Connection device for connecting a plurality of busbars having a circular end cross section

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of connecting device for connecting multiple busbars with circular end cross section, comprising: plug-in mechanism, with at least two cylindrical end heads, each end head with jaw and suitable for plugging with corresponding busbar;Locking mechanism is suitable for cooperation with jaw, so that jaw and corresponding busbar can be locked. By using the connecting device for connecting multiple busbars with circular end cross section according to the present application, the number of parts for connecting busbar can be significantly reduced, without a large number of screws, and without electric field shield, the process of flattening both ends of busbar is saved, busbar connection is simple, fast and reliable, greatly improves work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection device for busbars, and more specifically, to a connection device for connecting multiple busbars having circular end cross-sections. Background Technology

[0002] Busbars are well-known and widely used in cable trays and electrical equipment such as switchgear for power transmission. There are usually many busbars used, which need to be connected to each other. To address this, a busbar connection device has been developed that connects the two ends of the busbars to be connected with screws, and then tightens them with nuts.

[0003] However, this type of busbar connection device requires a large number of screws, especially when there are many busbars. Furthermore, if the busbars are not flat, but cylindrical or cylindrical in shape, the ends of the busbars to be connected must be flattened, adding an extra step and increasing time consumption. Additionally, the screws used to connect the busbars can cause uneven electric field near the busbar ends. To avoid this uneven electric field, additional electric field shielding is required. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connection device for connecting multiple busbars with circular end cross sections, which at least partially solves the aforementioned problems in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the connection device according to the present invention for connecting multiple busbars having circular end cross sections comprises: a plug-in mechanism having at least two cylindrical ends, each end having a claw and adapted to plug into a corresponding busbar; and a locking mechanism adapted to cooperate with the claws to lock the claws and the corresponding busbars.

[0006] By employing the connection device according to the present invention for connecting multiple busbars with circular end cross sections, the number of components for connecting the busbars can be significantly reduced, eliminating the need for a large number of screws and electric field shielding components, and eliminating the process of flattening the two ends of the busbars. The busbar connection is simple, fast, and reliable, greatly improving work efficiency.

[0007] In one embodiment of the invention, the end cap has a threaded portion adjacent to the chuck, and the threaded portion has an external thread on its outer circumferential surface. Here, the end cap uses the external thread of its threaded portion to engage with a locking mechanism, thereby realizing the insertion or disconnection of the busbar.

[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism has an adjacent, integral cylindrical screwing portion and a hollow, truncated conical clamping portion. The locking mechanism locks or releases the busbar during insertion by means of the screwing portion engaging with the threaded portion at the end and the clamping portion engaging with the pawl.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the screwing part has an internal thread on its inner circumferential surface, which is adapted to engage with the external thread of the threaded part, thereby enabling the chucks to close. In this way, the closing or opening and opening of the chucks can be easily achieved, thereby locking or releasing the busbar.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the inner diameter of the screwing part is equal to the inner diameter of the clamping part at the end closest to the screwing part, and greater than the inner diameter of the clamping part at the end furthest from the screwing part. This allows the jaws to gradually close or loosen, thereby steplessly and smoothly adjusting the clamping force of the jaws to achieve locking of the busbar to any desired degree.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, the plug-in mechanism has heat dissipation holes. These holes allow heat generated by the current flowing through the busbar during operation to be dissipated, ensuring reliable busbar operation.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism includes at least two expansion portions, an adjustment portion, and a transmission portion. The transmission portion is connected between the adjustment portion and the expansion portions. The adjustment portion can cause the expansion portion to enter the corresponding jaw via the transmission portion, thereby expanding the jaw. This is another implementation of the locking mechanism, namely, locking or releasing the busbar by expanding the jaw from the inside.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, the transmission unit includes a joint capable of linear movement, at least two connecting rods, and at least two connecting members, wherein the joint and the corresponding connecting rods are respectively connected to the expansion unit via corresponding connecting members. In this way, the transmission unit effectively cooperates with the expansion unit and the adjustment unit, thereby cleverly achieving linkage between these three components.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the adjusting part is rotatably connected to the connector, thereby allowing the connector to move linearly by rotating the adjusting part, while simultaneously moving the connecting rods closer together or further apart. This allows the adjusting part to be used to adjust the tension of the busbar as needed.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, each connecting rod is pivotable about one end and slidably connected to a connector at the other end. This is a simple mechanical connection method. This conveniently converts the rotation of the adjusting part into the pivoting of the connecting rod and the movement of the connector, thereby driving the expansion part to move and adjusting the clamping force on the busbar.

[0016] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a busbar having a circular end cross-section, which can be connected to each other using the aforementioned connecting device. The aspects and advantages described above regarding the connecting device also apply accordingly to the busbar according to the present invention, and will not be repeated here.

[0017] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to an electrical device comprising a busbar as described above. The aspects and advantages described above with respect to the connecting device also apply accordingly to the electrical device according to the invention, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Other advantages and designs of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1(a) is a schematic diagram of the busbar connection in the switchgear according to the prior art;

[0020] Figure 1(b) is a perspective view of connecting two busbars using a connection device according to the prior art;

[0021] Figure 1(c) is a perspective view of three busbars connected using a connection device according to the prior art;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the busbar connection in the switchgear according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram of connecting three busbars using the connection device of the present invention according to one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 3(b) is an exploded perspective view of three busbars connected using the connection device of the present invention according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3(a);

[0025] Figure 3(c) is a cross-sectional view of three busbars connected using the connection device of the present invention according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3(a);

[0026] Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram of connecting two busbars using the connection device of the present invention according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3(a);

[0027] Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram of connecting four busbars using the connection device of the present invention according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3(a);

[0028] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of three busbars connected using the connection device according to the invention, according to another embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 5 The embodiment shown uses the connecting device of the present invention to connect three busbars in a cross-sectional view.

[0030] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment uses the connecting device of the present invention to connect three busbars in another cross-sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Unless otherwise specified, corresponding numbers and symbols in the different figures generally refer to corresponding areas. The figures are drawn to clearly illustrate relevant aspects of the embodiments and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The edges of features drawn in the figures do not necessarily indicate the termination of the feature range.

[0032] In the following description, various specific details are shown to provide a thorough understanding of various examples of embodiments according to the description. Embodiments may be obtained without one or more specific details, or by utilizing other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail so as not to obscure the various aspects of the embodiments.

[0033] References to "an embodiment" or "an implementation" within the framework of this specification are intended to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or feature described with respect to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, phrases such as "in an embodiment," "in one embodiment," etc., that may appear in various aspects of this specification do not necessarily refer precisely to the same embodiment. Furthermore, specific configurations, structures, or features may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0034] The title / reference numerals used herein are for readability purposes only and do not limit the scope of protection or the scope of embodiments. Identical or similar elements are identified using the same reference numerals.

[0035] First refer to Figures 1(a) to 1(c)This section describes the connection of busbars using existing connection devices. Figure 1(a) exemplifies the connection method of a power transmission busbar used in a switchgear, where two fully flat busbars 301 are connected to each other at their respective ends using four screws 12. However, busbars are not limited to fully flat busbars 301; in recent years, busbars with circular cross-sections, such as cylindrical or cylindrical busbars, have also emerged and are increasingly widely used due to their excellent current-carrying capacity, structural strength, and insulation performance. For such busbars with circular cross-sections, screws alone are insufficient for connection. To connect busbars with circular cross-sections, the ends of the busbars with circular cross-sections are flattened, similar to the method used for fully flat busbars 301, and then fixed with screws. This connection method for busbars with circular cross-sections is shown in Figure 1(b), where two flat busbars 302 with circular cross-sections at their ends are seen, arranged in a straight line and equipped with heat dissipation holes 26 to dissipate heat caused by the current flowing through them. The two end-flat busbars 302 are interconnected at their flat ends 16 using four screws 12 and secured with nuts 13. However, these screws 12 can cause uneven electric fields at the flat ends 16. To address this, an additional aluminum electric field shield 14 is used and secured to the flat ends 16 with fasteners 15, covering the screws 12. This connection method can also be used to connect three or more busbars, and can also be used to connect a full flat busbar 301 with an end-flat busbar 302 having a circular cross-section, as shown in Figure 1(c), where two full flat busbars 301 and one end-flat busbar 302 form a "T" shape.

[0036] As mentioned earlier, the busbar fixing method using screws has many drawbacks, such as a large number of fixing components, an increased busbar end flattening process, and the need for additional electric field shielding components. To address these problems in the prior art, this invention proposes a novel busbar connection device for connecting multiple busbars 300 with circular end cross-sections, such as cylindrical or cylindrical busbars. The following will combine... Figures 2 to 7 The exemplary embodiments of the busbar connection device according to the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 This illustrates the connection of two ordinary copper busbars 300, each with a circular cross-section or circular end cross-section, using the busbar connection device according to the invention, for example, in a switchgear. That is, the busbar connection device according to the invention can be used for busbars that have a circular cross-section overall, or for busbars that have a circular cross-section only at the ends. However, it should be noted that the busbar connection device according to the invention can also be applied to any other electrical equipment using busbars, or to cable trays; the invention is not limited thereto. Figure 2 As shown, the connecting device L according to the present invention for connecting multiple busbars 300 with circular end cross sections includes a plugging mechanism 100 and a locking mechanism 200. The plugging mechanism 100 is plugged into two busbars 300 respectively, and then the locking mechanism 200 locks the two busbars 300. In addition to two busbars 300 forming an "I" shape (see also FIG. 4(a)), the connecting device L can also be used to connect three busbars 300, such as the "T" arrangement shown in FIG. 3(a), or four busbars 300 arranged in a "+" shape as shown in FIG. 4(b). It is also conceivable to connect busbars 300 arranged in a "Y", "X", radial, etc., and even connect more busbars 300.

[0038] Next, the specific structure of the connecting device L according to the invention for connecting multiple busbars 300 with circular end cross-sections according to the embodiment of FIG. 3(a) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c). Here, the insertion mechanism 100 is generally T-shaped and has three cylindrical ends 1 for insertion into three busbars 300 with circular end cross-sections. It can also be seen that the insertion mechanism 100 is provided with heat dissipation holes 6 for dissipating the heat generated by the current flowing through the busbars 300 during operation. The end 1 has claws 2 and threaded portions 3, with the claws 2 adjacent to the threaded portions 3, and the multiple claws 2 are spaced apart from each other by slits. The claws 2 can be formed, for example, by opening multiple slits on the end 1, so as to be flush with the threaded portions 3. However, the claws 2 can also be slightly inclined radially inward relative to the threaded portions 3, for example, inclined at 2°. The threaded portions 3 have external threads on their outer circumferential surface. When using the connecting device L of the present invention, each busbar 300 is inserted into the corresponding end 1, specifically into the claw 2, or further into the threaded portion 3, or even deeper.

[0039] After the insertion mechanism 100 is inserted with the corresponding busbar 300 using each end 1, the busbar 300 is locked by the locking mechanism 200. In the embodiment of FIG. 3(b), the locking mechanism 200 has a cylindrical screwing portion 4 and a hollow truncated cone-shaped clamping portion 5, and optionally may also have a contact portion 17 for abutting against the busbar 300. The screwing portion 4 and the clamping portion 5 are coaxially adjacent to each other and form an integral unit. The inner diameter of the screwing portion 4 is equal to the inner diameter of the clamping portion 5 at the end closest to the screwing portion 4, and is greater than the inner diameter of the clamping portion 5 at the end furthest from the screwing portion 4. That is, the clamping portion 5 is slightly inclined radially inward relative to the screwing portion 4, i.e., inclined relative to the longitudinal axis 19 of the locking mechanism 200, for example, inclined at 5°. It should be noted that if the pawl 2 is inclined relative to the threaded portion 3, its inclination angle must be less than the inclination angle of the clamping portion 5 relative to the screwing portion 4 to ensure that the pawl 2 can be clamped and brought together by the clamping portion 5. The screwing part 4 has an internal thread on its inner circumferential surface, thus the locking mechanism 200 forms a nut-like structure. In use, the locking mechanism 200 is screwed onto the corresponding end 1. Specifically, a tightening tool is inserted into the screwing hole 18 on the screwing part 4 of the locking mechanism 200, and force is applied towards the corresponding end 1, causing the internal thread of the screwing part 4 to engage with the external thread of the threaded part 3 of the end 1. During the tightening process, the clamping part 5 of the locking mechanism 200 gradually clamps the pawl 2, causing the pawl 2 to move radially inward, i.e., towards the longitudinal axis 19 of the locking mechanism 200, until it comes into contact with and is pressed against the busbar 300. This is how the pawl 2 and the corresponding busbar 300 are locked.

[0040] In the above embodiment, the locking mechanism 200 adopts a nut-type structure, which locks the busbar 300 by causing the claws 2 to move inward radially. The following will combine... Figures 5 to 7 Another embodiment is described, in which the busbar 300 is locked by causing the chuck 2 to expand radially outward. In this other embodiment, as... Figures 5 to 7As shown, the locking mechanism 200 has another structure, specifically including at least two expansion portions 7, an adjusting portion 8, and a transmission portion 9, with the transmission portion 9 connected between the adjusting portion 8 and the expansion portions 9. The expansion portion 7 is approximately gyroscope-shaped, with its diameter gradually increasing from the end facing the adjusting portion 8 to the end away from the adjusting portion 8. Its minimum diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the pawl 2, and its maximum diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the pawl 2, allowing the expansion portion 7 to enter the corresponding pawl 2 and enabling the pawl 2 to expand. Furthermore, the expansion portion 7 has a threaded hole in its center, with threads on its circumference. The adjusting portion 8 is, for example, a bolt, with threads on its screw 25. The screw 25 passes through a stop member 20, which is fixedly connected to the top wall of the insertion mechanism 100 inside the insertion mechanism 100 to prevent the adjusting portion 8 from falling out, thus exposing only the operating end of the adjusting portion 8. The stop member 20 also has holes at both ends. The transmission unit 9 includes a linearly movable joint 10, at least two connecting rods 11, and at least two connecting members 12. The joint 10 is, for example, T-shaped, but can also be other shapes, such as generally conical. It has a screw hole on the end facing the adjustment unit 8 for screwing in a screw 25, and holes at both ends for inserting a first pin 23. Each of the two connecting rods 11 has a groove 24 at the end furthest from the stop 20, through which the first pin 23 passes, allowing the connecting rod 11 to connect to the joint 10 while the first pin 23 slides along the groove 24. Each of the two connecting rods 11 also has a hole at its other end. This hole aligns with the hole at the end of the stop 20 and is through which a second pin 21 passes, allowing the connecting rod 11 to connect to the stop 20 at its other end and to pivot about the second pin 21 at that other end. Here, the stop 20 and the two connecting rods 11 form a triangle. Alternatively, the stop 20 may not be connected to the two connecting rods 11. In this case, the second pin 21 can be fixed inside the insertion mechanism 100 to the top wall of the insertion mechanism 100, thus ensuring that the connecting rods 11 can pivot around the second pin 21. The connector 10 and the two connecting rods 11 are each connected to the expansion portion 7 via connecting members 12. The connecting members 12 can be, for example, rods or any other suitable components, and their number is the same as the number of busbars 300 to be connected.

[0041] The operation of the locking mechanism 200 in this other embodiment is described below. See also Figure 7When the adjusting part 8 is rotated counterclockwise, the screw 25 rotates within the screw hole of the connector 10, causing the connector 10 to move upward linearly. This, in turn, drives the expansion part 7 in the corresponding vertical busbar 300 to move upward linearly via the connecting piece 12 connected to the connector 10. The expansion part 7 then enters its corresponding claw 2, causing the claw 2 to gradually expand. This forces the claw 2 to press radially from the inside out onto the cylindrical vertical busbar 300, thus locking the vertical busbar 300. Simultaneously, the first pin 23 on the connector 10 slides in the groove 24 on the connecting rod 11, causing the two connecting rods 11 to move closer together, thereby driving... Figure 7 The two connecting pieces 12 move horizontally towards each other, causing the two expansion parts 7 connected to each other to also move closer together and enter their respective claws 2. This causes the two horizontal claws 2 to gradually expand, thereby pressing the two horizontal claws 2 radially from the inside out. Figure 7 The chuck 2 and the two corresponding cylindrical horizontal busbars 300 are locked together. The operation is reversed when releasing the busbars 300. Thus, by converting the rotational motion of the adjusting part 8 into the linear movement of the expanding part 7 via the transmission part 9, the busbars 300 are locked or released.

[0042] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a busbar 300 having a circular end cross-section, which can be connected to each other using the aforementioned connecting device L. The aspects and advantages described above with respect to the connecting device also apply accordingly to the busbar according to the present invention, and will not be repeated here.

[0043] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to an electrical device comprising a busbar as described above. The aspects and advantages described above with respect to the connecting device also apply accordingly to the electrical device according to the present invention, and will not be repeated here. The electrical device according to the present invention is, for example, but not limited to, switch cabinets, cable trays, etc., and the busbar connecting device according to the present invention is provided in the switch cabinet, on the cable tray, etc.

[0044] From the teachings given in the foregoing description and related drawings, many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, although the foregoing description and related drawings have described exemplary embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of components and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of components and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In this regard, for example, other combinations of components and / or functions that differ from those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

1. A connecting device (L) for connecting multiple busbars (300) having circular end cross-sections, the connecting device comprising: A plug-in mechanism (100) having at least two cylindrical ends (1), each end (1) having a claw (2) and adapted to be plugged into the corresponding busbar (300); A locking mechanism (200) is adapted to work in conjunction with the claw (2) to lock the claw (2) and the corresponding busbar (300); The locking mechanism (200) includes at least two expansion portions (7), an adjustment portion (8), and a transmission portion (9). The transmission portion (9) is connected between the adjustment portion (8) and the expansion portion (7). The adjustment portion (8) can cause the expansion portion (7) to enter the corresponding claw (2) through the transmission portion (9), thereby enabling the claw (2) to expand. The transmission part (9) includes a joint (10) capable of linear movement, at least two connecting rods (11) and at least two connecting members (12), wherein the joint (10) and the corresponding connecting rods (11) are respectively connected to the expansion part (7) through the corresponding connecting members (12).

2. The connecting device (L) according to claim 1, wherein, The adjusting part (8) is rotatably connected to the connector (10), so that by rotating the adjusting part (8), the connector (10) can be moved linearly, while the connecting rods (11) move closer to or further away from each other.

3. The connecting device (L) according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting rods (11) are each pivotable about one end and slidably connected to the joints (10) at the other end.

4. The connecting device (L) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The plug-in mechanism (100) has heat dissipation holes (6).

5. A busbar (300) having a circular end cross-section and capable of being connected to each other using a connecting device (L) according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. An electrical device comprising a busbar (300) according to claim 5.

Images