Disconnector switch

Abstract

A disconnector switch (10) with short-circuit disconnection for a DC network, wherein the disconnector switch (10) has three corresponding input terminals and output terminals (12, 14) and comprising: a first input terminal and a first output terminal (12A, 14A) of the disconnector switch (10) for a first pole, a first fuse element (3A) being arrangeable between the first input terminal and the first output terminal; a second input terminal and a second output terminal (12B, 14B) of the disconnector switch, a short-circuiting switch (7) and an evaluation and control unit (5) being arranged between the second input terminal and the second output terminal of the disconnector switch, and the evaluation and control unit (5) being adapted to detect a short circuit at an input end or output end of the disconnector switch and to actuate the short-circuiting switch; a third input terminal and a third output terminal (12C, 14C) of the disconnector switch for a second pole, a second fuse element (3A) being arrangeable between the third input terminal and the third output terminal; and the second input terminal being electrically connected to the third input terminal and the second output terminal being electrically connected to the first output terminal in order to trip the first fuse element, which is arranged between the first input terminal and the first output terminal, when a short circuit is detected, or the second input terminal being electrically connected to the first input terminal and the second output terminal being electrically connected to the third output terminal in order to trip the second fuse element (3B), which is arranged between the third input terminal and the third output terminal, when a short circuit is detected. The invention further relates to two systems (1), each comprising a disconnector switch and an electronic switch (20).

Description

[0001] Disconnector

[0002] The invention relates to a circuit breaker with short-circuit shutdown for a direct current network according to the preamble of claim 1, as well as to a system comprising a circuit breaker and an electronic switch according to claims 6 and 7.

[0003] Such a circuit breaker has three corresponding input and output terminals. Such circuit breakers are also often referred to in the art as fuse disconnectors or load disconnectors. Typically, such circuit breakers are designed as 3-phase fuse disconnectors. Specifically, such 3-phase fuse disconnectors can be designed for use with a variety of fuse types. For example, the 3-phase fuse disconnectors can be designed for use with RK1 and RK5 fuses, which are common in the USA, or with low-voltage, high-capacity fuses (NH), Diazed fuses (NDZ), Neozed fuses, or DO2, cylindrical fuses, which are common in the EU. Furthermore, the 3-phase fuse disconnectors can also be designed for use with cylindrical fuses, as they are common in the USA and the EU.

[0004] Known circuit breakers have a housing made of insulating material with a cover that covers a space for the fuse elements. The cover can be opened about an axis arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fuse elements arranged in the housing. The cover usually has coupling means for coupling to the fuse elements, which are often also referred to as fuse links. The fuse elements break the electrical connection between the respective input and output terminals when the cover is opened, or the coupling means for the fuse elements are firmly connected to the cover so that the fuse elements are at least partially withdrawn from the housing when this cover is opened. By opening the cover, blade contacts of the fuse elements are withdrawn from spring contacts on the input and output terminals, as is known from the prior art.Such disconnectors enable essentially safe opening of the disconnectors, providing secure galvanic isolation between the input and output terminals, as well as complete removal of the cover with the fuse elements from the base. This provides protection against accidental reactivation during work on the electrical system. Such a disconnector is described, for example, in WO 2009 / 033838 A1. The present invention proposes the use of a disconnector as described above in a DC network, which enables the safe disconnection of even high currents that flow, for example, in the event of a short circuit.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a circuit breaker with short-circuit shutdown for a direct current network, which can be manufactured cost-effectively and with which a direct current network can be switched safely and reliably.

[0006] This object is achieved by an article having the features of claim 1.

[0007] Accordingly, the circuit breaker with short-circuit shutdown for a DC network, which has three corresponding input and output connections, comprises: a first input and output connection for a first pole, wherein a first fuse element can be arranged between the first input and output connection; a second input and output connection, wherein a short-circuit switch and an evaluation and control unit are arranged between the second input and output connection, and wherein the evaluation and control unit is adapted to detect a short circuit on an input or output side of the circuit breaker and to actuate the short-circuit switch; a third input and output connection for a second pole,wherein a second fuse element can be arranged between the third input and output terminal; and wherein the second input terminal is electrically connected to the third input terminal and the second output terminal is electrically connected to the first output terminal in order to trigger the first fuse element, which is arranged between the first input and output terminal, by closing the short-circuit switch upon detection of a short circuit, or the second input terminal is electrically connected to the first input terminal and the second output terminal is electrically connected to the third output terminal in order to trigger the second fuse element, which is arranged between the third input and output terminal, upon detection of a short circuit,by closing the short-circuit switch. The disconnector has three corresponding input and output connections. The input and output connections can be designed, for example, as screw or clamp connections that extend outward through a housing for external contacting. Within the housing, the input and output connections can be designed as spring contacts to accommodate blade contacts of the elements that can be inserted therein, such as the fuse elements. Furthermore, the disconnector can have a cover that can cover the space for the fuse elements when switched on. The cover can also have coupling elements for arranging and holding the fuse elements in the cover and can be hinged open perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fuse elements or the input and output connections.or tiltable. When the cover is opened, the fuse elements can break the electrical connection between the respective input and output terminals. For example, the coupling elements for the fuse elements, which are permanently connected to the cover, can pull the fuse elements out of the spring contacts of the respective input and / or output terminals when the cover is opened.

[0008] The first fuse element can be arranged, or is arranged in the switched-on state, between the first input and output terminals of the circuit breaker. In the switched-on state, a conductive connection can be established between the first input and output terminals of the circuit breaker by means of the first fuse element. For example, the positive line of the direct current network can be arranged or connected as the first pole at the first input and output terminals. Analogously, the second fuse element can be arranged, or is arranged in the switched-on state, between the third input and output terminals of the circuit breaker. In the switched-on state, a conductive connection can be established between the third input and output terminals of the circuit breaker by means of the second fuse element.For example, the negative line of the DC network can be arranged as the second pole at the third input and output terminal, or switched by the fuse disconnector. Alternatively, the negative line of the DC network can be arranged as the first pole at the first input and output terminal, and the positive line of the DC network can be arranged as the second pole at the second input and output terminal. The first fuse element and the second fuse element can be designed as fusible links and have a housing for a low-voltage high-performance fuse, NH, or another fuse element, for placement in the disconnector.

[0009] A short-circuit switch and an evaluation and control unit can be arranged, or are arranged in the switched-on state, between the second input and output terminals of the disconnector. For example, the short-circuit switch and the evaluation and control unit can also be arranged in a housing of a low-voltage high-performance fuse (NH) for placement in the disconnector. The short-circuit switch can be used to establish and interrupt a conductive connection between the second input and output terminals.

[0010] By connecting the second input terminal to the third

[0011] input terminal and the second output terminal with the first

[0012] The short-circuit switch can switch a short-circuit current through the first fuse element via the output terminal of the circuit breaker. A short-circuit switch can be understood as a switching element, such as a transistor or a thyristor, which is closed in the event of a detected short circuit in order to switch the short-circuit current through the first fuse element in order to trigger it. For example, the current in the positive or negative line can be measured using at least one current sensor and compared with the defined current value or a threshold value corresponding to the short-circuit current. The current sensor can be connected to the evaluation and control unit and, in one embodiment, is included in the circuit breaker.

[0013] For example, in order to trigger the first fuse element in the event of a short circuit on the output side, the first fuse element, the electrically conductive connection between the first and second input terminals, the short-circuit switch and the electrically conductive connection between the second and third output terminals can be connected in series.

[0014] Alternatively, to trigger the second fuse element in the event of a short circuit on the input side, the second fuse element, the electrically conductive connection between the second and third input terminals, the short-circuit switch, and the electrically conductive connection between the second and first output terminals can be connected in series. Upon detection of a short circuit, the evaluation and control unit can control the short-circuit switch accordingly to trigger the first fuse element.

[0015] If the short-circuit current is switched by the first fuse element, i.e., if the second input terminal is electrically connected to the third input terminal and the second output terminal is electrically connected to the first output terminal, a second fuse element can be arranged between the third input and output terminals for the second pole. Alternatively, it is also sufficient to arrange only one conductive element between the third input and output terminals to trigger the first fuse element in the event of a short circuit.

[0016] Alternatively, the short-circuit current can also be switched by the second fuse element, i.e., if the second input terminal is electrically connected to the first input terminal and the second output terminal is electrically connected to the third output terminal. In this case, the first fuse element can be arranged between the first input and output terminals for the first pole. Alternatively, it is also sufficient to arrange only one conductive element between the first input and output terminals to trigger the second fuse element in the event of a short circuit.

[0017] The terms first, second, and third input and output terminals can be used herein to refer to the three corresponding input and output terminals, whereby the terms first, second, and third do not necessarily reflect a sequence of the terminals in the circuit breaker. Rather, these terms can be used to refer to one, another, and yet another of the three corresponding input and output terminals arranged in any order in the circuit breaker. For example, the short-circuit switch can be arranged between input and output terminals in the middle of the circuit breaker, or between two adjacent fuse elements, each of which is arranged between corresponding input and output terminals.Alternatively, the short-circuit switch can also be arranged externally, with the fuse elements being arranged to one side of the short-circuit switch in the disconnector.

[0018] The inventive disconnector with short-circuit protection for a DC network allows the cost-effective use of commercially available three-phase disconnectors in a DC network. Depending on the DC network's dimensions, the fuse elements and short-circuit switch are designed differently and are modularly interchangeable.

[0019] In one embodiment, the disconnector is designed as a 3-pole disconnector for low-voltage high-performance fuses (NH). In further embodiments, the disconnector can also be used with other fuse elements, such as Diazed fuses, NDZ fuses, Neozed fuses, DO2 fuses, cylindrical fuses, Class RK1 fuses, or Class RK5 fuses.

[0020] In one embodiment, a housing of the first fuse element, the second fuse element and a housing of the short-circuit switch and the evaluation and control unit each has a form factor of an NH fuse element, in particular of sizes NH-00 to NH-3.

[0021] In one embodiment, the evaluation and control unit for detecting a short circuit is connected to a current sensor arranged in the positive or negative line.

[0022] In one embodiment, the evaluation and control unit is connected to the current sensor via (i) a radio link, (ii) an optical fiber, (iii) an infrared link, (iv) an ultrasonic link, or via (v) a wired connection.

[0023] The invention also relates to a short-circuit disconnection system for a direct current network, comprising: a circuit breaker having three mutually corresponding input and output terminals, and comprising at least one first fuse element which can be arranged between a first input and output terminal of the circuit breaker for interrupting a current flow in a positive line or in a negative line connected to the first input and output terminal;and an electronic switch for isolating a current flow between a first and a second mains connection of the electronic switch, wherein the electronic switch is connected to the isolating switch, and wherein the electronic switch has a short-circuit switch and an evaluation and control unit, wherein the evaluation and control unit is adapted to detect a short circuit and to actuate the short-circuit switch, wherein the short-circuit switch is adapted to switch a short-circuit current through the at least first fuse element to trigger the at least first fuse element.;

[0024] The circuit breaker may be the circuit breaker previously described herein and may be adapted to switch the two poles of a direct current network via fuse elements arranged therein.

[0025] In contrast to the previously described disconnector, the short-circuit switch and the evaluation and control unit are not arranged in the disconnector, but are implemented in an electronic switch that is connected to the disconnector or is connected upstream of the disconnector.

[0026] In one embodiment, the first output terminal is connected to the short-circuit switch. Thus, the short-circuit switch is connected to the first and second output terminals to trigger the first fuse element.

[0027] For example, the first output terminal may be connected to the second output terminal and the second input terminal is connected to the electronic switch.

[0028] The invention further relates to a system comprising: a circuit breaker having three corresponding input and output terminals, and comprising: a blade contact that can be arranged between a second input and output terminal of the circuit breaker, wherein the second output terminal is connected to the first or third output terminal of the circuit breaker, and wherein the blade contact is designed to lead the fuse elements when the circuit breaker is opened; and an electronic switch for interrupting a current flow between a first and a second mains terminal of the electronic switch, wherein the electronic switch is connected to the circuit breaker, and wherein the electronic switch is adapted to interrupt the current flow between the first and the second mains terminal when the blade contact is opened.

[0029] The disconnector, which has three corresponding input and output connections, can be constructed as previously described. The input and output connections can be designed as screw or clamp connections that extend outward through a housing for external contacting. Within the housing, the input and output connections can be designed as spring contacts for receiving blade contacts of the fuse elements. Furthermore, the disconnector can have a cover that can cover the space for the fuse elements when switched on. The cover can further have coupling elements for arranging and holding the fuse elements in the cover and can be hinged or tiltable perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fuse elements or the input and output connections.When the cover is opened, the fuse elements can break the electrical connection between the respective input and output terminals. For example, the coupling elements for the fuse elements, which are permanently connected to the cover, can pull the fuse elements out of the spring contacts of the respective input and / or output terminals when the cover is opened.

[0030] A first fuse element can be arranged, or can be arranged in the switched-on state, between the first input and output terminals of the circuit breaker. For example, the positive line of the DC network can be arranged at the first input and output terminals or switched by the circuit breaker. The first fuse element and the second fuse element can be designed as fusible links and have a housing of a low-voltage high-performance fuse (NH) for arrangement in the fuse-disconnector.

[0031] In the switched-on state, the blade contact is arranged in the spring contacts of the second input and output terminals of the circuit breaker to establish an electrically conductive connection between the second input and output terminals. A blade contact can be understood herein as a knife-like or knife-edge-like section of an electrically conductive material, which, as previously described, can be arranged between the second input and output terminals.

[0032] The blade contact is designed to be ahead of the fuse elements when the disconnector is opened. The term “ahead of the breaker” can be understood to mean that when the disconnector is opened, the current path between the second input and output terminals is interrupted first, i.e. before the current paths between the first and third input and output terminals are interrupted. For this purpose, the blade contact can have a lower contact height than the contact heights of the fuse elements. Due to its geometric design and its short length, the blade contact can interrupt the current path between the second input and output terminals earlier than the fuse elements designed as blade fuses can interrupt their respective current paths compared to the longer length of fuse elements designed as blade fuses.

[0033] The electronic switch may comprise a semiconductor switch having two semiconductors for switching a current between two corresponding first terminals of the first and second power supply terminals. A first terminal of the second power supply terminal may be connected to the first input terminal as a positive line, and a third terminal of the second power supply terminal may be connected to the third input terminal as a negative line.

[0034] A second terminal of the second mains terminal may be connected to the second input terminal for detecting the opening of the circuit breaker, i.e. detecting that the blade contact between the second input and output terminals has been removed.

[0035] Based on detecting that the current flow between the first and second mains terminals has been interrupted, the electronic switch interrupts the current flow between the first and second mains terminals.

[0036] The system according to the invention thus allows the cost-effective use of commercially available three-phase fuse disconnectors in a DC network. The leading blade contact, in conjunction with the electronic switch, enables arc-free opening of the disconnector. Depending on the DC network's dimensions, the fuse elements and short-circuit switch are modularly interchangeable.

[0037] In one embodiment, the disconnector is designed as a 3-pole disconnector for low-voltage, high-performance fuses, NH. In further embodiments, the disconnector can also be used with other fuse elements, such as Diazed fuses, NDZ, Neozed fuses, DO2, cylindrical fuses, Class RK1 fuses, or Class RK5 fuses. In one embodiment, a first fuse element is arranged between a first input and output terminal of the disconnector, and a second fuse element is arranged between a third input and output terminal of the disconnector, wherein a housing of each of the first fuse element and the second fuse element has a form factor of an NH fuse element, in particular of sizes NH-00 to NH-3.

[0038] In one embodiment, the blade contact has a contact height that is lower than the contact heights of the fuse elements.

[0039] The term "low contact height" can be understood as a blade contact with a lower height along the blade contact. For example, the contact height of the blade contact can be less than 50% of the height of the blade contacts of the fuse elements.

[0040] In one embodiment, the electronic switch has an evaluation and control unit, which can be embodied, for example, as an electronic circuit or as an integrated circuit. The evaluation and control unit can, for example, detect the opening of the blade contact and, based on this detection, deactivate the electronic switch. Detection of the opening of the blade contact can occur in various ways.

[0041] In one embodiment, the electronic switch comprises a semiconductor switch having at least one semiconductor, wherein the semiconductor switch is adapted to switch the current flow between the first and the second mains connection, and wherein the semiconductor switch is arranged between two mutually corresponding connections of the first and second mains connection, and wherein the evaluation and control unit is adapted to actuate the semiconductor switch.

[0042] The semiconductor switch has at least one semiconductor, in particular a power semiconductor designed as a transistor, such as an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) power semiconductor. Furthermore, the semiconductor switch is adapted to switch a current of different polarity, wherein the semiconductor switch is arranged between two corresponding first terminals of the first and second mains connection. For example, the semiconductor switch can be arranged in a positive or negative line. In one embodiment, the electronic switch has a bypass switch, in particular a switching contact of a bypass relay, wherein the bypass switch is arranged parallel to the semiconductor switch between the two corresponding terminals, and wherein the evaluation and control unit is adapted to actuate the bypass switch.

[0043] By using a bypass relay, power loss in the electronic switch can be saved, allowing a larger proportion of energy to be made available to the load.

[0044] In one embodiment, the electronic switch has a resistance element which is arranged between a positive or negative line and the second input terminal, wherein the evaluation and control unit is adapted to detect an opening of the circuit breaker via a voltage drop across the resistance element.

[0045] In one embodiment, the electronic switch has a short-circuit switch, in particular a thyristor, which is adapted to switch a short-circuit current through at least one of the fuse elements, and wherein the evaluation and control unit is adapted to actuate the short-circuit switch.

[0046] The short-circuit switch is adapted to switch a short-circuit current through at least one of the fuse elements, depending on the wiring, in order to trigger this fuse element.

[0047] For example, in one embodiment, the current in the negative line can be measured using a current sensor and compared with a defined current value or a threshold value corresponding to the short-circuit current. Upon detection of a short circuit, the evaluation and control unit connected to the current sensor and the short-circuit switch can control the short-circuit switch accordingly to trigger at least one fuse element. In a further embodiment, a short circuit can also be detected and the short-circuit switch controlled by detecting the junction temperature of at least one of the semiconductors. The concept underlying the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures. They show:

[0048] Fig. 1A and 1B Views of a circuit breaker with short-circuit protection for a

[0049] DC network;

[0050] Fig. 2A and 2B are views of a system comprising a circuit breaker and an electronic switch; and

[0051] Fig. 3A-3C schematic views of a circuit breaker with

[0052] Fuse elements and a blade contact.

[0053] Figure 1 shows a circuit diagram of a circuit breaker 10 with short-circuit shutdown for a direct current network according to one embodiment.

[0054] The circuit breaker 10 shown has three corresponding input terminals 12A, 12B, 12C and output terminals 14A, 14B, 14C.

[0055] The input and output terminals 12A, 12B, 12C, 14A, 14B, 14C extend outward through a housing for external contacting. Within the housing, the input and output terminals 12A, 12B, 12C, 14A, 14B, 14C are designed as spring contacts (shown in Figures 3A-3C) for receiving blade contacts of the fuse elements 3A, 3B. When the fuse elements 3A, 3B and the short-circuit switch 7, as well as the evaluation and control unit 5, are arranged in the spring contacts, the switches shown in the circuit diagram are closed in the paths between the corresponding input and output terminals 12A, 12B, 12C, 14A, 14B, 14C.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the second input terminal 12B is connected to the third input terminal 12C and the second output terminal 14B is connected to the first output terminal 14A. In the embodiment shown, the first input terminal 12A is the input terminal of a positive line and the first output terminal 14A is the output terminal of the positive line, i.e. the switched first input terminal 12A. In the embodiment shown, the third input terminal 12C is the input terminal of a negative line and the third output terminal 14C is the output terminal of the negative line, i.e. the switched third input terminal 12C. The first fuse element 3A for the positive line is arranged between the first input and output terminals 12A, 14A of the circuit breaker 10 in the switched-on state.The second fuse element 3B for the negative line is arranged in the switched-on state between the third input and output terminals 12C, 14C of the circuit breaker 10.

[0057] The short-circuit switch 7 and the evaluation and control unit 5 are arranged in the switched-on state between the second input and output terminals 12B, 14B of the disconnector 10. In the embodiment shown, the short-circuit switch 7 is implemented by a thyristor which, in the event of a short circuit detected by the evaluation and control unit 5, switches the short-circuit current through the first fuse element 5A in order to trigger this fuse element 5A. Alternatively, the short-circuit current can also be switched off by the second fuse element 3B if the second input terminal 12B is electrically connected to the first input terminal 12A and the second output terminal 14B is electrically connected to the third output terminal 14C, as shown in Figure 1B.

[0058] In the embodiment shown, the evaluation and control unit 5 is designed as an electronic circuit and is adapted to detect a short circuit on the input or output side of the circuit breaker 10 and to actuate the short-circuit switch 7. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the evaluation and control unit 5 and the short-circuit switch 7 are arranged together in a housing that also corresponds to the housings of the fuse elements 5A, 5B. To detect a short circuit, the evaluation and control unit 5 can be connected to a current sensor (not shown) arranged in the positive or negative line. For example, the evaluation and control unit 5 can be connected to the current sensor via (i) a radio link, (ii) an optical fiber, (iii) an infrared link, (iv) an ultrasonic link, or (v) a wired connection.

[0059] Figure 2A shows a view of a system comprising a circuit breaker 10 and an electronic switch 20 according to another embodiment.

[0060] The illustrated circuit breaker 10 is essentially constructed in the same way as the circuit breaker 10 previously shown in Figure 1. The circuit breaker 10 shown in Figure 2A has three corresponding input terminals 12A, 12B, 12C and output terminals 14A, 14B, 14C. The input and output terminals 12A, 12B, 12C, 14A, 14B, 14C extend outward through a housing for external contacting. Within the housing, the input and output terminals 12A, 12B, 12C, 14A, 14B, 14C are designed as spring contacts for receiving contacts (not shown) of the fuse elements 3A, 3B and the blade contact 4. When the fuse elements 3A, 3B and the blade contact 4 are arranged in the spring contacts, the switches shown in the circuit diagram are closed in the paths between the corresponding input and output terminals 12A, 12B, 12C, 14A, 14B, 14C.

[0061] In the embodiment shown, the second output terminal 14B is connected to the first output terminal 14A. In the embodiment shown, the first input terminal 12A is the input terminal of a positive line and the first output terminal 14A is the output terminal of the positive line, i.e. the switched first input terminal 12A. In the embodiment shown, the third input terminal 12C is the input terminal of a negative line and the third output terminal 14C is the output terminal of the negative line, i.e. the switched third input terminal 12C. In the embodiment shown, the second input terminal 12B is connected to the positive line via the blade contact 4 in the switched-on state, as shown via the connected output terminals 14A, 14B.

[0062] The first fuse element 3A for the positive line is arranged between the first input and output terminals 12A, 14A of the circuit breaker 10 when switched on. The second fuse element 3B for the negative line is arranged between the third input and output terminals 12C, 14C of the circuit breaker 10 when switched on. The blade contact 4 is arranged between the second input and output terminals 12B, 14B of the circuit breaker 10 when switched on.

[0063] The evaluation and control unit 5 is connected to the semiconductor switch 30 shown, or is adapted to actuate the semiconductor switch 30. The semiconductor switch 30 shown has two semiconductors 30A, 30B and is adapted to switch a current of different polarity. As shown in Figure 2A, the semiconductor switch 30 is connected in the negative line between two corresponding terminals 22B, 24C of the first and second power connections 22, 24. In further embodiments, the semiconductor switch 30 can also be connected in the positive line.

[0064] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2A, the two semiconductors 30A, 30B are depicted as insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). The two semiconductors 30A, 30B are configured to create a bidirectional switch. As shown in Figure 2, a first semiconductor 30A is embodied as an n-channel transistor, and a second semiconductor 30B is embodied as a p-channel transistor. The two semiconductors 30A, 30B have a common emitter terminal.

[0065] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, a diode 32A, 32B is arranged antiparallel to each of the semiconductors 30A, 30B. A bypass switch 34, which in the embodiment shown is designed as a switching contact of a bypass relay, is also arranged parallel to the semiconductor switch 3 between the two corresponding terminals 22A, 24C. When the bypass switch 34 is actuated, the current path through the semiconductor switch 3, or through the semiconductors 30A, 30B, is bridged, as shown in Figure 2. The bypass switch 34 is also controlled by the evaluation and control unit 5.

[0066] In the embodiment shown, the current in the negative line is measured by a current sensor (not shown) and compared with a defined current value or a threshold value corresponding to the short-circuit current. Upon detection of a short circuit, the evaluation and control unit 5 can accordingly control the short-circuit switch 7A to trigger the first fuse element 5A. In the embodiment shown, the short-circuit switch 7A is implemented by a thyristor. In a further embodiment, a short circuit can also be detected by detecting the junction temperature of at least one of the semiconductors 30A, 30B, and the short-circuit switch 7A can be controlled.

[0067] Optionally, a second short-circuit switch 7B can be arranged in the embodiment shown (shown with dashed lines) so that in the event of a short circuit, the short-circuit current does not have to be conducted via the semiconductor switch 30 and / or via the bypass switch 34.

[0068] Figure 2B shows a view of a system comprising a circuit breaker 10 and an electronic switch 20 according to a further embodiment. The circuit breaker 10 and the electronic switch 20 shown in Figure 2B correspond to the circuit breaker 10 and the electronic switch 20 already shown in Figure 2A, with the electronic switch 20 shown in Figure 2B further comprising a resistance element 6.

[0069] The electronic switch 20 shown in Figure 2B is, like the electronic switch 20 already shown in Figure 2A, connected to the second mains connection 24 with the input connection 12 of the isolating switch 10, and the electronic switch 20 is adapted to detect an opening of the blade contact 4 and, based on the detection, to interrupt the current flow between the first and second mains connections 22, 24 of the electronic switch 20.

[0070] The opening of the blade contact 4 is detected in the electronic switch 20 shown by a voltage drop across the resistance element 6, which is connected to the blade contact 4 and the negative line via the terminals 24B, 12B and 24C, 12C. For this purpose, the resistance element 6 is connected to the evaluation and control unit 5 shown.

[0071] Figures 3A to 3C show schematic views of a circuit breaker 10 with a fuse element 3A and a blade contact 4.

[0072] Figure 3A schematically shows the first input and output terminal 12A, 14A of the three corresponding input and output terminals with the first fuse element 3A arranged therebetween in the switched-on state. Figure 3B shows the structure shown in Figure 3A in the switched-off state. The input and output terminals 12A, 14A can be designed as screw or clamp terminals (not shown) that extend outward through a housing 16 for external contacting. Within the housing 16, the input and output terminals 12A, 14A are designed as spring contacts for receiving the contacts of the fuse element 3A. The contacts of the fuse element 3A are shown as blade contacts that can be inserted into the spring contacts of the input and output terminal 12A, 14A.

[0073] The schematically illustrated housing 16 has the task of electrically insulating the interior with the fuse elements 3A, 3B from the environment and providing pressure encapsulation in the event of excess pressure caused by a short circuit. The circuit breaker 10 shown also has a cover 18 that covers the space for the fuse element 3A in the switched-on state. The cover 18 has coupling elements 181A, 181B for arranging and holding the fuse element 3A. The cover 18 can be opened or tilted about a tilt axis 183 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fuse element 3A, or the input and output terminals 12A, 14A. When the cover 18 is opened, the electrical connection between the input and output terminals 12A, 14A is severed, as shown in Figure 3B, which shows the switched-off state.The coupling elements 181A, 181B for the first fuse element 3A are firmly connected to the cover 18 and, when the cover 18 is opened, pull the fuse element 3A out of the spring contacts of the input and / or output terminals 12A, 14A.

[0074] The first fuse element 3A shown is arranged in a housing of a low-voltage high-performance fuse, NH, so that it can be arranged in the circuit breaker 10 shown.

[0075] Figure 3C schematically shows the second input and output terminal 12B, 14B of the three corresponding input and output terminals with the blade contact 4 arranged therebetween in the switched-on state.

[0076] The blade contact 4 shown has knife-edge-like sections of an electrically conductive material arranged between the second input and output terminals 12B, 14B, as previously described. In the embodiment shown, the blade contact 4 shown has an electrically conductive material and is held in a housing that is connected to the cover 18 via coupling elements 183A, 183B. For example, instead of a fuse wire, a continuous blade contact can be used in the housing of a fuse element.

[0077] The blade contact 4 has a lower contact height h3, or a contact surface with a lower height, compared to the contact heights h1, h2 of the fuse elements 3A, 3C. As shown in Figure 3C, the contact height h3 of the blade contact 4 is less than 50% of the contact heights h1, h2 of the blade contacts of the first and second fuse elements 3A, 3C. As a result, the blade contact 4 is designed to lead the first and second fuse elements 3A, 3B when the circuit breaker 10 is opened, in order to first disconnect the current path between the second input and output terminals 12B, 14B, before the current paths between the first and third input and output terminals 12A, 12C, 14A, 14C are disconnected. List of Reference Symbols

[0078] system

[0079] 3A, 3B fuse element

[0080] 4 blade contact

[0081] 5 Evaluation and control unit

[0082] 6 resistance element

[0083] 7, 7A, 7B short-circuit switch

[0084] 10 circuit breakers

[0085] 12, 12A-12B input terminal

[0086] 14, 14A-14B output terminal

[0087] 16 housings

[0088] 18 lids

[0089] 181A, 181 B coupling element

[0090] 183 Tilting axis

[0091] 20 Electronic switch

[0092] 22. 22A, 22B First mains connection

[0093] 24, 24A-24C Second mains connection

[0094] 30 semiconductor switches

[0095] 30A, 30B semiconductors

[0096] 32A, 32B diode

[0097] 34 Bridging switch h1 , h2, h3 contact height

Claims

Patent claims 1. A circuit breaker (10) with short-circuit shutdown for a DC network, the circuit breaker (10) having three corresponding input and output terminals (12, 14), characterized by a first input and output terminal (12A, 14A) of the circuit breaker (10) for a first pole, a first fuse element (3A) being arranged between the first input and output terminals (12A, 14A); a second input and output terminal (12B, 14B) of the circuit breaker (10), a short-circuit switch (7) and an evaluation and control unit (5) being arranged between the second input and output terminals (12B, 14B) of the circuit breaker (10), and the evaluation and control unit (5) being adapted to detect a short circuit on an input or output side of the circuit breaker (10) and to actuate the short-circuit switch (7);a third input and output terminal (12C, 14C) of the circuit breaker (10) for a second pole, wherein a second fuse element (3A) can be arranged between the third input and output terminal (12C, 14C);and wherein the second input terminal (12B) is electrically connected to the third input terminal (12C) and the second output terminal (14B) is electrically connected to the first output terminal (14A) in order to trigger the first fuse element (3A) arranged between the first input and output terminals (12A, 14A) by closing the short-circuit switch (7) upon detection of a short circuit, or the second input terminal (12B) is electrically connected to the first input terminal (12A) and the second output terminal (14B) is electrically connected to the third output terminal (14C) in order to trigger the second fuse element (3B) arranged between the third input and output terminals (12C, 14C) by closing the short-circuit switch (7) upon detection of a short circuit; 2. Disconnector (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the disconnector (10) is designed as a 3-pole disconnector (10) for low-voltage high-performance fuses, NH.

3. Disconnector (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that a housing of the first fuse element (3A), the second fuse element (3B) and a housing of the short-circuit switch (7) and the evaluation and control unit (5), have a form factor of an NH fuse element, in particular sizes NH-00 to NH-3 4. Disconnector (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation and control unit (5) for detecting a short circuit is connected to a current sensor which is arranged in the positive or negative line.

5. Disconnector (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the evaluation and control unit (5) is connected to the current sensor via (i) a radio link, (ii) an optical fiber, (iii) an infrared link, (iv) an ultrasonic link, or (v) a wire connection.

6. System (1) with short-circuit shutdown for a DC network, comprising: a circuit breaker (10) having three mutually corresponding input and output terminals (12, 14), and comprising at least one first fuse element (3A) which can be arranged between a first input and output terminal (12A, 14A) of the circuit breaker (10) for interrupting a current flow in a positive line or in a negative line connected to the first input and output terminal (12A, 14A);and an electronic switch (20) for interrupting a current flow between a first and a second mains connection (22, 24) of the electronic switch (20), wherein the electronic switch (20) is connected to the isolating switch (10), and wherein the electronic switch (20) has a short-circuit switch (7) and an evaluation and control unit (5), wherein the evaluation and control unit (5) is adapted to detect a short circuit and to actuate the short-circuit switch (7), wherein the short-circuit switch (7) is adapted to switch a short-circuit current through the at least first fuse element (3A) to trigger the at least first fuse element (3A), and wherein the first output connection (14A) is connected to the short-circuit switch (7); 7. System (1), comprising: a circuit breaker (10) having three corresponding input and output terminals (12, 14), and comprising: a blade contact (4) which can be arranged between a second input and output terminal (12B, 14B) of the circuit breaker (10), wherein the second Output terminal (14B) is connected to the first or third output terminal (12A, 14A, 12C, 14C) of the circuit breaker (10), and wherein the blade contact (4) is designed to lead the fuse elements (3A, 3B) when the circuit breaker (10) is opened, and an electronic switch (20) for interrupting a current flow between a first and a second mains terminal (22, 24) of the electronic switch (20), wherein the second mains terminal (24) is connected to the circuit breaker (10), and wherein the electronic switch (20) is adapted to interrupt the current flow between the first and the second mains terminal (22, 24) when the blade contact (4) is opened.

8. System (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the isolating switch (10) is designed as a 3-pole isolating switch for low-voltage high-performance fuses, NH.

9. System (1) according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that a first fuse element (3A) is arranged between a first input and output terminal (12A, 14A) of the circuit breaker (10), and a second fuse element (3A) is arranged between a third input and output terminal (12C, 14C) of the circuit breaker (10), wherein a housing of the first fuse element (3A) and of the second fuse element (3B) each have a form factor of an NH fuse element, in particular of sizes NH-00 to NH-3.

10. System (1) according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the blade contact (4) has a contact height, h1, which is lower than the contact heights, h2, h3, of the fuse elements (3A, 3B).

11. System (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the electronic switch (20) has an evaluation and control unit (5).

12. System (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the electronic switch (20) comprises a semiconductor switch (30) which comprises at least one semiconductor (30A, 30B), wherein the semiconductor switch (30) is adapted to switch the current flow between the first and the second network connection (22, 24), and wherein the semiconductor switch (30) is arranged between two mutually corresponding connections (22A, 24A, 22B, 24C) of the first and second Mains connection (22, 24), and wherein the evaluation and control unit (5) is adapted to actuate the semiconductor switch (30).

13. System (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the electronic switch (20) has a bridging switch (34), in particular a switching contact of a bypass relay, wherein the bridging switch (34) is arranged parallel to the semiconductor switch (30) between the two corresponding terminals (22A, 24A, 22B, 24C), and wherein the evaluation and control unit (5) is adapted to actuate the bridging switch (34).

14. System (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the electronic switch (20) has a resistance element (6) which is in electrical connection with a positive and negative line, and wherein the evaluation and control unit (5) is adapted to detect an opening of the circuit breaker (10) via a voltage drop across the resistance element (6).

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