EP0720772B1 - Power switch with an arc quenching device - Google Patents

Power switch with an arc quenching device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0720772B1
EP0720772B1 EP94927482A EP94927482A EP0720772B1 EP 0720772 B1 EP0720772 B1 EP 0720772B1 EP 94927482 A EP94927482 A EP 94927482A EP 94927482 A EP94927482 A EP 94927482A EP 0720772 B1 EP0720772 B1 EP 0720772B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
arc
flow channel
switching
quenching device
circuit breaker
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP94927482A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0720772A1 (en
Inventor
Karl-Heinz Manthe
Günter SEIDLER-STAHL
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
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Siemens AG
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0720772A1 publication Critical patent/EP0720772A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H01H9/342—Venting arrangements for arc chutes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H2009/305—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts including means for screening for arc gases as protection of mechanism against hot arc gases or for keeping arc gases in the arc chamber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H01H2009/348—Provisions for recirculation of arcing gasses to improve the arc extinguishing, e.g. move the arc quicker into the arcing chamber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H77/00—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting
    • H01H77/02—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting in which the excess current itself provides the energy for opening the contacts, and having a separate reset mechanism
    • H01H2077/025—Protective overload circuit-breaking switches operated by excess current and requiring separate action for resetting in which the excess current itself provides the energy for opening the contacts, and having a separate reset mechanism with pneumatic means, e.g. by arc pressure
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/10—Operating or release mechanisms
    • H01H71/1009—Interconnected mechanisms
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H83/00—Protective switches, e.g. circuit-breaking switches, or protective relays operated by abnormal electrical conditions otherwise than solely by excess current
    • H01H83/20—Protective switches, e.g. circuit-breaking switches, or protective relays operated by abnormal electrical conditions otherwise than solely by excess current operated by excess current as well as by some other abnormal electrical condition

Definitions

  • Such a circuit breaker is known from FR 1 194 613 A.
  • the gas volume move within the closed gas space.
  • the thermal buoyancy of the switching arc on the switching contact arrangement contributes to this.
  • An influence acting in the same sense can be exerted on the switching arc by suitably designing the current supply to the switching contact arrangement in that an electrodynamic loop force is generated.
  • the two mentioned influences however, a strong pressure surge is superimposed immediately upon opening of the contact parts of the switching contact arrangement, which is connected to the ignition of the switching arc.
  • the effect of this pressure surge in the closed gas space can lead to the fact that the desired movement of the switching arc is hindered or even temporarily reversed. This results in a reduction in the switching capacity and increased wear of the switch contact arrangement.
  • the object of the invention is to achieve reliable movement of the switching arc on the contact parts in a circuit breaker with a closed gas space.
  • the gas guide pieces in connection with the arcuate contour of the flow channel achieve a surprising increase in the switching capacity while maintaining the essential advantage that no switching gases are emitted to the outside.
  • valve mentioned can rather be designed as a valve flap that can be opened by the switching gases and returns in its blocking position under the influence of gravity. Such an arrangement proves to be robust and reliable in relation to the stresses occurring during the operation of a circuit breaker.
  • a flow of switching gases in the flow channel depends on the level of the current to be interrupted. This phenomenon can be used to quickly trip current-limiting circuit breakers in particular.
  • a movable trigger element which acts upon the drive device in the sense of the opening of the contact parts and acts upon the occurrence of a gas flow.
  • the tripping element can be connected to the tripping shaft in the circuit breaker of the circuit breaker.
  • Circuit breakers of the type considered here generally have a configuration that takes into account the thermal lift of a switching arc.
  • a section of the flow channel adjoining the arc quenching device can be arranged upstream in the direction of the switching movement of the movable contact part of the arc quenching device, a further section of the flow channel of the switch contact arrangement upstream and is arranged flush with the first section of the flow channel.
  • the flow channel can be structurally included in the construction of the circuit breaker in such a way that a common insulating material housing is provided for receiving the switch contact arrangement, the arc quenching device and the flow channel, the arc quenching device and the first section of the flow channel being a separate, common one
  • a common insulating material housing is provided for receiving the switch contact arrangement, the arc quenching device and the flow channel, the arc quenching device and the first section of the flow channel being a separate, common one
  • an extinguishing chamber housing that can be used with an insulating material.
  • an advantageous design is that the flow channel is arranged next to the arc quenching device or next to the switch contact arrangement with respect to the level of the switching movement of the movable contact part of the switch contact arrangement.
  • the space required for the flow channel in this arrangement does not affect the depth of the circuit breaker.
  • Each pole of a multi-pole circuit breaker can have a pole carrier with a cross-sectional shape corresponding approximately to an asymmetrical "H", the transverse web of the "H" shape in connection with the wall parts closing the pole carrier each providing a larger space for accommodating the switch contact arrangement and a smaller space is formed to form at least a part of the flow channel.
  • the pole carrier can, however, be dimensioned at a lower height than this corresponds to the common height of the switch contact arrangement and the arc quenching device.
  • the arc quenching device and a first section of the flow channel can be accommodated in a common quenching chamber housing to be placed on the pole carrier.
  • FIG. 1 shows, as a first exemplary embodiment, a low-voltage circuit breaker with an insulating housing, partly in a lateral section.
  • FIG. 2 shows the pole unit according to FIG. 1, partially cut in the direction of an arrow II in FIG. 1.
  • Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the switching poles of a three-pole low-voltage circuit breaker.
  • FIG. 4 shows the top view of the pole units according to FIG. 3 with the arc quenching device removed.
  • the pole unit of a low-voltage circuit breaker shown in FIG. 1 and denoted as a whole by 1 has a common insulating housing 2 for a switch contact arrangement denoted as a whole by 3 and an arc extinguishing device likewise denoted as a whole by 4.
  • the switch contact arrangement 3 located in the lower part of the insulating material housing 2 has a movable contact part 5 designed as a contact lever, which can be pivoted about a pivot bearing 6. The switch-off position is brought about in a known manner by pivoting the contact part 5 around the rotary bearing 6 in a clockwise direction.
  • the movable contact part 5 interacts with a fixed contact part 7 which is attached directly to a connecting rail 10 which is passed through a wall of the insulating material housing 2 to the outside.
  • the pole unit 1 has a lower connecting bar 11, the inner end of which is connected to the movable contact part 5 by means of a flexible current band 12.
  • the movable contact part 5 is not in actuated in more detail by a schematically indicated drive device 8 for switching the pole unit 1 on and off.
  • the already mentioned arc extinguishing device 4 is located in the insulating material housing 2 above the switch contact arrangement 3. It has its own quenching chamber housing 13 which can be inserted into the insulating material housing 2 of the pole unit 1 from above and connected to it.
  • the arc extinguishing device 4 has, in a known manner, quenching plates 14 arranged parallel to one another and two arc guide rails 15 and 16 delimiting the arrangement of the quenching plates 14, of which the arc guide rail 15 is connected to the fixed contact part 7.
  • An inlet opening of the arc extinguishing device is designated 17, an outlet opening 18.
  • An essential further feature of the pole unit 1 is a flow channel 19, the first, upper section 20 of which is contained in the quenching chamber housing 13, while a second, lower section 21 is only limited by wall parts of the insulating material housing 2.
  • the flow channel 19 is thus upstream of the switch contact arrangement 3 and the arc extinguishing device 4, if one looks at the pole unit 1 in the direction of the arrow II in FIG. 1, which corresponds to the viewing direction of a complete circuit breaker.
  • the quenching chamber housing 13 is provided with gas guide pieces 22 and a rounded wall part 23 in the area of the outlet opening 18.
  • a device 24 for deionizing and cooling the switching gases can be an arrangement of perforated sheets, expanded metal, wire mesh or similar means.
  • the lower part of the second section 21 is the Flow channel 19 curved or trough-shaped.
  • a rib 25 in the insulating material housing 2 ensures that the air or switching gases are guided up to approximately the pivot bearing 6 of the movable contact part 5 and due to the relative proximity of the end of the gas guide rib 25 and the pivot bearing 6 there is no significant leakage due to the pivoting movement of the movable contact part 5 arises.
  • the flow channel 19 is supplemented by a nozzle section 26 which is located below the fixed contact part 7 and which is more or less completely closed by a valve 27 which is designed to be pivotable in the state of rest of the pole unit 1.
  • the valve 27 assumes the rest position shown under the influence of gravity and can be moved by a pivot bearing 30 up to the dash-dotted end position, which is sufficiently distant from an upright dead center position.
  • the switch contact arrangement 3 is connected to a drive device 8. As indicated in FIG. 1, this can preferably be arranged in front of the insulating housing 2 on the right-hand side in FIG. 1 and can be connected to the movable contact part 5 by means of a coupling rod.
  • a coupling rod 31 can reach through a shaft 32, as is indicated schematically in FIG. 2. Since the coupling rod 31 is only a narrow component, the space requirement of the shaft 32 is also small, so that the flow channel 17 is only slightly narrowed.
  • the flow channel 19 can also contain a trigger element 33 designed as a swing flap, which is suitable for the particularly rapid triggering of the switch lock of a current-limiting circuit breaker. This is indicated in FIG. 1 by a dash-dotted connection 34 between the trigger element 33 and the drive device 8.
  • valve 30 reflects the pressure wave and thereby exerts an additional driving force on the switching arc in the direction of the arc extinguishing device 4. Due to the substantially larger cross section of the arc quenching device 4 compared to the space below the contact parts 5 and 7, the pressure wave can propagate in the direction of the arc quenching device 4 essentially unhindered. A gas flow occurs there, in particular after the switching arc has passed onto the arc guide rails 15 and 16 and the associated extension and contact with a larger air volume, which is deflected by the gas guide pieces 22 into the flow channel 19.
  • the gas flow in the flow channel 19 is maintained even when the current passes through zero and only comes to a standstill after the extinguishing process has been completed by pressure equalization. This property prevents the arc base points from springing back in the course of the quenching process and improves the dielectric strength at the open switching path.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 To build a multi-pole circuit breaker, several of the pole units 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be arranged next to one another, as is indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 2. Another exemplary embodiment suitable for the construction of multi-pole circuit breakers will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
  • Each of the pole units 40 according to FIG. 3 has a pole carrier 41 which essentially has a schematically indicated switch contact arrangement 42 and on which an arcing chamber unit 43 is placed.
  • each of the pole carriers 41 has the shape of an asymmetrical "H" in cross section, a larger space 45 for receiving the switch contact arrangement 42 and a smaller space 46 being formed by the crosspiece 44 of the H shape.
  • the rooms 45 and 46 are closed off by side end walls 47 and intermediate walls 50.
  • On Flow channel 51 is arranged on the side of the switch contact arrangement 42.
  • a first upper section 52 of the flow channel 51 is contained in the quenching chamber housing 43, in addition to an actual arc quenching device 53.
  • a second, lower section 54 of the flow channel 51 is wholly or partly formed by the smaller space 46 in the pole carrier 41.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 permits the construction of circuit breakers with any number of pole units, both the number of poles and the number of units connected in parallel per pole being selectable.

Landscapes

  • Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)
  • Circuit Breakers (AREA)

Abstract

A power switch has a pole unit (1) with a switch contact arrangement (3), an arc quenching device (4) and a flow channel (19). Switching gases from the arc quenching device (4) are taken into the flow channel (19) and, after cooling, taken to the side of the switch contact arrangement (3) away from the arc quenching device (4). The entire gas chamber of the power switch is essentially sealed. The flow channel (19) may comprise a valve flap (27) and a deionising device (24).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen elektrischen Leistungsschalter mit

  • einer einen feststehenden und einen beweglichen Kontaktteil aufweisenden Schaltkontaktanordnung,
  • einer Antriebsvorrichtung zum Schließen und Öffnen der Schaltkontaktanordnung,
  • einem die Schaltkontaktanordnung sowie diese mit einem äußeren Stromkreis verbindende Anschlußschienen aufnehmenden Isolierstoffgehäuse,
  • einer Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung mit einer den Kontaktteilen zugewandten Eintrittsöffnung und einer den Kontaktteilen abgewandten Austrittsöffnung,
  • einem sich an die Austrittsöffnung anschließenden, der weiteren Abkühlung aus der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung austretender Schaltgase dienenden Strömungskanal, der die Schaltgase zu der der Eintrittsöffnung der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung abgewandten Seite der Kontaktteile leitet,
  • wobei das die Schaltkontaktanordnung aufnehmende Isolierstoffgehäuse, die Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung und der Strömungskanal einen zum Außenraum des Leistungsschalters hin im wesentlichen abgeschlossenen Gasraum bilden.
The invention relates to an electrical circuit breaker
  • a switching contact arrangement having a fixed and a movable contact part,
  • a drive device for closing and opening the switch contact arrangement,
  • an insulating material housing which accommodates the switching contact arrangement and connecting rails connecting this to an external circuit,
  • an arc extinguishing device with an inlet opening facing the contact parts and an outlet opening facing away from the contact parts,
  • a flow channel adjoining the outlet opening, which serves for further cooling of the switching gases emerging from the arc quenching device and which guides the switching gases to the side of the contact parts facing away from the inlet opening of the arc quenching device,
  • wherein the insulating material housing accommodating the switch contact arrangement, the arc extinguishing device and the flow channel form a gas space which is essentially closed off from the outside of the circuit breaker.

Ein solcher Leistungsschalter ist durch die FR 1 194 613 A bekannt geworden. Für die Wirkungsweise dieses Leistungsschalters ist es wesentlich, daß eine Bewegung des Gasvolumens innerhalb des abgeschlossenen Gasraumes zustandekommt. Hierzu trägt der thermische Auftrieb des Schaltlichtbogens an der Schaltkontaktanordnung bei. Ein in dem gleichen Sinn wirkender Einfluß kann auf den Schaltlichtbogen durch eine geeignete Ausbildung der Stromzuführung der Schaltkontaktanordnung dadurch ausgeübt werden, daß eine elektrodynamische Schleifenkraft entsteht. Den beiden genannten Einflüssen überlagert sich jedoch unmittelbar bei der Öffnung der Kontaktteile der Schaltkontaktanordnung ein starker Druckstoß, der mit der Zündung des Schaltlichtbogens verbunden ist. Die Wirkung dieses Druckstoßes kann in dem geschlossenen Gasraum dazu führen, daß die gewünschte Bewegung des Schaltlichtbogens behindert wird oder vorübergehend sogar umgekehrt wird. Dies hat eine Verminderung des Schaltvermögens und einen erhöhten Verschleiß der Schaltkontaktanordnung zur Folge.Such a circuit breaker is known from FR 1 194 613 A. For the mode of operation of this circuit breaker, it is essential that the gas volume move within the closed gas space. The thermal buoyancy of the switching arc on the switching contact arrangement contributes to this. An influence acting in the same sense can be exerted on the switching arc by suitably designing the current supply to the switching contact arrangement in that an electrodynamic loop force is generated. The two mentioned influences, however, a strong pressure surge is superimposed immediately upon opening of the contact parts of the switching contact arrangement, which is connected to the ignition of the switching arc. The effect of this pressure surge in the closed gas space can lead to the fact that the desired movement of the switching arc is hindered or even temporarily reversed. This results in a reduction in the switching capacity and increased wear of the switch contact arrangement.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, bei einem Leistungsschalter mit geschlossenem Gasraum eine zuverlässige Fortbewegung des Schaltlichtbogens an den Kontaktteilen zur erreichen.The object of the invention is to achieve reliable movement of the switching arc on the contact parts in a circuit breaker with a closed gas space.

Diese Aufgabe wird gemäß der Erfindung bei einem Leistungschalter der eingangs genannten Art durch folgende weitere Merkmale gelöst:

  • Die Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung weist Löschbleche auf,
  • an der Austrittsöffnung der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung sind die Schaltgase in den Strömungskanal umlenkende Gasleitstücke angeordnet,
  • in dem Strömungskanal ist an der der Eintrittsöffnung der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung abgewandten Seite der Kontaktteile ein in der Richtung der Strömung der Schaltgase wirksames Ventil angeordnet und
  • der Strömungskanal weist eine die Schaltkontaktanordnung etwa bogenförmig umgreifende Kontur auf.
This object is achieved according to the invention in a circuit breaker of the type mentioned at the outset by the following further features:
  • The arc quenching device has quenching plates,
  • At the outlet opening of the arc extinguishing device, the switching gases are arranged in the flow duct deflecting gas guide pieces,
  • A valve which is effective in the direction of the flow of the switching gases is arranged in the flow channel on the side of the contact parts facing away from the inlet opening of the arc extinguishing device and
  • the flow channel has a contour that encompasses the switching contact arrangement approximately in an arc shape.

Die Verwendung einer Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung mit Löschblechen ist bei Leistungsschaltern an sich bekannt (DE 1 021 054 B). Im Zusammenhang hiermit ist es gleichfalls bekannt, an dem bewegbaren Kontaktteil ein in der Richtung der Strömung der Schaltgase wirksames Ventil anzuordnen. Hierdurch wird erreicht, daß sich die Schaltgase nur in der gewünschten Richtung bewegen können und ein Schaltlichtbogen von den Kontaktteilen rasch zu den Löschblechen bewegt wird.The use of an arc quenching device with quenching plates is known per se in circuit breakers (DE 1 021 054 B). In connection with this, it is also known to arrange a valve that is effective in the direction of the flow of the switching gases on the movable contact part. This ensures that the switching gases can only move in the desired direction and a switching arc is quickly moved from the contact parts to the quenching plates.

Bei dem Leistungsschalter nach der Erfindung wird durch die Gasleitstücke in Verbindung mit der bogenförmigen Kontur des Strömungskanales eine überraschende Steigerung der Schaltleistung unter Beibehaltung des wesentlichen Vorteiles erreicht, daß nach außen keine Schaltgase abgegeben werden.In the circuit breaker according to the invention, the gas guide pieces in connection with the arcuate contour of the flow channel achieve a surprising increase in the switching capacity while maintaining the essential advantage that no switching gases are emitted to the outside.

Es ist ferner nicht erforderlich, das Ventil mit dem bewegbaren Kontaktteil in Verbindung zu bringen. Im Rahmen der Erfindung kann das erwähnte Ventil vielmehr als durch die Schaltgase zu öffnende und unter dem Einfluß der Schwerkraft in ihrer Sperrstellung zurückkehrende Ventilklappe ausgebildet sein. Eine solche Anordnung erweist sich als robust und zuverlässig gegenüber den im Betrieb eines Leistungsschalters auftretenden Beanspruchungen.It is also not necessary to connect the valve to the movable contact part. In the context of the invention, the valve mentioned can rather be designed as a valve flap that can be opened by the switching gases and returns in its blocking position under the influence of gravity. Such an arrangement proves to be robust and reliable in relation to the stresses occurring during the operation of a circuit breaker.

Die Stärke einer Strömung von Schaltgasen in dem Strömungskanal hängt von der Höhe des jeweils zu unterbrechenden Stromes ab. Diese Erscheinung kann ausgenutzt werden, um insbesondere strombegrenzende Leistungsschalter rasch auszulösen. Hierzu kann nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung in dem Strömungskanal ein bewegbares, beim Auftreten einer Gasströmung bestimmter Stärke die Antriebsvorrichtung im Sinne der Öffnung der Kontaktteile beaufschlagendes Auslöseorgan angeordnet sein. Beispielsweise kann das Auslöseorgan mit der Auslösewelle im Schaltschloß des Leistungsschalters verbunden sein.The strength of a flow of switching gases in the flow channel depends on the level of the current to be interrupted. This phenomenon can be used to quickly trip current-limiting circuit breakers in particular. For this purpose, according to a further embodiment of the invention, a movable trigger element which acts upon the drive device in the sense of the opening of the contact parts and acts upon the occurrence of a gas flow. For example, the tripping element can be connected to the tripping shaft in the circuit breaker of the circuit breaker.

Leistungsschalter der vorliegend betrachteten Art weisen im allgemeinen eine Konfiguration auf, die den thermischen Auftrieb eines Schaltlichtbogens berücksichtigt. Nach einer Ausgestaltung eines solchen Leistungsschalters, bei dem sich die Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung oberhalb der Schaltkontaktanordnung befindet, kann ein sich an die Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung anschließender Abschnitt des Strömungskanals in der Richtung der Schaltbewegung des bewegbaren Kontaktteiles der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung vorgelagert sein, wobei ein weiterer Abschnitt des Strömungskanals der Schaltkontaktanordnung vorgelagert und in den ersten Abschnitt des Strömungskanals bündig übergehend angeordnet ist. Hierdurch bleibt die Breite des Leistungsschalters gegenüber der üblichen Anordnung unverändert, während in der Tiefe ein geringer zusätzlicher Raum für den Strömungskanal benötigt wird. Der Strömungskanal kann dabei konstruktiv in den Aufbau des Leistungsschalters in der Weise einbezogen werden, daß ein gemeinsames, zur Aufnahme der Schaltkontaktanordnung, der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung und des Strömungskanals bemessenes Isolierstoffgehäuse vorgesehen ist, wobei die Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung und der erste Abschnitt des Strömungskanals ein gesondertes gemeinsames, in das Isolierstoffgehäuse einsetzbares Löschkammergehäuse aufweisen.Circuit breakers of the type considered here generally have a configuration that takes into account the thermal lift of a switching arc. According to an embodiment of such a circuit breaker, in which the arc quenching device is located above the switch contact arrangement, a section of the flow channel adjoining the arc quenching device can be arranged upstream in the direction of the switching movement of the movable contact part of the arc quenching device, a further section of the flow channel of the switch contact arrangement upstream and is arranged flush with the first section of the flow channel. As a result, the width of the circuit breaker remains unchanged compared to the usual arrangement, while a small additional space is required for the flow channel at depth. The flow channel can be structurally included in the construction of the circuit breaker in such a way that a common insulating material housing is provided for receiving the switch contact arrangement, the arc quenching device and the flow channel, the arc quenching device and the first section of the flow channel being a separate, common one Have an extinguishing chamber housing that can be used with an insulating material.

Bezüglich der relativen Lage des Strömungskanals zu der Schaltkontaktanordnung und der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung besteht eine vorteilhafte Gestaltung darin, daß der Strömungskanal bezüglich der Ebene der Schaltbewegung des bewegbaren Kontaktteiles der Schaltkontaktanordnung neben der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung bzw. neben der Schaltkontaktanordnung angeordnet ist. Der Raumbedarf für den Strömungskanal wirkt sich bei dieser Anordnung nicht auf die Tiefe des Leistungsschalters aus. Dabei kann jeder Pol eines mehrpoligen Leistungsschalters einen Polträger mit einer etwa einem unsymmetrischen "H" entsprechenden Querschnittsform besitzen, wobei durch den Quersteg der "H"-Form in Verbindung mit den Polträger abschließenden Wandteilen jeweils ein größerer Raum zur Aufnahme der Schaltkontaktanordnung und ein kleinerer Raum zur Bildung wenigstens eines Teiles des Strömungskanals gebildet wird. Der Polträger kann jedoch mit einer geringeren Höhe bemessen sein, als dies der gemeinsamen Höhe von Schaltkontaktanordnung und Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung entspricht. Beispielsweise können die Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung und ein erster Abschnitt des Strömungskanals in einem gemeinsamen, auf den Polträger aufzusetzenden Löschkammergehäuse untergebracht sein.With regard to the relative position of the flow channel to the switch contact arrangement and the arc quenching device, an advantageous design is that the flow channel is arranged next to the arc quenching device or next to the switch contact arrangement with respect to the level of the switching movement of the movable contact part of the switch contact arrangement. The space required for the flow channel in this arrangement does not affect the depth of the circuit breaker. Each pole of a multi-pole circuit breaker can have a pole carrier with a cross-sectional shape corresponding approximately to an asymmetrical "H", the transverse web of the "H" shape in connection with the wall parts closing the pole carrier each providing a larger space for accommodating the switch contact arrangement and a smaller space is formed to form at least a part of the flow channel. The pole carrier can, however, be dimensioned at a lower height than this corresponds to the common height of the switch contact arrangement and the arc quenching device. For example, the arc quenching device and a first section of the flow channel can be accommodated in a common quenching chamber housing to be placed on the pole carrier.

Die Erfindung wird im folgenden anhand der in den Figuren dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiele näher erläutert.The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

Die Figur 1 zeigt als erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einen Niederspannungs-Leitungsschalter mit Isolierstoffgehäuse teilweise in einem seitlichen Schnitt.FIG. 1 shows, as a first exemplary embodiment, a low-voltage circuit breaker with an insulating housing, partly in a lateral section.

In der Figur 2 ist die Poleinheit gemäß der Figur 1 teilweise geschnitten in Richtung eines Pfeiles II in der Figur 1 dargestellt.FIG. 2 shows the pole unit according to FIG. 1, partially cut in the direction of an arrow II in FIG. 1.

Die Figur 3 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung die Schaltpole eines dreipoligen Niederspannungs-Leitungsschalters.Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the switching poles of a three-pole low-voltage circuit breaker.

In der Figur 4 sind die Poleinheiten gemäß der Figur 3 mit abgenommener Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung in der Draufsicht gezeigt.4 shows the top view of the pole units according to FIG. 3 with the arc quenching device removed.

Die in der Figur 1 gezeigte und als Ganzes mit 1 bezeichnete Poleinheit eines Niederspannungs-Leitungsschalters weist ein gemeinsames Isolierstoffgehäuse 2 für eine als Ganzes mit 3 bezeichnete Schaltkontaktanordnung und eine gleichfalls als Ganzes mit 4 bezeichnete Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung auf. Die im unteren Teil des Isolierstoffgehäuses 2 befindliche Schaltkontaktanordnung 3 weist ein als Kontakthebel ausgebildetes bewegbares Kontaktteil 5 auf, das um ein Drehlager 6 schwenkbar ist. Die Ausschaltstellung wird in bekannter Weise durch eine Schwenkung des Kontaktteiles 5 um das Drehlager 6 im Uhrzeigersinn herbeigeführt. Das bewegbare Kontaktteil 5 wirkt mit einem feststehenden Kontaktteil 7 zusammen, das unmittelbar an einer durch eine Wand des Isolierstoffgehäuses 2 nach außen hindurchgeführten Anschlußschiene 10 angebracht ist. In paralleler Anordnung zu der oberen Anschlußschiene 10 weist die Poleinheit 1 eine untere Anschlußschiene 11 auf, deren inneres Ende mittels eines biegsamen Strombandes 12 mit dem bewegbaren Kontaktteil 5 verbunden ist. Das bewegbare Kontaktteil 5 wird in nicht näher dargestellter Weise durch eine schematisch angedeutete Antriebsvorrichtung 8 zum Ein- und Ausschalten der Poleinheit 1 betätigt.The pole unit of a low-voltage circuit breaker shown in FIG. 1 and denoted as a whole by 1 has a common insulating housing 2 for a switch contact arrangement denoted as a whole by 3 and an arc extinguishing device likewise denoted as a whole by 4. The switch contact arrangement 3 located in the lower part of the insulating material housing 2 has a movable contact part 5 designed as a contact lever, which can be pivoted about a pivot bearing 6. The switch-off position is brought about in a known manner by pivoting the contact part 5 around the rotary bearing 6 in a clockwise direction. The movable contact part 5 interacts with a fixed contact part 7 which is attached directly to a connecting rail 10 which is passed through a wall of the insulating material housing 2 to the outside. In a parallel arrangement to the upper connecting bar 10, the pole unit 1 has a lower connecting bar 11, the inner end of which is connected to the movable contact part 5 by means of a flexible current band 12. The movable contact part 5 is not in actuated in more detail by a schematically indicated drive device 8 for switching the pole unit 1 on and off.

Die schon erwähnte Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung 4 befindet sich in dem Isolierstoffgehäuse 2 oberhalb der Schaltkontaktanordnung 3. Sie weist ein eigenes Löschkammergehäuse 13 auf, das von oben in das Isolierstoffgehäuse 2 der Poleinheit 1 einfügbar und mit diesem zu verbinden ist. Die Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung 4 weist in bekannter Weise parallel zueinander angeordnete Löschbleche 14 sowie zwei die Anordnung der Löschbleche 14 begrenzende Lichtbogenleitschienen 15 und 16 auf, von denen die Lichtbogenleitschiene 15 mit dem feststehenden Kontaktteil 7 verbunden ist. Eine Eintrittsöffnung der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung ist mit 17, eine Austrittsöffnung mit 18 bezeichnet.The already mentioned arc extinguishing device 4 is located in the insulating material housing 2 above the switch contact arrangement 3. It has its own quenching chamber housing 13 which can be inserted into the insulating material housing 2 of the pole unit 1 from above and connected to it. The arc extinguishing device 4 has, in a known manner, quenching plates 14 arranged parallel to one another and two arc guide rails 15 and 16 delimiting the arrangement of the quenching plates 14, of which the arc guide rail 15 is connected to the fixed contact part 7. An inlet opening of the arc extinguishing device is designated 17, an outlet opening 18.

Ein wesentlichen weiteres Merkmal der Poleinheit 1 ist ein Strömungskanal 19, dessen erster, oberer Abschnitt 20 in dem Loschkammergehause 13 enthalten ist, während ein zweiter, unterer Abschnitt 21 nur von Wandteilen des Isolierstoffgehäuses 2 begrenzt ist. Der Strömungskanal 19 ist somit der Schaltkontaktanordnung 3 und der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung 4 vorgelagert, wenn man die Poleinheit 1 in der Richtung des Pfeiles II in der Figur 1 betrachtet, die mit der Betrachtungsrichtung eines vollständigen Leistungsschalters übereinstimmt. Um den Übertritt zwischen den Löschblechen 14 austretender Schaltgase in den Strömungskanal 19 zu erleichtern, ist das Löschkammergehäuse 13 im Bereich der Austrittsöffnung 18 mit Gasleitstücken 22 und einem abgerundeten Wandteil 23 versehen. Am unteren Ende des ersten Abschnittes 20 des Strömungskanals 19 befindet sich eine Vorrichtung 24 zur Entionisierung und Kühlung der Schaltgase. Es kann sich dabei um eine Anordnung von Lochblechen, Streckmetall, Drahtgewebe oder ähnlichen Mitteln handeln. Gleichfalls zur Erzielung eines geringes Strömungswiderstandes ist der untere Teil des zweiten Abschnittes 21 des Strömungskanals 19 bogen- oder wannenförmig gestaltet. Durch eine Rippe 25 in dem Isolierstoffgehäuse 2 wird dafür gesorgt, daß die Luft bzw. Schaltgase bis etwa zu dem Drehlager 6 des bewegbaren Kontaktteiles 5 geleitet werden und durch die relative Nähe des Endes der Gasleitrippe 25 und des Drehlagers 6 keine nennenswerte Undichtigkeit aufgrund der Schwenkbewegung des bewegbaren Kontaktteiles 5 entsteht. Der Strömungskanal 19 wird durch eine Düsenstrecke 26 ergänzt, die sich unterhalb des feststehenden Kontaktteiles 7 befindet und die im Ruhezustand der Poleinheit 1 mehr oder weniger vollständig durch ein klappenartig schwenkbar ausgebildetes Ventil 27 verschlossen ist. Das Ventil 27 nimmt die dargestellte Ruhelage unter dem Einfluß der Schwerkraft ein und ist um ein Schwenklager 30 bis maximal in die strichpunktierte Endstellung bewegbar, die ausreichend von einer aufrechten Totpunktstellung entfernt ist.An essential further feature of the pole unit 1 is a flow channel 19, the first, upper section 20 of which is contained in the quenching chamber housing 13, while a second, lower section 21 is only limited by wall parts of the insulating material housing 2. The flow channel 19 is thus upstream of the switch contact arrangement 3 and the arc extinguishing device 4, if one looks at the pole unit 1 in the direction of the arrow II in FIG. 1, which corresponds to the viewing direction of a complete circuit breaker. In order to facilitate the passage of switching gases escaping between the quenching plates 14 into the flow channel 19, the quenching chamber housing 13 is provided with gas guide pieces 22 and a rounded wall part 23 in the area of the outlet opening 18. At the lower end of the first section 20 of the flow channel 19 there is a device 24 for deionizing and cooling the switching gases. It can be an arrangement of perforated sheets, expanded metal, wire mesh or similar means. Likewise, to achieve a low flow resistance, the lower part of the second section 21 is the Flow channel 19 curved or trough-shaped. A rib 25 in the insulating material housing 2 ensures that the air or switching gases are guided up to approximately the pivot bearing 6 of the movable contact part 5 and due to the relative proximity of the end of the gas guide rib 25 and the pivot bearing 6 there is no significant leakage due to the pivoting movement of the movable contact part 5 arises. The flow channel 19 is supplemented by a nozzle section 26 which is located below the fixed contact part 7 and which is more or less completely closed by a valve 27 which is designed to be pivotable in the state of rest of the pole unit 1. The valve 27 assumes the rest position shown under the influence of gravity and can be moved by a pivot bearing 30 up to the dash-dotted end position, which is sufficiently distant from an upright dead center position.

Wie bereits erwähnt, steht die Schaltkontaktanordnung 3 mit einer Antriebsvorrichtung 8 in Verbindung. Diese kann, wie in der Figur 1 angedeutet, vorzugsweise dem Isolierstoffgehäuse 2 an der rechten Seite in der Figur 1 vorgelagert sein und kann mittels einer Koppelstange mit dem bewegbaren Kontaktteil 5 verbunden sein. Eine solche Koppelstange 31 kann dabei durch einen Schacht 32 hindurchgreifen, wie dies in der Figur 2 schematisch angedeutet ist. Da die Koppelstange 31 nur ein schmales Bauteil darstellt, ist auch der Raumbedarf des Schachtes 32 gering, so daß der Strömungskanal 17 nur wenig eingeengt ist.As already mentioned, the switch contact arrangement 3 is connected to a drive device 8. As indicated in FIG. 1, this can preferably be arranged in front of the insulating housing 2 on the right-hand side in FIG. 1 and can be connected to the movable contact part 5 by means of a coupling rod. Such a coupling rod 31 can reach through a shaft 32, as is indicated schematically in FIG. 2. Since the coupling rod 31 is only a narrow component, the space requirement of the shaft 32 is also small, so that the flow channel 17 is only slightly narrowed.

Unterhalb des Schachtes 32 kann der Strömungskanal 19 noch ein als Schwingklappe ausgebildetes Auslöseorgan 33 enthalten, das zur besonders schnellen Auslösung des Schaltschlosses eines strombegrenzenden Leistungsschalters geeignet ist. Dies ist in der Figur 1 durch eine strichpunktierte Verbindung 34 zwischen dem Auslöseorgan 33 und der Antriebssvorrichtung 8 angedeutet.Below the shaft 32, the flow channel 19 can also contain a trigger element 33 designed as a swing flap, which is suitable for the particularly rapid triggering of the switch lock of a current-limiting circuit breaker. This is indicated in FIG. 1 by a dash-dotted connection 34 between the trigger element 33 and the drive device 8.

Die Wirkungsweise der in den Figuren 1 und 2 dargestellten Poleinheit 1 wird im folgenden unter der Annahme erläutert, daß unter dem Einfluß eines Kurzschlusses ein sehr hoher Strom über die Anschlußschienen 10 und 11 sowie die Schaltkontaktanordnung 3 fließt. Wird das bewegbare Kontaktteil 5 ausgehend von der in der Figur 1 gezeigten Einschaltstellung in ihre Ausschaltstellung bewegt, so entsteht ein Schaltlichtbogen zwischen dem bewegbaren Kontaktteil 5 und dem feststehenden Kontaktteil 7. Mit diesem Vorgang ist eine explosionsartige Druckwelle verbunden, die sich allseitig ausbreitet und die insbesondere sowohl in der Richtung der Eintrittsöffnung 17 der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung 4 als auch in der entgegengesetzten Richtung wirkt. Elektromagnetische Schleifenkräfte bewirken jedoch einen Vortrieb des Schaltlichtbogens in Richtung auf die Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung 4. Die Ausbreitung in dieser Richtung wird dadurch unterstützt, daß das Ventil 30 die Druckwelle reflektiert und dadurch eine zusätzliche Vortriebskraft auf den Schaltlichtbogen in Richtung der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung 4 ausübt. Durch den wesentlich größeren Querschnitt der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung 4 gegenüber dem Raum unterhalb der Kontaktteile 5 und 7 kann sich die Druckwelle in der Richtung der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung 4 im wesentlichen ungehindert ausbreiten. Es kommt dort, insbesondere nach dem Übertritt des Schaltlichtbogens auf die Lichtbogenleitschienen 15 und 16 und die hiermit verbundene Verlängerung und Berührung mit einem größeren Luftvolumen zu einer Gasströmung, die durch die Gasleitstücke 22 in den Strömungskanal 19 umgelenkt wird. An der Austrittsöffnung 18 der Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung 4 verbliebene Ladungsträger werden durch die Berührung mit den Wandflächen im ersten Abschnitt 20 des Strömungskanals 19 und im weiteren Verlauf der Strömung in der Vorrichtung 24 neutralisiert. Am unteren Ende des Strömungskanals 19, d. h. in dem bogenförmigen Teil des unteren Abschnittes 21 gelangt daher nur Luft bzw. Schaltgas, das im wesentlichen frei von Metalldampf und leitfähigen Bestandteilen ist. Aufgrund der Strömung wird das Ventil 27 geöffnet, so daß nun die Gasströmung zwischen den geöffneten Kontaktteilen 5 und 7 hindurchtritt, dort für einen Gasaustausch sorgt und insbesondere die Gefahr einer Rückzündung beseitigt. Zugleich wird die Fortbewegung des Schaltlichtbogens zwischen den Löschblechen 14 beschleunigt und hierdurch die Lichtbogen-löschung begünstigt, weil die Lichtbogenfußpunkte rascher über kalte Abschnitte der Löschbleche 14 geführt werden. Hieraus resultiert ein beträchtich gesteigertes Schaltvermögen der neuen Anordnung. Zugleich unterbleibt jeder Gasauswurf, weil die Expansion und Kühlung der als Löschmittel eingesetzten Luft im geschlossenen Kreislauf erfolgt.The mode of operation of the pole unit 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is explained below on the assumption that under the influence of a short circuit a very high current flows through the connecting rails 10 and 11 and the switch contact arrangement 3. If the movable contact part 5 is moved from its switch-on position shown in FIG. 1 to its switch-off position, a switching arc arises between the movable contact part 5 and the fixed contact part 7. This process involves an explosive pressure wave which spreads on all sides and which in particular acts both in the direction of the inlet opening 17 of the arc extinguishing device 4 and in the opposite direction. However, electromagnetic loop forces cause the switching arc to advance in the direction of the arc extinguishing device 4. The propagation in this direction is supported by the fact that the valve 30 reflects the pressure wave and thereby exerts an additional driving force on the switching arc in the direction of the arc extinguishing device 4. Due to the substantially larger cross section of the arc quenching device 4 compared to the space below the contact parts 5 and 7, the pressure wave can propagate in the direction of the arc quenching device 4 essentially unhindered. A gas flow occurs there, in particular after the switching arc has passed onto the arc guide rails 15 and 16 and the associated extension and contact with a larger air volume, which is deflected by the gas guide pieces 22 into the flow channel 19. Charge carriers remaining at the outlet opening 18 of the arc extinguishing device 4 are neutralized by contact with the wall surfaces in the first section 20 of the flow channel 19 and in the further course of the flow in the device 24. At the lower end of the flow channel 19, that is to say in the arcuate part of the lower section 21, therefore only air or switching gas which is essentially free of metal vapor and conductive components reaches. Due to the flow, the valve 27 is opened so that the gas flow passes between the opened contact parts 5 and 7, ensures gas exchange there and in particular eliminates the risk of reignition. At the same time, the movement of the switching arc between the quenching plates 14 is accelerated and the arc quenching is thereby favored because the arc base points are guided more quickly over cold sections of the quenching plates 14. This results in a significantly increased switching capacity of the new arrangement. At the same time, no gas is ejected because the air used as an extinguishing agent is expanded and cooled in a closed circuit.

Die Gasströmung in dem Strömungskanal 19 bleibt auch bei einem Stromnulldurchgang erhalten und kommt erst nach Abschluß des Löschvorganges durch Druckausgleich zum Stillstand. Diese Eigenschaft verhindert ein Rückspringen der Lichtbogenfußpunkte im Verlauf des Löschvorganges und verbessert die Spannungsfestigkeit an der geöffneten Schaltstrecke.The gas flow in the flow channel 19 is maintained even when the current passes through zero and only comes to a standstill after the extinguishing process has been completed by pressure equalization. This property prevents the arc base points from springing back in the course of the quenching process and improves the dielectric strength at the open switching path.

Zum Bau eines mehrpoligen Leistungsschalters können mehrere der in den Figuren 1 und 2 gezeigten Poleinheiten 1 nebeneinander angeordnet werden, wie dies strichpunktiert in der Figur 2 angedeutet ist. Ein weiteres, für den Bau mehrpoliger Leistungsschalter geeignetes Ausführungsbeispiel wird nun anhand der Figuren 3 und 4 erläutert. Jede der Poleinheiten 40 gemäß der Figur 3 weist einen Polträger 41 auf, der im wesentlichen eine schematisch angedeutete Schaltkontaktanordnung 42 aufweist und auf den eine Löschkammereinheit 43 aufgesetzt ist.To build a multi-pole circuit breaker, several of the pole units 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be arranged next to one another, as is indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 2. Another exemplary embodiment suitable for the construction of multi-pole circuit breakers will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Each of the pole units 40 according to FIG. 3 has a pole carrier 41 which essentially has a schematically indicated switch contact arrangement 42 and on which an arcing chamber unit 43 is placed.

Wie näher die Figur 4 zeigt, weist jeder der Polträger 41 im Querschnitt die Form eines unsymmetrischen "H" auf, wobei durch den Quersteg 44 der H-Form ein größerer Raum 45 zur Aufnahme der Schaltkontakanordnung 42 und ein kleinerer Raum 46 gebildet wird. Die Räume 45 und 46 werden durch seitliche Endwände 47 und Zwischenwände 50 abgeschlossen. Ein Strömmungskanal 51 ist seitlich der Schaltkontaktanordnung 42 angeordnet. Dabei ist ein erster oberer Abschnitt 52 des Strömungskanals 51 in dem Löschkammergehäuse 43 enthalten, und zwar neben einer eigentlichen Lichtbogenlöscheinrichtung 53. Ein zweiter, unterer Abschnitt 54 des Strömungskanals 51 wird ganz oder teilweise durch den kleineren Raum 46 im Polträger 41 gebildet.As FIG. 4 shows in greater detail, each of the pole carriers 41 has the shape of an asymmetrical "H" in cross section, a larger space 45 for receiving the switch contact arrangement 42 and a smaller space 46 being formed by the crosspiece 44 of the H shape. The rooms 45 and 46 are closed off by side end walls 47 and intermediate walls 50. On Flow channel 51 is arranged on the side of the switch contact arrangement 42. A first upper section 52 of the flow channel 51 is contained in the quenching chamber housing 43, in addition to an actual arc quenching device 53. A second, lower section 54 of the flow channel 51 is wholly or partly formed by the smaller space 46 in the pole carrier 41.

Wie man erkennt, gestattet die Bauweise gemäß den Figuren 3 und 4 den Bau von Leistungsschaltern mit beliebiger Anzahl von Poleinheiten, wobei sowohl die Polzahl als auch die Anzahl je Pol parallel geschalteter Einheiten wählbar ist.As can be seen, the construction according to FIGS. 3 and 4 permits the construction of circuit breakers with any number of pole units, both the number of poles and the number of units connected in parallel per pole being selectable.

Claims (7)

  1. Electrical power circuit breaker with
    - a switching-contact arrangement (3) having one fixed (7) and one moving (5) contact part,
    - a drive device (8) for closing and opening the switching-contact arrangement (3),
    - a housing (2) made of insulating material, which accommodates the switching-contact arrangement (3) and terminal bars (10, 11) which connect the latter to an external circuit,
    - an arc-quenching device (4) with an entry opening (17) adjoining the contact parts (5, 7) and an exit opening (18) remote from the contact parts (5, 7),
    - a flow channel (19) which follows the exit opening (18), is used for further cooling breaker gases emerging from the arc-quenching device (4) and feeds the breaker gases to the side of the contact parts (5, 7) remote from the entry opening (17) of the arc-quenching device (4),
    - the housing (2) made of insulating material, which accommodates the switching-contact arrangement (3), the arc-quenching device (4) and the flow channel (19) forming a gas space which is substantially closed off with respect to the space external to the power circuit breaker,
    characterized by the following further features:
    - the arc-quenching device (4) has quenching plates (14),
    - gas guide pieces (22) which deflect breaker gases into the flow channel (19) are arranged at the exit opening (18) of the arc-quenching device (4),
    - a valve (27) which is active in the flow direction of the breaker gases is arranged in the flow channel (19), on the side of the contact parts (5, 7) remote from the entry opening (17) of the arc-quenching device (4), and
    - the flow channel (19) has a contour which encloses the switching-contact arrangement (3) approximately in the shape of an arc.
  2. Power circuit breaker according to Claim 1, characterized in that the valve (27) is designed as a valve flap to be opened by the breaker gases and returning to its closed position under the effect of gravity.
  3. Power circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a mobile trigger member (33) is arranged in the flow channel (19) and, when a gas flow of specific strength occurs, actuates the drive device (8) so as to open the contact parts (5, 7).
  4. Power circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arc-quenching device (4) is situated above the switching-contact arrangement (3), and a section (20) of the flow channel (19), adjoining the arc-quenching device (4), is mounted upstream of the arc-quenching device (4) in the direction of the switching movement of the mobile contact part (5), a further section (21) of the flow channel (19) being mounted upstream of the switching-contact arrangement (3) and being arranged leading directly into the first section (20) of the flow channel (19).
  5. Power circuit breaker according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a common housing (2) made of insulating material, designed to accommodate the switching-contact arrangement (3), the arc-quenching device (4) and the flow channel (19), is provided, the arc-quenching device (4) and the first section (20) of the flow channel (19) having a separate common quenching-chamber housing (13) which can be fitted into the housing (2) made of insulating material.
  6. Power circuit breaker according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, relative to the plane of the switching movement of the mobile contact part (5) of the switching arrangement (3), the flow channel (51) is arranged next to the arc-quenching device (4) or next to the switching-contact arrangement (3), and in that each pole of a multi-pole power circuit breaker has a pole support (41) with a cross-sectional shape approximately corresponding to an asymmetric "H", a larger space (45) for accommodating the switching-contact arrangement (42) and a smaller space (46) for forming at least a part of the flow channel (51) being respectively formed by the transverse branch (44) of the "H" shape in conjunction with the wall parts (47, 50) closing off the pole support (41).
  7. Power circuit breaker according to Claim 6, characterized in that the arc-quenching device (53) and a first section (52) of the flow channel are placed in a common quenching-chamber housing (43) to be fitted onto the pole support (41).
EP94927482A 1993-09-24 1994-09-16 Power switch with an arc quenching device Expired - Lifetime EP0720772B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4333278A DE4333278A1 (en) 1993-09-24 1993-09-24 Circuit breaker with an arc extinguisher
DE4333278 1993-09-24
PCT/DE1994/001110 WO1995008832A1 (en) 1993-09-24 1994-09-16 Power switch with an arc quenching device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0720772A1 EP0720772A1 (en) 1996-07-10
EP0720772B1 true EP0720772B1 (en) 1997-04-02

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US (1) US5731561A (en)
EP (1) EP0720772B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH09503090A (en)
DE (2) DE4333278A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1995008832A1 (en)

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WO1995008832A1 (en) 1995-03-30
JPH09503090A (en) 1997-03-25
US5731561A (en) 1998-03-24
DE4333278A1 (en) 1995-03-30
DE59402317D1 (en) 1997-05-07
EP0720772A1 (en) 1996-07-10

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