WO2017032362A1

WO2017032362A1 - Circuit breaker for high direct or alternating currents with high voltages, comprising connection elements connected in series

Info

Publication number: WO2017032362A1
Application number: PCT/DE2016/100386
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Lell
Original assignee: Peter Lell
Priority date: 2015-08-27
Filing date: 2016-08-26
Publication date: 2017-03-02
Also published as: DE102015114279A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a switch, in particular a circuit breaker (10) for high direct or alternating currents with high voltages. The circuit breaker can be converted from a conducting position into a separating position and has a housing (12), a first contact (28), a second contact (30), a disengagement element (24) which can be moved in the housing, and at least two connection element (22) sections which run in parallel directions of extension and which produce an electric connection between the first contact and the second contact in the conducting position of the switch (10). The housing has an interior (18) which surrounds the connection elements and in which the at least two connection element sections run. Each of the at least two connection element sections are secured to the base side (14) of the housing at one end and to the disengagement element in the interior of the housing at the other end, and the at least two connection element sections are electrically connected together in series. The switch is designed such that either a mechanical movement of the disengagement element can convert the switch from the conducting position into the separating position, wherein the disengagement element acts mechanically on the connection element sections running in the interior such that the electric connection between the first contact and the second contact is interrupted at at least one respective separation point of each of the at least two sections, or the disengagement element is subjected to tensile or compressive loading such that when one of the connection element sections is separated as a result of a specific electric load, the other connection element sections are separated such that the electric connection between the first contact and the second contact is interrupted by the separation of each of the at least two connection element sections, and the switch is converted from the conducting position into the separating position.

Description

Isolation switch for high DC or AC currents at high voltages with series connection elements

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 opposite here AC currents at zero crossings on that arcs can be formed at sufficiently high voltage, which can remain stable from about 100V source voltage stable and also 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, when approaching a second contact conductor, that is, the contact contact conductor, Ters is mechanically moved back and only then through the openings through the hitherto shielded contact conductors are 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. It should also be remembered that a Breakage 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 U1 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 genesis However, 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.

Therefore, circuit breakers have been recently developed in which the current flow has been split in parallel via two conductive connecting members to reduce the current intensity to the parallel connecting elements and thus better to suppress the formation of arcs upon disconnection of the connecting elements. However, the voltage can not be reduced, so that from a certain current strength here, too, the arcs can occur.

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 the current flow is not prevented.

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 swelling or switching voltages, even without maintenance for many years on standby and especially to the outside at the release has no effect, so it does not affect surrounding components. 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.

For this purpose, the present invention provides a switch, in particular circuit breaker for high DC and AC currents at high voltages,

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

(B) having a housing, a first contact, a second contact, a movable housing in the release element and at least two in their extension direction parallel portions of connecting elements, which in the Leitstellung of the switch, an electrical connection between the first contact and the make second contact,

(c) wherein the housing has an inner space surrounding the connecting elements, in which run the at least two sections of the connecting elements,

(d) wherein the at least two portions of the connecting elements are each fastened at one end to the base side of the housing and at the other end to the release element in the interior of the housing,

(e) wherein the at least two portions of the connecting elements are electrically connected to each other and connected in series,

(f) wherein the switch is arranged to either

(1) a mechanical movement of the disengaging element can transfer the switch from the Leitstellung in the disconnected position, wherein the disengagement element acts mechanically on the running in the interior portions of the connecting elements, that the electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact on at least one in each case Separation point of each of the at least two sections is interrupted, or (2) the disengagement element is tension- or pressure-loaded, so that when one of the sections of the connecting elements is separated by a certain electrical load, the further sections of the connecting elements are disconnected so that the electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact by disconnecting each of the at least two sections of the connecting elements is interrupted and the switch is transferred from the Leitstellung in the disconnected position.

The switch according to the invention has the advantage that by the parallel guiding of the at least two sections of the connecting elements and the electrically serial connection of the sections with a mechanical severing of all sections of the connecting elements, the distance between two parts of connecting elements which are connected to the first and the second contact are, can be made much larger than is the case with a switch with only one connecting element or two or more electrically connected in parallel connecting elements. Further, in two or more times disconnecting series connection lines, the voltage at each of the interruptions will be halved, so that the formation of arcs can be better suppressed.

The switch according to the invention is to be transferred from a Leitstellung in a disconnected position, the Leitstellung can also be described as 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 according to the invention 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. The switch is As a rule, it 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 according to the invention 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 will be switched to one, i. potentially disconnected circuit. In the conducting position of the switch, the electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact is made by connecting elements or at least two sections of connecting elements arranged in parallel in their extension direction, wherein the at least two sections of connecting elements are connected to one another in such a way that they are in relation to the Current flow between the first and the second contact are connected in series. In this way, the connecting elements or sections of the connecting elements connect the first contact and the second contact.

The at least two sections of connecting elements arranged in parallel in their direction of extent extend essentially along an extension direction which lies perpendicular to a base side of the housing of the switch according to the invention. In this case, the at least two sections of the connecting elements are fastened in each case at one end to the base side of the housing and at its other end to the disengagement element in the interior of the housing. The disengagement element is preferably arranged in the guide position such that the at least two sections of the connecting elements are clamped between the base side of the housing and the disengagement element. The release element is preferably designed as a release plate whose extension direction is parallel to the base side of the housing. In the control position of the switch according to the invention, the release element between the base side and the opposite side of the base side of the housing. To transfer from the Leitstellung in the disconnected position, the release element can be moved to the opposite side of the base side, wherein the at least two sections of the connecting elements are severed or torn. It concerns with the mechanical movement of the Release element for transferring the switch from the Leitstellung in the disconnected position, ie, preferably by a translational movement along the main extension direction of the connecting elements.

The moving apart of at least two separate parts of the at least two sections of the connecting elements is preferably carried out at least over a length of more than 1%, more preferably more than 5% of the previous section of the connecting elements, 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 fastener, as well as the fabric and method of introduction (loosely filled or pressed, dried or blended with a slip or cushioning agent) of the filler.

The at least two sections of the connecting elements are preferably each independently a tube, a wire or a flat, in particular strip-shaped element. The connecting element need 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 to its electrical requirements, ie to dimension the power line in the control position and discharge of the heat generated by the current in it heat energy. The sections of the connecting elements consist, for example, of copper or its alloys or of tungsten and its alloys, in particular of a material which is electrically highly conductive, but requires as much energy as possible for its evaporation and ionization, for example tungsten and its alloys. Also, coatings of the connecting element with such metals or alloys are possible (multi-layer or sandwich construction). Also suitable as metals for the fasteners and brass, gunmetal, steel, stainless steel, aluminum and silver in question, with metals such as copper, aluminum, brass and silver are more preferred, and silver is particularly suitable because it has a small Melting point and thereby has a high ionization energy, which acts both against a stable arcing.

The sections of the connecting elements preferably have at least one mechanically or electrically weakened cross section, wherein at least one separating point can be determined geometrically.

The mechanically weakened cross sections can be formed, for example, via perforations, bores and embossments (mechanical weakenings). These mechanically weakened cross-sections can ensure a safe melting when exceeding the maximum current density as well as a safe severing during mechanical movement of the release element. In a more preferred embodiment, the at least two sections of the connecting elements each have a plurality of mechanically weakened cross-sections, since the material of the connecting element is separated at several points in the event of overload or in the desired switching case. This ensures that now no longer the entire switching voltage is present at each separation point, so here the ionization of the material of the conductor pieces drops drastically and thus the deletion of the resulting arcs is easier possible.

Under electrically weakened cross-sections is understood that at the desired separation points of the sections of the connecting elements, another material is used, ie, a material that does not correspond to the material of the connecting element. Particularly suitable here are electrical conductors which either have a very high melting temperature and a high ionization energy, such as tungsten or aluminum, which immediately melts or vaporizes in the case of arc formation. Also semiconductors such as selenium or germanium would be suitable. Since the spatial extent of the other materials at the point of separation of the sections of the connecting elements must be very small, the poorer conductivity of these materials has very little effect on the overall conductivity of the connecting element. 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 rapid safety shutdown of a circuit is possible. A possibly provided isolating medium suppresses a possibly occurring arc even with this separation due to electrical overload.

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.

The provision of several weakened cross sections of the sections of the connecting elements in the longitudinal direction 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 Wderständen fall per separation distance only a part of the outside

Source voltage on.

In order to specify the separation behavior in advance, 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 possibility of improving the effectiveness of the connecting element may be additionally or alternatively to the solutions mentioned up to here in that pyrotechnic material is placed on the connecting element at one or more locations. As a result, even with relatively small overloads a Separation can be achieved because the ignition temperature of the selected pyrotechnic material is already reached and is applied by ignition a separation distance. 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.

Furthermore, the connecting elements or the sections of the connecting elements can be wholly or partially coated with an insulating coating or a shrink tube. In this case, the interior of the housing may contain an isolating medium or no isolating medium. The use of a heat-shrinkable tube as a coating over the connecting elements has the advantage that, when the connecting elements are separated, the heat-shrinkable tube is not torn, so that there is a space between the separate parts of the connecting elements which prevents the formation of an arc. Here, any conventionally used in electrical engineering shrink tubing can be used. The insulating coating is preferably a lacquer or a thin ceramic coating. This has the advantage that once the arc has arisen it is difficult to grip new electrode / connector material. Furthermore, such a layer insulates well and has good thermal conductivity, so that the heat generated in the connecting conductor by a high operating current can be dissipated well from the connecting element.

The housing of the switch according to the invention has an interior space. Based on the housing, this interior is a cavity. The interior should surround at least the sections of the connecting elements and the release element. Already by providing a housing provides protection against flying sparks, when the switch according to the invention is mechanically transferred to the disconnected position and in this separation of the sections of the connecting elements, the formation of an arc is to be feared. 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, special metal or even a ceramic mass, in which the inner parts of the switch according to the invention are cast, it being noted here that the mechanical movement of the release element is still possible. In other words, it is preferable that the insulator medium is in the area between the base side of the housing and the disengagement member, and preferably not between the disengagement member and the side opposite to the base side. The isolating medium preferably has a high thermal conductivity with low electrical conductivity, high melting energy at the lowest possible melting temperature. In particular, based on the size of the housing fine-grained quartz sand offers. Conceivable, however, are also other sands. As an alternative to a sand of mineral origin, a metallic sand is also an option. 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.

If the isolating medium is a ceramic compound (the term is intended to include sand masses), then it is preferred that the space between the base side of the housing and the disengagement element be provided by two hardening ceramic masses, each of which closely conform to the connecting elements. Two ceramic materials are therefore preferred, the two - preferably not mechanically interconnected - ceramic materials at the transition of the switch in the disconnected position Allow displacement of the release element. The arranged on the base ceramic remains unmoved, whereas the other ceramic mass is moved with the release element. The use of ceramic materials ensures that even after shaking the fuses the cooling ceramic material remains tightly connected to the connecting elements, whereby the tolerable operating current at a selected cross-section and material of the fasteners by its good cooling increases, on the other hand, the starting arc is only a small Cross-sectional area given for acting and it is prevented that it prepares itself further in the cross-section or the lateral surface of the connecting element. In other words, it deprives the arc of its "fuel." It is preferred that the ceramic / sand mass is completely dried to prevent gas generation by evaporation of liquid, gel, or, in principle, light / relatively low energy vaporizing materials Depending on the field of application, only the passive switching region (the region which does not move when the release element moves) can also be used as a ceramic compound (as a multicomponent system or else by baking in the oven or inductively, etc.). be compacted, or only the active switching area (the area, the portions of the connecting elements, which move with the disengaging with), or both areas.Alternatively, the two ceramic materials may also be formed as molding compounds and at least the molding compound on / in the active switching area with the release element mechanically and / or he be chemically firmly connected, or act as a release element (one or more pieces).

The ceramic compound or potting compound, consisting of binder and sand or ceramic particles or flour, may also have swelling properties under the influence of heat in order to constrict the arc circumferentially and thereby cool it and "starve it out." Suitable materials for this are foamable polyorganosiloxane mixtures, such as the production of foams by mixing organohydrogensiloxanes, hydroxylated organosiloxanes, and platinum catalysts in amounts such that the ratio of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms to silicon-bonded hydroxyl groups is from 2.5 to 40, intumescent silicone resins. mixed or other known from the fire protection for buildings, heat swellable substances used.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, in the switch according to the invention, the disengagement element is connected via a tensioned spring to the side opposite the base side of the housing so that when the sections of the connection elements are severed by a specific electrical load or by the spring loading, the spring can relax, wherein the disengagement member is moved toward the opposite side of the base side and the severed portions of the portions of the connecting elements from each other. In this embodiment, it is preferred that at least one of the portions of the connecting elements is designed as a melting element, which melts from a certain electrical load. As soon as one of the sections of the connecting elements is severed in this way, the spring load on the / the further connecting element (s) is increased, so that when providing a mechanically weakened cross section at the / the further connecting element (s), the spring load is chosen in that there is a severing of the other sections of the connecting elements. In principle, however, it is also conceivable that all existing portions of the connecting elements are designed as fusible elements which melt simultaneously or shortly one after the other at a certain electrical load and remove the release element the severed parts of the sections of the connecting elements from each other by the spring load.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the switch according to the invention preferably has exactly two sections of connecting elements which run parallel in their extension direction, one section being connected to the first contact and the second section being connected to the second contact. It is preferred that the sections of the connecting elements are electrically connected to one another at the side fastened to the disengagement element. The electrical connection of the two sections to the side fastened to the disengagement element ensures that the two sections of the connecting elements connecting the base side and the disengagement element are electrically connected in series are. This has the advantage that there is a multiple serial severance of the connecting line between the first and the second contact. Since the ends of the two different sections of the connecting elements, which are connected to the first and the second contact in this way are relatively far apart, the formation of an arc is almost impossible.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the switch according to the invention can also have more than two sections of connecting elements running parallel in their extension direction. In this case, a first section is connected to the first contact and a second section to the second contact, wherein the first and the second section are electrically connected via one or more further sections of connecting elements, wherein the one or more further sections of connecting elements in their extension direction extend parallel to the first and second portions of the connecting elements and are each attached at one end to the disengaging element and at the other end to a arranged on the base side of the housing collector. The attached to the collector ends of the connecting elements are connected either directly to each other, wherein the collector itself is preferably not conductive. Or they are electrically connected to an electrically conductive collector. The collector preferably occurs instead of a part of the base side of the housing, and in this case is preferably electrically insulated from the outside. Furthermore, it is also preferable for an electrically conductive collector to be insulated from the first and second contacts, which are preferably located at the base side.

In all embodiments according to the invention, the electrical connection of the sections of the connecting elements on the side of the disengaging element can be designed via an electrically conductive disengaging element itself, but also by a direct connection of the connecting elements, wherein in the latter case the disengaging element preferably consists of an electrically non-conductive material. Furthermore, the switch according to the invention can also have an activatable drive for moving the disengaging element. The activatable drive acted upon its activation, the release element with a movement force causing the movement. The activatable drive may in this case be located outside the housing of the switch according to the invention, in which case a connection must be present through the housing to the release element. Preferably, however, the activatable drive is arranged in the interior of the housing of the switch according to the invention, resulting in a smaller size and no risk of injury by moving outside of the housing parts.

It is further preferred that the activatable drive present in the interior of the housing has a housing arranged in the drive housing and the drive housing with a Beaufschlagungsende radical drive piston, wherein the drive piston performs a disengagement from the drive housing upon activation of the drive. Since the drive piston is preferably mechanically connected to the release element, it comes to the movement of the release element, in which the switch is transferred to the release position.

The drive can be designed as an inductive drive, as an eddy current drive or as a gas pressure drive.

In an inductive drive, an induction coil may be provided at a suitable distance from the switch housing. The disengagement element can be designed to be magnetically suitable. The disengagement element can also be equipped with an induction coil. It would also be conceivable to equip the release element with an induction coil and to provide an electromagnetic reference point, for example a permanent magnet, at a suitable distance from the release element. In this way, the disengagement element can thus be moved alternatively or additionally inductively. If the activatable drive is embodied as an eddy-current drive, then preferably there is a force coil between the base side of the housing and the disengagement element, which is flowed through from outside for the desired switching by a surge current. For this purpose, the release element is preferably made of a highly electrically conductive material, whereby a current is induced by the surge current in the force coil, which is opposite to the exciting current in the force coil according to Lenz's rule, whereby the release element repelled by the force coil extremely fast and with high force is tearing off while the connected in the housing sections of the connecting elements.

Wrd the movement of the release element made by gas pressure, it is located as mentioned above, the activatable drive preferably in the interior of the housing, preferably between the base side of the housing and the release element. The drive piston mentioned above is preferably connected to the disengagement element, so that when the gas pressure in the interior of the drive housing of the activatable drive is increased, the drive piston is driven against the disengagement element, the disengagement element is removed from the base side of the housing and the sections between them are tightened Tear off connection elements. Such a gas pressure can be generated pyrotechnically or be constructed by suitable gas lines. If the gas pressure is generated pyrotechnically, then it is expedient to provide a combustion chamber located in the interior of the drive housing with incorporated propellant charge powder which can be activated by means of a firing or priming piece.

As propellants, however, liquid or gaseous fuels and oxidizers are used in addition to the propellant charge powder, which can be injected for example in the combustion chamber, which is preferably integrated into the switch. Such fuels and oxidizers are referred to below as gas-generating materials. The pyrotechnic gas-generating materials, regardless of whether they react deflagrating or detonatively, should also be encompassed by this. After 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 drive piston and the disengagement element connected thereto and moves the switch from the guide position into the disconnected position. For ignition, a spark plug, a glow wire or a lighter can be used. Alternatively or additionally, the combustion chamber could already contain either fuel or oxidizers (in liquid, solid or gaseous form).

Such a system allows a fast and reliable disconnection 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. In the case of a suitably chosen ignition or ignition element, 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 release element 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 release element. It should be remembered that at the beginning of the firing process, the pressure must be at the highest, since then yes a tearing of the fasteners must be initiated. 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 Siedeverzugs 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.

If the activatable drive is arranged in the interior of the housing of the switch according to the invention, it is preferably located not only between the base side of the housing and the disengaging element, but also so that the at least two sections of the connecting elements are arranged on the opposite sides of the drive housing in the interior of the housing are. In other words, the drive housing preferably has a surrounding annular space, which is delimited at one axial end by the disengagement element, and which are provided at least two sections of the connecting elements in this annular space. If the switch according to the invention has more than two sections of connecting elements which are parallel in their direction of extension, they are preferably arranged in each case at the greatest possible distance from each other around the centrally arranged activatable drive. A corresponding arrangement of the sections of the connecting elements to the activatable drive allows the greatest possible distance of the separated in the release position of the switch and connected to the first and second contact ends of the sections of the connecting elements.

Due to the electrical in-series connection of the at least two sections of the connecting elements in the switch according to the invention, the electrical contacts (first and second contact) with the connecting elements on the same Side, preferably be connected to the base of the housing. For example, the first and second contacts may both be located directly at opposite ends of the base. However, since it is preferred in switches of the type according to the invention that the two contacts are located on opposite sides of the housing, for example, the first contact may be arranged on the base side and be electrically connected directly to this side with one of the sections of the connecting elements, and the second contact may be arranged on the side opposite the base side. However, in order that the further connection element or the further section of the connection elements is electrically connected to the second contact, an electrical connection is made from the base side to the side opposite the base side. This can be realized for example by an electrically conductive housing or an electrical connection line. If the electrical connection is made by an electrically conductive housing, it is preferred that the housing is isolated from the portion of the connecting element which is connected to the first contact. Furthermore, a corresponding housing is preferably also electrically insulated from a possibly existing collector on the side of the base side.

Furthermore, the switch according to the invention can have so-called protective systems, which are preferably connected to the first and the second contact. The protection systems should either stop arc generation in real-life situations or, if this is not possible, either extinguish or enable rapid self-ignition of the activatable drive in the event of overcurrent.

In a first variant, such a protection system may comprise a capacitor C and a coil L connected in series, which thus represent a series resonant circuit. If after releasing the activatable drive (igniter, gas generator or detonator with or without additional charge), the connecting elements or the sections of the connecting elements separated by the weggedrückte release element, arcing will occur immediately at higher voltages in conjunction with higher currents. At the same time, however, the series resonant circuit is excited, which generates an extremely high alternating current at resonance, which is the main current or Arc current superimposed. With proper design of the capacitor C and the coil L so it comes to a zero crossing of the current flowing through the open separation points stream, thereby extinguishing the arcs and the now open separation points can safely interrupt the stream further.

In a second variant, such a protection system can have a transient voltage suppressor diode TVS or a suppressor diode SD or a varistor Vr or a Zener diode ZD with or without protective resistor R. The object of these elements is to keep away from the switch always resulting high voltage peaks when disconnecting inductive circuits, so that no arc is ignited. The protection system must be able to switch so quickly and absorb so much energy that it is not destroyed by the energy contained in the voltage / current peak and above all switches fast enough to reliably prevent the arc ignition. If necessary, the protective resistor can protect the TVS against excessive load.

In a third variant, such a protection system can consist in that the drive element is connected directly between the first and the second contact. In this case, the drive element is designed such that it is triggered by a sudden rising current without the need for an external signal: The connected between the first and second contact in series connecting elements themselves serve as a resistor in the circuit, with suddenly rising Current a voltage drop results, which is tapped and the activatable drive directly or via a resistor R is supplied. In order to reliably prevent the direct tripping at lower currents, a TVS or a Vr with a correspondingly low voltage can be switched into the tripping circuit, which releases the current flow to the activatable drive only after a predetermined / desired voltage drop at the connecting element. As an alternative to a direct ignition, the activatable drive can of course also be triggered by a voltage source U and the release switch S by hand or under control. Here, U can be either a battery or the secondary winding of a pulse transformer or a different element to the necessary in high-voltage applications potential separation.

The three mentioned variants of protection systems can be used individually or in any combination together.

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 FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6 each show a switch 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 with two series-connected sections of connecting elements in Leitstellung (Fig. 1a) and in the release position (Fig. 1 b).

Fig. 2 shows in cross section a second embodiment of the invention with a total of four sections of connecting elements, which are all connected in series, once in the conducting position (Fig. 2a) and once in the disconnected position (Fig. 2b).

Fig. 3 shows a portion of a connecting element, in which a different material from the remaining material of the connecting element is used at the desired separation point. Fig. 4 shows a portion of a connecting element which has a different material of the material used with mechanical weakening at the separation point.

Fig. 5 shows in cross section a further embodiment of a switch according to the invention as in Fig. 2, but with electrical contacts on different sides, once in the conducting position (Fig. 5a) and once in the disconnected position (Fig. 5b).

Fig. 6 shows in cross-section a switch according to the invention as in Fig. 5, in which parts are poured into the interior in ceramic, once in the conducting position (Fig. 6a) and once in the release position (Fig. 6b).

Fig. 7 shows in cross section a switch according to the invention as shown in Fig. 5 in

Leistellung, in which the housing of the switch itself serves as a connection contact and possible protective measures I to III are shown.

1a and 1b show a first embodiment of a switch 10 according to the invention. This switch 10 has a housing 12 which can be designed substantially cylindrical. The housing 12 has a base side 14 (left side), at which also the first contact 28 and the second contact 30, preferably isolated from each other, are present. In the interior 18 of the housing 12 of the first contact 28 and the second contact 30 sections of connecting elements 22 parallel to each other to the release element 24 are provided, which at the base side 14 with the first and second contacts 28, 30 and the other side are connected to the release element 24. The two parallel sections of the connecting elements 22 are also electrically in contact with each other along the release element 24, so that the two sections of the connecting elements 22 are connected in series from the first contact 28 to the second contact 30. The sections of the connecting elements 22 have preferential example mechanical cross-sectional weakening 23, so that upon movement of the release element 24 in the direction of the base side opposite side, the portions of the connecting elements 22 tear at these locations. In order to visually understand whether the switch is still usable, it has on the opposite side of the base side a small opening from which no indicator pin 34 protrudes in the Leitstellung, in the disconnected position, however, an indicator pin 34 can be seen. Between the disengaging element 24 and the base side 14 in the interior of the housing 12 there is an activatable drive 26 with a drive housing 36 and a drive piston 38 which is in communication with the disengagement element 24. In Fig. 1, the activatable drive 26 is configured as a gas pressure drive, which has a combustion chamber in the interior of the drive housing 36 which presses the drive piston 38 against the release element 24 and thus tear the portions of the connecting elements 22 at the cross-sectional weakenings 23 and at each of the Sections of the connecting elements 22 separating points are brought about, which break the electrical current flow between the first contact 28 and the second contact 30.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show a further embodiment of a switch 10 according to the invention. This switch is constructed substantially like the switch shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, with the differences that it has four sections of connecting elements 22 and a collector 32. The portions of the connecting elements 22 connected to the first contact 28 and the second contact 30 are fastened to the base side 14 and to the release element 24. These connected to the contacts portions of the connecting elements 22 are connected via two further portions of connecting elements 22 in contact with each other, which are also connected to the release element 23 on one side and on the other side (base side) with a collector 32, which is also these two Portions of the connecting elements 22 connects electrically to each other. If the disengagement element 24 is moved in the direction of the side opposite the base side 14 by the activatable drive 26 in the middle of the housing, not only as in the embodiment of FIG. 1 do two connecting elements 22 tear off at the cross-sectional weakenings 23, but Thus, all four sections of the connecting elements 22. Such an embodiment thus increases the safety of the switch according to the invention.

3 and 4 show sections of connecting elements 22, wherein in Fig. 3 at the desired separation point, a material 44 is used, which differs from the material 42 of the connecting element 22. This can also be referred to as an electrical cross-sectional weakening, since materials with a very high melting temperature and high ionization energy are preferably used here, such as, for example, tungsten, aluminum, selenium or germanium. In addition to the electrical cross-sectional weakening of the other material 44 to the other material 42 of the connecting element 22 may also be as shown in Fig. 4, a mechanical cross-sectional weakening to accelerate tearing.

FIGS. 5a and 5b show a further embodiment of a switch 10 according to the invention. The embodiment in FIGS. 5a and 5b does not differ substantially from the embodiment of the switch according to the invention in FIGS. 2a and 2b, but has the only difference that the second one Contact 30 is on the opposite side of the base 14, that is, the hatched portion of the housing 12 electrically conducts the second contact 30 connected to the lowermost connector 22 around the housing.

Figures 6a and 6b show another embodiment, which is the same as the switch shown in Figures 5a and 5b, except for the empty space inside the housing of the switch 10 according to the invention. However, the switch in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b has a plurality of cross-sectional weakenings 23 in its interior at the sections of the connecting elements 22. In addition, the space between the base side 14 and the disengaging element 24 is provided by two hardening ceramic masses 40, each of which closely conform to the connecting elements 22. This ensures that even after shaking the fuses the cooling sand / ceramic mass remains tightly connected to the connecting elements, whereby the tolerable operating current at a selected cross section and material of the connection On the other hand, the starting arc is given only a small cross-sectional area for working and it is prevented that it prepares itself further in the cross section or the lateral surface of the connecting element. In other words, it deprives the arc of its "fuel." It is preferred that the ceramic / sand mass is completely dried to prevent gas generation by evaporation of liquid, gel, or, in principle, light / relatively low energy vaporizing materials Depending on the field of application, only the passive switching region (the region which does not move when the release element moves) can also be used as a ceramic compound (as a multicomponent system or else by baking in the oven or inductively, etc.). be compacted, or only the active switching area (the area, the portions of the connecting elements, which move with the disengaging with), or both areas.Alternatively, the two ceramic materials may also be formed as molding compounds and at least the molding compound on / in the active switching area with the release element mechanically and / or he be chemically firmly connected, or act as a release element (one or more pieces).

The ceramic compound or potting compound, consisting of binder and sand or ceramic particles or flour, may also have swelling properties under the influence of heat in order to constrict the arc circumferentially and thereby cool it and "starve it out." Suitable materials for this are foamable polyorganosiloxane mixtures, such as the production of foams by blending organohydrogensiloxanes, hydroxylated organosiloxanes, and platinum catalysts in amounts such that the ratio of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms to silicon-bonded hydroxyl groups is from 2.5 to 40, intumescent silicone resin blends, or others Fire protection for buildings known, swell on exposure to heat substances used.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of a switch 10 according to the invention. The embodiment in FIG. 7 does not essentially differ from the embodiment of the switch 10 according to the invention in FIG. ruled that the electrical connection of the further connecting element and the second contact 30, which is located on the opposite side of the base 14, takes place via an electrically conductive housing 12, ie, the corresponding part of the housing 12 is itself the second contact 30 Furthermore, protective systems I to III are shown in FIG. 7, which prevent arc generation, extinguish arcs that have arisen or should enable rapid self-ignition of the activatable drive in the event of overcurrent. The three protection systems are shown as examples only together in Fig. 7, but can also be used individually (or in combination). Protection system I comprises a capacitor C and a coil L connected in series, thus constituting a series resonant circuit.

Protection system II shows a transient voltage suppressor diode TVS2 or a supressor diode SD2 with or without protective resistor R2. In protection system III, the drive element is connected directly between the first and the second contact. In this case, the drive element is designed such that it is triggered by a sudden rising current, without requiring an external signal would be needed. In Fig. 7, the collector 32 is preferably annular, so that through a recess in the center of the collector 32, a connection can be made to the activatable drive (see protection system III). The connected between the first 28 and the second contact 30 in series connecting elements 22 serve themselves as a resistor in the circuit, with suddenly rising current results in a voltage drop, which is tapped and the activatable drive via a series resistor R1 is supplied. In order to reliably prevent the direct tripping at lower currents, a TVS1 or an SD1 with a correspondingly low voltage is connected in the tripping circuit, which releases the current flow to the activatable drive 26 only after a predetermined / desired voltage drop at the connecting element. The activatable Anrieb 26 can be triggered via a voltage source U and the trigger switch S by hand. In this case, U can mean either a battery or the secondary winding of a pulse transformer or another element for potential separation, which is generally necessary in high-voltage applications. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 switches

12 housing

14 base side of the housing

18 Interior of the housing

20 isolating medium

22 fasteners

23 cross-sectional weakenings

24 release element

26 activatable drive

28 first contact

30 second contact

32 collector

34 indicator pen

36 drive housing

38 drive piston

40 ceramic mass

42 Material of the connecting elements

44 Material of the cross-sectional weakenings

C capacitor

L coil

SD 1/2 suppressor diode 1 or 2

TVS1 / 2 transient voltage suppressor diode 1 or 2 R1 resistor

R2 protective resistor

U voltage source

S release switch

Claims

claims

1. Switch, in particular circuit breaker (10) for high DC and AC currents at high voltages,

(b) having a housing (12), a first contact (28), a second contact (30), a housing movable in the release element (24) and at least two in their extension direction parallel portions of connecting elements (22), in the control position of the switch (10) establish an electrical connection between the first contact and the second contact,

(C) wherein the housing has an interior space (18) surrounding the connecting elements, in which run the at least two portions of the connecting elements,

(d) wherein the at least two portions of the connecting elements are each secured at one end to the base side (14) of the housing and at the other end to the disengagement element inside the housing,

(f) wherein the switch is arranged to either

Switch according to claim 1, wherein the disengagement element is arranged in the Leitstellung so that the at least two portions of the connecting elements between the base side of the housing and the release element are clamped, wherein the disengagement element can be moved to the side opposite the base side, wherein the switch in the separation position is transferred.

Switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mechanical movement of the release element for transferring the switch from the pilot position into the release position is a translatory movement along the main extension direction of the connecting elements.

A switch according to claim 3, wherein the translational movement ruptures the connecting elements, the translational movement of the releasing element being continued beyond the breaking position.

Switch according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the release element is connected via a tensioned spring with the base side of the housing opposite side, so that when severing the portions of the connecting elements by a certain electrical load or by the spring load, the spring can relax, wherein the disengagement member is moved toward the opposite side of the base side and the severed portions of the portions of the connecting elements from each other.

6. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two parallel in their direction of extension direction extending portions of connecting elements, wherein the one portion with the first contact and the second portion is connected to the second contact, wherein the portions of the connecting elements to the on Release element attached side are electrically connected together.

7. Switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, which has more than two in their direction of extension parallel extension portions of connecting elements, wherein a first portion with the first contact and a second portion is connected to the second contact, wherein the first and the second section being electrically connected via one or more further sections of connecting elements, wherein the one or more further sections of connecting elements extend in their extension direction parallel to the first and second sections of the connecting elements and respectively at one end to the disengaging element and at the other end are attached to a arranged on the base side of the housing collector (32).

8. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two portions of the connecting elements are each independently a tube, a wire or a flat, in particular strip-shaped element.

9. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting elements each have at least one mechanically or electrically weakened cross section (23) in order to determine geometrically at least one separation point.

10. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, which has an insulating medium (20) in the interior of the housing.

1 1. A switch according to claim 10, wherein the isolating medium is a silicate or mineral or quartz sand or a ceramic.

12. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, which, preferably in the interior of the housing, an activatable drive (26) for moving the disengaging element, which acts upon the disengagement element after activation of the drive with a movement of the disengaging element causing motive force.

13. A switch according to claim 12, wherein the drive comprises a arranged in the housing of the switch drive housing and the drive housing (36) with a loading end sweeping drive piston (38), wherein the drive piston upon activation of the drive to move the disengagement a disengagement from the Drive housing executes.

14. A switch according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the drive is designed 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.

15. A switch according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein in an annular space surrounding the drive housing, which is delimited at one axial end by the disengagement element, the at least two portions of the connecting elements are provided.

16. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein between the first and the second contact, a series circuit of a coil (L) and a capacitor (C) is connected.

17. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein between the first and the second contact a suppressor diode (SD2) or a Zener diode or a varistor or a transient voltage suppressor diode is connected.

18. Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive element is connected directly between the first and the second contact, and the drive element is configured such that it is triggered by a sudden rising current.

Switch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the portions of the connecting elements are wholly or partially coated with an insulating coating or a shrink tube.