EP3210229A1

EP3210229A1 - Disconnecting switch for high direct or alternating currents at high voltages

Info

Publication number: EP3210229A1
Application number: EP15797005.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Lell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-10-22
Filing date: 2015-10-21
Publication date: 2017-08-30
Also published as: WO2016062305A1; DE202015100525U1; DE102014115396A1; JP2017531910A; US10388481B2; US20170309432A1; KR20170063890A

Abstract

The invention relates to a switch (10), particularly a disconnecting switch (10) for high direct and alternating currents at high voltages, which can be transferred from a conducting position to a disconnecting position, and which comprises a housing (12), a first contact (28), a second contact (30), a switching piston (24) guided by the housing (12), and a connection element (22) which establishes an electrical connection between said first contact (28) and second contact (30) when the switch (10) is in its conducting position, said housing (12) comprising an inner chamber (18) which surrounds the connection element (22). The invention is characterised in that the connection element (22) extends inside the inner chamber (18) in at least some sections; in that said inner chamber (18) is filled with an insulating medium (20); and in that the switch is designed such that a mechanical movement of the switching piston (24) can transfer the switch (10) from the conducting position into the disconnecting position, said switching piston (24) acting mechanically on the connection element (22) such that the electrical connection between the first contact (28) and the second contact (30) is interrupted at at least one disconnection point.

Description

Disconnector for high DC or AC currents at high voltages

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a switch, in particular a circuit breaker. This can separate high DC or AC currents at high voltages, it is used, for example, in a voltage range between 100V and 5000V. Electric currents up to 10,000A can be separated.

Background of the invention

Switching high power circuits, ie at high voltages and / or high currents, is a challenge in the entire field of electrical engineering. In particular, the problem occurs when switching off high DC currents and the zero crossings here compared to alternating currents on that arcs can be formed at sufficiently high voltage, which can remain stable from about 100V source voltage stable and consume all materials in their environment. As a result of the burnup and the ionization of the current-carrying contacts or electrodes, current can continue to flow in the arc while the circuit is already mechanically separated by the switch or should be disconnected. To avoid this problem, various approaches are known. Some of these approaches also involve the speed of the separation process.

The Swiss patent CH 24 06 70 discloses a device for connection and disconnection of circuits in which high potentials occur. The patent discloses that one of the high voltage leading contact conductor elements can be covered with a metal shield cap. The contact conductor element may comprise a plurality of individual contact conductors and, accordingly, the metallic shield cover may be provided with a number of openings corresponding to the number of contact conductors. The shielding cap is mechanically connected to the contact conductor so that it is moved back mechanically when approaching a second contact conductor, that is, the mating contact conductor, and only then are the through-openings-shielded contact conductors released. This switching device is intended to be used in particular in power amplifiers of long-wave transmitters. It can be seen that the formation of arcs is made more difficult by the umbrella hood, but it can also be seen that, in any case, it can not be completely suppressed at a sufficiently high voltage. The mechanical structure is not very suitable for a very fast connection or disconnection of a circuit, it is also effective only for relatively small and high-frequency currents.

The German patent DE 19 28 922 C3 discloses an approach of high voltage engineering, which also aims at the mechanical separation of circuits. The current is conducted via one or more separating blades, which can be moved mechanically into a counterpart switch piece. The separating knives can also be turned to ensure better electrical contact with the counter-piece. This approach allows dealing with very high voltages in the range of more than 10kV and probably more than 100kV. The mechanical separation is again quite slow, in addition, a mechanically complex to produce component is required, which also occupies a place.

German Auslegeschrift 1 050 858 discloses an electrical circuit breaker in the form of an explosive separator. The blasting separator has a chamber in which a hollow conductor piece is located. In this an explosive charge can be introduced. The conductor piece can be connected via contacts with power lines. The explosive charge can be ignited by any ignition device, such as a filament. As a result, the hollow conductor piece is burst and made a separation distance. The formation of an arc should be suppressed by a bag or container that can be filled with water. The water is partially vaporized by the heat of the explosion and is said to support the extinguishing of an arc significantly. An important advantage of the blasting separator is that it can cause a very fast separation of a circuit. However, extinguishing an arc with water does not seem satisfactory. It could also lead to the wetting of surrounding components. Furthermore, it should be considered that an interruption of the circuit can be effected here exclusively by the explosive charge. A manual operation is not possible, so this is not a switch in the classical sense. An encapsulation of the device that would allow an effect to the outside, is not possible because the Explosive swaths that would produce pieces of debris from the blast and in particular the evaporating water would not be controllable by normal means overpressure that would be manageable only by extremely strong metallic wall thicknesses.

The German utility model DE 20 2007 013 841 111 discloses an electrical switching device which has a crankcase. The operation of the switching device is done mechanically via this crankcase, for example, it can be transferred from a closed position to an open position. Insulating gas is used to suppress any possible arcing. In order to reliably suppress an arc, this insulating gas must have a predetermined minimum pressure. To check compliance with the minimum pressure, a pressure sensor is provided. If an insulating gas appears to suppress the formation of an arc more reliable than, for example, a water bag, then the provision of pressure sensors is very complicated. In this regard, a simpler solution would be desirable.

German Offenlegungsschrift DE 198 19 662 A1 discloses an electrical switch for interrupting the power supply of a motor vehicle. The electrical switch essentially corresponds to the concept of a splitter. In particular, he should serve to avoid a short circuit in the electrical system in a motor vehicle accident. Such a short circuit can cause a fire if fuel leaks. Therefore, it is intended to insert the electrical switch behind the battery terminal. The electrical switch can be triggered for example by a squib, which in turn is triggered by a crash or impact sensor. When disconnecting the switch, a spark may occur. This should be shielded by the housing from the environment.

This electrical switch is designed for the high currents and voltages that can occur in the case of a battery short circuit or a similar short circuit in the vehicle. The emergence of a spark can not be completely avoided, so that the housing must protect it reliably. The German patent DE 102 05 369 B4 discloses a similar switch in the form of an electrical fuse, in particular a pyrotechnic fuse for breaking high currents in electrical circuits. Also, this fuse is designed specifically for use for disconnecting the on-board wiring of a car battery shortly after an accident. However, this improved approach does not allow manual switching.

The two last-mentioned switches are well usable at source voltages below 100V DC, but would inevitably create an arc that, assuming high electrical currents at the moment of separation, are stable, destroy the switches and ultimately would not separate the circuit.

Description of the invention

The present invention seeks to improve upon this prior art. In particular, a circuit breaker is to be made available, which is suitable for high DC and AC currents at high source voltages, even without maintenance for many years on standby and especially to the outside during the triggering has no effect, so surrounding components not impaired. The switch should be safe and yet inexpensive to manufacture. He should also be well combined with other security systems.

These advantages are achieved by a switch according to claim 1.

The switch should be transferred from a control position to a disconnected position. The control position can also be described as a closed position. In this position, a current flows between a first contact and a second contact. In the disconnected position, at least no current flows between the first contact and the second contact. It is easily possible that flows in this disconnected position between two other contacts, such as the first contact and a third contact current. Then the switch would not be a mere circuit breaker The switch should be suitable as a disconnector for high currents at high source voltages. In any case, it should be suitable for voltages above 100V and also for the separation of direct currents. As a rule, the switch is also suitable for medium and high voltages in the sense of the VDE regulations, namely for voltages of more than 1 kV.

The switch has a first contact and a second contact. As mentioned, he could also have other contacts. At least with the first contact and the second contact, he is in a to be switched, d. H. potentially disconnected circuit. In the control position of the switch, the electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact is made by a connecting element. As a rule, the connecting element will also mechanically connect the first contact and the second contact.

Conveniently, the connecting element extends substantially along an axis. A suitable connecting element is therefore a connecting wire. The wire does not have to have a uniform structure, it may well have mechanical weakenings or reinforcements. Also suitable is a more or less structured or perforated connection plate. The connecting element is on the one hand in terms of its geometry and its material to its electrical requirements, so to dimension the power line in the Leitstellung out. The connecting element consists, for example, of copper or its alloys or of tungsten and its alloys, in particular of a material which, although electrically conductive, requires very high energies for its evaporation and ionization, for example tungsten and its alloys. Coatings of the connecting element with such metals or alloys are also possible.

On the other hand, the connecting element should be selected with regard to its function for the desired switching. It should namely be possible within the meaning of the invention to mechanically transfer the connecting element into a position in which the first contact is electrically isolated from the second contact, that is, the switch is transferred into its disconnected position. For this purpose, an intended at the switch Actuate piston mechanically act on the connecting element, that the electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact is interrupted.

In such an interruption usually at least one separation point is formed. The separation point extends over a certain distance of the previous course of the connecting wire. It can therefore also be referred to as a separation line. Preferably, such a separation distance has a length of more than 1% or more than 5% of the previous connecting wire, values between 5% and 20% are usually useful. It is also possible to create several separation points in the connection wire. This can occur at the moment of the desired switching. Alternatively or additionally, a formation of separation points in case of overload is possible, as will be described in more detail below.

It is therefore expedient if the switching piston is mechanically connected to the connecting element. For this purpose, for example, serve a solder joint, just as suitable are crimping or the use of cutting contacts or Multikontak- th. The switching piston and the connecting element can ideally be made in one piece, so as to safely avoid unsafe joints.

Various mechanical movements can cause the transition of the switch in the disconnected position. For example, the switching piston could cause a twisting and subsequent tearing of the connecting element by a torsional movement about the axis of symmetry of the connecting element. Alternatively or additionally, the switching piston can tear the connecting element by a pulling movement along the main axis of extension of the connecting element. After the pulling movement, there is a first connecting element section, a separating route and a second connecting element section. Such a pulling movement has proven to be particularly useful. This is due in particular to the fact that, in contrast to a torsional movement, a selectable separating distance is generated during the pulling movement.

The translatory movement can separate the connection element itself, but it can also serve (exclusively or additionally) to release the connection element from the first or from the second contact. Here too, an isolating distance can be generated become. Therefore, it is expedient to continue such a movement beyond the breaking point of the connecting element, because in this continuation of the movement, an isolating distance is initially generated and then lengthened. In one movement, a first separation distance, for example, by separation at the first or second contact, and a second separation distance, for example by separation of the connecting element, can be generated.

The switch should have a housing. This housing should guide the control piston. The leadership of the housing thus allows movement of the control piston relative to the housing, for example, the described pulling movement. During this movement, the housing should at least partially guide the piston. It is useful if the housing, for example in the region of a lid has a bore. The control piston, which is usually designed as a round cylindrical body, can be easily guided through such a bore. Alternatively or additionally, the piston can be connected via a bellows with the housing. Thus, a bore can be avoided and a better and even hermetically sealed sealing of the housing can be achieved to the outside.

The housing should have an interior. Based on the housing, this interior is a cavity. The interior should surround the connecting element at least in sections. Already by the provision of a housing provides protection against flying sparks, when the connecting element is mechanically transferred to the disconnected position and in this separation of the connecting element, the formation of an arc is to be feared.

For the purposes of the invention, the interior of the housing but should be additionally filled with an isolating medium. This isolating medium should be capable of completely suppressing the formation of an arc or at least limiting its formation in terms of its strength, distance and duration. It is intended to catch the fragments which may be formed during the separation at high current flow at the point of separation and, above all, to extract energy from the resulting arc by melting and cooling and thus to extinguish it again. The isolating medium may be a silicate, mineral or special metal, in particular with high thermal conductivity at low electrical conductivity, high melting energy at the lowest possible melting temperature. In particular, a fine-grained quartz sand based on the size of the housing offers itself. Conceivable are also other sands. Alternatively to a sand of mineral origin also a metallic sand comes into question. Such isolator media can also be mixed. As an isolating medium also oils in question, for example silicone oil, transformer oil, rapeseed oil or pure sunflower oil, and their fats and gels. Also comes distilled water in question. Furthermore, a protective gas can be introduced. All of these isolation media can also be mixed together. For the purposes of this invention, a high vacuum should also be considered as isolating medium.

For the control piston different shapes may be appropriate. Often a cylindrical shape will be chosen because it can be made particularly cost effective. It could also be a shape with non-round cross section are selected, for example, have an elliptical or rectangular cross-section. It is useful if the switching piston has an annular projection on the side facing away from the connecting element. It is useful in the context of the present invention, when the control piston (at least also) can be moved manually. If a grip area or gripping ring is provided, the movement succeeds particularly well. In general, the movement will be a pulling movement, the switching piston is thus pulled out of the housing. By means of a drive movable switching piston of this type are also known as pin-puller drives. The switching piston can be part of the drive or acted upon by a movable piston of the drive (pulled). The switching piston could alternatively or in addition to the handle ring also be equipped with a drawbar eye, a ring or the like.

The switching piston should be performed usually electrically conductive. For this purpose, it can expediently be made of metal, for example of copper or their alloys or of tungsten and its alloys. It can also consist of the same material as the connecting element and, like this, it can again be coated only with these materials. Alternatively or in addition to the manual movement of the control piston come here also other forms of movement in question. In particular, the switching piston can be moved by means of a controllable drive. The drive can be designed, for example, as an inductive drive. For this purpose, an induction coil may be provided at a suitable distance from the switch housing. The switching piston can be designed to be magnetically suitable. The control piston can also be equipped with its own induction coil. It would also be conceivable to equip the control piston with an induction coil and to provide an electromagnetic reference point at a suitable distance from the control piston, for example a permanent magnet. In this way, the switching piston can therefore be moved alternatively or additionally inductively.

A drive by an eddy current drive is conceivable: In this case, located between the housing with the connecting element and the end plate of the switching piston, a force coil, which is flowed through for the desired switching by a surge current from the outside. In the front of the power coil end plate of a highly electrically conductive material in this case a current is induced, which is opposite to the exciting current in the force coil according to Lenz's rule, whereby the end plate of the switching piston is repelled by the force coil extremely fast and with high force and thereby the connecting element connected in the housing ruptures.

It may also be expedient to provide the movement of the switching piston by gas pressure. In this case, it is expedient to upgrade the control piston with a sabot. The gas pressure can act on this sabot and so move the control piston in the desired direction, ie usually out of the housing. Such a gas pressure can be established by means of suitable gas lines. It is expedient, in particular in the sense of a rapid separation, if the corresponding gas pressure is generated pyrotechnically. For this purpose, it is expedient to provide a combustion chamber with incorporated propellant powder at a suitable location, which can be activated by means of a firing or priming piece. A gas pressure can also be established by means of suitable gas lines. For this purpose, the diameter of the end plate of the control piston can be increased so that it abuts against the inner walls of the piston housing. In addition, it should usually be sealed gas-tight. In this way, a closed space can be created, which can be filled by a gas line with a gaseous medium or propellant gas. Many technical gases are suitable for this, for example air, nitrogen and carbon dioxide are suitable. Carbon dioxide in particular has the advantage that it can be stored in the form of dry ice. It can then be used at a certain time to trigger the switch. In this way, an energy autarchic switch can be provided. In addition, it is possible to heat the stored carbon dioxide, so as to be able to generate gas even faster. The gas pressure can also be generated by the decomposition of a liquid or solid substance, for example tetracene or dry ice.

Liquid or gaseous fuels and oxidizers can also be injected into a combustion chamber which is integrated into or connected to the switch. Such fuels and oxidizers are referred to below as gas-generating materials len. The pyrotechnic gas-generating materials, regardless of whether they are deflagrating or detonative, should be included hereby. After the activation of the combustion or oxidation process, these gas-generating materials generate a gas pressure (or, in the case of already gaseous fuels and / or oxidizers, a gas pressure which is markedly higher than the initial state), which acts on the switching piston and moves it from the pilot position into the disconnected position. For ignition can then serve a spark plug, a glow wire or a lighter. Alternatively or additionally, the combustion chamber could already contain either fuel or oxidizers (in liquid, solid or gaseous form). It is then possible to add the substance required for the purpose of ignition and / or gas production at the selected activation time.

Such a system, as well as quite a pyrotechnic system, allows a fast and reliable separation of a circuit even after many years and is low maintenance, in individual cases, no maintenance is required for many years. In order to provide a pyrotechnic production of gas pressure and thus the pyrotechnic triggering of the switch, only a pyrotechnic mixture must be inserted into the combustion chamber. At the desired time, this can then be ignited by an ignition or igniter.

Alternatively or additionally, the combustion chamber can also be equipped with a firing or priming piece. With a suitably chosen ignition or ignition piece, sufficient gas and / or exhaust gas products can be generated when it is ignited, so that a sufficient pressure builds up in the combustion chamber. This can then move over an end plate, which acts as a sabot, the switching piston a large enough piece to produce a separation distance. If the pyrotechnic triggering of the switch is provided via a combustion chamber, the effect of the combustion chamber can be increased by introducing fillers into the combustion chamber. Such fillers can reduce the unneeded void volume in the combustion chamber, so that an already much smaller amount of gas applied to the movement of the sabot and thus switching piston pressure required. It should be remembered that at the beginning of the firing process, the pressure must be highest, because then yes tearing of the connecting element is to initiate (or in alternative embodiments about the moving out of the connecting element from a socket).

Alternatively or additionally, the filling of the combustion chamber with water, mineral or natural oils, or silicone oil (in each case with or without swelling agent) can be considered. Water not only serves as a filler, but the high pressure at a steam generation can also act as a blowing agent water. With skillful exploitation of Siedeverzugses can thus produce a very large and rapidly increasing pressure effect on the end plate with a very small hot gas, for example by a firing or primer piece.

In particular, the combination of a detonator with such liquid packing, in particular with water or oil, is so efficient that thereby a good sound engineering or shock wave technology coupling of the end plate is achieved. In another embodiment of the switch, the switching piston may also be connected to a membrane, which then replaces the end plate. The membrane can be deformed in the direction of the switching piston movement during the separation. A membrane typically has less mass than an end plate, thereby facilitating rapid movement. By suitable means, for example by a protective screen, also called membrane support ring here, a bursting of the membrane can be reliably prevented. A membrane has the particular advantage that it seals well to the outside and so no sealing problems occur over a long time. Such a membrane can also be used in combination with a bellows.

At high mechanical loads of the membrane and also out of safety considerations, this can also be performed or used from several superposed individual membranes. Thus, for example, two superimposed membranes with half thickness as an equal thickness membrane easier deformable than the thicker membrane at the same total mass, also affects any existing in a membrane or resulting crack in the material is not harmful, the driving gas remains this case safely closed in the combustion chamber. For the sake of simplification, however, only one membrane is usually mentioned here.

The connecting element can also have different shapes. It is expedient if the connecting element is a tube. Alternatively, the connecting element may also be a wire. Also, a tape would be useful, which is also particularly suitable to produce via holes and embossing predetermined separation points. The connecting element can expediently be made of metal, for example copper, brass, red brass, steel or stainless steel. There are also their alloys in question, also also electrically conductive coated carbon fibers and glass fibers.

In order to effect a slight and predefined mechanical separation of the connecting element, the connecting element can be arranged at one or more points. be weak. This could be about fine holes or scratches provided or the like.

The connecting element can also be designed so that it is not only separated by mechanical action, but also by electrical load. In other words, the connecting element can also act as a fuse, essentially in the manner of a fuse. This is a particularly remarkable aspect of the present invention. Not only is a mechanically separable disconnector presented, which is suitable for separating high currents at high switching voltages, but at the same time the switch can be used as overload protection. In the concept according to the invention, these two separate functions are not contradictory. For example, the mentioned mechanical weakenings of the connecting element usually lead to cross-sectional constrictions. At these cross-sectional constrictions increases the current density. Therefore, the connecting element heats up particularly strongly here, and the melting point of the material is thereby reached there first.

If several electrically effective weakenings are present in succession in the connecting element can also be achieved that in case of overload or intentional switching the material of the connecting element is separated from each other at several points. This ensures that now no longer applies the entire switching voltage at each separation point, so here the ionization of the material of the conductor pieces drops drastically and thus the deletion of the resulting arc is easier possible.

In an expedient development of the invention, the connecting element itself may also have pyroelements, for example a pyroseele. Such Pyroseele is strongly heated at the intended locations of high current density and thereby ignited, so that in this way a particularly fast safety shutdown of a circuit is possible. The proposed isolating medium suppresses even in this separation by electrical overload a possibly occurring arc. Instead of a Pyroseele, a tubular connecting element can also be filled internally with an insulating medium in order to additionally extract energy from the arc which may form when the connecting element is being separated.

There are quite other suitable configurations of the connecting element possible, which bring a high benefit in connection with the inventive switch. For example, the connecting element may have at least one electrically weakened cross-section in order to achieve the separation of the connecting element by the overload current at a certain overload. It is also possible that the connecting element has at least one mechanically weakened cross-section, which defines the separation points geometrically. In both cases, a plurality of such weakened cross sections can be provided one behind the other. These weakened cross sections may also be spaced so that this results in a plurality of predefined short separation points or parting lines. Suitable mechanical weakenings are, for example, holes, recesses, recesses, bruises, etc. The connecting element can be equipped in production with such elements or only afterwards.

The provision of several such weakened cross sections in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element and in the same or variable distance is regularly favorable. Because the formation of multiple separation sections at the desired overload leads to reduced switching voltages relative to the outer, applied between the contacts of the switch source voltage. In the manner of a series connection of resistors, only part of the externally applied source voltage drops per separation path.

In order to define the separation behavior in advance even more precisely, it is also possible to braze, apply or weld on materials. As a result, heat sinks can be generated which also influence the separation behavior (namely, by suppressing the separation at such locations).

Another significant improvement in the effectiveness of the connecting element may be in addition to or as an alternative to the solutions discussed so far therein. hen that at one or more locations pyrotechnic material is placed on the connecting element. As a result, a separation can be achieved even with relatively small overloads, since even then the ignition temperature of the appropriately selected pyrotechnic material is achieved and an ignition gap is applied by ignition. Alternatively or additionally, the material can be used to form or increase a separation distance faster or to prevent any regression or reduction of the separation distance.

In this case, a pyrotechnic material can be used, which is not (only) heat-sensitive, but also sensitive to friction. The mechanical movement of the piston or an externally mounted pin-puller drive can then trigger an ignition. As already mentioned, the switching piston can be part of the drive designed as a pin-puller drive or a movable piston of the pin-puller drive can be connected to the switching piston.

Alternatively or in addition to these devices, numerous improvements may also be provided substantially outside the actual switch housing. The switching piston can be moved, for example, by pyrotechnic means, which are provided outside the housing, in particular by a pyrotechnic pin-puller drive or a pin-puller drive, which operates with a non-pyrotechnically generated gas pressure. The devices for the gas or pyrodrive may be located inside the switch housing (i.e., the housing of the drive is integral with the housing of the switch, or the drive housing is inside the switch housing) or outside the switch housing. In the latter case, the drive housing may be connected to the switch housing immediately adjacent or even located at a distance outside of the switch housing, wherein the movement of a drive element of the drive is mechanically transmitted to the control piston (for example, by an additional connecting piston or a correspondingly long running piston or Piston of the pin puller drive).

In principle, it is also expedient to provide two switching pistons or correspondingly two pin-puller drives on one switch. This can trigger the release of Switch in two places, done about from both sides. Thus, an alternative triggering or even a double (simultaneous) triggering can take place. In any case, there is a redundancy in the design, which makes the separation of a circuit even more reliable.

In principle, the switch can also be equipped with components which improve its electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and / or its susceptibility to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Corresponding protective components such as ferrite rings, Zener diode, suppressor diode, coils or varistors, in particular SIOV varistors can be provided on the switch and / or on the drive. They may be provided with or without connection to other electronic components of the switch.

Other features, but also advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and the accompanying description. In the figures and in the accompanying descriptions, features of the invention are described in combination. However, these features may also be included in other combinations of an article of the invention. Each disclosed feature is thus also to be regarded as disclosed in technically meaningful combinations with other features. The illustrations are partly slightly simplified and schematic. The following figures show the same switch in each case in its Leitstellung (each Fig. A) and in its release position (each Fig. B).

Fig. 1 shows in cross section a first embodiment of the invention, in which a crack or a separation point t is generated in the connecting element.

Fig. 2 shows a corresponding view of another embodiment in which the

Connecting element pulled out of the first contact and thus separated.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment which corresponds to that of Fig. 1, but in which a different housing and other contact points are provided. Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention in which the housing has a bellows.

Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which an additional

Piston housing is provided, the switching piston is thus located within the housing itself.

6 shows a further embodiment of the invention in which a Pyrosee- le is used, as well as provided with a plurality of separation points connecting element, the separation points here additionally weakened with holes and are provided with outer Pyroelementen.

Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which the drive for the tearing of the connecting element takes place by the movement of a membrane, which is depressed by the triggering and the burning of an ignition element in the combustion chamber and thereby deformed.

Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of an advantageous connecting element (only in its Leitstellung).

Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which the switching piston is moved perpendicular to the connecting element.

1 a and 1 b shows a first embodiment of a switch 10 according to the invention. This switch 10 has a housing 12 which can be designed as essentially cylindrical. The housing 12 has a housing bottom 14 and a housing cover 16. These delimit the interior 18. The housing interior 18 is filled with an isolating medium 20. As shown, this may be a granular isolating medium 20, for example quartz sand. The connecting element 22 also extends in this inner space 18. Binding element 22 is mechanically connected to the control piston 24. The switching piston 24 is guided by a switching piston guide 26, which is provided in the housing cover 16 in the form of a bore.

On the outside of the housing 12, the first contact 28 is provided adjacent to the housing cover 16. This can be made in one piece with the cover 16 and is in any case electrically conductively connected to the housing cover 16. The housing cover 16 in turn is electrically connected in the region of the switching piston guide 26 to the switching piston 24, which in turn is connected in an electrically conductive manner to the connecting element 22. The connecting element 22 is mechanically and also electrically conductively connected to the housing bottom 14 at the anchor point 32. The housing bottom 14 in turn is integrally formed with the second contact 30. Accordingly, the housing bottom 14 is also electrically conductively connected to the second contact 30, so that the contact 30, which like the first contact 28 is annularly circumferentially around the housing 12, the Switch 10 can be contacted electrically.

Fig. 1 b shows the switch 10 in the disconnected position. By train on the control piston 24 in the direction indicated by an arrow in Fig. 1 a, the connecting element 22 was disconnected. It now has a first section and a second section. In between lies the separation distance t. Accordingly, no current can flow. The formation of an arc is suppressed by the isolating medium 20, which also penetrates into the region of the separation distance t.

FIGS. 2a and 2b show another embodiment of a switch 10 according to the invention, again in the conducting position (FIG. 2a) and in the disconnected position (FIG. 2b). The basic construction of the switch 10 corresponds to that shown in Fig. 1. Therefore, in this drawing, only a few essential elements of the switch 10 are again provided with reference numerals. The switch 10 in turn has a housing 12 which extends between the housing bottom 14 and the housing cover 16. Again, a connecting element 22 is provided, which is mechanically connected to the switching piston 24. Notwithstanding the embodiment of Fig. 1, however, no anchor point 32 is provided on the housing bottom 14, but the receptacle 34th The bush-like receptacle 34, which may also be designed as a multi-contact socket, receives in the Leitstellung the end facing it of the connecting element 22.

The arrow drawn on the switching piston 24 in FIG. 2a again indicates the pulling direction with which the switching piston 24 can be pulled out of the housing 12 of the switch 10, so that the switch 10 changes into its disconnected position. It does not tear the connecting element 22, but the connecting element 22 is pulled out of the first receptacle 34. Accordingly, an isolating distance t is again formed between the right end of the connecting web and the receptacle 34.

In the context of the present invention, however, embodiments are also conceivable in which two or more separation sections are produced. For example, in addition to the separation of the connecting element from the receptacle 34, one or more cracks could still be created in the connecting element. The connecting element may have weakening areas for this purpose.

Figs. 3a and 3b show an embodiment of the switch 10 which is similar to the embodiment of Fig. 1, but in which the first contact is otherwise provided. Again, a housing bottom 14 is provided on the switch 10 on the lower side of the housing 12 and on the upper side of the housing 12, a housing cover 16 is provided. In this embodiment, however, the lid 16 is completely embedded in the housing 12 and does not cover the forehead times of the housing walls to be cylindrically shaped. In this alternative mechanical solution another contact is provided. The first contact is provided here by a contact point 36 on the housing 12, which extends slightly below the housing cover 16. The contact point 36 can in turn be thought of as a circumferential ring. The contact point 36 is connected to the connecting element 22 via the contact wire 38. The connection between the contact wire 38 and the connecting element 22 can be made for example via a solder joint. The connection of the contact wire 38 with the contact point 36 can be made via a one-piece design or by a connection process, for example via a solder joint. As shown in Fig. 3b, the connecting element 22 tears when pulling out the control piston 24 in the same manner as in the embodiment of FIG. 1st

Of course, the second contact can also be replaced by a radial external contact, so that here too the front side would no longer be electrically conductive - and in the case of a connection element 22 mounted on the inside of the housing 14, then completely isolated (not shown).

4a and 4b show another embodiment of the switch 10. In this embodiment of the switch 10, a cylindrical housing 12 is provided with a housing bottom 14 in a known manner. In the housing 12, in turn, a connecting element 22 extends. The housing cover 16, however, has a bellows 40 in this embodiment. The bellows 40 separates the switching piston 24 from the interior of the housing 12. Only for electrical connection of the switching piston 24 with the connecting element 22, an electrical feedthrough 42 is provided.

Upon movement of the control piston 24 in the direction indicated in Fig. 4a with an arrow, the switch 10 is transferred to the separation position shown in Fig. 4b. As a result of the movement, a crack or separation point t is again generated in the connecting element 22. The bellows 40 is pulled to the left and is then in a relaxed position.

In this embodiment, therefore, can be dispensed with a passage of the control piston 24 through the housing cover 16. The interior of the housing 12 is sealed well to the outside, in addition, now the switching piston can also consist of an insulator, an electrical separation of the security part / the housing with the trigger part is thus safe and clean feasible. This housing variant is also particularly well suited for liquid or gaseous isolating media 20. It is also suitable if a vacuum or a high vacuum is to be provided for electrical insulation in the interior of the housing 12.

Using the example of this embodiment, it is shown that the switching piston 24 expediently has a grip region 44 in its region facing away from the housing 12 having. This grip region 44 may have a grip ring 46, which is particularly helpful in the manual operation of the control piston 24.

FIGS. 5a and 5b show an embodiment which is not primarily optimized for manual operation of the control piston 24. In this embodiment, an additional piston housing 50 is provided in addition to the housing 12 of the switch 10. The piston housing 50 can also be made in one piece with the housing 12. In the embodiment shown, the piston housing 50 is formed by a separate component, essentially by a cylinder portion of the same diameter as the cylinder of the housing 12. As indicated, the cylinder of the piston housing 50 is connected by a plug connection with the housing 12. The housing cover 16 is accordingly designed so that it provides receptacles for both cylinders.

The switch 10 has in a known manner via a housing bottom 14, which in turn is connected to the connecting element 22. The connecting element 22 is connected to the switching piston 24 on the other side. The switching piston 24 has an end plate 48. This end plate 48 may be the same or similar to the grip ring 46, but its function deviates from that of the grip ring 46, as will be seen below.

The piston housing 50 has a cavity 52. This is bounded on the left by an end face 54. The end face 54 may be open (which also allows the additional manual operation of the control piston 24) or it may have its own lid 16. Below the end face 54, an induction coil 56 is provided in the cavity 52 of the piston housing 50. The induction coil 56 can act at least on the end plate 48 of the control piston 24. For this purpose, the end plate 48 should also be made of a suitable material, for example, a ferromagnetic material such as soft iron or steel is suitable. Due to the inductive effect of the induction coil 56 on the control piston 24, which is advantageously mediated via the end plate 48, the control piston 24 can be pulled out of the housing 12 of the switch 10. As a result, the switch 10 is transferred to its disconnected position, which can be seen in Fig. 5b. Again, the connecting element 22 is separated into a first portion and a second portion, between which a separation distance t is located. The switching piston 24 projects further into the cavity 52 of the piston housing 50. The provision of the cavity 52 ensures that no other components obstruct the movement of the control piston 24.

It is also easy to construct a piston housing 50 in which no inductive movement of the control piston 24 is provided, but the switching piston 24 is moved by gas pressure. In this case, the end plate 48 of the control piston 24 is enlarged in diameter up to the housing wall and sealed there, so that now between the end plate 48 and the housing cover 16 is a sealed inside space, which can be depressed with gaseous media. By increasing the gas pressure here, the switching piston 24 is driven out of the housing 12 of the switch 10. A corresponding gas pressure can be easily constructed by pyrotechnic means, the sealed space described above would then become a combustion chamber here.

The ignition or initiation of housed in the sealed space pyrotechnic material is then carried out as usual by hot wire, explosion wire, explosion film or by default by a firing or primer. Various variants are expedient in the context of the present invention.

Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of the switch 10 in the known view. This in turn has a housing 12 with a housing bottom 14 and a housing cover 16. The interior 18 of the housing 12 is in turn filled with an isolating medium 20. In the isolating medium 20, a connecting element 22 is arranged, which is connected to the switching piston 24. The design of the connecting element 22, however, differs from the previous embodiments. The connecting element 22 is designed here as a melting tube. However, its geometric shape does not have to be round, so the term hot melt tape is also adequate for other designs. In two areas of the connecting element 22, a number of holes 58 are provided. These holes 58 lead to a Cross-sectional constriction for the power line between the contacts 28 and 30. Due to the cross-sectional constriction increases in these areas, the current density particularly strong. Thus, the connecting element 22 heats up particularly strongly at these points. Thus, in these areas, the melting point of the material can be achieved very quickly. Alternatively or additionally, however, the heating is used not only for reaching the melting point but also as the ignition temperature for pyroelements. In the area of the bores 58, pyroelements 60 are therefore attached. By heating an explosion is triggered, which favors the formation of a separation line particularly.

The area in which such weakening is provided by bores 58 and also the optional additional pyroelements 60 is connected to a status indicator 64 by a sensor wire 62. In the Leitstellung shown in Fig. 6a, the sensor wire 62 is under tension. He transmits this voltage to the status display 64, which is designed in the form of a simple leaf spring. In the disconnected position shown in FIG. 6 b, the sensor wire 62 is separated from the connecting element 22. Accordingly, it no longer transfers tension and the leaf spring is clearly visible on the outside of the housing 12. The leaf spring thus serves as a status indicator. This status indicator 64 is also useful for checking the operability of the switch 10. Of course, the concept of status indication with a sensor wire 62 may also be used in other embodiments of the invention.

This embodiment shows a further improvement of the effectiveness of the switch 10, which, however, can also be applied to switches in other embodiments and in particular to other connecting elements. The connecting element 22, which has substantially the shape of a melting tube, is equipped in its inner cavity with a Pyroseele, ie, the cavity is filled with explosive. This explosive can also be exploded by the heating in the area of the holes 58. The pyroelements 60 can have a supporting effect, but they do not have to. The provision of a Pyroseele promotes the formation of a separation line. Advantageous for the even faster formation of a separation path and thus for the even faster contact interruption is that the Pyroseele is additionally used in the illustrated embodiment for another purpose. Pyroseele 66 continues in piston 24 and acts as a kind of ignition transmission line. For this purpose, a channel-like ignition connection is provided in the piston 24 itself. About this ignition connection, a Pyrofüllung 60 are ignited. This Pyrofüllung is located in a part of the cavity, the combustion chamber 68, a turn provided piston housing 50th

In this embodiment, the switch 10 has an additional feature which could be combined with other switches as well. The switch 10 in turn has a piston housing 50. This encloses a cavity 52. The end face of the piston 54 is designed this time as an end wall. In the piston housing 50, the end plate 48 is mechanically movable (unless the switching piston 24 is fixed by the connecting element 22).

This design of the switch 10 still allows an additional means for accelerating the electrical separation and forming a separation distance. This additional means can also be combined with switches from other embodiments. In the cavity 52, a pyrofilling is introduced between the end plate 48 and the housing cover 16 in the combustion chamber 68. Upon explosion of this pyrofilling, the end plate 48 is moved to the left on the end wall 64 of the piston housing.

The explosion of the Pyrofüllung 60 can be triggered in the following manner: The explosive Pyroseele 66 is connected through a channel which acts as ignition 70 with the Pyrofüllung 60. As soon as the explosion of the pyrosee 66 is triggered in the described manner, the pyroseele 66 acts as a pyrotechnic ignition transmission line, which causes ignition of the pyrofoil 60. Of course, this ignition causes the end plate 48 to move toward the end face 54. In order to enable the corresponding gas compensation, a wall opening 72 is provided in the end face 54. This can also accommodate the pin 74 of the end plate 48 and thus able to display the completed triggering of the switch from the outside purely visually. It is also shown in FIG. 6 that a plurality of disconnection points connected electrically in series are produced by a plurality of weakenings of the connecting element mounted one behind the other after the switch has been triggered. As a result, the voltage applied to the contacts or to the housing bottom and the housing cover high electrical voltage at the moment of triggering the switch is divided accordingly, so that at each separation point only a correspondingly smaller part of the original

Switching voltage or source voltage drops. Thus, the potential for a resulting arc drops very strong, thus resulting individual arcs can be so much faster and more effective cooled or deleted from the isolating medium 20.

The embodiments of the switch 10 shown in Fig. 6 thus cause a very rapid formation of a separation distance t by three pyrotechnic and an electrical effect. The four effects described can also be used individually and independently of each other.

Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of a switch according to the present invention. Again, the known view is chosen and FIG. 7A shows the switch in its pilot position while FIG. 7B shows the switch in the disconnected position. The basic components of the switch completely correspond to those of FIG. 6. Again, therefore, a connecting element 22 is housed in a housing 12. The connecting element 22 in turn has bores 58 and pyroelements 60 in the vicinity of the bores 58. Unlike, for example, in the embodiment of Fig. 6 but no control piston 24 is provided here, accordingly, no end plate 48 is provided. Rather, the connecting element 22 is passed through an opening in the housing cover 16. It is connected to a membrane 76, which may also be formed as a double or multi-layer membrane. This membrane 76 is mounted in a housing 50. The housing 50 in turn has a cavity 52 and an end wall 54.

By means of, for example, suitable pyrotechnic means, such as the pyroelements 60 and a pyroelectric element 66, again provided, an ignition can be initiated. the one that leads to the separation of the connecting element 22. This is shown in Fig. 7b. By appropriate positioning and dimensioning of the pyrotechnic elements can thereby a movement of parts of the connecting element 22 to the left, so be effected on the housing 50 out. This leads to a bulging of the membrane 76. It is advantageous that a membrane opposes a low weight and thus the movement of parts of the connecting element 22 into the housing 50 in a slightly inert mass.

In this way, a very rapid movement of the membrane 76 can be made on the end wall 54 to. In order to avoid damage to the membrane 76 itself, it is useful to provide a membrane support ring 78.

In order to allow the rapid movement of the membrane 76, as shown, again a wall opening 72 may be provided so as not to create a back pressure by compressing the gas (air) previously present in the cavity 52.

This movement is triggered or amplified alternatively or additionally, but usually in addition, by an ignition element 80. The ignition element may be, for example, a firing piece or a firing piece. The ignition element 80 is located in the combustion chamber 68 of the housing 50. The combustion chamber 68 may be filled to enhance the effect on the membrane 76 with a propellant charge powder. Alternatively or additionally, a filling body of a solid, liquid or gel-like material can be used in the combustion chamber. Such a packing reduces both the free volume in the combustion chamber and thus allows to achieve higher pressures even with very low pyrotechnic materials, on the other hand it also optimally coupled to the combustion or implementation of the pyrotechnic material pressure wave and with the lowest possible attenuation of the membrane material at.

Alternatively or additionally, a convertible, liquid or solid substance may be provided in the combustion chamber 68. Here is a substance that is rapidly entering the gas phase. For example, dry ice or even tetrazene, even water is advantageous because it produces a very good working steam when it evaporates. Its effect can be increased, if one Sets the amount of water in the combustion chamber so that it comes to the boiling delay of the pyrotechnic material here.

This embodiment allows a particularly rapid separation of the switch 10, a reliable device through the use of only a few items, a good seal to the outside with minimal effort and also a very cost-effective production of the switch.

FIG. 8 shows a suitable connecting element 22. This connecting element 22 is designed substantially as a melting band. Such a fusion band may have one or more holes 58 in one or more areas. Instead of holes, other mechanical weakenings may be provided, such as recesses or recesses of each type and shape or bruises. Such elements cause the current density in the respective areas to increase. This leads to a heating of the connecting element 22, so that it can cause a melting of the connecting element 22. As an alternative or in addition to the melting process, the heat development can also trigger an explosive process. For this purpose, pyroelements 60 can be provided in close proximity to the weakening elements, in particular therefore to the bores 58. Such a connecting element 22 is far more effective in the range of high DC voltages and AC voltages than a conventional fuse wire. Incidentally, the provision of a plurality of bores 58 or even a plurality of regions of bores 58 (or corresponding weakenings) can promote the formation of a plurality of short partitions. As already stated above, the formation of several short separation distances compared to a single long separation distance is advantageous, because then in the manner of a series circuit of resistors per separate route only a corresponding fraction, the voltage applied between the contacts 28 and 30 voltage applied, and therefore the here occurring, correspondingly weaker arcs can be much easier cooled or deleted.

Fig. 9 shows another embodiment of the switch 10 in the known view. This in turn has a cylindrical housing 12 with a housing bottom 14 and a housing cover 16. The interior 18 of the housing 12 is provided with an insulating tormedium 20 filled. In the isolating medium 20, a connecting element 22 is arranged, which is connected to the switching piston 24. However, the switching piston 24 is here perpendicular to the connecting element 22. A separating line is thus produced by displacing sections of the connecting element 22 at an angle to the main direction of insertion of the connecting element (as a rule quickly torn out). Angle between 5 ° and 90 ° are expedient, even if only a 90 ° angle is shown here.

For the switching piston 24 while a piston housing 50 is provided, which is mounted perpendicular to the cylindrical wall of the housing 12.

The switching piston 24 generates a multi-point in the connecting element 22. For this purpose, the switching piston is connected to a collector 82, which in turn by means of connector 84 (designed as a connecting hook) acts on the connecting element 22. Thus, it is possible to effectively produce a multi-point station in which many small separation distances are generated in a predetermined manner.

In the manner described, therefore, a robust circuit breaker can be produced inexpensively, which can be triggered manually by slight modifications, but also by remote control, that is, triggerably.

LIST OF REFERENCES

10 switches

12 housing

14 caseback

16 housing cover

18 interior

20 isolating medium

22 connecting element

24 control pistons

26 shift piston guide

28 first contact

30 second contact

32 anchor point

34 recording

36 contact point

38 contact wire

40 bellows

42 electrical implementation

44 handle area

46 grip ring

48 end plate

50 piston housing

52 cavity

54 end wall / end face

56 induction coil

58 bore

60 pyroelement

62 sensor wire

64 leaf spring

66 Pyroseele

68 combustion chamber

70 ignition connection wall opening

Spigot, visual element

Membrane (also multilayer membrane) Membrane support ring

igniter

collector

Interconnects

isolating distance

Claims

claims

1 . Switches, in particular disconnectors (10) for high DC and AC currents at high voltages,

(a) which can be transferred from a control position to a disconnected position and

(b) which comprises a housing (12), a first contact (28), a second contact (30), a control piston (24) guided by the housing (12) and a connecting element (22) which in the control position of the switch ( 10) establishes an electrical connection between the first contact (28) and the second contact (30),

(c) wherein the housing (12) has an inner space (18) surrounding the connecting element (22), characterized

(d) that the connecting element (22) extends at least in sections in the inner space (18),

(E) that the interior space (18) is filled with an isolating medium (20) and

(F) that the switch is designed so that a mechanical movement of the switching piston (24) can transfer the switch (10) from the pilot position to the disconnected position, wherein the switching piston (24) acts mechanically on the connecting element (22) the electrical connection between the first contact (28) and the second contact (30) is interrupted at at least one separation point.

2. Switch according to claim 1, characterized in that an outside of the interior (18) of the housing (12) arranged drive for moving the switching piston (24) is provided, which the switching piston (24) after activation of the drive with a movement acted upon by the switching piston causing motive force, the drive in particular which is formed as an inductive drive, as eddy current drive or as a gas pressure drive, wherein the gas pressure is generated by means of a gas-generating material, in particular by combustion or oxidation of a liquid and / or solid gas-generating material, in particular an activatable pyrotechnic gas-generating material.

3. Switch according to claim 2, characterized in that the gas pressure drive from the interior (18) of the housing (12) separate combustion chamber (68), in which the gas-generating material is provided, wherein the switching piston (24) is designed so that it can be acted upon directly by the gas pressure for generating the movement of the switching piston, or wherein the switching piston can be acted upon indirectly by the gas pressure by an element moved by the gas pressure acts on the switching piston.

4. Switch according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the not used by the gas generating material volume of the combustion chamber (68) is at least partially, preferably substantially completely, filled with a liquid, solid or gelatinous material.

5. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the isolating medium (20) is a silicate or mineral or quartz sand.

6. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (22) is a tube, a wire or a flat, in particular strip-shaped element.

7. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical movement of the switching piston (24) for transferring the switch (10) from the Leitstellung in the disconnected position is a translational movement along the main extension direction of the connecting element (22) or a movement in one Angle of 5 ° to 90 ° to the main extension direction of the connecting element (22).

8. A switch according to claim 7, wherein the translational movement ruptures the connecting element (22) or the connecting element (22) from the first contact (28) and / or second contact (30) triggers, wherein the translational Movement of the switching piston (24) on the tear position or the position dissolving the electrical contact is continued.

9. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (22) is designed as a fusible element, such as fusible wire, so that the switch (10) is first transferred at a certain electrical load without movement of the control piston (24) in a disconnected position wherein simultaneous or subsequent movement of the control piston (24) increases the separation distance (t).

10. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (22) has at least one mechanically weakened cross-section, so as to determine geometrically at least one separation point.

1 1. Switch according to one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the gas pressure drive comprises a membrane (76) which is deformed upon activation of the gas pressure drive, wherein the switching piston (24) is mechanically connected to the membrane (76), so that movement of the membrane is transmitted to the control piston (24).

12. A switch according to claim 1 1, wherein in addition a membrane support member, such as a membrane support ring (78) is provided which limits the movement of the membrane (78) due to the gas pressure at least in one or more sub-areas.

13. A switch according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the membrane consists of more than one superposed material layer (multilayer membrane).

14. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (22) has one or more electrically weakened cross-sections, so as to achieve the separation of the connecting element by the overload current at a certain overload, wherein two or more electrically effectively weakened but spatially from each other separate cross-sectional areas in the longitudinal direction of the connecting element (22) can be arranged one behind the other, in order to provide a desired overload at one of the multiple separation points, opposite to the switch (10) external source voltage correspondingly reduced switching voltage to achieve.

15. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pyrotechnic material (60) on the connecting element (22) is mounted to trigger or support the formation of a separation point or in which the connecting element acts as a combustion chamber (68) inner cavity (52). in which the pyrotechnic material is introduced, preferably wherein the volume of the combustion chamber not used by the gas generating material is at least partially, preferably substantially completely, filled with an oily, gel, fat or solid filler to supply the void volume in the combustion chamber reduce and at the same time the coupling of the pressure wave generated by the ignition element (80) with low attenuation to the membrane (76) to improve.