EP1271590B1 - 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 switch device for high or medium voltage. The hybrid qualifier applies to the split that is mixed type by cooperating two different cutoff techniques. Hybrid includes a switch device which comprises a vacuum switch enclosing a first pair of arcing contacts and which also comprises a gas switch comprising a second pair of arcing contacts.

A device of this type is known from the patent US 3038980 . It comprises a casing filled with a dielectric gas and having a longitudinal axis, inside which are disposed the two electrically connected switches in series and outside which is arranged the control mechanism of the device. The mechanism for actuating the contacts of the two switches is relatively simple, in the sense that one of the two contacts of the gas interrupter is integral with a movable contact which is adjacent to it in the vacuum interrupter. The other contact of the gas switch is secured to an operating rod connected to the control mechanism of the device. A spring mechanism associated with a stop has the effect of keeping the contacts of the gas interrupter pressed against each other during a first part of their stroke when the device is opened, until the contacts of the vacuum interrupter are separated by a determined distance. 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) compared to those of the first pair (vacuum switch).

However, such a sequence is not satisfactory if the hybrid high-voltage switching device associates a gas switch provided for a standardized high voltage higher than 72.5 kV with a vacuum switch provided for a standardized average voltage of less than 52.5 kV. kV. Indeed, as long as the contacts of the gas interrupter are not separated when the fault current is cut off by the device, the vacuum interrupter withstands all the transient recovery voltage at the terminals of the breaking device during the separation of his contacts. However, the vacuum switch is only intended to support a recovery voltage that 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 off the current after the separation of the two contacts of the gas switch. This operation involves a relatively long arc duration that a vacuum interrupter is not designed to support. The general structure of the device described in this US Patent 3038980 does not allow to modify the sequence for the separation of the contacts. In particular, it is not possible with such a device to obtain a simultaneous or delayed separation of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter with respect to the separation of the contacts of the gas interrupter.

It is known from the demand for EP1109187 another device of this type, which adjusts the sequence for the separation of the contacts so as to obtain a simultaneous or slightly delayed separation of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter with respect to the separation of the contacts of the gas interrupter. The movable contact of the vacuum interrupter is connected to a connecting rod whose one end is rotatable, this end or end of the connecting rod being articulated on a crank pin of a flywheel which can be coupled or uncoupled to a toothed rod controlled in translation by the operating rod of the gas switch.

This device, however, has certain disadvantages from a mechanical point of view. Firstly, it is necessary to exert sufficient force on the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter as long as the passage of the current is allowed, so as to have a mutual pressure between the contact surfaces of the contacts of this switch that is greater than a given value to resist the electrodynamic forces during the passage of the current. The steering wheel of the device must therefore be provided with an elastic return system that 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 switch is by a connecting rod whose axis is oblique with respect to the axis of translation of the moving contact of this vacuum switch. This results in significant transverse stresses on the vacuum interrupter, which can limit its mechanical endurance.

Finally, there is another device of this type described in the application for EP1117114 , which has in particular with respect to the preceding device the advantage that the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter is always subjected to forces directed solely in the direction of the longitudinal axis of this switch. In addition, resilient spring means are provided for maintaining a mutual pressure between the contacts of the vacuum interrupter as long as this switch is closed. However, in this device, the separation movement of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter is controlled by the operating rod of the gas switch, which requires the separation of the contacts of the vacuum switch to the end of the opening of the contacts of the gas switch. It is necessary for this device to have such a delayed sequence of separation of the contacts to cause the current to pass through zero before the vacuum interrupter alone provides the cutoff. Indeed, the device is used exclusively as a generator circuit breaker, and therefore the gas switch is present only to decrease the percentage of current asymmetry.

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

The invention aims to remedy the disadvantages or limitations of the prior art, by proposing a hybrid breaking device for high or medium voltage relatively compact and enduring while operating with a single body of maneuvering, that is to say with a control mechanism connected to a single operating rod, makes it possible to adjust the sequence of separation of the contacts of the switches.

The document EP 0 737 993 describes a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

• 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,
• 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.

For this purpose, 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 disposed in the casing, having a first pair of arcing contacts consisting of a first contact which is fixed and a second contact which can be displaced in translation in the longitudinal direction of the casing,
• means provided for exerting on the second contact a force such that the mutual pressure between the bearing surfaces of the first and second contacts is greater than a determined value as long as the vacuum interrupter authorizes the passage of the current,
• a gas interrupter disposed in the casing, having a second pair of arcing contacts consisting of a third contact which is fixed and a fourth contact which can be displaced in translation in the longitudinal axial direction, further comprising a blowing chamber which comprises a volume of thermal blowing,
• an operating rod connected to the fourth contact and being able to be immobilized or moved in translation by control means,
• connecting means electrically connecting the second and third contacts, able to be displaced in translation in the longitudinal axial direction in solidarity with the second contact,
• displacement means connected to this connecting means and to the operating rod to move them so as to separate the second and fourth contacts respectively of the first and third contacts, comprising dead-link connection means connecting the connecting means to the rod, these connecting means for moving the rod of a determined dead stroke while acting on the connection means to maintain 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 displacement means are arranged so that the separations of the contacts of the respectively vacuum and gas switches occur simultaneously. or slightly shifted in time. This makes it possible to distribute adequately between the vacuum interrupter and the gas switch the transient recovery voltage that appears between the contacts of each switch as soon as they are separated.

For applications where a device according to the invention is intended for use as a generator circuit breaker for a medium voltage network, the displacement means are preferably arranged so that the separation of the contacts of the the vacuum interrupter is substantially delayed with respect to the separation of the arcing contacts of the gas interrupter, so that the current flow through zero is caused by the gas switch before the empty does not cut the current.

• 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 implementing said dead-link connection means, a cut-off device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

• the dead-link means comprise movement-return means which cooperate with first elastic means connected to the connecting 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 interrupter as soon as the operating rod has traversed said dead travel and able to move the connection means and the second contact an insulation stroke determined with respect to the first contact during a current interruption by the device, this insulation 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 abutment means each able to interrupt the expansion of the spring with which they cooperate, each spring exerting a thrust on the connecting means in the axial direction and these two thrusts being in opposite directions,
• said first stop means are integral with the connecting means,
• said second abutment means are connected to the third contact and provide the electrical connection with the connecting means,
• said return means comprise two parts able to be displaced together in support against one another and able to be dissociated during the opening of the vacuum interrupter,
• a first portion of said return means is subjected to a thrust of the first resilient means which allows to move this portion on said dead stroke relative to the connecting means, a second portion 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 interrupter are fitted into one another in the closed position, with a covering distance which is less than or equal to the dead run that can travel through the first part of the return means along the connecting 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 breaking device according to the invention, the contacts of the gas switch are in abutment against one another in the closed position, and means for delaying the setting in movement of the fourth contact are interposed between the 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 tubular in the axial direction, and said delaying means comprise:

• a first tubular element disposed in the axial extension of the fourth contact, solidly connected to the latter and slidable inside the rod during the displacement thereof, the sliding distance being less than or equal to said dead stroke,
• third abutment means attached to one end of the first tubular member at the connection with the fourth contact,
• a second tubular element integrally connected at one end to the second part of the return means, of diameter greater than that of the first tubular element, slidable along the third abutment means in the axial direction during the displacement of the rod and comprising its other end an annular cap intended to bear against said abutment means,
• a third coil spring disposed in the axial direction, interposed between the first and second tubular elements, bearing one side against the third abutment means and on the other side against the second part of the return means.

The third and fourth tubular contacts may each comprise at their end a tip 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 may comprise one or more of the following characteristics taken separately or in any technically possible combination:

• the connection means consists of a metal sleeve with symmetry of revolution in the axial direction, said sleeve comprising a hollow tubular portion which has at its open end a first annular shoulder which constitutes the first stop means
• this metal sleeve has a cylindrical portion in which is formed an annular housing, open towards the vacuum switch and intended to accommodate the second spring, the wall surrounding the annular housing may comprise at its end a second annular shoulder to maintain the first spring in abutment,
• in order to allow the translational movement of the return means along the connecting means, the first part of these return means comprises at one end an annular wall which bears against one end of the first spring, the diameter inside said annular wall being equal to the outside diameter of the tubular portion of the sleeve,
• the second abutment means consist of a cylindrical stud electrically connected to the third fixed contact and disposed in the axial extension thereof, the metal sleeve being fitted into said stud and being able to slide there while ensuring permanent electrical contact with it; ci, the hollow tubular portion of said sleeve comprising a bottom intended to bear against said second abutment means,
• the standards of the first and second spring thrusts are designed to present at any time a difference in favor of the first spring standard, this difference remaining permanently higher than a determined threshold,
• the second of the two parts of the return means is electrically permanently connected to a power socket, and supports a sliding contact intended to be in electrical contact with a conduction element when the breaking device is closed,
• this conduction element is fixed to the connection means to be electrically permanently connected to the second contact of the vacuum interrupter,
• a varistor is arranged in the common envelope of the breaking device and electrically connected in parallel with the contacts of the vacuum interrupter, in order to be able to limit the voltage applied to this switch, in order to adequately distribute the voltage applied to the switches respectively empty and gas when opening the cut-off device,
• a capacitor is connected 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 connection with the figures below.

• The figure 1 is a simplified block diagram showing the main elements of a high-voltage hybrid breaking device according to the invention in a particular embodiment, shown in the closed position.
• The Figures 2 and 3 represent successive steps of the opening of the hybrid breaking device shown in FIG. figure 1 .
• The figure 4 represents the block diagram of a hybrid breaking device according to the invention identical to that shown in FIG. figure 1 , except that the contacts of the gas interrupter are arranged for their separation to occur shortly before that of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter.
• The figure 5 represents an intermediate step of the opening of the hybrid breaking device shown in FIG. figure 5 .
• The figure 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, for use of the device as a generator circuit breaker in a medium voltage network.
• The figure 7 is an enlargement of part of the hybrid breaking device shown in figure 9 , and schematically shows a particular embodiment of end-to-end arc contacts of the gas switch in a hybrid breaking device according to the invention.
• The figure 8 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the hybrid cutoff device, whose simplified block diagram is shown in FIG. figure 1 .
• The figure 9 is a schematic representation of a particular embodiment of a hybrid breaking device according to the invention wherein the contacts of the gas switch are arranged end to end.
• The figure 10 is a partial view of the hybrid cutoff device shown in FIG. figure 9 and whose varistor has been removed.
• The Figures 11 to 13 represent successive steps of the opening of the hybrid breaking device shown in FIG. figure 10 .
• The figure 14 represents the block diagram of another embodiment of a hybrid breaking device according to the invention.

Figure 1 , the high-voltage hybrid breaking device 5 shown is generally symmetrical about an axis A. It comprises a vacuum interrupter 10 enclosing a first pair of arcing contacts 1 and 2. A first contact 1 is fixed and is permanently connected to an end crossing 7 of the device 5. A second contact 2 is movable in the axial direction A. The device also comprises a gas switch 11 electrically connected in series with the vacuum switch. This gas switch comprises 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 envelope 12 by means of holding means shown in FIGS. figures 8 and 9 . The fourth contact 4 is movable in the axial direction 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 fixed contact 3 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 time when the actuating rod 6 has traveled a determined distance of said implementation. speed, which is to say that the recovery distance corresponds to the speed setting distance traveled by the rod 6. This speed is applied to the movable contact 4 of the gas switch and allows the contact 4 to be separated fixed contact 3 with a relatively high speed from the beginning of the separation. A few milliseconds after said separation, this speed can reach a sufficient value favoring the extinction of the electric arc created between the contacts of the switch. It is particularly useful for cutting so-called capacitive currents without electric arc striking.

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

Returning means 15 are separable 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 ends facing each other. . 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 stroke D determined in the axial direction A relative to the connecting means 13. In the embodiment shown, this race D is equal to the overlap distance of the contacts 3 and 4, which is to say that it is equal to the speed setting distance defined above.

These return means 15 may also be made by a telescopic link (not shown) comprising two parts that can be locked in abutment with one another and slide one into the other during their separation in the axial direction, such a connection telescopic being functionally equivalent to the return means 15 shown schematically in FIG. figure 1 . However, such an embodiment may have disadvantages due to the increase in moving masses.

First resilient means are provided to maintain the vacuum interrupter closed, by exerting on the connection means 13 and thus on the contact 2 a first thrust which remains greater than a determined threshold until a moment when the rod 6 has traveled the dead race D.

At this moment corresponding to the representation of the figure 2 , the contacts of the gas switch are separated. This first thrust ceases to act on the means of connection to said moment, to let act on the contact 2 of the second elastic means which exert a second thrust of opposite direction. This second push puts in motion contact 2, which causes the separation of the contacts of the vacuum switch. This separation thus occurs simultaneously or delayed with respect to the separation of the contacts of the gas switch, according to a predetermined sequence.

et $\overrightarrow{{\mathrm{F}}_{20}}\mathrm{.}$

La position fermée du dispositif de coupure 5 est assurée grâce au verrouillage du mouvement de la tige 6 par le mécanisme de commande 8, ce qui permet de maintenir les deux parties 16 et 17 immobiles en appui l'une contre l'autre et aussi de maintenir une certaine pression sur les contacts 1 et 2 grâce au premier ressort 20 associé au moyen de raccordement 13. Cette pression de contact permet à l'interrupteur d'assurer le passage d'un courant de défaut, et dépend de la valeur du courant de défaut à supporter.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 armed in compression and associated respectively with first and second abutment means 14 and 19. The first spring 20 is mounted between the connecting means 13 and the first part 16, respectively to exert on these elements opposite thrusts. $-\overrightarrow{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="20"\; label="F"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">F</figure-callout>}}_{20}}$

and $\overrightarrow{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="20"\; label="F"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">F</figure-callout>}}_{20}}\mathrm{.}$

The closed position of the cut-off device 5 is ensured thanks to the locking of the movement of the rod 6 by the control mechanism 8, which makes it possible to keep the two parts 16 and 17 stationary against each other and also to maintain a certain pressure on the contacts 1 and 2 through the first spring 20 associated with the connecting means 13. This contact pressure allows the switch to ensure the passage of a fault current, and depends on the value of the current fault to bear.

In the case of an order of interruption of current sent to the control mechanism 8 of the cut-off device 5, the rod 6 must be unlocked to allow the first part 16 to move in translation relative to the means 13 under the effect of the expansion of the first spring 20. This relative movement is then stopped as soon as the first part 16 has traveled the dead stroke D, by the first abutment means 14 which are formed on the connecting means 13 so that this part 16 is rendered integral in translation. said means 13 as shown in figure 2 .

The return means 15 and the first resilient means (20, 14) form a connecting assembly which connects the connection means 13 to the rod 6. This assembly is referred to as dead link means, in that these means link do not allow the connecting means to follow the movement of the rod as it has not traveled the determined dead race. During this dead travel D, the connection means 13 remains stationary since the return means 15 do not transmit the movement of the rod 6. This property is true both at the opening and closing of the cut-off device.

The movement of the contact 2 during the separation of the contacts 1 and 2 of the vacuum interrupter 10 is ensured by the second semi-mobile spring 21, one end of which is stationary because it bears permanently against the face of the vacuum interrupter. is traversed by the rod bearing the contact 2. The other end of this spring 21 is movable, permanently supported against the connecting means 13, and exerts against it a thrust which remains much lower than that of the first spring 20.

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

The second stop means 19 are arranged so as to stop the translation movement of the connecting means 13, as soon as the latter has traveled a certain insulation stroke d ₁ as shown in FIG. figure 3 . These abutment 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. They consist here of a cylindrical stud of axis A, which is introduced into a tubular part hollow of the movable connecting 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 thermal blowing volume 11A and a blowing nozzle 11B.

The conduction element 9 acts as the main contact for the passage of the permanent current when the cut-off device 5 is closed. The electrical connection between the element 9 and a plug 33 is provided by means of a sliding contact 17A supported by the second part 17 of the return means 15 at the coupling means 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 return means 15 is itself electrically insulating for reasons explained below.

The connection means 13 in the exemplary embodiment shown is constituted by a metal sleeve with symmetry of revolution in the axial direction A. The various parts constituting this part are referenced to FIG. figure 2 . The sleeve comprises a hollow tubular portion 13A which has at its open end a first annular shoulder which constitutes the first stop means 14. This hollow portion 13A comprises a bottom 13C intended to bear against the cylindrical stud constituting the second stop means 19. The sleeve also comprises a cylindrical portion 13B in which is formed an annular housing 13D open to the vacuum switch 10 and for housing the second spring 21. The wall 13E surrounding the housing 13D has at its end a second shoulder 13F ring to maintain the first spring 20 abutting. The spring 20 is permanently compressed between this shoulder 13F and an annular wall 16A formed at one end of the first portion 16. The inside diameter of this wall 16A is equal to the outside diameter of the tubular portion 13A of the sleeve 13, so that that the portion 16 can slide along the sleeve in the axial direction A.

Following the unblocking of the rod 6, the first part 16 of the return means 15 moves in translation from the position shown in FIG. figure 1 to that of the 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 passes exclusively by the arcing contacts 3 and 4 in the gas switch 11. As mentioned above, the first part 16 is electrically insulating or at least allows to electrically isolate the connecting means 13 of the second part 17 which is conductive. Indeed, if this part 16 was entirely conductive, there would be arcing between the 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 therefore to the moving contact 4 of the gas switch. The thrust provided by the expansion of the first spring 20 serves to assist the control mechanism 8 for the operation of the rod.

du premier ressort 20 ne peut plus agir de façon effective sur le moyen de raccordement 13 pour maintenir la pression sur le contact 2, et la poussée du second ressort 21 est libre d'agir sur ce moyen 13 pour sa mise en translation. Le contact mobile 2 dans l'interrupteur à vide 10 est alors sur le point d'être séparé du contact fixe 1, simultanément à la séparation des contacts 3 et 4 dans l'interrupteur à gaz. Figure 2 , the device is represented at the moment when the annular wall 16A of the first part 16 comes into abutment against the first stop means 14, after having traveled the distance D. The movable contact 4 has simultaneously traveled the distance D in the switch to gas, and is about to be separated from the fixed contact 3. At this stage, the thrust $-\overrightarrow{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="20"\; label="F"\; filenames="imgf0001.png,imgf0003.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">F</figure-callout>}}_{20}}$

the first spring 20 can no longer act effectively on the connecting 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.

représentée à la figure 3. Cette mise en mouvement entraîne d'une part le déplacement du second contact 2 pour ouvrir l'interrupteur à vide 10, d'autre part la poursuite du déplacement en translation des moyens de renvoi 15.Between the positions represented at Figures 2 and 3 , the connecting means 13 is set in motion by the expansion of the second spring 21 which permanently exerts on this means 13 a thrust $\stackrel{}{{\mathrm{F}}_{}}$$\overrightarrow{{\mathrm{}}_{21}}$

represented at figure 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 translational movement of the return means 15.

Figure 3 The movement of the contact 2 is intended to be stopped as soon as the latter is completely separated from the contact 1 in the vacuum interrupter 10. The complete separation is performed when the movable contact 2 is separated from the fixed contact 1 by a distance d insulation in the determined vacuum, for example of the order of 15 mm. For this purpose, the movement of the connecting means 13 is stopped by the second stop means 19 which are arranged in such a way that the stroke d ₁ traversed by this means 13 is equal to the insulation distance corresponding to the complete separation. contacts 1 and 2.

du second ressort 21 est prévue suffisante pour dans un premier temps fournir l'énergie nécessaire au déplacement du contact 2 et des pièces 13 et 16 solidaires en translation, et dans un second temps maintenir les contacts 1 et 2 ouverts tel que représenté à la figure 3. Toutefois, cette poussée reste très inférieure en norme à celle F₂₀ du premier ressort 20. En effet, tant que l'interrupteur à vide 10 reste fermé comme représenté aux figures 1 et 2, la pression à maintenir sur les contacts 1 et 2 est assez élevée, par exemple de l'ordre de 2000 N pour un courant de défaut de 40 kA. Les poussées F₂₀ et F₂₁ des premier et second ressort sont donc prévues pour présenter une différence ΔF définie comme F₂₀-F₂₁ qui reste supérieure à un seuil S déterminé. F₂₀ décroît entre les instants correspondant aux figures 1 et 2 alors que F₂₁ est stable à son maximum, F₂₀ restant suffisamment élevée pour satisfaire la condition F₂₀>F₂₁+S.The thrust $\stackrel{}{{\mathrm{F}}_{}}$$\overrightarrow{{\mathrm{}}_{21}}$

of the second spring 21 is provided sufficient to initially provide the energy required for the displacement of the contact 2 and the parts 13 and 16 integral in translation, and in a second time maintain the contacts 1 and 2 open as shown in FIG. figure 3 . However, this pressure is well below that in standard F ₂₀ of the first spring 20. In fact, as the vacuum switch 10 remains closed as shown in Figures 1 and 2 , the pressure to maintain 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 springs are therefore provided to have a difference ΔF defined as F ₂₀ -F ₂₁ which remains greater than a determined threshold S. F ₂₀ decreases between 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 connecting means 13 under the effect of second spring expansion 21. The device shown in Figures 1 to 4 operates according to this mode of arrangement. The 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 the contacts 1 and 2 are completely separated at the time corresponding to the figure 3 . For example, the separation of the parts 16 and 17 can be planned to start just after that of the contacts 1 and 2, that is to say just after the instant corresponding to the figure 2 . Thus, only a first phase of the translational movement of the 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 assist its translational movement, which is then entirely ensured by the control mechanism 8. This operation makes it possible to have a greater speed of the moving contact 4 at the moment of blowing the arc between the contacts 3 and 4 in the gas switch 11.

The contacts 1 and 2 are kept open in the vacuum interrupter 10, until the contacts 3 and 4 are fully open in the gas interrupter where these contacts will be separated by a certain insulating distance 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 switch, since it is generally between 80 and 200 mm for most blow gas switches.

The figure 4 represents the schematic diagram of a device identical to that shown in figure 1 except that the contacts of the gas interrupter are arranged for their separation to occur shortly before that of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter. To obtain such an anticipated separation of the contacts of the gas switch, it is sufficient that the overlap distance of these contacts is somewhat less than the dead stroke D defined above, when the cut-off device is closed. There is therefore a recovery 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 desired time for this anticipated separation.

Figure 5 at the instant when the rod 6 has traveled the dead path D, the contacts of the gas switch have just been separated and are spaced apart by the distance ε. So we see that this distance ε is defined as the desired spacing for the contacts of the gas switch at the moment when those of the vacuum switch 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 use as a generator circuit breaker in a medium voltage network. The displacement means which are connected to the connecting means and to the operating rod of the device are here arranged so that the separation of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter occurs substantially delayed with respect to the separation of the arcing contacts. of the gas switch.

Indeed, the overlap distance D _r of the contacts of the gas switch is here less than half of the dead stroke D that can traverse the operating rod jointly with the movement of the 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 in which the contacts of the gas interrupter are arranged end to end. In general, for these applications of the device as a generator circuit breaker, it is preferable to choose a dead stroke greater than twice the speed-up distance of the moving 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 stroke D is completely traveled, that is to say before the separation of the contacts. vacuum switch. The gas switch is therefore able to cause the current to flow through zero before the vacuum interrupter cuts the current, which is an advantage in use as a generator circuit breaker.

It should be emphasized that a device of this type must be able to cut off short-circuit currents with strong asymmetries that result in delayed zero crossings. A hybrid cutoff device which has a contact separation sequence such as that of the device of the figure 6 reduces the asymmetry of the current and causes the current zero crossing earlier, at a time compatible with the operation of the vacuum switch.

The figure 7 is an enlarged partial view of the hybrid cutoff device shown in FIG. figure 9 , in closed position. This view shows a particular end-to-end embodiment of the arcing contacts of the gas interrupter in a hybrid breaking device according to the invention, in which the contacts 3 and 4 of the gas interrupter 11 are maintained. in support against each other with a certain contact pressure provided by elastic means.

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

The rod 6 and the contacts 3 and 4 are preferably of tubular form in the axial direction A, and the contacts 3 and 4 advantageously each comprise at their end a tip respectively 3A and 4A made of a refractory conductive material. The arc contact 4 also has orifices or openings 4B to allow the discharge of hot gases which are overpressurized inside the tubular structure of said contact during the breaking of a fault current by the arcing contacts. 3 and 4. The overpressurized 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 conductive tube 31 by openings provided for this purpose in the second part 17. Finally, these gases undergo a final expansion by passing into the volume adjacent to the inner wall of the casing 12 through openings provided for this purpose in the conductive tube 31. Of course, other arrangements of openings for the evacuation of gases under overpressure can be provided.

• 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 comprise:

• a first tubular element 25 disposed in the axial extension of the contact 4, solidly connected thereto and slidable inside the rod 6 during the displacement thereof, the speed-up distance for the rod 6 being defined by the race allowed for this sliding,
• third abutment means 23 fixed at 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 portion 17 of the return means 15, of greater diameter than that of the tubular element 25, slidable along the third abutment means 23 in the axial direction A during the displacement of the rod 6 and having at its other end an annular cap 27 intended to bear against the abutment means 23,
• a third spring 24 with turns arranged in the axial direction A, interposed between the first and second tubular elements, bearing one side against the third abutment means 23 and on the other side against the second portion 17 of the return means 15.

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

When the current is cut off by the device, once the sliding contact 17A is disconnected from the conduction element 9 and before the separation time of the contacts 3 and 4, the fault current flows from the fixed contact 3 to the tube driver 31 going through the contact 4, the tubular element 25, sliding contacts 29, a portion of the second portion 17 of the return means 15, and finally the sliding contacts 28.

During the joint translation movement of the parts 16 and 17 of the return means 15, the movable contact 4 is held in abutment against the fixed contact 3 with a certain contact pressure due to the thrust exerted by the third spring 24. When the distance speed is traveled by the rod 6, the annular cap 27 comes into abutment against the abutment means 23. The spring 24 has no action on the contact 4 which is then driven in translation with the rod 6 and the second part 17. Thus, the movable contact 4 is integral in translation of the parts 6 and 17 only from a precise moment.

In a similar way to the device shown in figure 1 , the operation of the device is here provided to obtain the separation of the contacts 3 and 4 in the gas switch simultaneously with that of the contacts 1 and 2 in the vacuum switch. However, it is possible to have an early separation of the contacts of the gas switch, arranging the elements of the device so that the speed-up distance is less than the distance D, similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. figure 5 .

Figure 8 schematically an embodiment of a hybrid breaking device whose simplified block diagram is shown in FIG. figure 1 . The contacts of the gas interrupter are fitted into each other with a certain overlap distance when the breaking device is closed, as well as at the figure 1 .

The volume adjacent to the inner wall of the envelope common to the two switches is sized to accommodate a varistor 32 electrically connected in parallel with the contacts of the vacuum interrupter so as to limit the voltage applied to said switch. This makes it possible to adequately distribute the voltage applied to the respectively vacuum and gas switches during the opening of the cut-off device. The distribution of the voltage can also be adjusted using at least one capacitor connected in parallel with the breaking device or in parallel with one of the two switches.

In the case of an air-insulated apparatus as shown where the series cut-off devices can be housed in a vertical insulating envelope, it may be advantageous to arrange the vacuum interrupter in the portion of the envelope the farthest from the ground. This makes it possible to obtain a natural voltage distribution which gives a voltage on the gas cut-off device greater than that applied to the vacuum switch. Furthermore, the relative compactness of a device according to the invention may allow the use of an existing insulating envelope provided for a non-hybrid gas switch.

The electrical connection between the varistor 32 and the movable contact of the vacuum switch is provided by means of the metal bellows sealing 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. Orifices or openings are provided at the connection between this pad and the conduction element 9 which surrounds the blowing chamber of the gas switch, to allow the evacuation of hot gases as explained in the commentary of the 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 the second part can slide.

Electrically insulating rods 30 participate in the mechanical maintenance of the gas switch in the casing of the cut-off device. These tie rods are fixed at one end to the face of the vacuum switch which is traversed by the rod carrying the movable contact. They are rigidly connected at their other end to the conduction element 9 and thus make it possible to maintain fixed the third contact and the blowing nozzle of the thermal blast volume in the gas switch.

The actuating rod 6 of the device is rigidly connected to the movable contact 4 as well as to the second part 17 of the return means 15. The three elements 6, 4 and 17 are therefore permanently integral in translation in this embodiment.

The figure 9 is a schematic representation in the closed position of another embodiment of a hybrid breaking device according to the invention wherein the contacts of the gas switch are arranged end to end. Many elements are identical to those used for the embodiment shown in FIG. figure 8 . However, the different structure of the contacts of the gas switch means that the drive of the movable contact of this switch can be made as directly as for the embodiment where these contacts are fitted. In order to respect the desired sequence of opening of the switches, delay means 18 as detailed in FIG. figure 7 are provided to delay the setting in motion of said movable contact. These means allow the rod 6 to travel the speeding distance as explained above, and thus allow the movable contact 4 to be driven by the rod 6 with a high speed at the beginning of the separation of the contacts of the switch. empty, as in the embodiment with fitted contacts.

Figure 10 , the elements of the hybrid breaking device shown are identical to those of the figure 9 with the exception of the varistor removed and the insulating jacket whose diameter has been reduced accordingly.

The figure 11 shows the device of the figure 10 at a moment corresponding to the stage of figure 2 when opening the device to interrupt the current.

The figures 12 and 13 show the device of the figure 10 at times respectively corresponding to the step of figure 3 and at the end of the opening of the device when the contacts of the vacuum interrupter are completely separated.

Figure 14 , the block diagram of another embodiment of a device according to the invention is shown in half longitudinal section. This embodiment differs from the one represented at figure 1 in that the dead-link connecting means connecting the connecting means 13 to the rod 6 are arranged differently. These connecting means comprise return means 15 'which cooperate with first resilient means comprising a first spring 20' providing the same function as the first spring 20 shown in FIG. figure 1 . The return means 15 'are directly connected to the connecting means 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 connecting means 13' to keep the contacts of the vacuum interrupter closed. This thrust is exerted here through the return means 15 ', until the rod 6 has traveled the dead stroke D under the action of the expansion of the spring 20' which bears on an annular shoulder 34 integral of the stem. The first resilient means further comprise first abutment means 14 'which are here integral with the movable contact 4 of the gas switch. These abutment means 14 'cooperate with the first spring 20' to limit the distance D the race that the rod 6 travels relative to the return means 15 '.

The return means 15 'comprise two parts 16' and 17 'which can be displaced together in support against one another and can be disassociated during the opening of the vacuum interrupter. The first portion 16 'is permanently integral in translation of the connecting means 13. The second portion 17' is not integral in translation with the rod 6 as it traverses the dead stroke D relative to the return means 15 ' , and becomes integral with the rod once this race has been completed. Due to the increase in the mass of the integral elements in motion 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 to obtain sufficient speed of the contact 4 to cut the so-called capacitive currents.

In a similar way to the device of the figure 1 , the displacement means connected to the connecting means 13 'comprise second elastic means which comprise a second spring 21 cooperating with second abutment means 19.

A hybrid breaking device according to the invention allows the thermal phase of the power failure, that is to say the period of a few microseconds during which the voltage recovery begins, to be provided in large part by the vacuum switch of the device. On the other hand, the gas interrupter essentially contributes to holding the peak value of the voltage, thanks to the relatively large separation distance of the contacts inherent to this type of apparatus in comparison with a vacuum switch. This offers in particular the possibility of using a gas other than the SF ₆ for blowing the gas switch. Indeed, the SF ₆ is generally chosen for its holding properties. fast recovery speeds of the voltage during the thermal phase of the cut. Since the transient voltage recovery during the thermal phase is provided by the vacuum interrupter in a hybrid breaking device according to the invention, another gas or gas mixture having sufficient dielectric properties can then be used in the circuit. gas switch of the device. High pressure nitrogen has the dielectric properties required in high voltage. Not presenting risks for the environment it constitutes a preferential solution for a use with a gas other than the SF ₆ . Alternatively, a mixture composed of more than 80% of nitrogen and another gas such as SF ₆ has at least the advantage of considerably reducing the risks to the environment compared to the use of pure SF ₆ .

Claims (22)

1. A hybrid-type interrupter device for high or medium voltage, the device comprising:

   a casing (12) filled with a dielectric gas and having a longitudinal axis (A);

   a vacuum interrupter (10) disposed inside the casing, and having a first pair of arcing contacts constituted by a first contact (1) which is fixed and by a second contact (2) which can be moved in translation in the longitudinal axial direction (A) of the casing;

   means provided to exert a force on said second contact (2) such that the mutual pressure between the contacting surfaces of said first and second contacts is greater than a determined value while said vacuum interrupter is allowing current to pass;

   a gas interrupter (11) disposed inside the casing, and having a second pair of arcing contacts constituted by a third contact (3) which is fixed and by a fourth contact (4) which can be moved in translation in the longitudinal axial direction, and also having a blast chamber which comprises a thermal blast volume (11A);

   a drive rod (6) connected to the fourth contact (4) and that can be held stationary or moved in translation by control means (8);

   connection means (13) electrically interconnecting the second and third contacts (2, 3), and capable of being moved in translation in the longitudinal axial direction together with the second contact;

   displacement means connected to said connection means (13) and to said drive rod (6) for displacing them so as to separate the second and fourth contacts from the first and third contacts respectively, characterized in that displacement means (13) comprise dead-stroke link means connecting said connection means to said rod, the link means making it possible to displace said rod over a determined dead stroke (D) while also acting on said connection means to keep the vacuum interrupter closed during this displacement.
2. An interrupter device according to claim 1, intended to be used as a circuit-breaker in a high-voltage network, in which said displacement means are organized so that the separations of the contacts both of the vacuum interrupter (10) and of the gas interrupter (11) take place simultaneously or with a small offset in time.
3. An interrupter device according to claim 2, in which said dead-stroke link means comprise return-movement means (15, 15') which co-operate with first resilient means connected to said connection means (13) or to said rod (6).
4. An interrupter device according to claim 3, in which said displacement means comprise second resilient means suitable for co-operating with the connection means (13) for separating the contacts (1, 2) of the vacuum interrupter (10) as soon as the drive rod (6) has traveled over said dead stroke (D), and suitable for displacing said connection means (13') and the second contact (2) over a determined isolation stroke (d₁) relative to the first contact (1) while the device interrupts current, said isolation stroke corresponding to the complete separation distance of the contacts of the vacuum interrupter.
5. An interrupter device according to claim 4, in which said first and second resilient means respectively comprise a first spring (20, 20') and a second spring (21) each compressed and suitable for extending with a determined extension, said springs co-operating respectively with first abutment means (14, 14') and second abutment means (19) each suitable for interrupting the relaxation of the spring with which it co-operates, each spring exerting thrust (-F20, F21) on said connection means (13) along the axis (A), the two springs exerting thrust (-F20, F21) in opposite directions.
6. An interrupter device according to claim 5, in which said first abutment means (14) are secured to said connection means (13).
7. An interrupter device according to claim 5 or claim 6, in which said second abutment means (19) are electrically and mechanically connected to the third contact (3), and provide the electrical connection with said connection means (13).
8. An interrupter device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, in which said return-movement means (15, 15') comprise two portions (16, 16', 17, 17') suitable for being displaced together in mutual abutment, and suitable for being dissociated during opening of the vacuum interrupter (10).
9. An interrupter device according to claim 7 or claim 8, in which a first portion (16) of said return-movement means (15) is subjected to a thrust (F20) from the first resilient means (20) which makes it possible to displace said first portion over said dead stroke (D) relative to the connection means (13), and in which a second portion (17) is constrained to move in translation with the drive rod (6) of the device.
10. A hybrid interrupter device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the arcing contacts (3, 4) of the gas interrupter (11) are interfitted one in the other when in the closed position, with an overlap distance that is less than or equal to said dead stroke D.
11. A hybrid interrupter device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the contacts (3, 4) of the gas interrupter (11) are in mutual abutment in the closed position, and in which delay means (18) for delaying the start of movement of the fourth contact (4) are interposed between said contact and said rod (6).
12. A hybrid interrupter device according to claim 11, in which said rod (6) and the third and fourth contacts (3, 4) are tubular in shape along the axis (A), and in which said delay means (18) comprise:

    a first tubular element (25) that is disposed in axial alignment with the fourth contact (4), that is secured thereto, and that can slide inside the rod (6) while said rod is being displaced, the sliding distance being less than or equal to said dead stroke (D);

    third abutment means (23) fixed to an end of the first tubular element (25) where it is connected to the fourth contact (4);

    a second tubular element (26) that is secured via one end to the second portion (17) of the return means (15), that is of diameter greater than the diameter of the first tubular element (25), that can slide along the third abutment means (23) along the axis (A) while the rod (6) is being displaced, and that is provided at its other end with an annular cap (27) serving to come into abutment with said abutment means (23); and

    a helical third spring (24) disposed along the axis (A), interposed between the first tubular element (25) and the second tubular element (26), in abutment at one end against the third abutment means (23) and at the other end against the second portion (17) of the return means (15).
13. A hybrid interrupter device according to any one of claims 5 to 12, in which the connection means (13) are constituted by a metal socket that is circularly symmetrical about the axis (A), said socket having:

    a tubular portion (13A) which, at its open end, has a first annular shoulder that constitutes the first abutment means (14); and

    a cylindrical portion (13B) in which an annular recess (13D) is provided that is open facing towards the vacuum interrupter (10) and that serves to receive the second spring (21), and in which the wall (13E) that surrounds said annular recess has, at its end, a second annular shoulder (13F) for holding the first spring (20) in abutment.
14. A hybrid interrupter device according to claim 13, in which the first portion (16) of the return means (15) has, at one end, an annular wall (16A) which comes into abutment against an end of the first spring (20), and in which the inside diameter of said annular wall is equal to the outside diameter of the tubular portion (13A) of said socket (13).
15. A hybrid interrupting device according to claim 13 or 14, in which the second abutment means (19) are constituted by a cylindrical stud fixed to the third contact (3) and disposed in axial alignment therewith, said metal socket (13) being engaged over said stud (19) and being mounted to slide therein while also providing permanent electrical contact therewith, the tubular portion (13A) of said socket having an endwall (13C) serving to come into abutment against said stud.
16. A hybrid interrupter device according to any one of claims 5 to 15, in which the magnitudes of the thrusts (F₂₀, F₂₁) of the first and second springs (20, 21) are organized to have, at all times, a difference in favor of the magnitude (F₂₀) of the first spring (20), this difference remaining continuously greater than a determined threshold.
17. A hybrid interrupter device according to any one of claims 8 to 16, in which the second (17) of the two portions (16, 17) of the return means (15) is electrically connected permanently to a terminal (33) and supports a sliding contact (17A) serving to be in electrical contact with a conduction element (9) when the interrupter device is closed, said conduction means being mechanically and electrically connected permanently to the connection means (13).
18. A hybrid interrupter device according to claim 17, in which said conduction element (9) is rigidly connected to the vacuum interrupter (10) via electrically insulating ties (30).
19. A hybrid interrupter device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, in which a varistor (32) is electrically connected in parallel with the contacts (1, 2) of the vacuum interrupter (10) in order to make it possible to limit the voltage applied to said vacuum interrupter.
20. A hybrid interrupter device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, in which a capacitor is mounted in parallel with one of the interrupters (10, 11) or in parallel with each of the interrupters.
21. An interrupter device according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 18, intended to be used as a generator circuit-breaker for a medium-voltage network, in which device said displacement means are organized so that the separation of the contacts (1, 2) of the vacuum interrupter (10) is substantially delayed relative to the separation of the arcing contacts (3, 4) of the gas interrupter (11), in order for the gas interrupter to cause the current to pass through zero before the vacuum interrupter interrupts the current.
22. An interrupter device according to claim 21, in which the first abutment means (14) of the dead-stroke link means are organized so that said dead stroke (D) is longer than twice the speed-gathering distance (D_r) of the moving contact of the gas interrupter.

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