EP1271590A1 - Hybrid circuit breaker for middle or high voltage with vacuum and gas - Google Patents

Abstract

The hybrid circuit breaker has an outer envelope (12) with a vacuum switch (10) and a gas filled (11) circuit breaker both with contacts (1,2), (3,4). A connection mechanism (13) moves longitudinally activating the first contact set. There is a movement mechanism connected to the connection mechanism displacing also the third and fourth contacts. Movement is by contact following a dead course region (D) which holds the circuit breaker under vacuum.

Description

The invention relates to a hybrid type switching device for high or medium voltage. The hybrid qualifier applies to the cut which is of mixed type in making two different cutting techniques cooperate. We notably describe as hybrid a switch device which comprises a vacuum switch containing a first pair of arcing contacts and which also includes a gas switch comprising a second pair of arcing contacts.

A device of this type is known from US Pat. No. 3,038,980. It comprises a envelope filled with a dielectric gas and having a longitudinal axis, inside which are arranged the two switches electrically connected in series and to the exterior of which is arranged the control mechanism of the device. The mechanism actuation of the contacts of the two switches is relatively simple, in the sense that one of the two contacts of the gas switch is integral with a movable contact which is attached to it adjacent to the vacuum switch. The other contact of the gas switch is secured to a operating rod connected to the device control mechanism. A mechanism to spring associated with a stop has the effect of keeping the contacts pressed against each other of the gas switch during the first part of their stroke when opening the device, until the vacuum switch contacts are separated by a distance determined. The purpose of such a sequence for the separation of the contacts of the two pairs is to be able to delay the separation of the contacts of the second pair (gas switch) by compared to those of the first pair (vacuum switch).

However, such a sequence is not satisfactory if the cut-off device high voltage hybrid combines a gas switch designed for high voltage standardized above 72.5 kV with a vacuum interrupter designed for an average normalized voltage less than 52 kV. Indeed, as long as the contacts of the gas switch are not separated when the fault current is cut by the device, the switch unladen supports all the transient recovery voltage across the terminals of the break during the separation of its contacts. However, the vacuum switch is only provided for withstand a recovery voltage which remains within the limits of the medium voltage. Thus, a high voltage hybrid breaking device which would implement the sequence described above for the separation of the contacts could only cut the current after the separation of the two contacts of the gas switch. This operation implies a duration relatively long arc that a vacuum interrupter is not designed to support. The general structure of the device described in this patent US 3038980 does not allow power modify the sequence for contact separation. In particular, it is not possible with such a device to obtain a simultaneous or delayed separation of the contacts of the vacuum switch in relation to the separation of the contacts of the gas switch.

Another device of this type is known from patent application EP1109187. allows to adjust the sequence for the separation of the contacts so as to be able to obtain a simultaneous or slightly delayed separation of the vacuum switch contacts by compared to the separation of the gas switch contacts. The mobile contact of the vacuum interrupter is connected to a connecting rod, one end of which is movable in rotation, this end or big end being articulated on a crank pin of a flywheel which can be coupled or uncoupled from a toothed rod controlled in translation by the operating rod of the gas switch.

However, this device has certain drawbacks from a mechanical point of view. First of all, it is necessary to exert sufficient force on the movable contact of the vacuum switch as long as current flow is authorized, so as to have a mutual pressure between the contact surfaces of the contacts of this switch which is greater than a given value to resist electrodynamic forces during the current flow. The steering wheel of the device must therefore be fitted with an elastic system of recall which allows to exert this force required on the movable contact of the vacuum switch. On the other hand, the transmission of the movement of the operating rod of the gas switch to the vacuum interrupter is done by a connecting rod whose axis is oblique to the axis of translation of the movable contact of this vacuum switch. This results in constraints important transverse on the vacuum switch, which can limit its endurance mechanical.

Finally, there is another device of this type described in the patent application. EP1117114, which has in particular compared to the previous device the advantage that the moving contact of the vacuum interrupter is always subjected to directed forces only along the direction of the longitudinal axis of this switch. In addition, elastic means to springs are provided to maintain mutual pressure between the contacts of the vacuum switch as long as this switch is closed. However, in this device, the separation movement of the vacuum switch contacts is controlled by the operation of the gas switch, which means that the contacts of the switch must not be separated when the contacts of the gas switch open. It is necessary for this device to have such a delayed contact separation sequence in order to cause the passage of current by zero before the vacuum switch ensures only the cut. In Indeed, the device is used exclusively as a generator circuit breaker, and by therefore the gas switch is only present to decrease the percentage of asymmetry current.

Obviously, it is not possible to achieve with this device a separation simultaneous or slightly delayed contacts of the vacuum interrupter compared to the separation of the gas switch contacts.

The invention aims to remedy the drawbacks or limitations of the techniques by proposing a hybrid switching device for high or medium voltage relatively compact and enduring which while operating with a single organ of operation, i.e. with a control mechanism connected to a single rod operation, adjusts the separation sequence of the switch contacts.

• une enveloppe remplie d'un gaz diélectrique et ayant un axe longitudinal,
• un interrupteur à vide disposé dans l'enveloppe, comportant une première paire de contacts d'arc constituée d'un premier contact qui est fixe et d'un second contact qui peut être déplacé en translation dans la direction longitudinale de l'enveloppe,
• des moyens prévus pour exercer sur le second contact une force telle que la pression mutuelle entre les surfaces d'appui des premier et second contact soit supérieure à une valeur déterminée tant que l'interrupteur à vide autorise le passage du courant,
• un interrupteur à gaz disposé dans l'enveloppe, comportant une seconde paire de contacts d'arc constituée d'un troisième contact qui est fixe et d'un quatrième contact qui peut être déplacé en translation dans la direction axiale longitudinale, comportant de plus une chambre de soufflage qui comprend un volume de soufflage thermique,
• une tige de manoeuvre reliée au quatrième contact et pouvant être immobilisée ou déplacée en translation par des moyens de commande,

caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre

• un moyen de raccordement connectant électriquement les second et troisième contacts, apte à être déplacé en translation dans la direction axiale longitudinale solidairement avec le second contact,
• des moyens de déplacement reliés à ce moyen de raccordement et à la tige de manoeuvre pour les déplacer de manière à séparer les second et quatrième contacts respectivement des premier et troisième contacts, comprenant des moyens de liaison à course morte reliant le moyen de raccordement à la tige, ces moyens de liaison permettant de déplacer la tige d'une course morte déterminée tout en agissant sur le moyen de raccordement pour maintenir l'interrupteur à vide fermé pendant ce déplacement.

To this end, the invention relates to a hybrid type breaking device for high or medium voltage, comprising

• an envelope filled with a dielectric gas and having a longitudinal axis,
• a vacuum interrupter placed in the enclosure, comprising a first pair of arcing contacts consisting of a first contact which is fixed and a second contact which can be moved in translation in the longitudinal direction of the enclosure,
• means provided for exerting a force on the second contact such that the mutual pressure between the bearing surfaces of the first and second contact is greater than a determined value as long as the vacuum switch authorizes the passage of current,
• a gas switch arranged in the enclosure, comprising a second pair of arcing contacts consisting of a third contact which is fixed and of a fourth contact which can be moved in translation in the longitudinal axial direction, further comprising a blowing chamber which includes a thermal blowing volume,
• an operating rod connected to the fourth contact and which can be immobilized or moved in translation by control means,

characterized in that it further comprises

• a connection means electrically connecting the second and third contacts, capable of being moved in translation in the longitudinal axial direction integrally with the second contact,
• displacement means connected to this connection means and to the operating rod to move them so as to separate the second and fourth contacts respectively from the first and third contacts, comprising dead travel connection means connecting the connection means to the rod, these connecting means making it possible to move the rod by a determined dead stroke while acting on the connection means to keep the vacuum switch closed during this movement.

Advantageously, for applications where a device according to the invention is intended for use as a circuit breaker in a high-voltage network, the means of movement are arranged so that the separations of the switch contacts vacuum and gas respectively occur simultaneously or slightly offset in time. This allows for adequate distribution between the vacuum interrupter and the gas switch the transient recovery voltage that appears between the contacts of each switch as soon as they separate.

For applications where a device according to the invention is intended for use as a generator circuit breaker for a medium voltage network, the means of movement are preferably arranged so that the separation of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter occurs significantly delayed compared to separation arcing contacts of the gas switch, so that the current flow through zero is caused by the gas switch before the vacuum switch cuts the power.

• les moyens de liaison à course morte comprennent des moyens de renvoi de mouvement qui coopèrent avec des premiers moyens élastiques reliés au moyen de raccordement ou à la tige de manoeuvre,
• les moyens de déplacement comprennent des second moyens élastiques aptes à coopérer avec le moyen de raccordement pour séparer les contacts de l'interrupteur à vide dès que la tige de manoeuvre a parcouru ladite course morte et aptes à déplacer le moyen de raccordement et le second contact d'une course d'isolation déterminée par rapport au premier contact lors d'une interruption de courant par le dispositif, cette course d'isolation correspondant à la distance de séparation complète des contacts de l'interrupteur à vide,
• lesdits premiers et second moyens élastiques comprennent respectivement un premier et un second ressort chacun comprimé et apte à se détendre avec un allongement déterminé, coopérant respectivement avec des premier et des second moyens de butée chacun aptes à interrompre la détente du ressort avec lequel ils coopèrent, chaque ressort exerçant une poussée sur le moyen de raccordement dans la direction axiale et ces deux poussées étant de sens opposés,
• lesdits premiers moyens de butée sont solidaires du moyen de raccordement,
• lesdits second moyens de butée sont reliés au troisième contact et assurent la connexion électrique avec le moyen de raccordement,
• lesdits moyens de renvoi comprennent deux parties aptes à être déplacées ensemble en appui l'une contre l'autre et à aptes à être dissociées pendant l'ouverture de l'interrupteur à vide,
• une première partie desdits moyens de renvoi est soumise à une poussée des premiers moyens élastiques qui permet de déplacer cette partie sur ladite course morte relativement au moyen de raccordement, une seconde partie desdits moyens de renvoi étant solidaire en translation de la tige.

According to particular embodiments using said dead-stroke connection means, a breaking device according to the invention can comprise one or more of the following characteristics taken in isolation or according to all technically possible combinations:

• the dead-stroke connecting means comprise movement return means which cooperate with first elastic means connected to the connection means or to the operating rod,
• the displacement means comprise second elastic means able to cooperate with the connection means for separating the contacts of the vacuum switch as soon as the operating rod has traversed said dead stroke and capable of moving the connection means and the second contact an insulation stroke determined with respect to the first contact during a power interruption by the device, this isolation stroke corresponding to the complete separation distance of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter,
• said first and second elastic means respectively comprise a first and a second spring each compressed and able to relax with a determined elongation, cooperating respectively with first and second stop means each capable of interrupting the relaxation of the spring with which they cooperate, each spring exerting a thrust on the connection means in the axial direction and these two thrusts being in opposite directions,
• said first abutment means are integral with the connection means,
• said second abutment means are connected to the third contact and provide the electrical connection with the connection means,
• said return means comprise two parts able to be moved together by pressing one against the other and able to be separated during the opening of the vacuum switch,
• a first part of said return means is subjected to a thrust from the first elastic means which makes it possible to move this part over said dead travel relative to the connection means, a second part of said return means being integral in translation with the rod.

In a first embodiment of a breaking device according to the invention, the contacts of the gas switch are fitted one inside the other in the closed position, with an overlap distance which is less than or equal to the dead travel that can traverse the first part of the return means along the connection means.

• un premier élément tubulaire disposé dans le prolongement axial du quatrième contact, solidairement raccordé à ce dernier et pouvant coulisser à l'intérieur de la tige lors du déplacement de celle-ci, la distance de coulissement étant inférieure ou égale à ladite course morte,
• des troisièmes moyens de butée fixés à une extrémité du premier élément tubulaire au niveau du raccordement avec le quatrième contact,
• un second élément tubulaire solidairement relié par une extrémité à la seconde partie des moyens de renvoi, de diamètre supérieur à celui du premier élément tubulaire, pouvant coulisser le long des troisièmes moyens de butée dans la direction axiale lors du déplacement de la tige et comportant à son autre extrémité un chapeau annulaire destiné à venir en appui contre lesdits moyens de butée,
• un troisième ressort à spires disposé selon la direction axiale, intercalé entre les premier et second éléments tubulaires, en appui d'un côté contre les troisièmes moyens de butée et d'un autre côté contre la seconde partie des moyens de renvoi.

Les troisième et quatrième contacts tubulaires peuvent comporter chacun à leur extrémité un embout réalisé en un matériau conducteur réfractaire.In a second embodiment of a cut-off device according to the invention, the contacts of the gas switch are in abutment against each other in the closed position, and means for delaying the setting in movement of the fourth contact are interposed between this fourth contact and the actuating rod of the device. In a variant of this second embodiment, the operating rod as well as the third and fourth contacts are of tubular shape in the axial direction, and said delaying means comprise:

• a first tubular element disposed in the axial extension of the fourth contact, integrally connected to the latter and capable of sliding inside the rod during the displacement of the latter, the sliding distance being less than or equal to said dead travel,
• third abutment means fixed to one end of the first tubular element at the connection with the fourth contact,
• a second tubular element joined at one end to the second part of the deflection means, of diameter greater than that of the first tubular element, which can slide along the third abutment means in the axial direction during the displacement of the rod and comprising at its other end an annular cap intended to come into abutment against said abutment means,
• a third coil spring arranged in the axial direction, interposed between the first and second tubular elements, bearing on one side against the third stop means and on the other side against the second part of the return means.

The third and fourth tubular contacts may each have at their end an end piece made of a refractory conductive material.

• le moyen de raccordement est constitué d'une douille métallique à symétrie de révolution dans la direction axiale, ladite douille comportant une partie tubulaire creuse qui présente à son extrémité ouverte un premier épaulement annulaire qui constitue les premiers moyens de butée
• cette douille métallique comporte une partie cylindrique dans laquelle est ménagé un logement annulaire, ouverte vers l'interrupteur à vide et destinée à loger le second ressort, la paroi entourant ce logement annulaire pouvant comporter à son extrémité un second épaulement annulaire pour maintenir le premier ressort en butée,
• afin de permettre le déplacement en translation des moyens de renvoi le long du moyen de raccordement, la première partie de ces moyens de renvoi comporte à une extrémité une paroi annulaire qui vient en appui contre une extrémité du premier ressort, le diamètre intérieur de ladite paroi annulaire étant égal au diamètre extérieur de la partie tubulaire de la douille,
• les second moyens de butée sont constitués d'un plot cylindrique électriquement relié au troisième contact fixe et disposé dans le prolongement axial de ce dernier, la douille métallique étant emmanchée dans ledit plot et pouvant y coulisser tout en assurant un contact électrique permanent avec celui-ci, la partie tubulaire creuse de ladite douille comportant un fond destiné à venir en appui contre lesdits second moyens de butée,
• les normes des poussées des premier et second ressort sont prévues pour présenter à tout instant une différence en faveur de la norme du premier ressort, cette différence restant supérieure en permanence à un seuil déterminé,
• la seconde des deux parties des moyens de renvoi est reliée électriquement en permanence à une prise de courant, et supporte un contact glissant destiné à être en contact électrique avec un élément de conduction lorsque le dispositif de coupure est fermé,
• cet élément de conduction est fixé au moyen de raccordement pour être électriquement relié en permanence au second contact de l'interrupteur à vide,
• une varistance est disposée dans l'enveloppe commune du dispositif de coupure et électriquement reliée en parallèle aux contacts de l'interrupteur à vide, afin de pouvoir limiter la tension appliquée sur cet interrupteur, en vue de répartir de façon adéquate la tension appliquée sur les interrupteurs respectivement à vide et à gaz lors de l'ouverture du dispositif de coupure,
• un condensateur est monté en parallèle à l'un des interrupteurs ou en parallèle à chacun des interrupteurs en vue d'obtenir cette répartition adéquate.

For the two embodiments mentioned, a breaking device according to the invention can comprise one or more of the following characteristics taken in isolation or according to all technically possible combinations:

• the connection means consists of a metal sleeve with symmetry of revolution in the axial direction, said sleeve comprising a hollow tubular part which has at its open end a first annular shoulder which constitutes the first stop means
• this metal sleeve has a cylindrical part in which is formed an annular housing, open towards the vacuum interrupter and intended to accommodate the second spring, the wall surrounding this annular housing being able to comprise at its end a second annular shoulder to hold the first spring in abutment,
• in order to allow the displacement in translation of the return means along the connection means, the first part of these return means comprises at one end an annular wall which comes to bear against one end of the first spring, the internal diameter of said wall annular being equal to the outside diameter of the tubular part of the sleeve,
• the second stop means consist of a cylindrical pad electrically connected to the third fixed contact and arranged in the axial extension of the latter, the metal sleeve being fitted into said pad and being able to slide therein while ensuring permanent electrical contact with it ci, the hollow tubular part of said socket comprising a bottom intended to come into abutment against said second abutment means,
• the thrust standards of the first and second spring are provided to present at all times a difference in favor of the standard of the first spring, this difference remaining permanently greater than a determined threshold,
• the second of the two parts of the return means is permanently electrically connected to an electrical outlet, and supports a sliding contact intended to be in electrical contact with a conduction element when the cut-off device is closed,
• this conduction element is fixed to the connection means so as to be electrically permanently connected to the second contact of the vacuum interrupter,
• a varistor is placed in the common enclosure of the cut-off device and electrically connected in parallel to the contacts of the vacuum interrupter, in order to be able to limit the voltage applied to this interrupter, in order to adequately distribute the voltage applied to the vacuum and gas switches respectively when the cut-off device is opened,
• a capacitor is mounted in parallel with one of the switches or in parallel with each of the switches in order to obtain this adequate distribution.

La figure 1 est un schéma de principe simplifié montrant les principaux éléments d'un dispositif de coupure hybride à haute tension selon l'invention dans un mode de réalisation particulier, représenté en position fermée.

Les figures 2 et 3 représentent des étapes successives de l'ouverture du dispositif de coupure hybride montré à la figure 1.

La figure 4 représente le schéma de principe d'un dispositif de coupure hybride selon l'invention identique à celui représenté à la figure 1, à l'exception que les contacts de l'interrupteur à gaz sont agencés pour que leur séparation se produise peu de temps avant celle des contacts de l'interrupteur à vide.

La figure 5 représente une étape intermédiaire de l'ouverture du dispositif de coupure hybride représenté à la figure 5.

La figure 6 représente un mode de réalisation particulier d'un dispositif de coupure hybride selon l'invention dans lequel la séparation des contacts de l'interrupteur à vide est agencée pour se produire de façon retardée par rapport à la séparation des contacts d'arc de l'interrupteur à gaz, en vue d'une utilisation du dispositif comme disjoncteur de générateur dans un réseau moyenne tension.

La figure 7 est un agrandissement d'une partie du dispositif de coupure hybride représenté à la figure 9, et représente schématiquement un mode particulier de réalisation en bout à bout des contacts d'arc de l'interrupteur à gaz dans un dispositif de coupure hybride selon l'invention.

La figure 8 est une représentation schématique d'un mode de réalisation du dispositif de coupure hybride, dont le schéma de principe simplifié est représenté à la figure 1.

La figure 9 est une représentation schématique d'un mode particulier de réalisation d'un dispositif de coupure hybride selon l'invention dans lequel les contacts de l'interrupteur à gaz sont disposés bout à bout.

La figure 10 est une vue partielle du dispositif de coupure hybride représenté à la figure 9 et dont la varistance a été retirée.

Les figures 11 à 13 représentent des étapes successives de l'ouverture du dispositif de coupure hybride montré à la figure 10.

La figure 14 représente le schéma de principe d'un autre mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de coupure hybride selon l'invention.

The invention, its characteristics and its advantages are specified in the description which follows in relation to the figures below.

Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram showing the main elements of a high voltage hybrid switching device according to the invention in a particular embodiment, shown in the closed position.

FIGS. 2 and 3 represent successive stages in the opening of the hybrid breaking device shown in FIG. 1.

4 shows the block diagram of a hybrid breaking device according to the invention identical to that shown in Figure 1, except that the contacts of the gas switch are arranged so that their separation occurs little time before that of the vacuum switch contacts.

FIG. 5 represents an intermediate stage in the opening of the hybrid breaking device shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 represents a particular embodiment of a hybrid breaking device according to the invention in which the separation of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter is arranged to occur in a delayed manner with respect to the separation of the arcing contacts of the gas switch, with a view to using the device as a generator circuit breaker in a medium-voltage network.

FIG. 7 is an enlargement of part of the hybrid cut-off device shown in FIG. 9, and schematically represents a particular end-to-end embodiment of the arcing contacts of the gas switch in a hybrid cut-off device according to the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the hybrid switching device, the simplified diagram of which is shown in FIG. 1.

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a particular embodiment of a hybrid switching device according to the invention in which the contacts of the gas switch are arranged end to end.

Figure 10 is a partial view of the hybrid switching device shown in Figure 9 and whose varistor has been removed.

FIGS. 11 to 13 represent successive stages in the opening of the hybrid breaking device shown in FIG. 10.

Figure 14 shows the block diagram of another embodiment of a hybrid switching device according to the invention.

Figure 1, the high voltage hybrid switching device 5 shown is generally with symmetry of revolution around an axis A. It includes a vacuum switch 10 containing a first pair of arcing contacts 1 and 2. A first contact 1 is fixed and is permanently connected to an end bushing 7 of the device 5. A second contact 2 is movable in the axial direction A. The device also includes a switch gas 11 electrically connected in series with the vacuum switch. This gas switch includes a second pair of arcing contacts, consisting of a third and a fourth contact 3 and 4. The third contact 3 is fixed in the casing 12 by means of support shown in Figures 8 and 9. The fourth contact 4 is movable in the direction axial A and integral with an actuating rod 6 connected to the control mechanism 8 of the device 5. The two switches 10 and 11 are arranged in a common envelope 12 filled with a dielectric gas.

In the embodiment shown, the movable contact 4 is introduced into the contact 3 fixed over a certain overlap distance when the cut-off device is closed. By this overlap, the separation of the third and fourth contacts takes place at a instant when the actuating rod 6 has traversed a determined distance known as setting speed, which is to say that the overlap distance corresponds to the distance of speed setting traversed by the rod 6. This speed setting is applied to the movable contact 4 of the gas switch and allows this contact 4 to be separated from the fixed contact 3 with a relatively high speed from the start of separation. A few milliseconds after said separation, this speed can reach a sufficient value favoring the extinction of the electric arc created between the switch contacts. It is particularly useful for cut the so-called capacitive currents without arcing.

The contact 2 is integral in translation with a mobile connection means 13 which permanently electrically connects it to the fixed contact 3. Arranging the third contact so that it remains fixed in the breaking device allows the separation of contacts 3 and 4 in the gas switch does not depend on mechanical operation of the assembly carrying the second movable contact of the vacuum switch.

Return means 15 can be separated into two parts 16 and 17. These two parts bear against each other in the axial direction A by means of coupling means 22 provided at their two opposite ends. The second part 17 is integral in translation with the rod 6, and the first part 16 can be moved in translation of a dead travel D determined in the axial direction A relative to the connection means 13. In the embodiment shown, this stroke D is equal to the overlap distance of contacts 3 and 4, which means that it is equal to the speed-up distance defined previously.

These return means 15 can also be produced by a telescopic connection not shown comprising two parts which can be locked in abutment one against the other and sliding one inside the other during their separation in the axial direction, one such telescopic connection being functionally equivalent to the return means 15 shown schematically in Figure 1. However, such an embodiment may have drawbacks due to the increase in moving masses.

First elastic means are provided to maintain the vacuum switch closed, by exerting on the connection means 13 and therefore on the contact 2 a first thrust which remains above a determined threshold until an instant when the rod 6 has traversed the dead race D.

At this instant corresponding to the representation of FIG. 2, the contacts of the gas switch will separate. This first push ceases to act on the means of connection at said instant, to let act on contact 2 of the second elastic means who exert a second thrust in the opposite direction. This second push highlights movement contact 2, which causes the separation of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter. This separation thus occurs simultaneously or delayed with respect to the separation gas switch contacts, according to a determined sequence.

In the device described, the first and second elastic means provided for exerting said first and second thrusts comprise respectively a first spring 20 and a second spring 21 both of which are armed in compression and associated respectively with first and second stop means 14 and 19. The first spring 20 is mounted between the connection means 13 and the first part 16, to exert respectively on these elements opposite thrusts - F ₂₀ and F ₂₀ . The closed position of the cut-off device 5 is ensured by locking the movement of the rod 6 by the control mechanism 8, which makes it possible to keep the two parts 16 and 17 immobile in abutment against one another and also to maintain a certain pressure on the contacts 1 and 2 thanks to the first spring 20 associated with the connection means 13. This contact pressure allows the switch to ensure the passage of a fault current, and depends on the value of the current defect to bear.

In the event of a power interruption order sent to the control mechanism 8 of the cut-off device 5, the rod 6 must be released to allow the first part 16 to move in translation relative to the means 13 under the effect of the relaxation of the first spring 20. This relative movement is then stopped as soon as the first part 16 has traveled the dead race D, by the first stop means 14 which are provided on the means of connection 13 so that this part 16 is made integral in translation with said medium 13 as shown in Figure 2.

The return means 15 and the first elastic means (20, 14) form a connection assembly which connects the connection means 13 to the rod 6. This assembly is qualified as dead-stroke connecting means, in the sense that these connecting means do not not allow the connection means to follow the movement of the rod as long as the latter did not complete the determined dead race. During this dead race D, the means of connection 13 remains stationary since the return means 15 do not transmit the movement of the rod 6. This property is verified both at the opening and at the closing of the cut-off device.

The movement of contact 2 during the separation of contacts 1 and 2 of the switch vacuum 10 is provided by the second semi-mobile spring 21, one end of which is stationary because in permanent support against the face of the vacuum switch which is crossed by the rod carrying the contact 2. The other end of this spring 21 is movable, in permanent support against the connecting means 13, and exerts against the latter a thrust which remains very lower than that of the first spring 20.

The dead-stroke connecting means cooperate with the second elastic means to move the rod 6 and the connection means 13 so as to separate the contacts movable 2 and 4 respectively fixed contacts 1 and 3. In the embodiment shown, they are a constituent part of the means of movement which allow the separations contacts 1 and 2 and contacts 3 and 4 of the vacuum and gas switches respectively occur simultaneously or slightly over time.

The second stop means 19 are arranged so as to stop the translational movement of the connection means 13, as soon as the latter has traversed a certain insulation stroke d ₁ as shown in FIG. 3. These stop means 19 are electrically and mechanically connected to the fixed contact 3, and advantageously participate in the electrical connection between the contacts 2 and 3. Here they consist of a cylindrical stud of axis A, which is introduced into a hollow tubular part of the mobile connection means 13 which can thus slide in the axial direction A. They are also electrically and mechanically connected to a conduction element 9 which surrounds and maintains a blowing chamber arranged in the axial direction A. In known manner, this chamber comprises a blowing volume thermal 11A and a blowing nozzle 11B.

The conduction element 9 acts as the main contact for the passage of the continuous current when the cut-off device 5 is closed. The electrical connection between element 9 and an outlet 33 is provided by means of a sliding contact 17A supported by the second part 17 of the return means 15 at the level of the means of coupling 22. This second part 17 is electrically conductive and moves in translation with the rod 6 while remaining in electrical contact by a sliding contact 28 with a fixed conductive tube 31 connected to the socket 33. The first part 16 of the means reference 15 is electrically insulating for reasons explained below.

The connection means 13 in the illustrated embodiment consists of of a metal sleeve with symmetry of revolution in the axial direction A. The different parts constituting this part are referenced in Figure 2. The socket has a part hollow tubular 13A which has at its open end a first annular shoulder which constitutes the first abutment means 14. This hollow part 13A has a bottom 13C intended to bear against the cylindrical stud constituting the second means of stop 19. The socket also has a cylindrical part 13B in which is formed an annular housing 13D open towards the vacuum switch 10 and intended to accommodate the second spring 21. The wall 13E which surrounds this housing 13D has at its end a second annular shoulder 13F to hold the first spring 20 in abutment. Spring 20 is permanently compressed between this shoulder 13F and an annular wall 16A formed at one end of the first part 16. The internal diameter of this wall 16A is equal to outside diameter of the tubular part 13A of the sleeve 13, so that the part 16 can slide along the sleeve in the axial direction A.

Following the release of the rod 6, the first part 16 of the return means 15 is moves in translation from the position shown in Figure 1 to that of Figure 2. It pushes in its movement the second part 17, and the sliding contact 17A is provided to separate from the conduction element 9 so that the fault current flows exclusively by arcing contacts 3 and 4 in the gas switch 11. As mentioned previously, the first part 16 is electrically insulating or at least allows electrically isolate the connection means 13 from the second part 17 which is conductive. Indeed, if this part 16 were fully conductive, there would be an appearance electric arcs between parts 16 and 17 after the sliding contact 17A is disconnected from the conduction element 9.

The translational movement of the return means 15 is transmitted to the rod 6, and consequently at the movable contact 4 of the gas switch. The thrust provided by the relaxation of the first spring 20 makes it possible to assist the control mechanism 8 for the rod operation.

Figure 2, the device is shown when the annular wall 16A of the first part 16 abuts against the first abutment means 14, after having traveled the distance D. The movable contact 4 has simultaneously traveled the distance D in the gas switch, and is about to be separated from the fixed contact 3. At this stage, the push - F ₂₀ of the first spring 20 can no longer act effectively on the connection means 13 to maintain the pressure on the contact 2, and the thrust of the second spring 21 is free to act on this means 13 for its translation. The movable contact 2 in the vacuum switch 10 is then about to be separated from the fixed contact 1, simultaneously with the separation of the contacts 3 and 4 in the gas switch.

Between the positions shown in Figures 2 and 3, the connection means 13 is set in motion by the relaxation of the second spring 21 which permanently exerts on this means 13 a thrust F ₂₁ represented in FIG. 3. This setting in motion causes on the one hand the displacement of the second contact 2 to open the vacuum switch 10, on the other hand the continuation of the movement in translation of the return means 15.

Figure 3, The movement of contact 2 is intended to be stopped as soon as the latter is completely separated from contact 1 in the vacuum switch 10. The complete separation is carried out when the movable contact 2 is separated from the fixed contact 1 of a insulation distance determined in a vacuum, for example of the order of 15 mm. To this end, the movement of the connection means 13 is stopped by the second stop means 19 which are arranged so that the stroke d ₁ traveled by this means 13 is equal to the insulation distance corresponding to complete separation contacts 1 and 2.

The thrust F ₂₁ of the second spring 21 is provided sufficient to initially supply the energy necessary for the displacement of the contact 2 and of the parts 13 and 16 integral in translation, and in the second time to maintain the contacts 1 and 2 open as shown in the figure 3. However, this thrust remains much lower in standard than that F ₂₀ of the first spring 20. In fact, as long as the vacuum switch 10 remains closed as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pressure to be maintained on the contacts 1 and 2 is quite high, for example of the order of 2000 N for a fault current of 40 kA. The thrusts F ₂₀ and F ₂₁ of the first and second spring are therefore provided to present a difference ΔF defined as F ₂₀ -F ₂₁ which remains greater than a determined threshold S. F ₂₀ decreases between the times corresponding to Figures 1 and 2 while F ₂₁ is stable at its maximum, F ₂₀ remaining high enough to satisfy the condition F ₂₀ > F ₂₁ + S.

In a particular mode of arrangement of the control mechanism 8 of the rod 6 which actuates the opening of the switches, said rod is driven in translation by the mechanism 8 with a speed greater than that acquired by the connection means 13 under the effect of the relaxation of the second spring 21. The device shown in Figures 1 to 4 operates according to this arrangement mode. Parts 16 and 17 of the return means 15 are in this case provided to separate before the means 13 comes into abutment, that is to say before contacts 1 and 2 are completely separated at the instant corresponding to the figure 3. For example, the separation of parts 16 and 17 can be planned to start just after that of contacts 1 and 2, i.e. just after the instant corresponding to the Figure 2. Thus, only a first phase of the translational movement of contact 2 is transmitted to the rod 6 by the return means 15. After this first phase which can be very short, the return means 15 therefore no longer exert any action on the rod 6 to help its translational movement, which is then entirely ensured by the mechanism of control 8. This operation makes it possible to have a higher speed of the mobile contact 4 when the arc is blown between the contacts 3 and 4 in the gas switch 11.

Contacts 1 and 2 are kept open in the vacuum switch 10, until contacts 3 and 4 are fully opened in the gas switch where these contacts will be separated by a certain distance of insulation in the gas at the end of travel of the movable contact 4. This insulation distance in the gas is much greater than the distance d ₁ mentioned for the vacuum interrupter, since it is generally between 80 and 200 mm for most supply gas switches.

Figure 4 shows the block diagram of a device identical to that shown in Figure 1, except that the contacts of the gas switch are arranged to that their separation occurs shortly before that of the switch contacts at empty. To obtain such early separation of the contacts of the gas switch, it suffices that the overlap distance of these contacts is somewhat less than the travel dead D defined above, when the cut-off device is closed. So we have a overlap distance, in other words a speed-up distance for the rod 6, equal to D-ε with the distance ε which is a function of the time span desired for this early separation.

Figure 5, at the moment when the rod 6 has traversed the dead travel D, the contacts of the gas switch has just been separated and is moved away from the distance ε. So we see that this distance ε is defined as the desired spacing for the contacts of the switch at gases when those of the vacuum interrupter are about to be separated.

Figure 6, another embodiment of a hybrid breaking device according to the invention is shown in an embodiment for which the device is intended for a use as generator circuit breaker in a medium voltage network. Ways which are connected to the connection means and to the operating rod of the device are arranged here so that the separation of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter significantly delayed compared to the separation of the arcing contacts from the gas switch.

In fact, the overlap distance D _r of the contacts of the gas switch is here less than half of the dead travel D which the operating rod can travel together with the movement return means. It will be recalled that this overlap distance D _r is also called the speed-up distance, in particular in the case of an equivalent embodiment where the contacts of the gas switch are arranged end to end. In general, for these applications of the device as a generator circuit breaker, it will be preferable to choose a dead stroke greater than twice the speed-up distance of the movable contact of the gas switch.

This implies that an electric arc is formed between the contacts of the gas switch. which are already separated by a certain distance before the dead travel D is completely traveled, i.e. before the separation of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter. The gas switch is therefore able to cause the current to flow through zero before that the vacuum switch does not cut the current, which is an advantage in the context of a use as generator circuit breaker.

It should be emphasized that a device of this type must be capable of cutting short-circuit currents with strong asymmetries which cause zero crossings of the delayed current. A hybrid switching device which has a separation sequence contacts such as that of the device of FIG. 6 makes it possible to reduce the asymmetry of the current and cause the current to cross zero earlier, at a compatible time with the operation of the vacuum switch.

Figure 7 is an enlarged partial view of the hybrid switchgear shown in Figure 9, in the closed position. This view shows a particular mode of end-to-end realization of the arcing contacts of the gas switch in a device hybrid cut-out according to the invention, in which the contacts 3 and 4 of the gas switch 11 are kept in abutment against each other with a certain guaranteed contact pressure by elastic means.

Delay means 18 for setting the moving contact 4 in motion are inserted between this contact and the rod 6 for actuating the device, so that the separation of contacts 3 and 4 caused by said setting in motion of contact 4 takes place precisely at the moment when the rod 6 has traversed the defined speed-up distance previously.

The rod 6 and the contacts 3 and 4 are preferably of tubular shape in the axial direction A, and the contacts 3 and 4 advantageously each have their end a tip respectively 3A and 4A made of a conductive material refractory. The arcing contact 4 also has orifices or openings 4B to allow the evacuation of hot gases which are in overpressure inside the tubular structure of said contact during the breaking of a fault current by the arcing contacts 3 and 4. The overpressure gases are discharged into the space between the delay means 18 and the second part 17, then pass into the space between the rod 6 and the tube conductor 31 by openings made for this purpose in the second part 17. Finally, these gases undergo a final expansion when passing through the volume adjacent to the interior wall of the casing 12 by openings made for this purpose in the conductive tube 31. Good heard, other arrangements of openings for the evacuation of gases in overpressure can be expected.

• un premier élément tubulaire 25 disposé dans le prolongement axial du contact 4, solidairement raccordé à ce dernier et pouvant coulisser à l'intérieur de la tige 6 lors du déplacement de celle-ci, la distance de mise en vitesse pour la tige 6 étant définie par la course autorisée pour ce coulissement,
• des troisièmes moyens de butée 23 fixés à une extrémité de l'élément tubulaire 25 au niveau du raccordement avec le contact 4,
• un second élément tubulaire 26 solidairement relié par une extrémité à la seconde partie 17 des moyens de renvoi 15, de diamètre supérieur à celui de l'élément tubulaire 25, pouvant coulisser le long des troisièmes moyens de butée 23 dans la direction axiale A lors du déplacement de la tige 6 et comportant à son autre extrémité un chapeau annulaire 27 destiné à venir en appui contre les moyens de butée 23,
• un troisième ressort 24 à spires disposé selon la direction axiale A, intercalé entre les premier et second éléments tubulaires, en appui d'un côté contre les troisièmes moyens de butée 23 et d'un autre côté contre la seconde partie 17 des moyens de renvoi 15.

Dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté, les moyens de retardement 18 sont dimensionnés pour que la distance de mise en vitesse soit égale à la course morte D que peuvent parcourir les moyens de renvoi 15 relativement au moyen de raccordement 13, de façon à obtenir la séparation simultanée des deux paires de contacts.The delay means 18 include:

• a first tubular element 25 disposed in the axial extension of the contact 4, integrally connected to the latter and capable of sliding inside the rod 6 during the displacement of the latter, the speed-up distance for the rod 6 being defined by the stroke authorized for this sliding,
• third abutment means 23 fixed to one end of the tubular element 25 at the connection with the contact 4,
• a second tubular element 26 integrally connected at one end to the second part 17 of the return means 15, of diameter greater than that of the tubular element 25, which can slide along the third stop means 23 in the axial direction A during the displacement of the rod 6 and comprising at its other end an annular cap 27 intended to come into abutment against the stop means 23,
• a third spring 24 with turns arranged in the axial direction A, interposed between the first and second tubular elements, bearing on one side against the third stop means 23 and on the other side against the second part 17 of the return means 15.

In the embodiment shown, the delay means 18 are dimensioned so that the start-up distance is equal to the dead travel D which the return means 15 can travel relative to the connection means 13, so as to obtain the simultaneous separation of the two pairs of contacts.

When the device cuts power, once the sliding contact 17A is disconnected from the conduction element 9 and before the instant of separation of the contacts 3 and 4, the fault current flows from the fixed contact 3 to the conductive tube 31 passing through the contact 4, the tubular element 25, sliding contacts 29, a portion of the second part 17 return means 15, and finally the sliding contacts 28.

During the common translational movement of parts 16 and 17 of the means of return 15, the movable contact 4 is held in abutment against the fixed contact 3 with a certain contact pressure thanks to the thrust exerted by the third spring 24. When the start-up distance has been traveled by the rod 6, the annular cap 27 arrives bearing against the stop means 23. The spring 24 no longer exerts any action on the contact 4 which is therefore driven in translation with the rod 6 and the second part 17. Thus, the movable contact 4 is integral in translation with parts 6 and 17 only from an instant specific.

Similarly to the device shown in Figure 1, the operation of the device is here provided for obtaining the separation of the contacts 3 and 4 in the switch gas simultaneously with that of contacts 1 and 2 in the vacuum interrupter. It is however possible to have an early separation of the contacts of the gas switch, by arranging the elements of the device so that the speed-up distance is less than the distance D, similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 5.

Figure 8 shows schematically an embodiment of a device for hybrid shutdown, the simplified block diagram of which is shown in Figure 1. The gas switch contacts are pushed into each other with a certain distance cover when the cut-off device is closed, as in Figure 1.

The volume adjacent to the interior wall of the envelope common to both switches is dimensioned to accommodate a varistor 32 electrically connected in parallel to the vacuum switch contacts in order to limit the applied voltage on said switch. This allows to adequately distribute the voltage applied to the vacuum and gas switches respectively when the cut-off device is opened. The voltage distribution can also be adjusted using at least one capacitor mounted parallel to the cut-off device or parallel to one of the two switches.

In the case of an air-insulating device as shown where the devices switchgear can be housed in a vertical insulating jacket, it can be advantageous to have the vacuum switch in the most distant part of the enclosure of the ground. This makes it possible to obtain a distribution of natural tension which gives a tension on the gas cut-off device higher than that applied to the vacuum switch. Through elsewhere, the relative compactness of a device according to the invention can make it possible to use a existing insulating jacket provided for a non-hybrid gas switch.

The electrical connection between the varistor 32 and the movable contact of the switch vacuum is ensured via the metal sealing bellows of this switch. The electrical connection between the connection means 13 and the conductive pad forming the second stop means 19 is provided by sliding contacts. Ports or openings are provided at the connection between this stud and the conduction element 9 which surrounds the blowing chamber of the gas switch, to allow evacuation hot gases as explained in the commentary to figure 7. Such openings are also provided in the first and second parts 16 and 17 of the return means 15, as well as in the conductive tube in which this second part can slide.

Electrically insulating tie rods 30 participate in the mechanical maintenance of the gas switch in the enclosure of the switching device. These tie rods are fixed by a end on the face of the vacuum switch which is crossed by the rod carrying the contact mobile. They are rigidly connected by their other end to the conduction element 9 and thus keep the third contact and the blowing nozzle of the volume of thermal blowing in the gas switch.

The device actuation rod 6 is rigidly linked to the movable contact 4 thus than in the second part 17 of the return means 15. The three elements 6, 4 and 17 are therefore permanently united in translation in this embodiment.

Figure 9 is a schematic representation in the closed position of another mode for producing a hybrid switching device according to the invention in which the contacts of the gas switch are arranged end to end. Many elements are identical to those used for the embodiment shown in Figure 8. However, the structure different from the contacts of the gas switch implies that the contact training movement of this switch cannot be achieved as directly as for the realization where these contacts are fitted. In order to respect the desired sequence opening switches, delay means 18 as detailed in Figure 7 are provided to delay the setting in motion of said movable contact. These means allow the rod 6 to travel the speed-up distance as explained previously, and therefore allow the movable contact 4 to be driven by the rod 6 with a high speed at the start of the separation of the switch contacts at empty, as in the embodiment with plug contacts.

Figure 10, the elements of the hybrid switching device shown are identical to those of figure 9, except for the varistor which was removed and the envelope insulator whose diameter has been reduced accordingly.

Figure 11 shows the device of Figure 10 at a time corresponding to the step of Figure 2 when opening the device to interrupt the current.

Figures 12 and 13 show the device of Figure 10 at times corresponding respectively to the step of FIG. 3 and at the end of the opening of the device when the vacuum switch contacts are completely separated.

Figure 14, the block diagram of another embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown in longitudinal half section. This embodiment differs from that shown in FIG. 1 in that the dead-stroke connection means connecting the connection means 13 to the rod 6 are arranged differently. These means of connection comprise return means 15 'which cooperate with first elastic means comprising a first spring 20 'ensuring the same function as the first spring 20 shown in Figure 1. The return means 15 'are directly connected by means of connection 13, and the spring 20 'is disposed between these means 15' and the rod 6.

As in the other embodiments, the spring 20 'exerts a thrust on the connection means 13 'to keep the contacts of the switch closed empty. This thrust is exerted here by means of the return means 15 ′, until the rod 6 has traversed the dead travel D under the action of the relaxation of the spring 20 'which presses on an annular shoulder 34 integral with the rod. The first elastic means further include first stop means 14 'which are here integral with the contact mobile 4 of the gas switch. These stop means 14 'cooperate with the first spring 20 'to limit the distance D that the rod 6 travels relative to the means of 15 'reference.

The return means 15 'comprise two parts 16' and 17 'which can be moved together in abutment against one another and can be dissociated for opening the vacuum switch. The first part 16 ′ is permanently united in translation of the connection means 13. The second part 17 ′ is not integral in translation of the rod 6 as long as it travels the dead travel D relative to the return means 15 ′, and becomes integral with the rod once this race has been completed. Because of the increase in mass of the moving elements of the rod 6 after the separation of the contacts of the gas switch, this embodiment may have the disadvantage of having to increase the actuation energy to be supplied to the rod in order to obtain a sufficient setting in speed of the contact 4 with a view to breaking the so-called currents Capacitive.

Analogously to the device of FIG. 1, the displacement means connected to the connection means 13 'comprise second elastic means which include a second spring 21 cooperating with second stop means 19.

A hybrid cut-off device according to the invention allows the thermal phase of the current cut-off, that is to say the period of a few microseconds during which the voltage recovery begins, to be largely ensured by the vacuum switch of the device. For its part, the gas switch contributes essentially to the resistance to the peak value of the voltage, thanks to the relatively large contact separation distance inherent in this type of device in comparison with a vacuum switch. This in particular offers the possibility of using a gas other than SF ₆ for blowing the gas switch. In fact, SF ₆ is generally chosen for its properties of resistance to rapid rates of recovery of the voltage during the thermal phase of the cut. Since the resistance of the transient recovery voltage during the thermal phase is provided by the vacuum interrupter in a hybrid breaking device according to the invention, another gas or mixture of gases having sufficient dielectric properties can then be used in the gas switch of the device. Nitrogen under high pressure has the dielectric properties required at high voltage. Not presenting any risks for the environment, it constitutes a preferential solution for a use with a gas other than SF ₆ . Alternatively, a mixture composed of more than 80% nitrogen and another gas such as SF ₆ has at least the advantage of considerably reducing the risks for the environment compared to the use of pure SF ₆ .

Claims (22)

Hybrid type switching device for high or medium voltage, comprising an envelope (12) filled with a dielectric gas and having a longitudinal axis (A), a vacuum switch (10) disposed in the casing, comprising a first pair of arcing contacts consisting of a first contact (1) which is fixed and a second contact (2) which can be moved in translation in the longitudinal axial direction (A) of the envelope, means provided for exerting on said second contact (2) a force such that the mutual pressure between the bearing surfaces of said first and second contact is greater than a determined value as long as said vacuum switch authorizes the passage of current, a gas switch (11) disposed in the enclosure, comprising a second pair of arcing contacts consisting of a third contact (3) which is fixed and of a fourth contact (4) which can be moved in translation in the longitudinal axial direction, further comprising a blowing chamber which comprises a thermal blowing volume (11A), an operating rod (6) connected to the fourth contact (4) and which can be immobilized or moved in translation by control means (8), characterized in that it further comprises a connection means (13) electrically connecting the second (2) and third (3) contacts, capable of being moved in translation in the longitudinal axial direction integrally with the second contact, displacement means connected to said connection means (13) and to said operating rod (6) for displacing them so as to separate the second and fourth contacts respectively from the first and third contacts, comprising dead travel connection means connecting said means of connection to said rod, these connection means making it possible to move said rod by a determined dead travel (D) while acting on said connection means to keep the vacuum switch closed during this movement, Cut-off device according to claim 1, intended for use as circuit breaker in a high voltage network, in which said displacement means are arranged so that the contact separations of the vacuum switches respectively (10) and gas (11) occur simultaneously or slightly over time. Cut-off device according to claim 2, wherein said connecting means to dead stroke include motion return means (15, 15 ') which cooperate with first elastic means connected to said connecting means (13) or to said rod (6). Cut-off device according to claim 3, in which said displacement means comprise second elastic means capable of cooperating with the connection means (13) to separate the contacts (1, 2) of the vacuum interrupter (10) as soon as the operating rod (6) has traversed said dead travel (D) and able to move said connection means (13 ') and the second contact (2) of an insulation travel (d ₁ ) determined relative to the first contact (1) during a current interruption by the device, said isolation stroke corresponding to the distance of complete separation of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter. A cut-off device according to claim 4, wherein said first and second elastic means respectively comprise a first spring (20, 20 ') and a second spring (21) each compressed and able to relax with a determined elongation, cooperating respectively with first (14, 14 ') and second (19) stop means each capable of interrupting the relaxation of the spring with which they cooperate, each spring pushing (-F20, F21) on said connecting means (13) in the direction axial (A), the two thrusts (-F20, F21) being in opposite directions. Cutting device according to claim 5, wherein said first means for stop (14) are integral with said connecting means (13). Cutting device according to one of claims 5 and 6, wherein said second stop means (19) are electrically and mechanically connected to the third contact (3) and provide the electrical connection with said connection means (13). Cut-off device according to one of claims 3 to 7, in said return means movement (15, 15 ') include two parts (16, 16', 17, 17 ') able to be moved together in abutment against one another and capable of being dissociated during the opening of the vacuum switch (10). Cutting device according to one of claims 7 and 8, wherein a first part (16) of said movement return means (15) is subjected to a thrust (F20) first elastic means (20) which makes it possible to move this first part over said dead travel (D) relative to the connecting means (13), and in which a second part (17) is integral in translation with the operating rod (6) of the device. Hybrid switching device according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the arcing contacts (3, 4) of the gas switch (11) are fitted one inside the other closed position with an overlap distance which is less than or equal to said dead stroke (D). Hybrid switching device according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the contacts (3, 4) of the gas switch (11) are in abutment abutting one another closed position, and in which means for delaying (18) the setting in motion of the fourth contact (4) are interposed between this contact and said rod (6). Hybrid switching device according to claim 11, wherein said rod (6) and the third and fourth contacts (3, 4) are tubular in the axial direction (A), and wherein said delay means (18) include: a first tubular element (25) disposed in the axial extension of the fourth contact (4), integrally connected to the latter and capable of sliding inside the rod (6) during the displacement of the latter, the sliding distance being less than or equal to said dead travel (D), third stop means (23) fixed to one end of the first tubular element (25) at the connection with the fourth contact (4), a second tubular element (26) integrally connected by one end to the second part (17) of the deflection means (15), of diameter greater than that of the first tubular element (25), which can slide along the third stop means ( 23) in the axial direction (A) during the displacement of the rod (6) and comprising at its other end an annular cap (27) intended to come into abutment against said abutment means (23), a third spring (24) with turns arranged in the axial direction (A), interposed between the first (25) and second (26) tubular elements, bearing on one side against the third stop means (23) and another side against the second part (17) of the return means (15). Hybrid switching device according to one of claims 5 to 12, in which the connection means (13) consists of a metal bush with symmetry of revolution in the axial direction (A), said bush comprising: a tubular part (13A) which has at its open end a first annular shoulder which constitutes the first abutment means (14), a cylindrical part (13B) in which is formed an annular housing (13D) open towards the vacuum interrupter (10) and intended to accommodate the second spring (21), and in which the wall (13E) which surrounds said annular housing has at its end a second annular shoulder (13F) for holding the first spring (20) in abutment. Hybrid switching device according to claim 13, in which the first part (16) return means (15) has at one end an annular wall (16A) which abuts against one end of the first spring (20), and in which the diameter inside of said annular wall is equal to the outside diameter of the tubular part (13A) of said socket (13). Hybrid switching device according to one of claims 13 and 14, in which the second stop means (19) consist of a cylindrical stud fixed to the third contact (3) and disposed in the axial extension of the latter, said metal sleeve (13) being fitted into said stud (19) and capable of sliding therein while ensuring contact permanent electric with the latter, the tubular part (13A) of said socket comprising a bottom (13C) intended to bear against said stud. Hybrid cut-off device according to one of claims 5 to 15, in which the thrust standards (F _20, F ₂₁ ) of the first and second springs (20, 21) are provided to present at all times a difference in favor of the standard (F ₂₀ ) of the first spring (20), this difference remaining permanently greater than a determined threshold. Hybrid switching device according to one of claims 8 to 16, in which the second (17) of the two parts (16, 17) of the return means (15) is electrically connected permanently at a socket (33) and supports a sliding contact (17A) intended to be in electrical contact with a conduction element (9) when the cutoff is closed, said conduction element being mechanically and electrically permanently connected to the connection means (13). A hybrid switching device according to claim 17, wherein said element for conduction (9) is rigidly linked to the vacuum interrupter (10) by means of tie rods electrically insulating (30). Hybrid switching device according to one of claims 1 to 18, in which a varistor (32) is electrically connected in parallel to the contacts (1, 2) of the switch vacuum (10) in order to limit the voltage applied to said vacuum switch. Hybrid switching device according to one of claims 1 to 19, in which a capacitor is mounted in parallel with one of the switches (10, 11), or in parallel with each of the switches. Cut-off device according to one of claims 1 and 3 to 18, intended for a use as generator circuit breaker for medium voltage network, in which said displacement means are arranged so that the separation of the contacts (1, 2) from the vacuum interrupter (10) occurs significantly delayed with respect to the separation of the arcing contacts (3, 4) of the gas switch (11), so that the passage of the current from zero is caused by the gas switch before the vacuum switch cut the power. Cut-off device according to claim 21, in which the first stop means (14) of the dead-stroke connecting means are arranged so that said dead-stroke (D) is greater than twice the starting distance (D _r ) of the moving contact of the gas switch.

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