Modular pole assembly for overhead line system

Abstract

A modular pole assembly 100 for an overhead line system is disclosed. A modular pole assembly 100 includes a top insulator housing defined by a first end and a second end. The bottom insulator housing 104 is defined by a third end 166 and a fourth end 152, wherein the third end 166 of the bottom insulator housing 104 is removably coupled to the second end 168 of the top insulator housing 102. The chamber 106 is defined by at least one wall extending perpendicularly from at least one of the second end 168 of the top insulator housing 102 and the third end 166 of the bottom insulator housing 104. Further, the chamber 106 is configured to receive at least one sensor 128.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a modular pole assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the construction of a modular pole assembly adapted to be assembled in an overhead line system. Background Art

[0002] Typically, a pole assembly consists of an interrupter and a current-carrying component. The interrupter and the current-carrying component are placed inside a housing or molded together to form the pole assembly. The interrupter and the current-carrying component are placed inside the housing and assembled together with a connecting component. A vacuum interrupter can be operated by an actuator to selectively allow or restrict the flow of current through the pole assembly.

[0003] In addition, the pole assembly can be used in an overhead line system. The overhead line system can be a circuit breaker, an automatic reclosing circuit breaker, or a vacuum switch disconnector. The overhead line system can include a pole assembly. The pole assembly can be a live tank setting or a dead tank setting. The pole assembly can include an insulating sheath molded to the outer surface of the live tank pole assembly setting. In addition, the dead tank setting can directly accommodate the pole assembly in a grounded potential enclosure. Conventionally, the pole assembly is manufactured separately or separately for the live tank configuration and the dead tank configuration. The pole assembly also includes a sensor for measuring the voltage across the pole assembly. The sensor in the conventional pole assembly is molded or integrated with the pole assembly. Therefore, any damage to the sensor results in the complete replacement of the pole assembly. Therefore, the overall operation and maintenance costs increase, which is undesirable.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background art section of the present disclosure is only for enhancing the understanding of the general background art of the present invention, and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of implication that this information forms the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One or more disadvantages of the conventional system are overcome, and additional advantages are provided by the components as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized by the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be part of the claimed disclosure.

[0006] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a modular pole assembly for an overhead line system is disclosed. The modular pole assembly includes a top insulator housing defined by a first end and a second end. A bottom insulator housing is defined by a third end and a fourth end, wherein the third end of the bottom insulator housing is detachably coupled to the second end of the top insulator housing. A chamber is defined by at least one wall extending vertically from at least one of the second end of the top insulator housing and the third end of the bottom insulator housing. In addition, the chamber is configured to accommodate at least one sensor.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an interrupter is disposed in the top insulator housing and extends into the bottom insulator housing.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one silicon sheath is coupled to the outer surface of each of the top insulator housing, the bottom insulator housing, and the chamber.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the chamber defines a flange at the distal end of the chamber, and the flange is configured to support a portion of at least one sensor.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of at least one silicon sheath abuts the outer surface of the flange at the distal end of the chamber.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first conductor is conductively coupled to the interrupter.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second conductor is conductively coupled to the first conductor, wherein the inner surface of the second conductor defines at least one first groove.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a conductor plug is received in the at least one first groove, and the conductor plug is configured to the outer surface of the first conductor.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor is removably coupled by a fastener that extends through a portion of the at least one sensor along its length and is coupled to the second conductor.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first sealing ring is received in a second groove defined in the bottom surface of the top insulator housing and the top surface of the bottom insulator housing.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second sealing ring is disposed at the fourth end of the bottom insulator housing.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a third sealing ring is disposed in a third groove defined in an extension of the at least one sensor, wherein the third sealing ring is configured to abut the inner surface of the flange.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the modular pole assembly is made of a thermoplastic material.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a bushing is positioned at the proximal end in the chamber and houses at least one sensor.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one silicon sheath is configured to enclose a first cavity defined by the third chamber.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a modular pole assembly having at least one silicon sheath forms a live enclosure; a modular pole assembly housed in a housing without at least one silicon sheath defines a grounded enclosure.

[0022] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the above-described illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features, other aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The novel features and characteristics of the present disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. However, the present disclosure itself, as well as the manner of its use, further objects, and advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0024] Figure 1 A perspective view of a modular pole assembly in a live enclosure configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a modular pole assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 An exploded view of a modular pole assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 Shown is Figure 3 An enlarged view of a portion of a modular pole assembly.

[0028] Figure 5 A perspective view of a sensor of a modular pole assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 6 A central cross-sectional view of a sensor of a modular pole assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 7 A perspective view of a silicon sheath of a modular pole assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 8 Shown is Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a silicon sheath.

[0032] Figure 9 A perspective view of a modular pole assembly without a silicon sheath according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 10A perspective view of a modular pole assembly with a housing ground configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] The drawings depict embodiments of the present disclosure for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the actuator assembly shown herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present disclosure described herein. Detailed Description

[0035] The foregoing has outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in broad terms so that the following description of the present disclosure may be better understood. Other features and advantages of the present disclosure that form the subject matter of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter. Those skilled in the art should understand that the disclosed concepts and specific embodiments may be readily used as a basis for modifying or designing other systems for achieving the same purposes of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should also recognize that such equivalent constructs do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. When considered in conjunction with the drawings, the novel features of the organization, as well as other purposes and advantages, which are regarded as the features of the present disclosure, will be better understood from the following description. However, it should be clearly understood that each drawing is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limitations of the present disclosure.

[0036] Although the present disclosure admits of various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described hereinafter. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, and on the contrary, the present disclosure will cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] The term "comprising," "including," or any other variation thereof used in the present disclosure is intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a component list including components not only includes those components but may also include other components not expressly listed or inherent to those components. In other words, one or more elements in a component starting with "comprising" do not exclude the presence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device without further limitation.

[0038] The following paragraphs refer to Figures 1 to 10 the present disclosure. In the drawings, like elements having like functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. To facilitate an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings, and these embodiments will be described using specific language. However, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not thereby limited, and such changes and further modifications in the methods illustrated, as well as such further applications of the principles of the present invention illustrated herein, are considered to be commonly contemplated by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0039] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Further, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the foregoing background or the summary of the invention or the following detailed description. It should be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences unless explicitly specified to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices or components shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept defined in the appended claims. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Although some specific terms indicating a particular direction will be used, the purpose of using these terms or words is merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0040] Accordingly, it should be noted that the meanings of these terms or words should not unduly limit the technical scope of the present invention. Moreover, it should be understood that the language and terms used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as restrictive. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", "supported", and "coupled" and their variations are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect mounting, connection, support, and coupling. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connection or coupling. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example and are not intended to limit the claimed invention. In this document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0041] Refer to Figures 1 to 4 , Figures 1 to 4Shows a modular pole assembly 100 (hereinafter referred to as the pole assembly). The pole assembly 100 may include a top insulator housing 102 and a bottom insulator housing 104. The top insulator housing 102 may be defined by at least one wall, and the at least one wall may further define a hollow space. The top insulator housing 102 may be defined with a first end 116 and a second end 168. The top insulator housing 102 may also be defined with an inner surface 102i and an outer surface 102o. The first end 116 may be the top end of the top insulator housing 102, and the second end 168 may be the bottom end of the top insulator housing 102. The first end 116 of the top insulator housing 102 may be defined by an opening. The opening may be defined at the first end 116 along a substantially central portion of the first end 116. The opening may be configured to removably receive a first terminal 118. The first terminal 118 may be configured such that a portion of the top insulator housing 102 may extend into the hollow space defined by the top insulator housing 102. In addition, the second end 168 of the top insulator housing 102 may be defined as an open end. The region of the second end 168 may be defined by a first threaded section 172. In particular, at the second end 168 of the top insulator housing 102, the outer surface 102o may be defined with a first threaded section 172. In this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the first threaded section 172 may be defined along the outer surface 102o of the top insulator housing 102 such that the first threaded section 172 may extend parallel to the first axis (A - A') of the pole assembly 100. In addition, the second end 168 may further include a bottom surface 146, and the bottom surface 146 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first threaded section 172 and the first axis (A - A') of the pole assembly 100. The bottom surface 146 may be configured above the first threaded section 172 and may also be defined along the outer surface 102o of the top insulator housing 102. The bottom surface 146 of the top insulator housing 102 may be defined with a semi-circular cutout (not shown in the figure). The semi-circular cutout may be configured to extend along the bottom surface 146 and the circumference or periphery of the top insulator housing 102. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the hollow space of the top insulator housing 102 may accommodate an interrupter 108. The interrupter 108 may be accommodated in the hollow space such that the interrupter 108 abuts the inner surface 102i of the top insulator housing 102. The interrupter 108 accommodated in the top insulator housing 102 may partially extend beyond the second end 168. One end of the first terminal 118 may be connected to a power source and may be configured to receive electricity, and the opposite end of the first terminal 118 may be conductively connected to the top end of the interrupter 108. In this non-limiting embodiment, the interrupter 108 may be constructed with a fixed conductor (not shown) and a movable conductor 108m. The movable conductor 108m may be selectively moved to engage and disengage from the fixed conductor. The interrupter 108 may be configured to conduct electricity from the first terminal 118 when the movable conductor 108m contacts the fixed conductor.This state may be referred to herein as the engaged state of the interrupter 108. Further, when the movable conductor 108m moves away from the fixed conductor, the transmission of power is terminated, and this is referred to as the disengaged state of the interrupter 108. In this non-limiting embodiment, the movable conductor 108m is received along the bottom region of the interrupter 108, and the movable conductor 108m may extend into the bottom insulator housing 104.

[0042] The bottom insulator housing 104 may also be defined by walls that define a hollow space. The bottom insulator housing 104 may be defined with a third end 166 and a fourth end 152. The bottom insulator housing 104 may also be defined with an inner surface 104i and an outer surface 104o. The third end 166 may be the top end of the bottom insulator housing 104, and the fourth end 152 may be the bottom end of the bottom insulator housing 104. The fourth end 152 of the bottom insulator housing 104 may be closed, and the third end 166 of the bottom insulator housing 104 may be defined as an open end. The fourth end 152 of the bottom insulator housing 104 may include a second sealing ring 150. The second sealing ring 150 may extend between the inner surfaces 104i of the bottom insulator housing 104. The second sealing ring 150 may prevent moisture and other dust particles from infiltrating into the hollow region of the bottom insulator housing 104.

[0043] The region of the third end 166 may be defined by a second threaded section 174. In particular, at the third end 166 of the bottom insulator housing 104, the outer surface 104o may be defined with a second threaded section 174. In this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the second threaded section 174 may be defined along the outer surface 104o of the bottom insulator housing 104 such that the second threaded section 174 extends parallel to the first axis (A - A') of the pole assembly 100. Further, the third end 166 may also include a top surface 148 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the second threaded section 174 and the first axis (A - A') of the pole assembly 100. The top surface 148 may be configured above the second threaded section 174 and may also be defined along the inner surface 104i of the bottom insulator housing 104. The top surface 148 of the bottom insulator housing 104 may be defined with a semi-circular cutout (not shown in the figure). The semi-circular cutout may be configured to extend along the circumferential or peripheral direction of the top surface 148 and the bottom insulator housing 104.

[0044] The top insulator housing 102 and the bottom insulator housing 104 can be detachably coupled to each other. In this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the top insulator housing 102 and the bottom insulator housing 104 can be coupled to each other by a first threaded section 172 and a second threaded section 174. The first threaded section 172 and the second threaded section 174 can be defined with threads that engage each other. The top insulator housing 102 can initially be located within the bottom insulator housing 104. Further, one of the top insulator housing 102 and the bottom insulator housing 104 can be rotated relative to the other. The first threaded section 172 engages the second threaded section 174 and secures the top insulator housing 102 to the bottom insulator housing 104. Additionally, the bottom surface 146 and the top surface 148 are oriented such that semicircular cutouts from the bottom surface 146 and the top surface 148 together define a second groove 144. The second groove 144 can extend between a second end 168 of the top insulator housing 102 and a third end 166 of the bottom insulator housing 104. The second groove 144 can be configured to receive a first sealing ring 142. The first sealing ring 142 can facilitate an airtight connection between the top insulator housing 102 and the bottom insulator housing 104. The above-described configuration at the second end 168 and the third end 166 enables the first sealing ring 142 to be received in a manner that prevents moisture from seeping into the hollow regions of the top insulator housing 102 and the bottom insulator housing 104. The above-described configuration with the first threaded section 172 and the second threaded section 174 at the second end 168 and the third end 166, respectively, can also make the disassembly and connection of the top insulator housing 102 and the bottom insulator housing 104 easier. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the top insulator housing 102 and the bottom insulator housing 104 are made of a material including but not limited to a thermoelastic material. In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the interrupter 108 can be any device operable to selectively conduct electricity, including but not limited to a vacuum interrupter. In one embodiment, the top insulator housing 102 and the bottom insulator housing 104 can be coupled to each other by means including but not limited to threads, snap-fit arrangements, etc.

[0045] The hollow space defined by the walls of the top insulator housing 102 and the bottom insulator housing 104 can accommodate a first conductor 132 and a second conductor 134. The first conductor 132 can be a hollow elongated structure, and the first conductor 132 can be conductively coupled to the bottom end of the interrupter 108. Specifically, the first conductor 132 can be conductively coupled to the movable conductor 108m of the interrupter 108. The bottom end of the movable conductor 108m of the interrupter 108 can be received within the hollow region of the first conductor 132. The movable conductor 108m can abut the inner surface 132a of the first conductor 132, and the movable conductor 108m can be fixedly coupled to the first conductor 132. The first conductor 132 can be oriented to be placed along the first axis (A - A'). Specifically, the first conductor 132 can be oriented such that the hollow section of the first conductor 132 extends through the first axis (A - A') of the pole assembly 100. The first conductor 132 can be configured to move together with the movable conductor of the interrupter 108. The hollow space defined by the wall of the bottom insulator housing 104 can also accommodate the actuator 170. One end of the actuator 170 can be received on the fourth end 152 of the bottom insulator housing 104, and the opposite end of the actuator 170 can be conductively coupled to the bottom end of the interrupter 108. As Figure 4 shown, one end of the actuator 170 can extend into the hollow region of the first conductor 132, and the actuator 170 can be fixedly coupled to the movable conductor of the interrupter 108. The actuator 170 can be selectively operated to transfer vertical movement to the first conductor 132 and the movable conductor of the interrupter 108. Thus, the first conductor 132 can move along the first axis (A - A') of the pole assembly 100. In a non-limiting embodiment, the actuator 170 can be operated by any known device, including but not limited to an electric motor, a hydraulic device, etc. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hollow spaces in the top insulator housing 102 and the bottom insulator housing 104 can accommodate components, including but not limited to the interrupter 108 and the actuator 170.

[0046] The pole assembly 100 may further include a second conductor 134. The second conductor 134 may also be defined as a hollow elongated structure, and the hollow elongated structure includes, but is not limited to, the shape of a tubular structure. The second conductor 134 may be defined by an inner surface 134a and an outer surface 134b. At least one first groove 138 (hereinafter referred to as the first groove) may be defined in the inner surface 134a of the second conductor 134. The first groove 138 may extend along the inner surface 134a of the second conductor 134 over the entire circumference or perimeter. The first groove 138 may be defined to extend in a plane perpendicular to the first axis (A - A'). In this preferred embodiment, at least two first grooves 138 may be defined along the inner surface 134a of the second conductor 134. The two first grooves 138 may be defined along planes parallel to each other. In addition, the planes of the two first grooves 138 parallel to each other may also be oriented perpendicular to the first axis (A - A') of the pole assembly 200.

[0047] The pole assembly 100 may further include at least one conductor plug 136 (hereinafter referred to as the conductor plug). The conductor plug 136 may be positioned within the first groove 138. In this preferred embodiment, the conductor plug 136 may be annular, and the conductor plug 136 may be configured to abut the inner surface 132a of the first conductor 132. In this preferred and exemplary embodiment, the conductor plug 136 and the second conductor 134 may be made of a conductive material. Measured from the second conductor 134 to the inner surface 134a of the second conductor 134, the diameter of the second conductor 134 may be equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the first conductor 132 (measured from the center of the first conductor 132 to the inner surface of the first conductor 132). The first conductor 132 and the second conductor 134 may be coupled to each other such that the inner surface 134a of the second conductor 134 abuts the outer surface 132b of the first conductor 132. In addition, the second conductor 134 may be fixedly connected to the bottom insulator housing 104, and the outer surface 134b of the second conductor 134 may abut the inner surface 104i of the bottom insulator housing 104. When the actuator 170 is operated, the first conductor 132 may move vertically along the first axis (A - A'), and the second conductor 134 may remain fixed. The outer surface 132b of the first conductor 132 abuts the conductor plug 136 located in the first groove 138 of the second conductor 134. The conductor plug 136 configured as a spring enables the conduction of high voltage, and the above configuration also impedes / reduces the risk of electrical breakdown during the electrical conduction from the first conductor 132 to the second conductor 134.

[0048] The pole assembly 100 may further include a chamber 106 that extends vertically from at least one of the second end 168 of the top insulator housing 102 and the third end 166 of the bottom insulator housing 104. The chamber 106 may be defined by a wall extending from at least one of the top insulator housing 102 and the bottom insulator housing 104. The chamber 106 may also be defined with an outer surface 106o. In this preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the chamber 106 may be configured to extend from the bottom insulator housing 104. The chamber 106 may be configured to extend along a second axis (A - A') perpendicular to the first axis (A - A') of the pole assembly 100. Additionally, the chamber 106 may be configured to extend from a region of the bottom insulator housing 104 near the second conductor 134 located within the bottom insulator housing 104. The chamber 106 may also be defined by a proximal end 164 and a distal end 126. The proximal end 164 of the chamber 106 may be a region extending from the bottom insulator housing 104. Additionally, a flange 124 may extend from the distal end 126 of the chamber 106. The flange 124 may extend outwardly from the chamber 106, and the flange 124 may be defined with a diameter larger than the diameter of the wall defining the chamber 106. The flange 124 may also be defined by an inner surface 124i and an outer surface 124o.

[0049] The pole assembly 100 further includes at least one sensor 128 (hereinafter referred to as the sensor). The sensor 128 may be configured to measure the voltage in the pole assembly 100. Refer to Figures 4 to 6 . The sensor 128 may include an extension 158 extending from the surface of the sensor 128. The extension 158 may be a plate-like structure that is substantially received or fixedly received on the central region of the sensor 128. The extension 158 may be defined with a third groove 156. The third groove 156 may be a cutout extending circumferentially along the extension 158. The sensor 128 may include a third conductor 130. The third conductor 130 may be a hollow tubular structure defining a second cavity 130c. The second cavity 130c may be a hole extending out the length of the sensor 128. Additionally, a bushing 162 is received within the chamber 106, and the bushing 162 is positioned adjacent the proximal end 164 of the chamber 106. The bushing 162 may also be defined with a central hole extending throughout the length of the bushing 162. The shape of the bushing 162 may be defined such that the outer surface of the bushing 162 abuts the inner surface of the chamber 106. Additionally, the hole extending through the center of the bushing 162 may be defined with an inner surface complementary to the shape of the sensor 128. For example, the hole in the bushing 162 may be defined with a semi-conical shape complementary to the semi-conical shape of the sensor 128. The sensor 128 may be received within the bushing 162 such that the outer surface of the sensor 128 abuts the inner surface of the bushing 162.

[0050] The sensor 128 is received within the chamber 106 such that the second cavity 130c of the third conductor 130 extends along the second axis (B - B) of the pole assembly. Additionally, the sensor 128 is received within the sleeve 162 such that one end of the third conductor 130 abuts the second conductor 134 in the bottom insulator housing 104. The third conductor 130 of the sensor 128 may be coupled to the second conductor 134 such that electrical conduction from the second conductor 134 is transferred to the third conductor 130. Further, the region of the second conductor 134 that is adjacent to the third conductor 130 and along the second axis (B - B) may be defined with a threaded hole. The threaded hole may be defined in the second conductor 134 such that the threaded hole is an extension of the second cavity 130c in the third conductor 130. Additionally, a fastener 140 may be inserted into the second cavity 130c and the fastener 140 may engage the threaded hole in the second conductor 134 by threading. Thus, the sensor 128 may be secured to the second conductor 134 by the fastener 140. The above-described configuration of coupling the sensor 128 to the second conductor 134 by the fastener 140 and the threaded hole is not to be considered limiting, and other configurations including but not limited to snap-fit arrangements may be used. Further, the extension 158 of the sensor 128 may be positioned to abut or be near the flange 124 of the chamber 106. The extension 158 of the sensor 128 may be configured to abut the inner surface 124i of the flange 124 such that the third groove 156 is adjacent to the inner surface 124i of the flange 124. The third groove 156 may also receive a third seal ring 154, and the third seal ring 154 is configured to abut the inner surface 160 of the flange 124. The above-described configuration at the third groove 156 in the extension 158 enables the third seal ring 154 to be received in a manner that prevents moisture from infiltrating into the chamber 106.

[0051] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8, shows a silicon sheath 114 for the chamber 106. The silicon sheath 114 can be configured or provided on the outer surface 106o of the chamber 106. The silicon sheath 114 can be provided to enclose the first cavity 106a of the chamber 106. The silicon sheath 114 can be defined with a central cavity for receiving the second terminal 122. The second terminal 122 can protrude partially from the silicon sheath 114. Additionally, the silicon sheath 114 can be configured to enclose the chamber 106 and the sensor 128 received in the chamber 106. At least a portion of the silicon sheath 114 abuts the outer surface 124o of the flange 124 at the distal end 126 of the chamber 106. The silicon sheath 114 can be detachably coupled to the flange 124 such that the area of the silicon sheath 114 located on the outer surface 124o of the flange 124 can slide on the outer surface 124o of the flange 124. Further, the second terminal 122 in the silicon sheath 114 can be configured to be received within the second cavity 130c of the third conductor 130 when the silicon sheath 114 is assembled to enclose the chamber 106. The second terminal 122 can be configured to receive power from the third conductor 130. The above-described configuration of the sensor 128 with the detachable silicon sheath 114 enables the sensor 128 to be easily replaced when damaged. The silicon sheath 114 can be initially removed, and the fastener 140 can be removed for disconnecting and replacing the sensor 128 from the second conductor 134. Thus, the cost of repairing the pole assembly 100 is significantly reduced because the sensor 128 can be replaced separately from the pole assembly 100. The top insulator housing 102 and the bottom insulator housing 104 can also be configured with silicon sheaths 110, 112. The silicon sheaths 110, 112 can be configured to the top insulator housing 102 and the bottom insulator housing 104 in a detachable manner. The above-described configuration of the pole assembly 100 with the silicon sheaths 110, 112, and 114 can be used in one of the energized enclosure overhead line systems, including but not limited to energized enclosure circuit breakers, energized enclosure automatic reclosers, energized enclosure vacuum switch isolators.

[0052] See further Figure 9 and Figure 10 , shows a grounded enclosure. The pole assembly 100 without the silicon sheaths 110, 112, 114 can be used in one of the grounded enclosure overhead line systems, including but not limited to grounded enclosure circuit breakers, grounded enclosure automatic reclosers, grounded enclosure vacuum switch isolators. As Figure 10As shown, the pole assembly 100 can be accommodated in the insulating housing 178. The construction of the pole assembly 100 with a grounded outer shell can be similar to the construction of the pole assembly 100 with a live outer shell. Additionally, the chamber 106 can be configured to accommodate the adapter 176. The adapter 176 can be a conductive element positioned adjacent to the second conductor 134 in the chamber 106. The sensor 128 can also be positioned adjacent to the adapter 176 in the chamber 106. Thus, the sensor 128 and the silicon sheath 114 extend from the housing 178 and can be accessed from the outside. Therefore, the sensor 128 can be replaced from the outside without disassembling the housing 178 or accessing the pole assembly 100 in the housing 178.

[0053] In one embodiment, the arc distance between the first terminal 118 and the second terminal 122 can be changed. The silicon sheath 114 on the chamber 106 can move partially along the second axis (B - B) and on the flange 124 such that the distance between the first terminal 118 and the second terminal 122 changes. Thus, the arc distance between the first terminal 118 and the second terminal 122 can be appropriately changed.

[0054] In one embodiment, the modular pole assembly 100 has silicon sheaths 110, 112, 114 accommodated on the top insulator housing 102, the bottom insulator housing 104, and the chamber 106, and the modular pole assembly 100 forms a live outer shell. The silicon sheaths 110, 112, 114 can be removed from the top insulator housing 102, the bottom insulator housing 104, and the chamber 106 of the modular pole assembly 100 without difficulty. The modular pole assembly 100 can then be adapted or positioned in the housing 178, as seen from Figure 10 which forms a grounded outer shell. Thus, the modular pole assembly 100 is adapted to form a live outer shell or a grounded outer shell by selectively removing or accommodating the silicon sheaths 110, 112, 114. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the live outer shell and the grounded outer shell is reduced, and the modular pole assembly 100 is easily adapted to form a live outer shell or a grounded outer shell. In one embodiment, the sensor 128 can also be easily replaced by removing the silicon sheath 114 on the chamber 106. The modular pole assembly 100 is configured such that the sensor 128 can be easily accessed by removing the silicon sheath 114 on the chamber 106. Thus, a faulty or damaged sensor 128 can be replaced individually without having to replace the entire modular pole assembly 100.

[0055] Equivalent solutions:

[0056] Regarding the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art can appropriately convert from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural according to the context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural arrangements may be explicitly set forth herein.

[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand that, generally speaking, the terms used herein, particularly the terms used in the appended claims, such as the subject matter of the appended claims, are generally intended to be "open" terms. For example, the term "comprising" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", etc. Those skilled in the art will also understand that if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is desired, such an intention will be explicitly recited in the claims, and in the absence of such a recitation, there is no such intention. For example, for the sake of understanding, the following appended claims may contain the use of introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that a claim recitation introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an" will limit any particular claim containing such an introduced claim recitation to an invention containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrase "one or more" or "at least one", and the indefinite article such as "a" or "an", e.g., "a" and / or "an", should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"; the same applies to the use of definite articles introducing claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a recitation should typically be interpreted as meaning at least the recited number. For example, a bare recitation of "two recitations" without any other modifiers typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations. In addition, in those cases, the convention is similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc.". Generally, in the sense that those skilled in the art understand the convention, using such a structure, e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" will include, but not be limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc. In those cases where the convention is similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc.". Generally, in the sense that those skilled in the art understand the convention, using such a structure, e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" will include, but not be limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc. Those skilled in the art will also understand that, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, any disjunctive word and / or phrase that actually presents two or more alternative terms should be understood as contemplating the possibility of including one of the terms, one of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B". Although various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the appended claims.

[0058] Reference Numerals:

[0059]

[0060]

[0061]

Claims

1. A modular pole assembly 100 for an overhead line system, the modular pole assembly 100 comprising: A top insulator housing 102 defined by a first end 116 and a second end 168; A bottom insulator housing 104 defined by a third end 166 and a fourth end 152, wherein the third end 166 of the bottom insulator housing 104 is detachably coupled to the second end 168 of the top insulator housing 102; and A chamber 106 defined by at least one wall extending vertically from at least one of the second end 168 of the top insulator housing 102 and the third end 166 of the bottom insulator housing 104, the chamber 106 being configured to receive at least one sensor 128.

2. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1, comprising an interrupter 108 disposed in the top insulator housing 102 and extending into the bottom insulator housing 104.

3. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1, comprising at least one silicon sheath 110, 112, 114, the silicon sheath being coupled to the outer surfaces 102o, 104o, 106o of each of the top insulator housing 102, the bottom insulator housing 104, and the chamber 106.

4. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1, wherein the chamber 106 defines a flange 124 at a distal end 126 of the chamber 106, and the flange is configured to support a portion of the at least one sensor 128.

5. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claims 3 and 4, wherein at least a portion of the at least one silicon sheath 114 abuts an outer surface 124o of the flange 124 at the distal end 126 of the chamber 106.

6. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1, comprising a first conductor 132 conductively coupled to the interrupter 108.

7. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1, comprising a second conductor 134 conductively coupled to the first conductor 132, wherein an inner surface 134a of the second conductor 134 defines at least one first groove 138.

8. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claims 1 and 7, comprising a conductor plug 136 received in the at least one first groove 138, and the conductor plug 136 is configured to the outer surface 132b of the first conductor 132.

9. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor 128 is detachably coupled by a fastener 140 that extends through a portion of the at least one sensor 128 along its length and is coupled to the second conductor 134.

10. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1 includes a first sealing ring 142 that is received in a second groove 144 defined in the bottom surface 146 of the top insulator housing 102 and the top surface 148 of the bottom insulator housing 104.

11. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1 includes a second sealing ring 150 that is disposed at the fourth end 152 of the bottom insulator housing 104.

12. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1 includes a third sealing ring 154 that is disposed in a third groove 156 defined in an extension 158 of the at least one sensor 128, wherein the third sealing ring 154 is configured to abut an inner surface 160 of the flange 124.

13. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1 is made of a thermoplastic material.

14. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1 includes a bushing 162 that is positioned at a proximal end 164 of the chamber 106 and houses the at least one sensor 128.

15. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1, wherein the at least one silicon sheath 110, 112, 114 is configured to enclose a first cavity 106a defined by the third chamber 106.

16. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1, having the at least one silicon sheath 110, 112, 114, forms a live enclosure.

17. The modular pole assembly 100 according to claim 1, when received in a housing 178 without the at least one silicon sheath 110, 112, 114, defines a grounded enclosure.

Images