Integrated insulator sealing and shielding assemblies

Abstract

An integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly includes a rubber housing having a plurality of radial sheds and a tapered end adjacent to a terminal radial shed. The tapered end has an outer surface from which a ring extends outward. The ring is capable of compression. A metal end fitting is positioned adjacent to the terminal radial shed and receives the tapered end. The tapered end is received in a counterbore in the metal end fitting. The counterbore has a sealing surface such that interference between the ring and the sealing surface generates a compressive sealing force to form a seal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an integrated insulator seal and shield assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an integrated polymer insulator seal and shield assembly having multiple seals. Background Art

[0002] Electrical polymer insulators are used in power transmission and distribution systems to provide mechanical support for conductors and electrical insulation between high-voltage conductors and grounding tower structures. Corona protection devices are located on the line and / or grounding ends of the insulators and suppress corona discharge. This corona suppression protects the insulator surface from electrical stress-induced degradation of the polymer material. Furthermore, corona suppression reduces the potential for television and / or radio noise generated by corona discharge.

[0003] One of the issues with traditional corona protection devices is the number of parts required to assemble them, which increases manufacturing costs. Furthermore, some traditional corona protection devices require secondary operations and corresponding quality checks, which also increases manufacturing costs. Another issue with traditional corona protection devices is that incorrect installation on site can lead to reduced performance and durability.

[0004] Therefore, it has been determined through the present disclosure that a need remains for an integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly that can overcome, mitigate and / or alleviate one or more of the above-identified and other deleterious effects of existing arrangements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides an improved insulator sealing and shielding assembly.

[0006] The present disclosure also provides an insulator sealing and shielding assembly having a collar assembly disposed between a rubber housing and a metal end fitting.

[0007] The present disclosure also provides an insulator sealing and shielding assembly having a rubber housing that is indented into a metal fitting to strengthen the compression connection therebetween.

[0008] The present invention also provides an insulator sealing and shielding assembly having a plurality of radial weathersheds disposed along an exterior of a housing, with an endmost weathershed adjacent a ferrule assembly connected to a metal component.

[0009] The foregoing is generally achieved by providing an insulator sealing and shielding assembly comprising a rubber housing having a plurality of sheds and a tapered end adjacent to a metal fitting. Four sealing surfaces between a counterbore of a collar assembly and the rubber housing secure the connection therebetween, thereby forming a unitary metal fitting and rubber housing.

[0010] An integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly is also provided, comprising a rubber housing having a plurality of radial sheds and a tapered end adjacent to a terminal shed. The tapered end has an outer surface, with a ring extending outwardly from the outer surface. The ring is capable of compression. A metal end fitting is positioned adjacent to the terminal shed and receives the tapered end. The tapered end is received in a counterbore in the metal end fitting. The counterbore has a sealing surface such that interference between the ring and the sealing surface generates a compressive sealing force to form a seal.

[0011] In some embodiments, whether alone or in combination with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the rubber housing is made of rubber.

[0012] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the foregoing and / or following embodiments, the sealing surface has a groove in the counterbore of the metal end fitting.

[0013] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the foregoing and / or following embodiments, the groove is sized to receive the ring when the ring applies a compressive sealing force to the groove.

[0014] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the foregoing and / or following embodiments, the sealing surface is a flat surface on the counterbore of the metal end fitting.

[0015] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the ring extends from the tapered end such that the ring applies a compressive sealing force against the flat surface.

[0016] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, at least one sealing surface for radial compression sealing is located between the first frustum of the rubber housing and the second frustum of the counterbore.

[0017] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the tapered end has an end opposite the endmost shed, and a portion of the tapered end between the ring and the end forms the first frustum.

[0018] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the counterbore forms the second frustum to receive the first frustum of the tapered end.

[0019] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the first frustum has a first angle formed by the tapered end and a line parallel to the central axis of the rubber housing, and the second frustum has a second angle formed by the counterbore and a line parallel to the central axis of the metal end fitting.

[0020] In some embodiments, whether alone or in combination with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the first angle is smaller than the second angle to generate increasing compression forces between the rubber housing and the counterbore.

[0021] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the tapered end has an end opposite the endmost shed, and the counterbore forms a seal that is a joint between an end of the counterbore and the end of the tapered end.

[0022] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the tapered end has a ridge which is the lowest extension of the rubber shell on the side of the endmost shed adjacent to the metal end fitting.

[0023] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the rib abuts against the exterior of the counterbore to form a sealing surface.

[0024] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the seal formed by the ring and the sealing surface is located on the tapered end of the rubber housing between the sealing surface and another sealing surface, the sealing surface being formed by the ridge abutting against the exterior of the counterbore, the other sealing surface being a radial compression seal between a first frustum of the rubber housing and a second frustum of the counterbore.

[0025] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the tapered end has an end opposite the endmost shed, and wherein the counterbore forms a seal that is a joint between the end of the counterbore and the tapered end of the rubber housing.

[0026] In some embodiments, whether alone or together with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the seal formed by the ring and the sealing surface is a third seal; and the integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly further includes a first seal, a second seal, and a fourth seal, the first seal being formed by the joint between the end of the counterbore and the tapered end of the rubber housing, the second seal being a radial compression seal between the first frustum of the rubber housing and the second frustum of the counterbore, and the fourth seal being a ridge, the ridge being the lowest extension of the rubber housing on the side of the endmost shed adjacent to the metal end fitting, and the ridge abutting against the exterior of the counterbore.

[0027] In some embodiments, whether alone or together with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the third seal is located between the second seal and the fourth seal.

[0028] In some embodiments, either alone or in combination with any one or more of the above and / or following embodiments, the first seal is adjacent to the second seal on a side opposite to the third seal.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand the above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present disclosure from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly;

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional side view showing the Figure 1 In the middle Figure 1 The invisible sealing interface geometry;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged cross-sectional side view of FIG, wherein the portion within box B is further enlarged;

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial side view of a directly bonded rubber and core rod assembly of the integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly is shown;

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The part inside circle C in Figure 4 A partial enlarged side view after rotating 90 degrees;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a metal end fitting of the integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly shown;

[0036] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a representative metal end fitting;

[0037] Figure 8 is Figure 7 a cross-sectional view of the modified metal end fitting; and

[0038] Figure 9 is a partial side view of the rubber housing before separation or assembly with the metal end fitting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] With reference to the accompanying drawings, in particular Figure 1 , an exemplary embodiment of an integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly according to the present disclosure is shown, generally designated by the reference numeral 10 (“assembly 10 ”). The assembly 10 has a rubber housing 14 and two metal end fittings 18 .

[0040] Advantageously, assembly 10 includes an integrated sealing and corona shielding system. This system has multiple integrated sealing features to optimize manufacturability by reducing part count and secondary operations relative to conventional designs. In particular, assembly 10 can utilize advanced manufacturing assembly methods with integrated features to optimize quality and durability.

[0041] refer to Figure 2 The rubber housing 14 is a cylindrical rubber housing having a plurality of sheds 16. The metal end fitting 18 is a metal end fitting having an integrated collar assembly 12. The rubber housing 14 includes a plurality of radial sheds 16 arranged in a columnar pattern around the rubber housing 14. The extension 23 of each metal end fitting 18 is disposed on the opposite side of the collar assembly 12 relative to the rubber housing 14.

[0042] Finally, the rubber housing 14 is adapted to be inserted and connected under pressure to each metal end fitting 18. Figure 1 Each of the metal end fittings 18 and collar assemblies 12 are identical, and therefore only one of the metal end fittings 18 and collar assemblies 12 is described in detail. However, the metal end fittings 18 may have other configurations. In particular, the extension 23 is shown as a "ball-type end fitting," representing one of a variety of variations that can serve as the extension 23, but the extension 23 may be modified to alternatively have one of a number of different fittings (ball-type, Y-type, U-type, etc.) extending from the collar assembly 12. Furthermore, the metal end fittings 18 may also have different configurations to accommodate mandrels 19 having different mandrel diameters using a scaled-up version of the metal end fitting 18.

[0043] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the collar assembly 12 surrounds and protects the interface between the metal end fitting 18 and the rubber housing 14. The collar assembly 12 also includes a counterbore 15 that receives a tapered end 30. The counterbore 15 is a channel adjacent to the tapered end 30 of the rubber housing 14. This helps to establish a secure connection between the collar assembly 12 and the rubber housing 14. The counterbore 15 is the main opening between the rubber housing 14 and the metal end fitting 18. A mandrel 19 extends through the rubber housing 14 and the counterbore 15. The mandrel 19 is a fiberglass mandrel, specifically an electrical-grade, corrosion-resistant (E-CR) epoxy-based fiberglass mandrel. The rubber housing 14 is a direct-bonded polymer rubber molded onto the mandrel 19 to form a direct-bonded rubber and mandrel assembly. The mandrel 19 is associated with the shielding portion of the assembly 10.

[0044] The tapered end 30 of the rubber housing 14 is coupled to the collar assembly 12 at a first seal 40, located at the narrow junction between the tapered end 30 and the counterbore 15. This is the lowest area of ​​the counterbore 15. The tapered end 30 is located near the lowest point of the counterbore 15 and is used to form at least one sealing surface with the collar assembly 12. This junction, or first seal 40, between the tapered end 30 and the collar assembly 12 represents one of the four sealing surfaces of the mounting assembly 10. More specifically, these sealing surfaces are provided between the collar assembly 12 and the bottom end 17 of the rubber housing 14. The junction of the first seal 40 helps to form a seal between the outer surface of the rubber housing 14 and the counterbore 15 of the metal end fitting 18. Specifically, the first seal 40 is the junction between the end 38 of the counterbore 15 and the end 33 of the tapered end 30 of the rubber housing 14.

[0045] Continue to refer Figure 2 The second seal 42 is located slightly above the first seal 40. The second seal 42 is a radial compression seal formed by pushing the first cone 52 of the rubber housing 14 into the second cone 54 of the counterbore 15, thereby generating an increasingly large compressive force between the rubber housing 14 and the counterbore 15. Figure 4 , the first frustum 52 has a first angle 53 formed by the tapered end 30 and a line 55 parallel to the central axis A. Figure 7 , the second frustum 54 has a second angle 57 formed by the counterbore 15 and a line 59 parallel to the central axis C. The first angle 53 is smaller than the second angle 57 to generate increasing compressive forces between the rubber housing 14 and the counterbore 15, thereby forming a radial compression seal between the first frustum 52 of the rubber housing 14 and the second frustum 54 of the counterbore 15.

[0046] refer to Figure 3The third seal 44 is located between the second seal 42 and the fourth seal 46. The third seal 44 is composed of a ring 66 formed on the rubber housing 14 and a sealing surface 68 of the metal end fitting 18. The tapered end 30 of the rubber housing 14 has an outer surface 31. The ring 66 is compressible and extends outward from the outer surface 31. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Ring 66 is an integrated compression seal bead molded into the geometry of the rubber of the rubber housing 14. Ring 66 forms a sealing barrier against the sealing surface 68 of the metal end fitting 18. The annular sealing feature of ring 66 will extend from the surface of the polymer of the rubber housing 14 and the interference with the sealing surface 68 of the metal end fitting 18 will generate the compressive sealing force of the third seal 44.

[0047] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the counterbore 15 may include a groove 70 formed at the sealing surface 68. Figure 3 As shown, the groove 70 is sized and shaped to receive the ring 66. The groove 70 cooperates with the ring 66 to hold the ring 66 in place in the groove 70 during the initial assembly step when the ring 66 applies a compressive sealing force to the groove 70 to form the third seal 44. However, referring to Figure 8 , the metal end fitting 18 may be modified to omit the groove 70 so that the sealing surface 68 is a flat surface 72. Figure 8 In the modified metal end fitting 18 shown, the ring 66 extends from the tapered end 30 such that the ring 66 applies a compressive sealing force against the flat surface 72 to form the third seal 44 .

[0048] Reference again Figure 2 A fourth seal 46 is positioned toward the top of the collar assembly 12 at the junction of the rubber housing 14 and the exterior 64 of the counterbore 15. The fourth seal 46 is a lip seal defined by the intersection of a rib 50 on the rubber housing 14 and the exterior of the counterbore 15, providing an initial seal against moisture ingress. The rib 50 is the lowest extension of the rubber housing 14, located on the side of the endmost shed 16' adjacent to the collar assembly 12.

[0049] refer to Figure 9 During assembly, the rubber housing 14 is moved into the metal end fitting 18 by a force in the direction 96. This force causes the end 33 of the tapered end 30 to move against the end 38 of the counterbore 15, thereby forming a first seal 40. This force also causes the first cone 52 to move into the second cone 54 to form a second seal 42. This force also causes the ring 66 to move into a position against the sealing surface 68 to form a third seal 44. This force also causes the rib 50 to abut against the exterior 64 of the counterbore 15 to form a fourth seal 46, as shown in FIG. Figure 2As shown, the assembly 10 is formed.

[0050] The present disclosure describes one of many possible variations in mandrel diameter and metal end fittings for assembly 10. The present disclosure should not be limited thereby, and each variation is contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0051] Advantageously, the assembly 10 provides redundancy in sealing features to increase durability and robustness in critical sealing areas.

[0052] The assembly 10 simplifies the manufacturability of the metal end fitting 18, eliminates the need for secondary operations such as cross drilling, and reduces the number of assembled parts. Thus, the assembly 10 optimizes the design, manufacturability, and quality of the insulator sealing and shielding assembly.

[0053] It should also be noted that the terms "first," "second," "third," "upper," "lower," etc. may be used herein to modify various elements. Unless specifically stated, these modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements.

[0054] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, various modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the present disclosure encompass all embodiments.

[0055] Parts List

[0056] Integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly 10

[0057] Collar assembly 12

[0058] Rubber housing 14

[0059] Countersunk hole 15

[0060] Umbrella skirt 16

[0061] Bottom 17

[0062] Metal end fitting 18

[0063] Mandrel 19

[0064] Extension 23

[0065] Conical end 30

[0066] Outer surface 31

[0067] end 33

[0068] end 38

[0069] First seal 40

[0070] Second seal 42

[0071] The third seal 44

[0072] Fourth Seal 46

[0073] Ridge 50

[0074] First cone 52

[0075] First Angle 53

[0076] Second cone 54

[0077] Line 55

[0078] Second angle 57

[0079] Line 59

[0080] External 64

[0081] Ring 66

[0082] Sealing surface 68

[0083] Groove 70

[0084] Flat surface 72.

Claims

1. An integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly comprising: a rubber shell having a plurality of radial sheds and a tapered end adjacent a terminal shed, the tapered end having an outer surface with a ring extending outwardly from the outer surface, the ring being capable of compression; a metal end fitting disposed adjacent the endmost shed and receiving the tapered end, the tapered end being received in a counterbore in the metal end fitting, the counterbore having a sealing surface such that interference of the ring with the sealing surface generates a compressive sealing force to form a seal.

2. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 1, wherein: The rubber housing is made of rubber.

3. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The sealing surface has a groove in the counterbore of the metal end fitting.

4. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 3, wherein: The groove is sized to receive the ring when the ring applies a compressive sealing force to the groove.

5. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The sealing surface is a flat surface on the counterbore of the metal end fitting.

6. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 5, wherein: The ring extends from the tapered end such that the ring applies a compressive sealing force against the flat surface.

7. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 1 further comprising at least one sealing surface being a radial compression seal between a first frustum of the rubber housing and a second frustum of the counterbore.

8. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 7, wherein: The tapered end has an end opposite the endmost shed, and wherein a portion of the tapered end between the ring and the end forms the first frustum.

9. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 8, wherein: The counterbore forms the second frustum to receive the first frustum of the tapered end.

10. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 9, wherein: The first frustum has a first angle formed by the tapered end and a line parallel to the central axis of the rubber housing, and the second frustum has a second angle formed by the counterbore and a line parallel to the central axis of the metal end fitting.

11. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 10, wherein: The first angle is smaller than the second angle to generate increasing compression forces between the rubber housing and the counterbore.

12. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 1, wherein: The tapered end has an end opposite the endmost shed, and wherein the counterbore forms a seal that is a junction between an end of the counterbore and the end of the tapered end.

13. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 1 , wherein: The tapered end has a ridge which is the lowest extension of the rubber shell on the side of the endmost shed adjacent the metal end fitting.

14. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 13, wherein: The rib abuts against the exterior of the counterbore to form a sealing surface.

15. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 14, wherein: The seal formed by the ring and the sealing surface is located on the tapered end of the rubber housing between the sealing surface formed by the ridge abutting the exterior of the counterbore and another sealing surface, the other sealing surface being a radial compression seal located between a first frustum of the rubber housing and a second frustum of the counterbore.

16. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 15, wherein: The tapered end has an end opposite the endmost shed, and wherein the counterbore forms a seal that is a joint between an end of the counterbore and the tapered end of the rubber housing.

17. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 1, wherein: The seal formed by the ring and the sealing surface is a third seal; and the integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly further includes a first seal, a second seal, and a fourth seal. The first seal is formed by the joint between the end of the counterbore and the tapered end of the rubber housing. The second seal is a radial compression seal located between the first frustum of the rubber housing and the second frustum of the counterbore. The fourth seal is a ridge. The ridge is the lowest extension of the rubber housing on the side of the terminal shed adjacent to the metal end fitting, and the ridge abuts against the exterior of the counterbore.

18. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 17, wherein: The third seal is located between the second seal and the fourth seal.

19. The integrated insulator sealing and shielding assembly of claim 18, wherein: The first seal is adjacent to the second seal on a side opposite to the third seal.

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