WO2017016543A1

WO2017016543A1 - Disconnecting switch for high direct or alternating currents at high voltages

Info

Publication number: WO2017016543A1
Application number: PCT/DE2016/100329
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Lell
Original assignee: Peter Lell
Priority date: 2015-07-24
Filing date: 2016-07-21
Publication date: 2017-02-02
Also published as: DE112016003342A5; DE102015112141A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a switch, in particular a disconnecting switch (10) for high direct and alternating currents at high voltages, which can be transferred from a conducting position into a disconnecting position and which has a housing (12), a first contact (29), a second contact (30) and at least one connecting element (22) which, in the conducting position of the switch (10), establishes an electrical connection between the first contact (29) and the second contact (30), wherein the housing (12) has an interior (18) that surrounds the at least one connecting element (22), characterized in that the at least one connecting element (22) is or can be subjected to axial tensile load in its direction of extension such that severed parts of the connecting element can move away from one another.

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 10000A 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 connecting and disconnecting 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 in such a way that it is mechanically moved back when a second contact conductor, that is, the mating contact conductor approaches, and only then are the contact conductors which have hitherto been shielded through the openings freed. This switching device should especially in power amplifiers of longwave transmitters are used.

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 it is here too 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.

Furthermore, the switches of the prior art often have the problem that the separation of the circuit often does not take place sufficiently fast enough, or the separate parts of the circuit are not removed fast enough from each other, so that between them an undesirable arc is generated does not prevent the flow of electricity.

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 and switching voltages, even without maintenance for many years on standby and especially to the outside at the release has no wrkung, so surrounding components not impaired. The switch should be safe and yet inexpensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the interruption of the circuit should take place as quickly and effectively, so that it comes to a halt quickly and also can not form arcs. He should also be well combined with other security systems.

The present invention relates to a switch, in particular circuit breaker for high DC and AC currents at high voltages, which can be transferred from a Leitstellung in a disconnected position and a housing, a first contact, a second contact and a connecting element in the Leitstellung of Scarf- ters an electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact produces, wherein the housing has an interior space surrounding the connecting element, characterized in that the connecting element in its direction of extension is axially tensioned or can be loaded train, so that severed parts or ends of the connecting element after the separation process are removed from each other and thus in the disconnected position of the switch have a large isolation distance which is at least as large as the path of movement due to the spring action.

Preferably, the switch according to the invention has a separating device for severing the at least one connecting element.

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, it is switched into a circuit that is to be switched, ie potentially to be disconnected. 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 at least one wire or a tubular structure. The structure must not have a uniform structure, it may well have mechanical weakenings or reinforcements. Also very suitable is a more or less structured or perforated connecting plate. The connecting element is on the one hand in terms of its geometry and its material and on the other hand to its electrical requirements, so to dimension the power line in the control position and discharge of the heat generated by the flow of current in it. 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 (multilayer or sandwich construction).

In addition to the use of only one connecting element are also embodiments of advantage in which a plurality of connecting elements are electrically and mechanically connected in parallel. Thus, the switch according to the invention can also have two or more connecting elements. This significantly reduces the insertion resistance of the fuse into the higher-level circuit.

For the commanded separating these multiple fasteners then either a separate separation device must be present for each individual connection element, or you brings together the bundle of fasteners in one place and separates it if necessary at this point with only one separator.

On the other hand, the connecting element should be selected with regard to its function for the desired commanded switching. Namely, it should be possible within the meaning of the invention, the connecting element conscious / commanded to sever, so that the first contact is electrically isolated from the second contact, the switch is thus transferred to its disconnected position, even if the current load is not so high that the connecting element separates by itself.

It is an essential element of the switch according to the invention that the connecting element is axially tension-loaded in its direction of extension or can be tensioned, so that severed parts of the connecting element can move away from each other. For this purpose, the switch according to the invention preferably has at least one spring, which is preferably in the tensioned state in the guide position of the switch. The tensioned spring is fixedly connected to the housing of the switch and the connecting element. When the connecting element is cut through, the spring preferably relaxes in the extension direction away from the point at which the connecting element has been severed. This has the advantage that the at least two separate parts of the severed connecting element move away from each other very quickly, so that a secure and rapid separation of the electrical connection is ensured. In addition, the at least two separate parts of the connecting element can be so far apart in this way that the formation of an arc between the two parts can not take place even at high currents or voltages.

Instead of springs, of course, gas springs, hydraulically operated or pyrotechnic operated pin puller or force elements can be used. The term "spring" here and below means only one assembly / function, with the help of which the separate parts of the connecting element can be pulled apart, either automatically as in the mechanical spring or the gas spring, or commanded as in the hydraulic or Pyrotechnics- Puller.

In a further embodiment, the switch according to the invention comprises at least two tensioned springs, which are fixedly connected to the housing and the connecting element on two different, preferably opposite sides of the housing. All embodiments, which are mentioned in connection with the at least one spring in this application, preferably also apply to the second or further spring. The advantage of two springs on opposite insides of the case of the switch is that when the switch is over a long period of time should work in case of failure of one of the springs, the other spring still ensures a secure separation of at least two separate parts of the connecting element.

The attachment of the connecting element to the spring is preferably carried out via a so-called tension plate, which is connected to the spring and the connecting element. Furthermore, it can be provided that the switch has a spring housing, which protects the spring, for example, in front of an insulating filling material within the interior of the housing of the switch.

It is inventively preferred that the spring is present in the conducting position in an expanded state. Upon transition to the release position, the spring thus relaxes to contract. This has the advantage over switches, in which a spring in the Leitstellung in a compressed state and relaxed at the transition to the release position by expansion, that there is no spatial expansion at the transition Leitstellung -> separation position required. In this way, the switches according to the present invention can be built spatially extremely compact.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the switch according to the invention is designed such that the outer shape of the housing remains the same during the transition from the lead to the cut position, i. not changed, in particular has no effect due to relaxation of the spring outside of the housing of the switch. So he can not adversely affect adjacent components.

The connecting element is preferably made of a material that allows its compression during relaxation of the spring. In this way, the moving apart of the severed ends of the connecting element is ensured. In other words, the relaxation force of the spring and the compressibility of the connecting element are matched accordingly. 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 drill holes and embossing predetermined separation points and at the same time to create well adjustable melting ranges for the passive separation of the connecting element. 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 electrically conductive coated carbon fibers and glass fibers, all bands also in sandwich construction. Preferably, the connecting element is designed as a fusible conductor.

The moving apart of the at least two separate parts of the connecting element is preferably at least over a length of more than 1% or more than 5% of the former connecting element, values between 5% and 20% are usually useful. Moreover, the minimum separation distance to be formed is highly dependent on the source voltage and the flowing current at the moment of disconnection of the connecting element, as well as on the substance and method of introduction (loosely filled or pressed, dried or in a mixture with a sliding or damping agent) of the filling material ,

The separating device can be designed in any way that allows to cut through the connecting element. Preferably, the separating device is designed so that it is in contact with the latter during the severing of the connecting element. The separating device can be a piston guided by the housing, which can sever the connecting element by a mechanical movement. Alternatively or additionally, the separating device may be designed such that when a certain nominal value of the current or voltage applied to the connecting element is exceeded, the connecting element can be severed.

If the separating device is a piston guided by the housing of the switch, then the mechanical direction of movement of the piston preferably extends in a direction different from the extension direction of the connecting element, preferably substantially perpendicular thereto. The mechanical movement of the piston preferably results in that the connecting element is punched, cut or torn. In other words, the piston can be designed as a punching, cutting or ripping piston. If the piston is formed as a punching or Schneidkoben, it has at the end at which the connecting element is to be cut, a tip for punching a part of the connecting element or a tip for cutting the connecting element. In order to ensure a back pressure on the piston opposite side of the connecting element, the inventive switch preferably has in its interior a mechanically connected to the housing counterpart to the piston, which is located on the piston opposite side of the connecting element to the fastest possible To ensure severing of the connecting element. The counterpart connected to the housing is preferably a die for a piston designed as a punching piston or a counter surface for a piston designed as a cutting piston, or the counterpart is itself a cutting tool. The tip of the piston may itself also be a die for a punching element. In this case, the counterpart attached to the housing itself is formed as a punching element. Likewise, the tip of the piston may also be itself formed as a counter surface for a cutting tool, wherein the cutting tool is then attached to the housing counterpart to the movable piston. If the piston or its counterpart is designed as a punching tool, then a partial section is punched out in the middle of the connecting element. This has the advantage that the parts of the connecting element connected to the contacts are further away from each other, so that the formation of an arc is prevented even more effectively.

In a further embodiment of the switch according to the invention, the piston on the side facing the connecting element can also be designed such that it is mechanically connected to the connecting element at at least one point (ripping piston), so that the connecting element is severed during the mechanical movement of the piston. For example, a solder joint can serve for the mechanical connection, as well as crimping or the use of cutting contacts or multicontacts are just as suitable. The connecting element is here preferably designed as a band, which is also suitable for generating perforations, holes and embossings (mechanical weakenings) predetermined separation points. Particularly preferably, the band has a so-called asymmetrical perforation, ie the center of the holes is opposite to extending in the direction of extension Center line of the band offset. These perforations, holes or embossments of the band can ensure a safe melting when exceeding the maximum current density and a safe severing mechanical movement of the piston. Furthermore, the offset-caused semi-perforated edges of the tape (recesses) can cause a higher tear sensitivity of the tape in the train. Furthermore, such perforations, holes or embossing can clearly determine the onset of cracking. Furthermore, the piston can also have a widening element on the side facing the connecting element, on which a plurality of webs are present, which are mechanically connected to the connecting element. Preferably, the band has impressions or weakenings in addition to the connection points with the webs, so that the band tears more easily during mechanical movement of the piston. In this case, not only is the connecting element severed at one point, but one or more sections of the connecting element are torn out, which leads to a separation of the electrical connection. The formation of several connections of the piston with the band (connecting element) has the advantage that, even after a long time and possibly failure of a mechanical connection between the band and the piston, a severing of the connecting element takes place upon mechanical actuation of the piston.

For the piston (separator), various 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, with an elliptical or rectangular cross-section.

The housing of the switch according to the invention is intended to guide the piston. The leadership of the housing thus allows movement of the piston relative to the housing, for example by a pulling or pushing 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 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. This avoids drilling and provides a better and even hermetically sealed housing can be reached to the outside.

As already mentioned above, the connecting element can also be designed so that it is separated not only by mechanical action, but 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 in the way of a claim. 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 at several points from each other. 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 also inside again be filled with an insulating medium, in order to additionally extract energy from the possibly forming when disconnecting the connecting element arc.

In the case of using a rupture piston for severing the connecting element but can also be the web or webs, which is / are preferably mechanically connected to the connecting element, be provided with a pyrotechnic ignition mixture so as to melt even at significantly lower temperatures in Range of 160 to 500 ° C to achieve or shorten the separation times. Otherwise, the separator would have to be heated, for example when using copper as a material up to the melting point of 1100 ° C, with the disadvantage that then surrounding the connecting element material, such as sand, and the material of the connecting element during cutting is already very hot , The high heat would be ideal for the formation of ions and nourishes and amplifies the resulting plasma arc, which should be avoided.

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 thus 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 compared to the outer, between the contact ten of the switch applied 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 additionally or alternatively to the above-mentioned solutions consist in that at one or more points 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 a further embodiment, the switch according to the invention has at least two different separating devices. In this embodiment, it is particularly preferred if the one separating device is a piston guided by the housing as in an embodiment described above, which can cut through the connecting element by a mechanical movement, and the second separating device is designed so that when a certain nominal value of the the current or voltage applied to the connector can be severed by the connector as also described hereinbefore. This has the advantage that the connecting element can be severed by two different independent mechanisms.

The housing of the switch according to the invention should have an interior. Based on the housing, this interior is a cavity. The interior should surround the connecting element. Already by the provision 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 is to be feared the formation of an arc.

The interior of the housing may additionally be 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 let it go out 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.

In a further embodiment of the switch according to the invention, this preferably has a magnet on the outside of the housing of the switch. The magnet may be a permanent magnet or an external or intrinsic current-adjacent solenoid. The magnet is preferably arranged such that a force F runs perpendicular to the direction of extension of the connecting element. After the connecting element has been separated, an undesired arc can be formed between the two separate ends of the connecting element, bridging the distance between the ends of the connecting element. Due to the so-called 3-finger rule, also UVW rule, called IBF or FBI rule, the arc diverted arcuately, since this has a natural magnetic field. Due to the longer path of the arc through, for example, a quenching medium in the interior of the housing, the arc is more cooled and tears off rather. At very high currents and high external magnetic fields, the resulting arc can even be deformed to the inner wall of the housing, where it can be effectively cooled - especially if there are cooling fins or cooling bars attached.

For producing an external magnetic field, the switch according to the invention can also have a coil divided into two parts outside the housing. In this case, a stationary magnetic field can preferably be set via a resistance R _v , which can be connected to the end points of the coils located on the housing. In this way, the stationary field can be turned on only when disconnecting the connecting element. An external magnetic field can also be generated via only a single coil outside the housing of the switch. In this case, the switch according to the invention may additionally also have a permanent magnet arranged outside the housing.

Furthermore, it may be preferred that the circuit connected to the contacts of the switch has a capacitor C and / or a resistor R. In addition, this circuit can also have a Zener diode and / or a diode. When switching off currents or when tearing off the connecting element would cause a steep voltage spike at the terminals of the switch without capacitor C, because according to the Lenz rule the current existing in the circuit magnetic field is to be obtained. If the current sinks, an induction voltage is generated in such a way that the consequent induction current flows in the same direction as the current previously flowing over the switch contacts in order to prevent or at least reduce the collapse of the magnetic field. The faster the shutdown occurs, ie the greater the rate of change of current, the higher the induction voltage and the induction current. The induction voltage can be higher than the previously applied source voltage. These voltage peaks can be intercepted and damped by a so-called snubber (= series connection of a capacitor C with a resistance R), since this reduces the rate of change of the current original height instead of the contacts in the capacitor C and then decreases with increasing charge of the capacitor C according to the decreasing magnetic energy. At the same time electrical energy is converted into heat by the flow of current in the resistor R, which would lead to an undesirable resonant vibration without the resistance R.

In a further embodiment, the switch according to the invention preferably has outside the interior of its housing an operating device for moving the separating device in the form of a piston. For this purpose, it may be useful if the 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 pushing or pulling movement, the piston is thus pressed into the housing or pulled out of the housing. In the case of using the piston as a punching or cutting piston, the mechanical movement is preferably a pushing movement, whereas the piston designed as a ripping piston is preferably moved mechanically by pulling it out. By means of a drive movable piston of this type are also known as pin-puller drives. The piston can be part of the drive or acted upon by a movable piston of the drive (pulled or pushed). The piston could alternatively or in addition to the handle ring also be equipped with a drawbar eye, a ring or the like. 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 piston may be part of the drive designed as a pin-puller drive, or a movable piston of the pin-puller drive may be connected to the piston.

The operating device can thus also be a drive for moving the piston, which acts on the piston after activation of the drive with a movement force causing the movement of the piston, wherein the drive is designed in particular as an inductive drive, as an eddy current drive or as a gas pressure drive. in which 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. The gas pressure drive may also have a separate combustion chamber from the interior of the housing, in which the gas-generating material is provided, wherein the piston is configured so that it can be acted upon directly by the gas pressure to generate the movement of the punching, cutting or rupture piston, or wherein the piston is indirectly acted upon by the gas pressure by an element moved by the gas pressure applied to the piston.

When using an inductive drive for mechanical movement of the piston, an induction coil may be provided at a suitable distance from the switch housing. The piston may be suitably designed to be magnetic. The piston can also be equipped with its own induction coil. It would also be conceivable to equip the piston with an induction coil and to provide an electromagnetic reference point, for example a permanent magnet, at a suitable distance from the piston. In this way, the piston can thus be moved alternatively or additionally inductively.

In the case of a Wrtelstromantriebs for mechanical movement of the piston is preferably located between the housing with the connecting element and the end plate of the 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 excitation current in the force coil according to Lenz's rule, whereby the end plate of the 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 appropriate to provide the movement of the piston by gas pressure. In this case, it is expedient to upgrade the piston with a sabot. The gas pressure can act on this sabot and thus move the 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 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 that is markedly higher than the initial state), which acts on the piston and moves it from the pilot position to 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). You can then at the selected activation time for the ignition and / or generate gas required substance.

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 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 applies the pressure required to move the sabot and thus the piston. 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 utilization of the Siedeverzugses can thus be with a very small hot gas Effect, for example, by a firing or primer produce a very large and rapidly increasing pressure effect on the end plate.

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 piston may also be connected to a membrane, which then replaces the end plate. The membrane can be deformed in the direction of the 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.

Alternatively or in addition to these devices, numerous improvements may also be provided substantially outside the actual switch housing. The piston can also 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 can be located inside the switch housing (ie the housing of the drive is formed integrally with the housing of the switch or the drive housing is located inside the switch housing) or outside of 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 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 a piston of the pin puller drive).

In principle, it is also expedient to provide two pistons or correspondingly two pin-puller drives on one switch. Thus, the triggering of the switch can be done in two places, for example from two 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 figure a) and in its release position (each figure b). Figure 1 shows in cross section a first embodiment of a switch according to the invention, in which the cutting of the connecting element is produced by a punching piston.

Figure 2 shows in cross section a further embodiment of a switch according to the invention, in which the connecting element is severed by a cutting piston.

Figure 3 shows in cross-section a further embodiment of the invention

Switch, in which the connecting element is torn by a rupture piston.

Figure 4 shows a band-shaped connecting element having central perforations and recesses at the edges of the band.

FIG. 5 shows a connecting element formed as a band, which has perforations and recesses offset from the center of the band defined in the direction of extension and at the edges of the band.

FIG. 6 shows in cross section a further embodiment of the invention

Switch before separation of the connecting element, which has no additional separator.

Figure 7 shows in cross-section a further embodiment of the invention

Switch after the separation of the connecting element with an induced by the force F arc.

Figure 8 shows in cross-section a further embodiment of the invention

Switch before the separation of the connecting element with a capacitor, a resistor, a Zener diode and a diode in the circuit.

Figure 9 shows in cross-section a further embodiment of the invention Switch before the separation of the connecting element with a coil for applying an external magnetic field. shows in cross section a further embodiment of the switch according to the invention before the separation of the connecting element with a coil for applying an external magnetic field and a permanent magnet.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b each show a connecting element formed as a band, which has perforations and recesses offset from the center of the band set in the direction of extension, at the edges of the band.

FIGS. 1a and 1b show a first embodiment of a switch 10 according to the invention. This switch has a housing 12 which can be cylindrical in the extension direction of the connecting element 22. The housing interior 18 is filled with an isolating medium 31. As shown, this may be a granular isolating medium 31, for example quartz sand. In this interior 18 further extends the connecting element 22. The connecting element 22 is mechanically fixedly connected to the tension plates 28. The tension plates 28 are mechanically connected to springs 26, wherein the springs 26 are in turn mechanically connected to the housing. The springs 26 are arranged on two opposite sides of the switch 10. To the springs 26 are spring housing 27. On two opposite sides of the switch 10 fasteners 23 are provided for the connecting element 22, to which the connecting element is firmly tied. Furthermore, the switch 10 has a first contact 29 and a second contact 30, which are electrically conductive and are in contact with the electrically conductive connecting element 22 on the two opposite sides.

Fig. 1a shows the switch in the switching position, wherein the connecting element connects through the interior 18 of the switch, the two contacts 29 and 30 together. Fig. 1 b shows the switch 10 in the release position. The switch 10 has In addition, a separating device 24 in the form of a stand piston, which is aligned perpendicular to the extension direction of the connecting element 22. A housing 32 is located around the outer region of the punching piston. On the side of the punching piston opposite the connecting element 22 there is a complementary counterpart 25, which is designed as a die for the punching piston. The counterpart 25 is mechanically fixedly connected to the housing 12. The punching piston can be pressed into the housing 12 of the switch 10 so that, as can be seen in particular from FIG. 1 b, a part of the separating device is punched out. At the same time, the springs tensioned in the switching position of the switch relax, so that the ends of the connecting element 22 produced by the replacement are pulled apart. In this way, the contacts 29 and 30 are no longer in communication and there is an interruption of the current flow.

The separating device 24 in the form of the punching piston and the counterpart 25 are preferably made of an insulating material, so that the insulation resistance between the ends of the connecting element reaches a desired high value after reaching the disconnected position. This also applies to all other embodiments described below.

FIGS. 2a and 2b show another embodiment of a switch 10 according to the invention, again in the guide position (FIG. 2a) and in the disconnected position (FIG. 2b). The basic construction of the switch 10 corresponds to that shown in FIG. All elements except for the separator 24 and the counterpart 25 to the separator 24 are identical to those of Figures 1a and 1b. The separating device 24 is also formed as a piston, but has at the top of a cutting tool which is able to cut through the connecting element 22 by pushing the piston into the switch 10 due to the back pressure of the surface formed counterpart 25. In this way, tensioned in the switching position springs can relax and the switch goes into the disconnected position, in which the interruption of the connecting element 22, the contacts 29 and 30 are no longer in communication, so that the current flow is interrupted. The counterpart 25 is mechanically fixedly connected to the housing 12. FIGS. 3a and 3b show a further embodiment of a switch 10 according to the invention, again in the conducting position (FIG. 3a) and in the disconnected position (FIG. 3b). The basic construction of the switch 10 corresponds to that shown in FIG. 1, but the switch differs by the separating device 24. The separating device 24 is also designed as a piston, but the piston has no punching or cutting tool, but is designed as a so-called ripping piston. The piston has at its inner end a widening element 23, which, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b, five connecting webs 34 to the connecting element 22 which are mechanically fixedly connected to the widening element 33 and the connecting element 22. In contrast to the embodiments in Figures 1 and 2, however, the connecting element is not broken by pushing the piston into the switch 10, but by the separator 24 is pulled out of the switch housing 12. When the piston is pulled out of the switch 10, the parts of the connecting element 22 which are firmly connected mechanically to the webs 34 are torn out of this. For this purpose, the connecting element preferably in addition to the parts of the connecting element, which are fixedly connected to the webs, so-called recesses, which facilitate tearing out of connected to the webs parts of the connecting element. After parts of the connecting element have been torn out by pulling out of the piston, the tensioned in switching position springs 26 can relax and the switch can go into the disconnected position. By relaxing the springs 26, the parts of the connecting element 22 connected to the tension plate 28 are pulled apart in different directions, so that the formation of an arc between the opposite ends of the connecting element can be prevented. In this way, the flow of current between the contacts 29 and 30 is interrupted.

FIG. 4 shows a connecting element 22 in the form of a melting band, which has circular perforations 35 in the middle. Furthermore, the melting band at the edges next to the perforations recesses 36, so that at a certain current density density, the melting band can be severed at these points, or the melting band can be easily cut through the mechanical movement of a separator 24. FIG. 5 also shows a connecting element 22 in the form of a melting band, which likewise has perforations 35. However, the perforations in the melt ribbon of Fig. 5 are not disposed in the center defined by the extending direction of the melt ribbon but offset from the center of the extending direction of the melt ribbon. On the outer sides are preferably at the height of the perforations 35 recesses 36, which allow here, together with the perforations 35 easier melting of the meltbelt from a certain current density, or facilitate the severing of the connecting element 22 by the separator 24.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a switch 10 according to the invention in the guide position. The basic construction of the switch 10 corresponds to that shown in FIG. There are all elements except for the separator 24 and the counterpart 25 to the separator 24 is present. The connecting element 22 is here designed so that it melts or breaks at a certain current flow density. In this way, the tensioned in the switching position springs can relax and the switch goes into the disconnected position, in which the interruption of the connecting element 22, the contacts 29 and 30 are no longer in communication, so that the current flow is interrupted.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a switch 10 according to the invention in the disconnected position. The basic construction of the switch 10 corresponds to that shown in FIG. The connecting element 22 is, for example, already melted or torn due to a specific current density and is pulled apart by relaxation of the springs 26. In order to bridge the path between the two separate ends of the connecting element, it may lead to the formation of an unwanted arc 41. To extend the path of the arc 41, located outside the housing, a magnet 40, for example a permanent magnet or a foreign or self-energized electromagnet, with a force F perpendicular to the connecting element 22 due to the so-called 3-finger rule, also UVW rule , Called IBF or FBI rule, the arc 41 diverts arcuately, since this has a natural magnetic field. Due to the longer path of the arc through, for example, an extinguishing medium inside the housing (not shown) of the Arc more cooled and tears off rather. At very high currents and high external magnetic fields, the resulting arc 41 can even be deformed to the inner wall of the housing 12, where it can be effectively cooled - especially if there are cooling fins or cooling bars attached (not shown).

FIGS. 9 and 10 show switches according to the invention, as shown in FIG. 7, which are in the guide position. The external magnetic field is generated in FIG. 9 by a split coil 42. In this case, a stationary magnetic field can be set via a resistor R _v , which is connected to the end points of the coils 42 located on the housing 12. In this way, the stationary field can be turned on only when separating the connecting element 22. In FIG. 10, an external magnetic field is generated via a coil 42 in conjunction with a permanent magnet P.

Figure 8 shows a switch 10 according to the invention as in Figure 6 in the Leitstellung. To the first and second contact, a circuit is preferably mounted, which has a capacitor C and a resistance R. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, this circuit may comprise a Zener diode and / or a diode. When switching off currents or when tearing off the connecting element 22 without a capacitor C, a steep voltage peak would occur at the terminals of the switch, because according to Lenz's rule, the current in the circuit magnetic field is to be obtained. If the current sinks, an induction voltage is generated in such a way that the resulting induction current flows in the same direction as the current previously flowing across the switch contacts 29, 30 in order to prevent or at least reduce the collapse of the magnetic field. The faster the shutdown occurs, ie the greater the rate of change of current, the higher the induction voltage and the induction current. The induction voltage can be higher than the previously applied source voltage. These voltage spikes are intercepted and damped by a so-called snubber (= series connection of a capacitor C with a resistor R), since this reduces the rate of change of current. When the power is turned off, the current initially flows at the original level instead of via the contacts 29, 30 into the capacitor C. and then decreases with increasing charge of the capacitor C according to the decreasing magnetic energy. At the same time, the current flow in the resistor R causes electrical see converted energy into heat, which would lead without the resistance R to an always undesirable resonance oscillation. 11a has perforations 35 or recesses 36, so that at a certain current density, the melting band can be severed at these points, or the melting band can be easily cut through the mechanical movement of a separator 24. For the same reason, the melting band can also have perforations which are square, as shown in Figure 1 1 b.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 switches

12 housing

18 interior

22 connecting element

23 Attachment for connecting element

24 separating device

25 counterpart to the separator

26 spring

27 spring housing

28 Pull plate for connecting element

29 first contact

30 second contact

31 Isolation medium

32 housing for separating device

33 widening element

34 connecting bridges

35 holes

36 recess

37 perforation

40 magnetic field

41 arc

42 External magnetic field coil F Force

C capacitor

R resistance

ZD Zener diode

D diode

P permanent magnet

Claims

claims

1. Switch, in particular circuit breaker (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) a housing (12), a first contact (29), a second contact (30) and at least one connecting element (22), in the conducting position of the switch (10) an electrical connection between the first contact (29) and the second contact (30),

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

(d) that the at least one connecting element (22) is axially tensioned in its direction of extension in the guide position or can be tensioned, so that severed parts of the at least one connecting element are removed from each other when the switch is transferred to the disconnected position.

2. Switch according to claim 1, which further comprises a separating device (24) for severing the at least one connecting element (22).

3. Switch according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one tensioned spring (26) which is fixedly connected to the housing (12) and the at least one connecting element (22).

4. Switch according to claim 3, comprising at least two tensioned springs (26) which are fixedly connected to two different, preferably opposite sides of the housing (12) with the housing and the at least one connecting element (22).

5. Switch according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the connecting element (22) and the housing (12) at different ends of the spring (s) with the / the spring (s) are connected, so that when severing the at least one connecting element (22 ) with the relaxation of the spring (s) (26) preferably a compression of the at least one connecting element occurs.

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

7. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating device (24) is guided by the housing piston, which can cut through at least one connecting element (22) by a mechanical movement, or in which the separating device is designed so that when exceeded a certain nominal value of the current or voltage applied to the connecting element, the connecting element can be severed.

8. A switch according to claim 7, wherein the mechanical direction of movement of the piston in a direction different from the extension direction of the connecting element, preferably substantially perpendicular thereto, extends.

9. Switch according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the piston can pierce the at least one connecting element, cut or tear.

10. Switch according to one of claims 7 to 9, which has a counterpart connected to the housing (25) to the piston, which is located on the opposite side of the piston of the at least one connecting element (22).

1 1. A switch according to claim 10, wherein the counterpart connected to the housing (25) has a die for a piston designed as a punching piston or a counter surface for a piston designed as a cutting piston or a

Cutting tool is.

12. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two different separating devices (24).

13. A switch according to claim 12, wherein a separating device (24) is a piston guided by the housing, which can cut the connecting element (22) by a mechanical movement, and a second separating device is designed so that when a certain nominal value of the / applied to the connecting element current or voltage, the at least one connecting element can be severed.

14. A switch according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the switch comprises two or more connecting elements (22).

15. Switch according to one of claims 7 to 14, outside of the interior (18) of the housing (12) has an operating device for moving the separating device designed as a piston.

16. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device is a drive for moving the piston, which acts upon the piston after activation of the drive with a movement force causing the piston movement, wherein the drive in particular as an inductive drive, as eddy current drive or as Gas pressure drive is formed, 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.

17. A switch according to claim 16, wherein the gas pressure actuator comprises a from the interior (18) of the housing (12) separate combustion chamber in which the gas-generating material is provided, wherein the piston is configured so that it is directly from the gas pressure to generate the movement of Punching or cutting piston can be acted upon, or wherein the piston can be acted upon indirectly by the gas pressure by an element moved by the gas pressure applied to the piston.