Low-voltage switchgear or medium-voltage switchgear or high-voltage switchgear

Abstract

The invention relates to a low-voltage switchgear or medium-voltage switchgear or high-voltage switchgear, comprising an insulating body (20) and an electrically conductive plastic pin (10); wherein the insulator comprises the conductive plastic pin; wherein the conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to a ground potential; and wherein the conductive plastic pin is configured such that a screw or bolt can be screwed into the conductive plastic pin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a low-voltage switchgear, a medium-voltage switchgear or a high-voltage switchgear, and a fixing system and an insulating housing for the low-voltage switchgear, the medium-voltage switchgear or the high-voltage switchgear. Background Art

[0002] Insulating components of switchgear need to be fixed to other components and, if necessary, components need to be fixed to the switchgear.

[0003] Epoxy resin parts or housings are used for these purposes.

[0004] Therefore, screws are used to ensure a good and safe connection between the grounded metal part of the drive or switchgear housing and the epoxy resin part. For thermoplastic pole parts, self-cutting screws are screwed directly into holes in the insulating material of the pole part. The threads of the screws have sharp edges and exposure to the operating voltage of the switchgear leads to high electric field density and the possibility of partial discharge. To mitigate this, a conductive layer can be used, as described in US11322864.

[0005] Instead of using self-cutting screws that are screwed directly into holes in the epoxy (which is difficult to achieve), epoxy parts used in low, medium and high pressure applications can use brass pins that are molded directly into the epoxy, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0006] These brass pins have different internal shapes to accommodate the different screws used to fasten these epoxy parts to the switchgear housing or any type of drive. Also, to avoid dielectric issues, the brass pins are made conductive to improve performance and prevent partial discharges in the threaded area. However, the internal threads of the brass pins may not match the threads of the screws that need to be used.

[0007] There is a need to address these issues. Summary of the invention

[0008] It would therefore be advantageous to have an improved method of securing components to and within switchgear.

[0009] The objects of the invention are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.

[0010] In a first aspect, a low voltage switchgear, a medium voltage switchgear, or a high voltage switchgear is provided, comprising:

[0011] - insulators; and

[0012] - Conductive plastic pins.

[0013] The insulator contains / accommodates the conductive plastic pin. The conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential. The conductive plastic pin is configured to enable a screw or a bolt to be screwed into the conductive plastic pin.

[0014] In one example, a conductive plastic pin is embedded within an insulator.

[0015] In one example, the conductive plastic pins are molded into the insulator.

[0016] Thus, for example, a conductive plastic pin may be molded directly into an insulating body (eg epoxy resin).

[0017] In one embodiment, the conductive plastic pin comprises a hole. The conductive plastic pin is configured to be screwed into the conductive plastic pin by screwing the screw or bolt into the hole.

[0018] In one example, the hole in the conductive plastic pin is not threaded until a screw is screwed into the hole.

[0019] In one example, the hole in the conductive plastic pin is threaded before a screw or bolt is screwed into the hole.

[0020] In one example, the insulator includes epoxy.

[0021] In one example, the conductive plastic pins include conductive thermoplastic.

[0022] In one example, the conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential via another component that is directly connected to ground potential.

[0023] In a second aspect, a fixing system for a low voltage switchgear, a medium voltage switchgear or a high voltage switchgear is provided, the system comprising:

[0024] - insulators; and

[0025] - Conductive plastic pins; and

[0026] Screws or bolts.

[0027] The insulator contains / accommodates the conductive plastic pin, the conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to a ground potential, the conductive plastic pin being configured to enable a screw or a bolt to be screwed into the conductive plastic pin.

[0028] In one example, a conductive plastic pin is embedded within an insulator.

[0029] In one example, the conductive plastic pins are molded into the insulator.

[0030] Thus, for example, a conductive plastic pin may be molded directly into an insulating body (eg epoxy resin).

[0031] In one embodiment, the conductive plastic pin comprises a hole. The conductive plastic pin is configured such that a screw or bolt can be screwed into the conductive plastic pin by screwing the screw or bolt into the hole.

[0032] In one example, the hole in the conductive plastic pin is not threaded until a screw is screwed into the hole.

[0033] In one example, the hole in the conductive plastic pin is threaded before a screw or bolt is screwed into the hole.

[0034] In one example, the insulator includes epoxy.

[0035] In one example, the conductive plastic pins include conductive thermoplastic.

[0036] In one example, the conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential via another component that is directly connected to ground potential.

[0037] In one example, the conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential via a screw or bolt.

[0038] In a third aspect, an insulating housing is provided, comprising:

[0039] - insulators; and

[0040] - Conductive plastic pins.

[0041] The insulator contains / accommodates the conductive plastic pin. The conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential. The conductive plastic pin is configured to enable a screw or bolt to be screwed into the conductive plastic pin to connect the insulator to a low voltage switchgear, a medium voltage switchgear, or a high voltage switchgear.

[0042] In one example, a conductive plastic pin is embedded within an insulator.

[0043] In one example, the conductive plastic pins are molded into the insulator.

[0044] Thus, for example, a conductive plastic pin may be molded directly into an insulating body (eg epoxy resin).

[0045] The above aspects and examples will become apparent and elucidated from the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the following drawings:

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a known insulating housing is shown.

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic representation of the new insulating housing is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] A new low-voltage switchgear or medium-voltage switchgear or high-voltage switchgear, a new fixing system for a low-voltage switchgear or medium-voltage switchgear or high-voltage switchgear and a new insulating housing are now described, wherein reference is made to Figure 2 , Figure 2 A schematic representation of the new insulating housing is shown.

[0050] In one example, the novel low voltage switchgear or medium voltage switchgear or high voltage switchgear comprises:

[0051] - an insulator 20; and

[0052] - Conductive plastic pin / tenon / dowel 10.

[0053] The insulator includes / accommodates the conductive plastic pin. The conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential. The conductive plastic pin is configured to enable a screw or bolt to be screwed into the conductive plastic pin.

[0054] Therefore, the switchgear has appropriate connectors which enable the required components to be safely connected or mounted to the switchgear.

[0055] In one example, a conductive plastic pin is embedded within the insulator.

[0056] In one example, the conductive plastic pins are molded within the insulator.

[0057] Thus, for example, the conductive plastic pins can be molded directly into an insulating body, for example epoxy resin.

[0058] The conductive plastic pin 10 may actually be a solid block into which the screw can be screwed and form its own hole. Figure 2 The conductive plastic pin 10 is shown in schematic form. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the actual shape may be determined according to the purpose.

[0059] Alternatively, the conductive plastic pin may actually be a solid block, with the operator drilling the hole 30 and then driving the self-tapping screw into the hole.

[0060] Alternatively, the conductive plastic pin may actually be a solid block, and the operator drills the hole 30 and then uses a tap and die to create threads in the hole and then drives the screw or bolt into the hole.

[0061] Alternatively, the conductive plastic pin may actually be a solid block with a smooth-sided hole 30 in the block and a self-tapping screw may be screwed into the hole.

[0062] Alternatively, the conductive plastic pin may actually be a solid block with a smooth-sided hole 30 in the block, and the operator uses a tap and die to make threads in the hole and then screws the screw or bolt into the hole.

[0063] Alternatively, the conductive plastic pin may actually be a solid block with a screw hole 30 in the block and a screw or bolt may be screwed into the hole.

[0064] In one example, the conductive plastic pin includes a hole 30. The conductive plastic pin is configured such that a screw or bolt can be screwed into the conductive plastic pin by screwing the screw or bolt into the hole.

[0065] In one example, the hole in the conductive plastic pin is not threaded until a screw is screwed into the hole.

[0066] In one example, the hole in the conductive plastic pin is threaded before a screw or bolt is screwed into the hole.

[0067] In one example, the insulator includes epoxy.

[0068] In one example, the conductive plastic pins include conductive thermoplastic.

[0069] In one example, the conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential via another component that is directly connected to ground potential.

[0070] In one example, a novel fixing system for low voltage switchgear, medium voltage switchgear, or high voltage switchgear includes:

[0071] - insulator 20;

[0072] - conductive plastic pins 10; and

[0073] - Screws or bolts.

[0074] The insulator includes / accommodates the conductive plastic pin. The conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential. The conductive plastic pin is configured to enable a screw or a bolt to be screwed into the conductive plastic pin.

[0075] In one example, a conductive plastic pin is embedded within an insulator.

[0076] In one example, the conductive plastic pins are molded into the insulator.

[0077] Thus, for example, the electrically conductive plastic pins may be molded directly into the insulating body, for example directly into epoxy resin.

[0078] In one embodiment, the conductive plastic pin comprises a hole 30. The conductive plastic pin is configured such that a screw or bolt can be screwed into the conductive plastic pin by screwing the screw or bolt into the hole.

[0079] In one example, the hole in the conductive plastic pin is not threaded until a screw is screwed into the hole.

[0080] In one example, the hole in the conductive plastic pin is threaded before a screw or bolt is screwed into the hole.

[0081] In one example, the insulator includes epoxy.

[0082] In one example, the conductive plastic pins include conductive thermoplastic.

[0083] In one example, the conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential via another component that is directly connected to ground potential.

[0084] In one example, the conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential via the screw or bolt.

[0085] In one example, an insulating housing includes:

[0086] - an insulator 20; and

[0087] - Conductive plastic pins 10.

[0088] The insulator contains / accommodates the conductive plastic pin. The conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential. The conductive plastic pin is configured to enable a screw or bolt to be screwed into the conductive plastic pin to connect the insulator to the low voltage switchgear or the medium voltage switchgear or the high voltage switchgear.

[0089] Therefore, a component to be connected or mounted to the switchgear has an appropriate connector so that the component can be safely connected or mounted to the switchgear.

[0090] In one example, a conductive plastic pin is embedded within an insulator.

[0091] In one example, the conductive plastic pins are molded into the insulator.

[0092] Thus, for example, the electrically conductive plastic pins may be molded directly into the insulating body, for example directly into epoxy resin.

[0093] In one example, the conductive plastic pin includes a hole 30. The conductive plastic pin is configured such that a screw or bolt can be screwed into the conductive plastic pin by screwing the screw or bolt into the hole.

[0094] In one example, the hole in the conductive plastic pin is not threaded until a screw is screwed into the hole.

[0095] In one example, the hole in the conductive plastic pin is threaded before a screw or bolt is screwed into the hole.

[0096] In one example, the insulator includes epoxy.

[0097] In one example, the conductive plastic pins include conductive thermoplastic.

[0098] In one example, the conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential via another component that is directly connected to ground potential.

[0099] Therefore, the inventors realised that instead of using a conductive layer in a plastic insulator, or expensive and inflexible brass pins, conductive thermoplastic pins could be used within an insulator (e.g. epoxy resin). This solution not only provided practicality of connection and installation, but was also more cost effective.

[0100] The conductive thermoplastic pin is described in more detail as follows:

[0101] oThermoplastic pins are lighter in weight compared to brass pins.

[0102] oThermoplastic parts are easier to produce.

[0103] oThermoplastic pins are cheaper compared to brass pins.

[0104] oMitigates partial discharges that might otherwise occur in threaded areas and hole ends where higher electric fields are available.

[0105] oAs with thermoplastic pole parts, self-cutting screws can be used.

[0106] In summary:

[0107] Unthreaded, electrically conductive thermoplastic pins are used to connect and mount epoxy components to housings, panels or drives of low-voltage, medium-voltage and high-voltage switchgear.

Claims

1. A low voltage switchgear, a medium voltage switchgear or a high voltage switchgear, comprising: - an insulator (20); and - conductive plastic pin (10); wherein the insulator comprises the conductive plastic pin; wherein the conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to a ground potential; and The conductive plastic pin is configured such that a screw or a bolt can be screwed into the conductive plastic pin.

2. The low voltage switchgear, medium voltage switchgear or high voltage switchgear according to claim 1, wherein: The conductive plastic pin comprises a hole (30), and is configured such that a screw or bolt can be screwed into the conductive plastic pin by screwing the screw or bolt into the hole.

3. The low voltage switchgear, medium voltage switchgear or high voltage switchgear according to claim 2, wherein: Prior to screwing the screw into the hole in the conductive plastic pin, the hole is unthreaded.

4. The low voltage switchgear, medium voltage switchgear or high voltage switchgear according to claim 2, wherein: Prior to screwing the screw or bolt into the hole in the conductive plastic pin, the hole is threaded.

5. The low voltage switchgear, medium voltage switchgear or high voltage switchgear according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The insulator includes epoxy resin.

6. The low voltage switchgear, medium voltage switchgear or high voltage switchgear according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The conductive plastic pins include conductive thermoplastic.

7. The low voltage switchgear, medium voltage switchgear or high voltage switchgear according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential via another component that is directly connected to ground potential.

8. A fixing system for a low voltage switchgear, a medium voltage switchgear or a high voltage switchgear, the system comprising: - an insulator (20); and - conductive plastic pin (10); as well as - screws or bolts; wherein the insulator comprises the conductive plastic pin; wherein the conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to a ground potential; and The conductive plastic pin is configured such that the screw or bolt can be screwed into the conductive plastic pin.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The conductive plastic pin comprises a hole (30), and is configured such that the screw or bolt can be screwed into the conductive plastic pin by screwing the screw or bolt into the hole.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: Prior to screwing the screw into the hole in the conductive plastic pin, the hole is unthreaded.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein: Prior to screwing the screw or bolt into the hole in the conductive plastic pin, the hole is threaded.

12. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: The insulator includes epoxy resin.

13. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein: The conductive plastic pins include conductive thermoplastic.

14. The system according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein: The conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential via another component directly connected to ground potential, or wherein the conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to ground potential via the screw or bolt.

15. An insulating housing, comprising: - an insulator (20); and - conductive plastic pin (10); wherein the insulator comprises the conductive plastic pin; wherein the conductive plastic pin is configured to be connected to a ground potential; and The conductive plastic pin is configured such that a screw or a bolt can be screwed into the conductive plastic pin to connect the insulator to a low voltage switchgear, a medium voltage switchgear, or a high voltage switchgear.

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