How to 3D print a nozzle for a circuit breaker, a circuit breaker, and a nozzle for a circuit breaker

Abstract

A nozzle (100) for a circuit breaker (1000) is provided, the circuit breaker (1000) having at least two contact elements (210, 220) and a gas reservoir (310). The nozzle (100) is manufactured as a single piece by 3D printing and configured to surround the at least two contact elements (210, 220). The nozzle includes an arc zone (330) formed along a central axis (CA) of the nozzle (100) and a gas channel (320) formed within the nozzle (100), the gas channel (320) configured to fluidly connect the gas reservoir (310) and the arc zone (330). At least one of the contact elements (210, 220) is configured to be movable.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Aspects of the invention relate to a nozzle for a circuit breaker, in particular a nozzle for a circuit breaker manufactured as a single piece by 3D printing. Further aspects relate to a circuit breaker including the nozzle. Further aspects relate to a method of 3D printing a nozzle for a circuit breaker. [Background technology]

[0002] Technology background Circuit breakers are known. They may have two contact elements that may move relative to each other along a central axis of the circuit breaker. When the circuit breaker is opened, i.e. when the two contact elements are separated from each other, an arc may be created. Between the two contact elements there may be an arc zone where an arc is created when the circuit breaker is opened or switched. The arc may be extinguished using a quenching gas.

[0003] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker has two opposing contact elements 210, 220 that are movable relative to each other along a central axis CA of the circuit breaker by a drive. The contact element 210 is a metallic contact tulip and the contact element 220 is a metallic contact pin. Between the two contact elements 210, 220, an arc area 330 is provided, in which an arc is formed, for example, when the circuit breaker is opened and the two contact elements are separated from each other. The circuit breaker shown in FIG. 1 also has a cylindrical auxiliary nozzle 100b that at least partially surrounds the contact element 210. The inner coating of the auxiliary nozzle faces the arc area 330. Furthermore, the illustrated circuit breaker has a main nozzle 100a that at least partially surrounds the auxiliary nozzle 100b. Between the auxiliary nozzle 100b and the main nozzle 100a, a channel 320 is formed, which connects the arc area 330 to a gas storage tank 310, which is an upstream storage tank in which gas is temporarily stored with high pressure. The gas reservoir 310 is arranged circumferentially outside the auxiliary nozzle 100b. After a zero crossing of the current, where the current is intended to be interrupted during the switching operation of such a circuit breaker, re-arcing may occur due to the rise of a transient recovery voltage between the breaker terminals. These re-arcing may undesirably pass at least partially through the channel 320 between the auxiliary nozzle 100b and the main nozzle 100a. Such an arc is indicated by the reference number 400 in FIG. 1. It extends from the contact element 220 along the inner coating of the main nozzle 100a to the end region of the main nozzle 100a forming the side wall of the channel 320, then continues at its upper boundary wall in the channel region of FIG. 1 and finally is deflected in the direction of the contact element 210.

[0004] DE 20 2017 103 766 U1 describes an auxiliary nozzle at least partially surrounding one of the contact elements, a main nozzle at least partially surrounding the auxiliary nozzle, and a channel between the auxiliary nozzle and the main nozzle. During the opening of the circuit breaker and the disconnection of the contact elements, a breakdown of the insulating gas may begin in the area around the contact element, such as the plug tip. The breakdown of the insulating gas may result in the formation of a highly conductive plasma channel or leader. The leader may have a tendency to stick to nearby walls, such as the nozzle surface. The leader may progress towards other contact elements, such as the tulip, under the drive of the electric field generated by the recovery voltage. Once the leader is near the gap or gas channel between the main nozzle and the auxiliary nozzle, it may either overcome the gap or gas channel to reach the tulip, or continue to stick to the surface of the nozzle, enter the gap and progress along the surface of the gas channel. The leader may progress until it is released on a metal part that has the same potential as the other contact element or the tulip.

[0005] If the latter situation occurs during shutoff operation, where the leader enters the gap rather than crosses it, flashover tracing may occur. Flashover tracing may occur on the nozzle surface. Punctures or holes through the nozzle body may also occur.

[0006] During the breaking sequence in the qualification test, it is expected that the circuit breaker will fail to interrupt the current when the minimum arcing time is verified. The IEC standard specifies that such failure to interrupt must not result in a flashover trace. If a flashover trace is evident during inspection of the circuit breaker, the qualification test may be considered to have failed even if the circuit breaker passed the IEC sequence.

[0007] For this reason, flashover in the gas channel separating the auxiliary nozzle from the main nozzle should be avoided, i.e., propagation of leaders along the surfaces of the gas channel or gap between the auxiliary nozzle and the main nozzle should be avoided.

[0008] DE 20 2017 103 766 U1 describes an arrangement for guiding a plasma channel or leader from one contact element to the other along the inner casing of the main and auxiliary nozzles, such that the leader does not enter the gas channel or gap between the main and auxiliary nozzles. DE 20 2017 103 766 U1 describes an arrangement in which one of the auxiliary or main nozzles has an extending section that goes beyond the channel in a direction parallel to the central axis, such that the inner casing or inner casing or inner surface of the auxiliary nozzle and the inner casing of the main nozzle are adjacent to each other in a direction parallel to the central axis of the nozzle without or almost without interruption. "Almost without interruption" may include an arrangement in which a narrow gap is formed between the auxiliary and main nozzles, for example a gap of less than 1 mm, so that the leader going from one contact element to the other contact element goes beyond the gap but does not propagate through the gap into the channel. An opening or fluid duct in the extension region connects the arc region to a gas reservoir and allows gas, such as a quenching gas, to flow therebetween.

[0009] DE 20 2017 103 766 U1 describes that the auxiliary nozzle and the main nozzle are manufactured independently of each other. The openings or fluid ducts on the auxiliary nozzle or the main nozzle are selected such that the openings can be easily machined into the extension section during manufacturing. The main nozzle and the auxiliary nozzle are then assembled.

[0010] The manufacture of the main and auxiliary nozzles, as well as their assembly, requires production tolerances and / or allowances between the auxiliary and main nozzles. The tolerances and / or allowances between the auxiliary and main nozzles serve to prevent the arc formed from propagating through the gap into the channel. The tolerances and / or allowances must not be so large as to impair the prevention of arc propagation into the channel between the auxiliary and main nozzles. The tolerances and / or allowances between the auxiliary and main nozzles also serve to correctly assemble the circuit breaker. The allowances must not be so small as to cause difficulties during assembly of the auxiliary and main nozzles.

[0011] Additionally, there are complications with the mechanical connection between the auxiliary nozzle and the main nozzle: a threaded connection between the auxiliary nozzle and the main nozzle would trap air and weaken the dielectric recovery.

[0012] In addition, the openings or fluid ducts on the auxiliary nozzle or extended section on the main nozzle that connects the arc zone to the gas channel are selected with consideration of the associated machining and / or manufacturing process. Thus, the design and / or other processing of the openings may impose certain requirements or limitations, such as finish and / or material considerations. That is, manufacturing and / or machining considerations may mean that the openings may not be fully optimized with respect to the performance of the nozzle or circuit breaker, such as gas flow between the gas reservoir and the arc zone.

[0013] This has led to a need for improved nozzle design and / or manufacturing methods, as well as improved nozzle mechanical stability, while still preventing leader propagation into the gas channel between the auxiliary and main nozzles. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] Summary of the Invention In view of the above, there is provided a nozzle for a circuit breaker as claimed in claim 1, a circuit breaker as claimed in claim 14, and a method for 3D printing a nozzle for a circuit breaker as claimed in claim 15.

[0015] According to one aspect, there is provided a nozzle for a circuit breaker having at least two contact elements and a gas reservoir, the nozzle being manufactured as a single piece by 3D printing and configured to at least partially surround the at least two contact elements of the circuit breaker, the nozzle including an arc zone formed along a central axis of the nozzle and a gas channel formed within the nozzle and configured to fluidly connect the gas reservoir to the arc zone, and at least one of the contact elements is configured to be movable.

[0016] An advantage is that manufacturing tolerances and mechanical coupling problems associated with having two separate nozzles can be eliminated. A nozzle made in a single piece obtained by 3D printing manufacturing can replace a combination of two nozzle parts, such as an auxiliary nozzle and a main nozzle, or an auxiliary nozzle and an insulating nozzle. Another advantage can be that flashover in a channel or gas channel, or the propagation of a leader into a channel or gas channel, can be avoided or prevented as effectively as, or better than, a combination of two nozzle parts, such as an auxiliary nozzle and a main nozzle, or an auxiliary nozzle and an insulating nozzle.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the arc zone is configured to be between two or more contact elements of the circuit breaker. Specifically, when the nozzle is mounted to the circuit breaker, the arc zone can be configured to be between two or more contact elements of the circuit breaker.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the gas channels are formed in a direction generally parallel to the arc zone. According to an embodiment, the nozzle further includes a plurality of fluid ducts formed within the nozzle and configured to fluidly connect the gas channel to the arc zone.

[0019] An advantage may be that fluid ducts or openings may be designed or selected with the 3D printing tool to optimize the flow of gases, such as extinguishing gases, or to optimize for other circuit breaker performance considerations.

[0020] For example, an advantage is that fluid ducts or openings on the nozzle can be designed or selected using a 3D printing tool to optimize nozzle performance, such as improved gas flow between the gas channel and the arc zone.

[0021] Additionally, 3D printing may offer increased freedom in the design and / or manufacture of gas channels and / or fluid ducts.

[0022] According to an embodiment, each fluid duct of the plurality of fluid ducts is adjacent to the gas channel at one end and adjacent to the arc zone at the other end.

[0023] According to an embodiment, each fluid duct of the plurality of fluid ducts is formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the nozzle or in a direction inclined to the radial axis, the radial axis being perpendicular to the central axis of the nozzle.

[0024] According to an embodiment, each fluid duct of the plurality of fluid ducts is rotationally asymmetric about a radial axis, the radial axis being perpendicular to a central axis of the nozzle.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the plurality of fluid ducts are distributed in the circumferential direction of the nozzle and / or the plurality of fluid ducts are spatially arranged with n-fold rotational symmetry around the central axis of the nozzle.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the multiple fluid ducts extend over the entire length of the gas channel or over a portion of the length of the gas channel.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the nozzle further includes a continuous nozzle material configured to direct propagation of a leader along at least a first surface of the nozzle from a first contact element of the circuit breaker to a second contact element of the circuit breaker, the leader being a highly conductive plasma.

[0028] An advantage may be that flashover in the channel or gas channel, or propagation of leaders into the channel or gas channel, may be avoided or prevented.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the first surface is in continuous contact with the arc zone and / or the first surface is a throat surface of the nozzle.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the first surface extends across the nozzle. According to an embodiment, the nozzle is made of a material composition including, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene), PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane), TFM (modified PTFE), MOS2 (molybdenum disulfide), BN (boron nitride), combinations thereof, or any fill having one of these materials with another.

[0031] According to another aspect, a circuit breaker having a nozzle is provided. Another aspect is directed to a method of 3D printing a nozzle for a circuit breaker, the circuit breaker having at least two contact elements and a gas reservoir, the nozzle being manufactured as a single piece and configured to at least partially surround the at least two contact elements of the circuit breaker, the nozzle including an arc zone formed along a central axis of the nozzle and a gas channel formed within the nozzle and configured to fluidly connect the gas reservoir to the arc zone, and at least one of the contact elements is configured to be movable.

[0032] Further advantages, features, aspects and details that can be combined with the embodiments described herein are evident from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0033] The details are explained below with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a circuit breaker. [Figure 2A] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle for a circuit breaker in a cross section according to embodiments described herein. [Figure 2B] 1A-1D are cross-sectional views of a nozzle for a circuit breaker at different cross sections according to embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Detailed Description of the Drawings and Embodiments Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the various figures. Each example is provided by way of illustration and is not intended as a limitation. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with any other embodiment to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the present disclosure include such modifications and variations.

[0036] In the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to the same or similar components. Generally, only the differences with respect to the individual embodiments are described. Unless otherwise specified, the description of a part or aspect in one embodiment applies to the corresponding part or aspect in another embodiment as well.

[0037] Reference numbers used in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only. The aspects described herein are not limited to any particular embodiment. Instead, unless otherwise specified, any aspect described herein can be combined with any other aspect or embodiment described herein.

[0038] According to aspects or embodiments described herein, flashover trace problems can be avoided in the channels or gas channels 320 in the nozzle 100. Flashover trace problems can occur when the shutoff operation is not successful. The shutoff operation can have a dielectric type failure.

[0039] 2A and 2B show cross-sectional views of a nozzle 100 for a circuit breaker 1000 according to embodiments described herein. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views at two different angles about a central axis CA of the nozzle 100 that are parallel to the central axis CA of the nozzle 100.

[0040] 2A and 2B, the nozzle 100 may be configured for a circuit breaker 1000 having at least two contact elements 210, 220. At least one of the contact elements 210, 220 may be configured to be movable.

[0041] According to embodiments described herein, the nozzle 100 may be manufactured as a single piece. The nozzle 100 may be manufactured by 3D printing. The nozzle 100 may be configured to at least partially surround at least two contact elements 210, 220 of the circuit breaker 1000. An arc zone may be formed along a central axis CA of the nozzle 100. A gas channel 320 may be formed within the nozzle 100. The gas channel 320 may be configured to fluidly connect a gas reservoir 310 to the arc zone 330.

[0042] According to the embodiments described herein, the nozzle 100 may be made in a single piece. In particular, the nozzle 100 may be obtained by 3D printing manufacturing. The single piece nozzle may replace two or more nozzle parts, such as an auxiliary nozzle and a main nozzle.

[0043] 2A, in a single piece nozzle 100, a continuous nozzle material may direct the propagation of a leader 400 from a first contact element 220 to a second contact element 210 of a circuit breaker. The leader 400 may be a highly conductive plasma. The continuous material may be an insulating material.

[0044] The leader 400 may run along a first surface 130 of continuous nozzle material. The first surface 130 may be in continuous contact with the arc zone 330. The first surface 130 may be a throat surface of the nozzle 100. The first surface 130 may extend across the nozzle 100.

[0045] The throat of the nozzle 100 may be the section or portion of the nozzle 100 that has a smallest cross-section or diameter. The throat of the nozzle 100 may have a constant cross-section or a varying cross-section. The throat of the nozzle 100 may be the section or portion of the nozzle 100 that surrounds the arc zone 330. The throat of the nozzle 100 may be the interior surface of the nozzle 100. The throat of the nozzle 100 may be the section or portion of the nozzle 100 adjacent the arc zone 330.

[0046] The reader 400 may advance until it releases on the contact element 210. For example, the contact element 210 may be a tulip contact or a pin contact configured for the circuit breaker 1000. The reader 400 may advance from the first contact element 220 to the second contact element 210, vice versa, or between any two contact elements. The contact element 220 may also be the other of the tulip contact or the pin contact.

[0047] A nozzle 100 formed or manufactured as a single piece may have improved mechanical stability. A single piece 3D printed nozzle 100 may have improved mechanical stability.

[0048] FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle 100 with multiple fluid ducts 140 or openings 140 formed therein. Multiple fluid ducts 140 may be formed in the nozzle 100. Multiple fluid ducts 140 may be configured to ensure that gas flow is not impeded. Gas may flow between the gas reservoir 310 and the arc zone 330 through at least one or more fluid ducts 140 or openings 140. Alternatively or in addition, gas may flow between the gas channel 320 and the arc zone 330 and / or multiple fluid ducts 140 may fluidly connect the gas channel 320 and the arc zone 330. The gas reservoir 310 may be a reservoir or chamber containing gas for extinguishing or quenching the arc. The pressure of the gas in the gas reservoir 310 may be higher than the gas elsewhere in the circuit breaker 1000.

[0049] The multiple fluid ducts 140 or openings 140 may be separated by pieces of the same insulating material that makes up the nozzle 100. A continuous material may be provided to make it easier for the plasma leaders 400 to eject onto the contact element 210 instead of proceeding upstream in the channel or gas channel 320.

[0050] Possible complications arising from a mechanical connection between two separate or distinct nozzles, such as in DE 20 2017 103 766 U1, by means of an extension section or insulating bridge between the two separate or distinct nozzles, can be avoided by the nozzle 100 of the present disclosure.

[0051] According to embodiments described herein, the nozzle 100 is configured for a circuit breaker 1000 having two opposing contact elements 210, 220 that are movable relative to one another along a central axis CA of the circuit breaker 1000. One or more of the contact elements 210, 220 may be configured to be movable. The contact elements may be metallic contact tulips 210 or metallic contact pins 220.

[0052] According to embodiments described herein, an arc zone 330 is provided. The arc zone 330 may be formed between two or more contact elements 210, 220. The arc zone 330 may be formed along a central axis CA of the nozzle 100. The arc zone 330 may be a zone in which an arc is formed when the circuit breaker 1000 is opened or when the two contact elements 210, 220 are separated from each other.

[0053] The nozzle 100 may be cylindrical or have any other suitable shape. The nozzle 100 may be formed from an insulating material. The nozzle 100 may be formed from a material composition suitable for use in a circuit breaker. In particular, the material composition may be the result of 3D printing. The material composition of the nozzle 100 may include, without being limited thereto, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene), PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane), TFM (modified PTFE), MOS2 (molybdenum disulfide), BN (boron nitride), or any combination of at least two of these materials. For example, in one combination, one of these materials can be used as a base material and another one can be used as a filler material.

[0054] At least a portion of the inner surface of nozzle 100 may face, be adjacent, abut, and / or bound arc zone 330 .

[0055] According to aspects described herein, a channel or gas channel 320 may be provided. The channel 320 may be configured for gas flow. That is, the channel may be a gas channel 320. The gas channel 320 may be formed in a direction generally parallel to the arc zone 330. Alternatively, or in addition, the gas channel 320 may be formed in a direction oblique to a direction parallel to the arc zone 330.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, the gas channels 320 may be formed as partitioned channels that do not extend around the entire circumference of the nozzle 100, or the gas channels 320 may be formed to extend around substantially the entire circumference of the nozzle 100. Instead of or in addition to one annular gas channel 320, multiple gas channels 320 may be provided.

[0057] The gas channel 320 may extend parallel or substantially parallel to a central axis CA of the nozzle 100. The gas channel 320 may be configured to fluidly connect the gas reservoir 310 to the arc zone 330. The gas channel 320 may be configured to fluidly connect the gas reservoir 310 to the plurality of fluid ducts 140. For example, the plurality of gas channels 320 may be similar to the plurality of fluid ducts 140, e.g., in that the plurality of channels 320 connect to the plurality of fluid ducts 140.

[0058] In particular, a number of fluid ducts 140 may be formed in the nozzle 100. According to embodiments described herein, the fluid ducts 140 may be openings in the nozzle material. The number of fluid ducts 140 may be configured to fluidly connect the gas reservoir 310 to the arc zone 330. Additionally or alternatively, the number of fluid ducts 140 may be configured to fluidly connect the gas channel 320 to the arc zone 330. Additionally or alternatively, the number of fluid ducts 140 may be configured adjacent the gas channel 320 at one end and adjacent the arc zone 330 at the other end.

[0059] The plurality of fluid ducts 140 may be configured to allow a flow of gas, such as a quenching gas or an insulating gas, between the arc zone 330 and the gas channel 320 and / or the gas reservoir 310. The plurality of fluid ducts 140 may be configured to optimize the flow of gas, such as a quenching gas or an insulating gas, between the arc zone 330 and the gas channel 320 or the gas reservoir 310. Alternatively, instead of a quenching gas, it may be in a vacuum or partial vacuum state.

[0060] The plurality of fluid ducts 140 may be adjacent to the arc zone 330 and / or the gas channel 320. The plurality of fluid ducts 140 may extend perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the central axis CA of the nozzle 100. Alternatively or in addition, the plurality of fluid ducts 140, or the axis of the plurality of fluid ducts 140, may be inclined with respect to the radial axis of the nozzle 100. The radial axis may be perpendicular to the central axis CA of the nozzle 100. That is, at least one of the fluid ducts 140 may be inclined with respect to the radial axis. The radial axis of the nozzle 100 is perpendicular to the central axis CA of the nozzle 100.

[0061] The plurality of fluid ducts 140 may be rotationally asymmetric about the radial axis. For example, the plurality of fluid ducts 140 may have an elliptical, rectangular, or rounded rectangular cross-section, or any other suitable cross-section. Alternatively, the plurality of fluid ducts 140 may be rotationally symmetric about the radial axis. For example, the plurality of fluid ducts 140 may have, but are not limited to, a circular cross-section. In particular, the plurality of fluid ducts 140 may have any cross-section. Furthermore, the fluid ducts 140 may have different geometries or shapes or cross-sections from one another. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid ducts may have cross-sections that vary along their length or axis.

[0062] The plurality of fluid ducts 140 may be spatially arranged or distributed in a circumferential direction, i.e., in a rotational direction about the central axis CA of the nozzle 100. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of fluid ducts 140 may be spatially arranged or distributed in an axial direction, i.e., in a direction parallel to the central axis CA of the nozzle 100. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of fluid ducts 140 may be spatially arranged or distributed with n-fold rotational symmetry about the central axis CA of the nozzle 100. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of fluid ducts 140 may extend over the entire length of the gas channel 320 or a portion of the length of the gas channel 320.

[0063] The continuous nozzle material in the nozzle 100 may be configured to guide, direct, or transmit the propagation of the leader 400, which may be a highly conductive plasma. The continuous nozzle material may be configured to direct the leader 400 from the first contact element 220 of the circuit breaker 1000 to the second contact element 210 of the circuit breaker 1000.

[0064] In particular, the continuous nozzle material may guide the leader 400 along the first surface 130 of the nozzle 100. The first surface 130 of the nozzle 100 may be continuously adjacent or abutting the arc zone 330. Alternatively or additionally, the first surface 130 may be a throat surface of the nozzle 100. Alternatively or additionally, the first surface 130 may extend across the nozzle. Alternatively or additionally, the first surface 130 may extend from a first axial position to a second axial position. The first axial position may correspond to an axial position of the first contact element 220 and / or the second axial position may correspond to an axial position of the second contact element 210. The axial position may be a position in a direction parallel to the central axis CA of the nozzle 100.

[0065] The continuous material or first surface 130 may prevent, impede, or inhibit the leader 400 or arc from advancing, propagating, or spreading into the gas channel 320 and / or the plurality of fluid ducts 140. In particular, the first surface 130 may provide or be formed by a continuous material or insulating material or surface to guide, direct, or convey the leader 400 to propagate from one contact element 220 to another contact element 210.

[0066] According to aspects described herein, a circuit breaker 1000 may be provided. The circuit breaker 1000 may include a nozzle 100. The circuit breaker 1000 may include a nozzle 100 according to embodiments described herein.

[0067] According to embodiments described herein, a method of 3D printing a nozzle 100 may be provided. The method may include 3D printing a nozzle 100 for a circuit breaker 1000. The circuit breaker 1000 may have at least two contact elements 210, 220. The circuit breaker 1000 may have a gas reservoir 310. The nozzle 100 may be manufactured or formed as a single piece. The nozzle 100 may be configured to at least partially surround the at least two contact elements 210, 220 of the circuit breaker 1000. The nozzle 100 may include an arc zone 330 formed along a central axis CA of the nozzle 100. The nozzle 100 may include a gas channel 320 formed within the nozzle 100. The nozzle 100 may include a gas channel configured to fluidly connect the gas reservoir 310 to the arc zone 330. At least one of the contact elements 210, 220 may be configured to be movable.

[0068] According to the embodiments described herein, the nozzle 100 may be configured for a circuit breaker 1000 having a rated voltage >36 kV.

Claims

1. A circuit breaker (1000), A nozzle (100); At least two contact elements (210; 220); A gas storage tank (310), said nozzle (100) being manufactured as a single piece by 3D printing and configured to at least partially surround said at least two contact elements (210; 220) of said circuit breaker (1000); The nozzle (100) comprises: an arc zone (330) formed along a central axis (CA) of the nozzle (100); a gas channel (320) formed within the nozzle (100) and configured to fluidly connect the gas reservoir (310) to the arc zone (330); At least one of the contact elements (210; 220) is configured to be movable, The nozzle (100) further includes a plurality of fluid ducts (140) formed within the nozzle (100) and configured to fluidly connect the gas channel (320) to the arc zone (330); the nozzle (100) further comprises a continuous nozzle material configured to direct propagation of a leader (400) from a first contact element (210) of the circuit breaker (1000) to a second contact element (220) of the circuit breaker (1000) at least along a first surface (130) of the nozzle (100), the leader (400) being a highly conductive plasma; A circuit breaker (1000), wherein each of the plurality of fluid ducts (140) is formed in an inclined direction relative to a radial axis (RA), the radial axis (RA) being perpendicular to the central axis (CA) of the nozzle (100).

2. The circuit breaker (1000) of claim 1, wherein the arc zone (330) is configured between two or more of the contact elements (210; 220) of the circuit breaker (1000).

3. The circuit breaker (1000) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the gas channel (320) is formed in a direction substantially parallel to the arc zone (330).

4. The circuit breaker (1000) of claim 1, wherein each fluid duct of the plurality of fluid ducts (140) is adjacent to the gas channel (320) on one end and adjacent to the arc zone (330) on an opposite end.

5. The circuit breaker (1000) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of fluid ducts (140) are distributed in a circumferential direction (CD) of the nozzle (100) and / or the plurality of fluid ducts (140) are spatially arranged with n-fold rotational symmetry around the central axis (CA) of the nozzle (100).

6. 6. The circuit breaker (1000) of claim 1, wherein the first surface (130) is in continuous contact with the arc zone (330) and / or the first surface (130) is a throat surface of the nozzle (100).

7. The circuit breaker (1000) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first surface (130) extends across the nozzle (100).

8. The circuit breaker (1000) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the nozzle (100) is made of a material composition including, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene), PFA (perfluoroalkoxyalkane), TFM (modified PTFE), MOS2 (molybdenum disulfide), BN (boron nitride), combinations thereof, or any filling having one of these materials and another one.

9. A method of manufacturing a circuit breaker (1000), comprising the steps of: The method of manufacture includes 3D printing a nozzle (100) for the circuit breaker (1000); The circuit breaker (1000) comprises: The nozzle (100); At least two contact elements (210; 220); A gas storage tank (310), said nozzle (100) being manufactured as a single piece and configured to at least partially surround said at least two contact elements (210; 220) of said circuit breaker (1000); The nozzle (100) comprises: an arc zone (330) formed along a central axis (CA) of the nozzle (100); a gas channel (320) formed within the nozzle (100) and configured to fluidly connect the gas reservoir (310) to the arc zone (330); At least one of the contact elements (210; 220) is configured to be movable, The nozzle (100) further includes a plurality of fluid ducts (140) formed within the nozzle (100) and configured to fluidly connect the gas channel (320) to the arc zone (330); the nozzle (100) further comprises a continuous nozzle material configured to direct propagation of a leader (400) from a first contact element (210) of the circuit breaker (1000) to a second contact element (220) of the circuit breaker (1000) at least along a first surface (130) of the nozzle (100), the leader (400) being a highly conductive plasma; A method for manufacturing a circuit breaker (1000), wherein each fluid duct of the plurality of fluid ducts (140) is formed in an inclined direction relative to a radial axis (RA), the radial axis (RA) being perpendicular to the central axis (CA) of the nozzle (100).

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