increases. As can be seen from Figure 15, the separation between arc contacts 12 and 22 generates an arc 7 that extends mainly in the axial direction between the lids 125 and 225. However, because they are accelerated together beforehand, the separation between arc contacts 12 and 22 is very fast, so the damage caused by the arc 7 can be kept to a minimum.

[0090] The rapid separation between arc contact 12 and arc contact 22 is further illustrated in Figure 21. Here, the y-axis represents the position of covers 125 and 225 along axis A in millimeters, and the x-axis represents time in milliseconds. The solid line represents the position of cover 225 of the second arc contact 22, and the dashed line represents the position of cover 125 of the first arc contact 12. Point P1 indicates the start of the first intermediate state shown in Figure 12. Point P2 indicates the end of the first intermediate state shown in Figure 13. By accelerating the movement of arc contacts 12 and 22 together, the separation at point B is initiated at a high separation speed. This is aided by the first arc contact 12 coming to a sudden stop at point B.

[0091] The second arc contact 22 continues to move in the first axial direction until it reaches a position of approximately 110 mm, and then retracts slightly in the second axial direction. This is due to the repulsion of the second spring 23. After this repulsive movement, the switching device opens again, as shown in Figure 20.

[0092] Referring again to Figures 13 and 15, it can be seen that gas is injected from the reservoir 25 into the space between the separated arc contacts 12 and 22 or between the separated lids 125 and 225. The gas flow 251 is indicated by a solid arrow. In Figure 15, the gas flow has flow directions along axial A1 and axial A2, forming a flow sheath surrounding the arc 7 that occurs between lids 125 and 225. This is shown in more detail in Figures 17 and 18, where Figure 17 is a front view of the lid 225 of the second arc contact 22 as seen from the axial direction, and Figure 18 is a side view of the same as shown in Figure 15. The generation of this sheath-shaped gas flow 251 will be described in more detail.

[0093] Figure 16 shows an exemplary embodiment of the cover 225 of the second arc contact 22 in the front view described above. As can be seen here, the cover 225 includes an opening 250 that forms an outlet passage and an inlet passage for the gas. The opening 250 surrounds the center of the cover 225. Figure 19 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the cover 225 in the front view. Here, a plurality of point-like openings 250 surround the center of the cover 225 and also form an outlet passage and an inlet passage for the gas.

[0094] A sheath-shaped gas flow can be achieved by injecting gas from the reservoir 25 into the space between the lid 125 and the lid 225. This occurs automatically during the first and second intermediate states as the volume of the reservoir 25, formed between the inner surface 221 of the lid 125 and the surface 260 of the plunger 26, rapidly decreases, causing the gas to be pushed out through the opening 250 of the lid 225.

[0095] The gas filling of the reservoir 25 occurs automatically, i.e., in the third intermediate state, when the second arc contact 22 is pulled in the second axial direction A2 together with the movable contact shield 11. As can be seen from Figures 7, 9, and 10, this movement increases the volume of the reservoir 25 between the lid 225 and the plunger 26, thereby drawing gas from the outside into the reservoir 25 through the opening 250.

[0096] The embodiments shown in the figures represent exemplary embodiments of a switching device. Therefore, these embodiments do not constitute a complete list of all embodiments of a switching device. Actual switching devices may differ from the embodiments shown, for example, in terms of arrangement and elements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] Reference code list: 1. First assembly 2. Second assembly 3 Electric motor 4. Base / Housing Elements 5 Conductors 6 Conductors 7 Arc 11. Third contact element / movable contact shield 12 First contact element / First arc contact 13 First drive member / first spring 14 Base / Housing Elements 15 spindles 16 Spindle Nut 17. Sliding contact / contact spiral 18 Shields 21. Fourth Contact Element / Fixed Contact Shield 22 Second contact element / Second arc contact 23 Second drive member / second spring 24 Base / Housing Elements 25 Storage section 26 Plungers 27 Sliding Contacts / Helical Contacts 100 Switching Devices 110 Connecting elements / fasteners / projections 120 protrusions 125 Contact part / lid 220 Connecting Element / Flexible Finger 221 Inner self 225 Contact part / lid 250 opening / exit passage / inlet passage 251 Gas flow 260 surface A-axis A1 First axis direction A2 Second axis direction P1 point P2 point

Claims

1. A switching device (100) for high-voltage applications, - Base elements (4, 14, 24) and, - The first contact element (12), - The second contact element (22), - comprising at least one drive member (13, 23), The first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) are arranged to be movable along the axis (A) relative to each other and relative to the base elements (4, 14, 24). The switching device (100) is configured to switch from a closed state to an open state, - The switching device (100) during the switching from the closed state to the open state, - The switching device (100) is configured to take a first intermediate state, in which the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) are in electrical contact and are accelerated together relative to the base elements (4, 14, 24) in a first axial direction (A1) by the at least one driving member (13, 23), and further, - A switching device (100) configured to switch from a first intermediate state to a second intermediate state, wherein in the second intermediate state, the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) are separated, the second contact element (22) continues to move relative to the base elements (4, 14, 24), and in addition, moves in the first axial direction (A1) relative to the first contact element (12).

2. - Equipped with two drive members (13, 23), - The second contact element (22) is positioned downstream of the first contact element (12) in the first axial direction (A1). - In the first intermediate state, the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) are - A first drive member (13) presses the first contact element (12) against the second contact element (22) in the first axial direction (A1), - The second drive member (23) applies force in the first axial direction (A1) to the second contact element (22), They are accelerated together in the first axial direction (A1), The switching device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the force applied by the first drive member (13) and the second drive member (23) is selected such that in the first intermediate state the first contact element (12) is constantly pressed against the second contact element (22).

3. Switching device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least at the beginning of the second intermediate state, the second contact element (22) is further accelerated in the first axial direction (A1) by the at least one driving member (23) relative to the base elements (4, 14, 24) and, in addition, relative to the first contact element (12).

4. A switching device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a switch from the first intermediate state to the second intermediate state is caused by stopping the first contact element (12) from moving in the first axial direction (A1) relative to the base elements (4, 14, 24) by a stopper (110) while the second contact element (22) is further allowed to move in the first axial direction (A1).

5. The switching device (100) further performs the following during the switching from the closed state to the open state: - The switching device (100) is configured to take a third intermediate state before the first intermediate state, in which the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) are moved together in a second axial direction (A2) relative to the base elements (4, 14, 24), the second axial direction (A2) being opposite to the first axial direction (A1), and further, - The switching device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device (100) is configured to switch from the third intermediate state to the first intermediate state.

6. - The at least one drive member (13, 23) is subjected to a load in the third intermediate state so as to store potential energy. The switching device (100) according to claim 5, wherein in the first intermediate state, the loaded at least one drive member (13, 23) releases at least a portion of the stored potential energy, and the released potential energy is used to accelerate the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) together in the first axial direction (A1).

7. - The at least one of the drive members (13, 23) is a spring, The switching device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the springs (13, 23) are biased in the third intermediate state.

8. - Further comprising a third contact element (11), The third contact element (11) is electrically connected to the first contact element (12). The third contact element (11) is movable in the axial direction relative to the base elements (4, 14, 24) and relative to the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22). The switching device (100) is, - In the closed state, during normal operation, current flows through the third contact element (11). - In the first intermediate state, the third contact element (11) is configured to move in a second axial direction (A2) relative to the base elements (4, 14, 24) and / or relative to the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22), wherein the second axial direction (A2) is opposite to the first axial direction (A1), the switching device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. In the third intermediate state described above, - The first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) are connected to the third contact element (11). - The driving force in the second axial direction (A2) is applied to the third contact element (11), and upon coupling, the first contact element (12), the second contact element (22), and the third contact element (11) move together in the second axial direction (A2). - The driving force and coupling are such that the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) are driven by the at least one driving member (13, 23) to prevent them from moving in the first axial direction (A1) relative to the base elements (4, 14, 24) and relative to the third contact element (11). The switching device (100) is, A switching device (100) according to claim 8, dependent on claim 5, configured such that when switching from the third intermediate state to the first intermediate state, the coupling is released, and the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) are driven by the at least one driving member (13, 23) to be accelerated together in the first axial direction (A1) relative to the base elements (4, 14, 24).

10. In the third intermediate state, the coupling between the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) and the third contact element (11) is achieved by coupling elements (110, 220) that are coupled to each other by friction and / or gimbal fitting. - The driving force acts on the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) only through the coupling of the coupling elements (110, 220), In the third intermediate state, the coupling force between the coupling elements (110, 220) is greater than the tensile force on the coupling elements (110, 220) such that the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) are pulled by the third contact element (11). The switching device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the coupling of the coupling elements (110, 220) is released when the traction force becomes greater than the coupling force.

11. The coupling is released by using a stopper (26) to stop the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) from moving in the second axial direction (A2) relative to the base elements (4, 14, 24), while the movement of the third contact element (11) in the second axial direction (A2) is still permitted, the switching device (100) according to claim 10.

12. - Further comprising a storage section (25) for containing gas, The switching device (100) is, - In the second intermediate state, the gas is configured to be injected from the storage section (25) into the space between the separated first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22), the flow direction of the injected gas is axial (A1, A2), and the gas is A switching device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the injected gas is injected such that a flow sheath is formed, and the flow sheath is configured to surround an arc that occurs between the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22).

13. - At least one outlet passage (250) in the second intermediate state leads from the storage section (25) to the space between the separated first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22), - The storage portion (25) is formed between a surface (260) fixed axially to the base elements (4, 14, 24) and a further surface (221) fixed axially to the second contact element (22). - In the second intermediate state, the surface (260) and the further surface (221) are close to each other, thereby reducing the volume of the storage section (25), and causing the gas in the storage section (25) to be pushed into the outlet passage (250) and injected into the space, as described in claim 12, the switching device (100).

14. - At least one inlet passage (250) leads from the external volume of the storage section (25) into the storage section (25), The switching device (100) is, - The switching device (100) according to claim 12 or 13, dependent on claim 5, wherein in the third intermediate state, gas from the external volume flows into the storage section (25) through the at least one inlet passage (250).

15. A switching device (100) for high-voltage applications, - A first contact element (12) and a second contact element (22) that are movable relative to each other along axis (A), - Equipped with a storage section (25) for containing gas, The switching device (100) is configured to switch from a closed state to an open state, The switching device (100) is, - During the switching from the closed state to the open state, the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) move relative to each other so as to move away from each other along the axis (A), thereby electrically isolating each other. - While the separated first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22) are moving relative to each other, gas is injected from the reservoir (25) into the space between the separated first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22), and the flow direction of the injected gas is axial (A1, A2), therefore, A switching device (100) is provided, wherein a gas flow sheath is formed, and the flow sheath is configured to surround the arc generated between the first contact element (12) and the second contact element (22).

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