A live working basket for a helicopter

Abstract

This invention provides a helicopter live-line working platform, comprising: a top connecting frame and two support frames; wherein, the two support frames are located below the top connecting frame, and are respectively connected to both ends of the top connecting frame, and each support frame is connected to the top connecting frame via an upper transition arc segment. This invention achieves the connection between the support frame and the top connecting frame through the upper transition arc segment, reducing the need for sharp points, homogenizing the electric field distribution at the connection point, resulting in a more uniform electric field distribution, preventing point discharge, and allowing workers to be safely transported to the conductor for line inspection and maintenance. This improves the safety of helicopter live-line working via the platform, reduces the risks posed by the helicopter to the power line during live-line work, and solves the problem that existing platforms may experience partial discharge leading to point discharge during entry into the electric field, increasing the potential risk to the normal operation of transmission lines during live-line work.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of live-line working tools for AC and DC lines, and more specifically, to a helicopter live-line working basket. Background Technology

[0002] Ultra-high voltage (UHV) power grids occupy a core position in the national power grid, and once put into operation, it is difficult to shut down them for maintenance. Therefore, live-line working, as an important technical means for the operation and maintenance of UHV power grids, is of great significance to ensuring the safe, stable, and reliable operation of UHV power grids.

[0003] The helicopter basket method is an important method in live-line maintenance. Its basic working principle is as follows: After the helicopter suspends the basket directly above the conductor, it gradually lowers the basket so that it straddles the top two conductors of a 6 or 8-split conductor. The basket is equipped with pulleys so that it can slide on the conductor. After the basket slides to the relevant position, it is fixed by a braking device. Then, the maintenance personnel can directly inspect the damaged parts of the conductor from inside the basket. If necessary, people can also climb out of the basket and enter the conductor to carry out maintenance.

[0004] However, the suspended platform used for live-line work is relatively large, and its equivalent capacitance is much larger than that of a human body. The discharge energy at the moment of establishing and removing the potential can reach several joules (500kV voltage). The platform has sharp edges, which can easily cause charge accumulation, leading to electric field distortion. Compared with other parts, the electric field strength is greater, making it more prone to point discharge. This increases the potential risk of live-line work to the normal operation of transmission lines, threatens the safety of maintenance personnel, and may also cause phase-to-phase and pole-to-pole short circuits in the transmission lines, affecting the normal operation of the project.

[0005] See Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing helicopter live-line working platform. As shown, the platform has pointed ends at point A on the top and point B on the bottom of both sides. Due to the influence of these pointed ends, a sufficiently large air gap is required to prevent phase-to-phase or pole-to-pole discharges during live-line working. However, existing projects have not considered the need for helicopter live-line working as a necessary condition for construction. Therefore, without optimization of the platform, the applicability of helicopter live-line working will be reduced, hindering its implementation.

[0006] Meanwhile, for live-line work, in order to ensure the smooth operation of live-line work, the size or dimensions of the suspended platform cannot be significantly reduced. Otherwise, the load of a single operation will be too low and it will be impossible to load too many necessary items, which will seriously affect the efficiency of the work and the scope of the operation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the present invention proposes a helicopter live-line working basket, which aims to solve the problem that partial discharge and tip discharge occur during the process of existing baskets entering the electric field, which increases the potential risk to the normal operation of transmission lines during live-line helicopter working.

[0008] This invention proposes a helicopter live-line working basket, which includes a top connecting frame and two support frames. The two support frames are located below the top connecting frame and are respectively connected to both ends of the top connecting frame. Furthermore, each support frame is connected to the top connecting frame through an upper transition arc segment to homogenize the electric field distribution at the connection between the support frame and the top connecting frame.

[0009] Furthermore, in the aforementioned helicopter live-line working basket, each of the aforementioned support frames includes: two outer vertical support rods and two inner vertical support rods; wherein, the two outer vertical support rods and the two inner vertical support rods are arranged in a quadrilateral shape; the two outer vertical support rods, the two inner vertical support rods, and adjacent outer vertical support rods and inner vertical support rods are all connected by transverse connecting rods, which are used to connect the two outer vertical support rods and the two inner vertical support rods into an integral frame.

[0010] Furthermore, in the aforementioned helicopter live-line working basket, the lengths of the two outer vertical support rods are longer than the lengths of the two inner vertical support rods.

[0011] Furthermore, in the aforementioned helicopter live-line working basket, the tops of the two outer vertical support rods and the two inner vertical support rods are set flush with each other, and the bottom ends of the two outer vertical support rods are set below the bottom ends of the two inner vertical support rods.

[0012] Furthermore, in the aforementioned helicopter live-line working basket, the bottom ends of the adjacent outer and inner vertical support rods are connected by a lower arc transition section to homogenize the electric field distribution at the connection point between the bottom ends of the outer and inner vertical support rods.

[0013] Furthermore, in the aforementioned helicopter live-line working basket, each of the support frames is provided with an equalizing ring on the side facing away from the other support frame, which is used to shield the position where the electric field is concentrated on the outside of the support frame, so as to achieve the purpose of equalizing voltage.

[0014] Furthermore, in the aforementioned helicopter live-line working basket, the equalizing ring and the support frame are connected by welding.

[0015] Furthermore, in the aforementioned helicopter live-line working basket, each of the outer vertical support rods of the support frame is provided with an equalizing ring at the connection point between the outer vertical support rod and the transverse connecting rod, in order to shield the connection point between the transverse connecting rod and the outer vertical support rod and achieve the purpose of equalizing pressure.

[0016] Furthermore, the aforementioned helicopter live-line working basket also has a locking structure below the top connecting frame between the two support frames for locking onto the conductor.

[0017] Furthermore, in the aforementioned helicopter live-line working basket, the top connecting frame and / or the support frame are both insulated skeleton structures.

[0018] The helicopter live-line working platform provided by this invention uses an upper transition arc segment to connect the support frame and the top connecting frame. This arc-shaped design cleverly transitions the relatively sharp upper corner of the platform, reducing the sharp point and homogenizing the electric field distribution at the connection point. This results in a more uniform electric field distribution, preventing point discharge and allowing personnel to be safely transported to the conductor for line inspection and maintenance. It shortens the distance between phase-to-phase and pole-to-pole conductors required for helicopter live-line working, expanding the applicability of helicopter live-line working. Simultaneously, it reduces the possibility of point discharge during the platform's entry into the electric field, improving the safety of transmission lines and personnel during helicopter live-line working. In other words, it not only protects the safety of maintenance personnel but also reduces the potential risks to the normal operation of transmission lines during helicopter live-line working, improving the safety of helicopter live-line working and solving the problem that existing platforms may experience partial discharge leading to point discharge during entry into the electric field, increasing the potential risks to the normal operation of transmission lines during helicopter live-line working. Meanwhile, the suspended platform has a stable structure that does not affect its load capacity. It is highly feasible, easy to enter and exit the electric field, and can be connected to the conductor, making it convenient for live-line workers to carry out maintenance work.

[0019] Furthermore, the connection between the bottom ends of the outer and inner vertical support rods is achieved through a lower arc transition section, which is treated in an arc manner. In other words, the sharp upper corner of the suspended basket is cleverly transitioned by using an arc, reducing the sharp point design and homogenizing the electric field distribution at the connection between the bottom ends of the outer and inner vertical support rods, making the electric field distribution more uniform and further preventing the occurrence of sharp point discharge.

[0020] Furthermore, by setting an equalizing ring on the outside of the support frame, the location where the electric field is concentrated on the outside of the support frame is shielded to shield the electric field and achieve the purpose of equalizing voltage, thereby further reducing tip discharge. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of an existing helicopter live-line working platform;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the helicopter live-line working basket provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure and to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0025] Currently, according to Figure 1 The existing suspended platform shown was tested, and the discharge voltage and discharge location were recorded under different conditions. This allowed for the identification of the design weaknesses of the existing suspended platform, i.e., the locations prone to discharge. Experimental analysis determined that the prone discharge locations of the existing suspended platform are the top corner of the platform, the lower support legs, and the ends of the support frame. Figure 1 At points A, B, and C in the middle. To reduce tip discharge during the use of this gantry, the following helicopter live-line working gantry is proposed.

[0026] See Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the helicopter live-line working platform provided in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the platform includes: a top connecting frame 1 and two support frames 2; wherein,

[0027] Both support frames 2 are located below the top connecting frame 1, and the two support frames 2 are respectively connected to both ends of the top connecting frame 1 (e.g., Figure 2 The left and right ends shown are connected, and each support frame 2 is connected to the top connecting frame 1 through an upper arc transition section 3, which is used to equalize the electric field distribution at the connection between each support frame 2 and the top connecting frame 1.

[0028] In practice, a saddle-shaped suspended platform structure is formed between the top connecting frame 1 and the two support frames 2. The two support frames 2 provide a construction and maintenance platform so that personnel working on live lines can stand inside the support frames 2 and move with the suspended platform. In this embodiment, the top ends of the support frames 2 can be welded to the ends of the top connecting frame 1 to form an integral suspended platform structure. To prevent sharp points from forming at the connection between the top connecting frame 1 and the two support frames 2, which could lead to concentrated electric field distortion and tip discharge, an upper arc transition section 3 is provided between the support frame 2 and the top connecting frame 1. This arc-shaped treatment homogenizes the electric field distribution at the connection between the support frame 2 and the top connecting frame 1, making the electric field distribution more uniform and preventing tip discharge. This allows workers to be safely transported to the conductor for line inspection and maintenance, shortens the distance between phase-to-phase and pole-to-pole conductors required for helicopter live-line work, expands the applicable scope of helicopter live-line work, and reduces the possibility of tip discharge during the process of the basket entering the electric field. This improves the safety of the transmission line and the workers during helicopter live-line work. In other words, it not only protects the safety of maintenance personnel but also reduces the potential risks of helicopter live-line work to the normal operation of the line, improving the safety of helicopter live-line work and solving the problem that partial discharge leading to tip discharge during the process of the basket entering the electric field increases the potential risks of helicopter live-line work to the normal operation of the transmission line. In this embodiment, the upper arc transition section 3 can reduce the tip discharge at the top corner of the existing basket and improve the safety of live-line work of helicopters through the basket.

[0029] In this embodiment, a locking structure 4 is provided below the top connecting frame 1 between the two support frames 2 for locking onto the wire so as to move along the wire.

[0030] See also Figure 2 To reduce tip discharge at the ends of the suspended platform support frame, i.e., at the outer connection points between the support rods of the support frame, preferably, each support frame 2 should be positioned on the side facing away from the other support frame 2 (e.g., Figure 2Equalizing rings 5 ​​are provided on both the left side of the left support frame 2 and the right side of the right support frame 2. These rings are used to shield the areas where the electric field is concentrated on the outside of the support frame 2, thereby achieving voltage equalization. Specifically, the equalizing rings 5 ​​can be suspended on the outside of the support frame 2 or fixedly connected to the support frame 2 by welding or other connection methods. They can shield the areas where the electric field is concentrated on the outside of the support frame 2, that is, shield the electric field at the outer end of the support frame 2, thereby achieving voltage equalization. This makes the electric field distribution on the outside of the support frame 2 uniform, preventing point discharge on the outside of the support frame 2. This allows workers to be safely transported to the conductor for line inspection and maintenance, further improving the safety of helicopter live-line work, further shortening the distance between phase-to-phase and pole-to-pole conductors required for helicopter live-line work, and further expanding the applicable scope of helicopter live-line work.

[0031] See also Figure 2 Each support frame 2 includes two outer vertical support rods 21 and two inner vertical support rods 22; wherein the two outer vertical support rods 21 and the two inner vertical support rods 22 are arranged in a quadrilateral shape; the two outer vertical support rods 21, the two inner vertical support rods 22, and adjacent outer vertical support rods 21 and inner vertical support rods 22 are all connected by a transverse connecting rod 23, which is used to connect the two outer vertical support rods 21 and the two inner vertical support rods 22 into an integral frame.

[0032] In practice, Figure 2 The structure can be shown on one side, with two rows arranged symmetrically front and back. Each row has one outer vertical support rod 21 and one inner vertical support rod 22, for a total of two outer vertical support rods 21 and two inner vertical support rods 22. A multi-layered connection structure is provided between the two outer vertical support rods 21 and the two inner vertical support rods 22. Each layer of the connection structure includes four transverse connecting rods 23, which respectively connect the two outer vertical support rods 21, the two inner vertical support rods 22, and two sets of adjacent outer vertical support rods 21 and inner vertical support rods 22, so that the two outer vertical support rods 21 and the two inner vertical support rods 22 are connected by four transverse connecting rods 23 to form an overall skeleton structure. In this embodiment, the top ends of the two outer vertical support rods 21 and the two inner vertical support rods 22 are all connected to the top connecting frame 1. The top ends of the two outer vertical support rods 21 are connected to the top connecting frame 1 through the upper transition arc segment 3, so that an arc structure is formed between the outer vertical support rods 21 and the top connecting frame 1. Compared with the pointed structure, the pointed discharge can be avoided. The inner vertical support rods 22 are located on the inner side and are far away from other wires, so they will not generate discharge and therefore do not require an arc structure.

[0033] In this embodiment, the lengths of the two outer vertical support rods 21 are longer than the lengths of the two inner vertical support rods 22. Preferably, the top ends of the two outer vertical support rods 21 and the two inner vertical support rods 22 are flush, and the bottom ends of the two outer vertical support rods 21 are located below the bottom ends of the two inner vertical support rods 22. To improve the stability of the support frame 2, preferably, a connecting structure is provided between the bottom ends of the outer vertical support rods 21 and the bottom ends of the inner vertical support rods 22. To prevent sharp points from forming at the bottom of the outer vertical support rod 21, which could lead to tip discharge, it is further preferred that the bottom ends of adjacent outer vertical support rods 21 and inner vertical support rods 22 are connected by a lower arc transition section 24. This connection is used to homogenize the electric field distribution at the bottom connection point between the outer and inner vertical support rods 21 and 22, making the electric field distribution more uniform and preventing tip discharge. This allows workers to be safely transported to the conductor for line inspection and maintenance, improving the safety of live-line work by helicopter and shortening the distance between phase-to-phase and pole-to-pole conductors required for live-line work. In this embodiment, the lower arc transition section 24 can reduce tip discharge at the lower support corner of the existing basket. That is, by cleverly transitioning the relatively sharp lower corner of the basket using an arc, the safety of live-line work by helicopter via the basket is improved.

[0034] In this embodiment, the transverse connecting rod 23 has three layers, forming three pointed positions. To shield the electric field at the pointed positions of the three layers, preferably, the equalizing ring 5 can be relatively large, enclosing the outer pointed positions of the connection points of each layer of transverse connecting rod 23 inside the equalizing ring 5, thereby shielding the electric field at the outer pointed positions of the connection points of each layer of transverse connecting rod 23. Of course, an equalizing ring can also be provided at each outer pointed position of the connection points of each layer of transverse connecting rod 23. That is, each outer vertical support rod 21 of each support frame 2 is provided with an equalizing ring 5 at the connection point between the outer vertical support rod 21 and the transverse connecting rod 23, for shielding the connection point between the transverse connecting rod 23 and the outer vertical support rod 21 to achieve the purpose of equalizing voltage.

[0035] In this embodiment, the suspended platform may further include: a deck, ladder, and railings mounted on the support frame. Since the suspended platform needs to carry personnel performing live electrical work, it requires a frame base support module. The frame base components are the main load-bearing components of the suspended platform, so the materials used in the suspended platform must ensure sufficient strength. Specifically, the top connecting frame 1 and / or the support frame 2 are both steel structures.

[0036] Taking the helicopter-borne basket method for live-line work on ±1100kV UHVDC transmission lines as an example, during helicopter live-line work: the helicopter transports the basket (the arc-shaped basket in this embodiment) to the conductor. Finally, the arc-shaped basket is placed on the conductor. Live-line workers can inspect damaged parts of the conductor from inside the basket, or, if necessary, climb out of the basket to perform inspections on the conductor. During the process of the basket entering the electric field, the arc-shaped structure of the basket reduces the possibility of local ionization and lowers the required 0.5m air gap, thus increasing the applicability of the helicopter-borne basket method for live-line work.

[0037] In summary, the helicopter live-line working platform provided in this embodiment connects the support frame 2 and the top connecting frame 1 via an upper transition arc segment 3. This arc-shaped design cleverly transitions the relatively sharp upper corner of the platform, reducing the sharp point and homogenizing the electric field distribution at the connection between the support frame 2 and the top connecting frame 1. This results in a more uniform electric field distribution, preventing point discharge and allowing personnel to be safely transported to the conductor for line inspection and maintenance. This expands the applicability of helicopter live-line working and reduces the possibility of point discharge during the platform's entry into the electric field, improving the safety of power lines and personnel during helicopter live-line working. In other words, it not only protects the safety of maintenance personnel but also reduces the potential risks to the normal operation of power lines during helicopter live-line working, improving the safety of helicopter live-line working and solving the problem that existing platforms may experience partial discharge leading to point discharge during entry into the electric field, increasing the potential risks to the normal operation of power lines during helicopter live-line working. Meanwhile, the suspended platform has a stable structure that does not affect its load capacity. It is highly feasible, easy to enter and exit the electric field, and can be connected to the conductor, making it convenient for live-line workers to carry out maintenance work.

[0038] Furthermore, the lower arc transition section 24 connects the bottom ends of the outer vertical support rod 21 and the inner vertical support rod 22. The arc is used to treat them. In other words, the sharp upper corner of the basket is cleverly transitioned by using an arc, which reduces the sharp point design and homogenizes the electric field distribution at the connection between the bottom ends of the outer vertical support rod 21 and the inner vertical support rod 22, making the electric field distribution more uniform and further preventing the occurrence of sharp point discharge.

[0039] Furthermore, by setting an equalizing ring 5 on the outside of the support frame 2, the position where the electric field is concentrated on the outside of the support frame 2 is shielded to shield the electric field and achieve the purpose of equalizing voltage, thereby further reducing tip discharge.

[0040] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., which indicate directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0041] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A helicopter-mounted live-line work platform, characterized in that, include: The top connecting frame and two support frames; among them, Both support frames are located below the top connecting frame. The two support frames are respectively connected to both ends of the top connecting frame. Furthermore, each support frame is connected to the top connecting frame through an upper transition arc segment to homogenize the electric field distribution at the connection between the support frame and the top connecting frame. Each of the aforementioned support frames includes: two outer vertical support rods and two inner vertical support rods; wherein, The two outer vertical support rods and the two inner vertical support rods are arranged in a quadrilateral shape; The two outer vertical support rods, the two inner vertical support rods, and the adjacent outer vertical support rods and inner vertical support rods are all connected by transverse connecting rods, which are used to connect the two outer vertical support rods and the two inner vertical support rods into an integral frame; The lengths of the two outer vertical support rods are greater than the lengths of the two inner vertical support rods; The tops of the two outer vertical support rods and the two inner vertical support rods are set flush with each other, and the bottoms of the two outer vertical support rods are set below the bottoms of the two inner vertical support rods. The bottom ends of the adjacent outer vertical support rods and inner vertical support rods are connected by a lower arc transition section to homogenize the electric field distribution at the connection point of the bottom ends of the outer vertical support rods and inner vertical support rods; Each of the support frames is provided with an equalizing ring on the side facing away from the other support frame, which is used to shield the position where the electric field is concentrated on the outside of the support frame, so as to achieve the purpose of equalizing voltage. The equalizing ring and the support frame are connected by welding. Each of the outer vertical support rods of the support frame is provided with a pressure equalization ring at the connection between the outer vertical support rod and the transverse connecting rod, which is used to shield the connection between the transverse connecting rod and the outer vertical support rod to achieve the purpose of pressure equalization. Below the top connecting frame, between the two support frames, a locking structure is also provided for locking onto the wire; Both the top connecting frame and / or the support frame are steel structures.

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