Guide part of vacuum circuit breaker
Through the design of the support frame and bracket, the problem of difficulty in positioning and assembly of the vacuum interrupter in the circuit breaker is solved, and more precise positioning and stable current disconnection capability are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510077915.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-17
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-18
AI Technical Summary
When assembling a circuit breaker, it is difficult to accurately position and assemble the vacuum interrupter, especially the problem of operational interference caused by angle deviation.
With a design including a support frame, a first bracket and a second bracket, the first bracket is fixed to the support frame and has a radial abutment surface, and the second bracket is fixed to the first bracket and has a radial abutment surface, allowing the vacuum interrupter to be inserted and positioned in the disconnect module, improving precise positioning and stability through the bending portion and positioning the singularity.
The vacuum interrupter is more precisely positioned and easier assembly in the circuit breaker, ensuring consistency of current disconnection capabilities and reducing the risk of misalignment during assembly.
Smart Images
Figure CN120341076A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to medium - voltage or high - voltage power distribution systems, and more particularly, to medium - voltage or high - voltage vacuum interrupters. These vacuum interrupters are used in medium - voltage and high - voltage power distribution equipment, i.e., voltages greater than 1 kV. These vacuum interrupters are combined with actuators to selectively connect or disconnect the current in some branches of the power distribution system. Background Art
[0002] A power distribution system includes a circuit breaker for each phase of the power grid. Each circuit breaker includes two electrical conductors, between which a vacuum interrupter is arranged. Each electrical conductor is attached to an electrical contact of the vacuum interrupter. The electrical contacts of the vacuum interrupter are arranged in a cylindrical electrical insulating housing. The vacuum interrupter is typically arranged vertically in the circuit breaker, for example, and is mechanically fixed relative to the frame of the circuit breaker. For this purpose, one end of the vacuum interrupter is fixed to the electrical conductor, which is itself fixed relative to the frame of the circuit breaker. The vacuum interrupter is also held in place near its other end by a clamping plate including a circular orifice. This end of the vacuum interrupter is pressed by the clamping plate near the circular hole. Thus, the vacuum interrupter is held in both the axial direction and the radial direction.
[0003] When assembling the circuit breaker, it may be difficult to insert the vacuum interrupter between the electrical conductor and the clamping plate. In particular, it is difficult to obtain an accurate positioning of the vacuum interrupter. The vacuum interrupter can be angularly offset relative to the two electrical conductors, for example, between which the vacuum interrupter is arranged. Such an angular offset disturbs the operation of the vacuum interrupter and should be avoided.
[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to propose a vacuum interrupter fixing system that allows for a more accurate positioning of the vacuum interrupter in the circuit breaker and easier assembly. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To this end, a disconnection module for medium - voltage or high - voltage switchgear is proposed, comprising:
[0006] - A vacuum interrupter, including a housing forming an enclosure, a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact being arranged in the enclosure, the first and second electrical contacts being configured to move relative to each other along an axis between an open position where the two contacts are separated from each other and a closed position where the two contacts are in contact with each other,
[0007] - A support frame,
[0008] - A first bracket, fixed to the support frame and including a first radially adjacent surface, the first radially adjacent surface being configured to limit the radial movement of the vacuum interrupter relative to the support frame,
[0009] - The second bracket, including a second radially adjacent surface configured to limit the radial movement of the vacuum interrupter relative to the support frame, wherein the second bracket is fixed to the first bracket.
[0010] When only the first bracket is fixed to the support frame, the vacuum interrupter can be inserted into the disconnect module. In this configuration, a large access space can be obtained because there is no obstruction from the second bracket, so the insertion is easy. Once the vacuum interrupter has been positioned, the second bracket can be fixed to the first bracket. The assembly of the vacuum interrupter in the disconnect module is easier.
[0011] The following features can be optionally implemented individually or in combination with other features:
[0012] According to one aspect of the disconnect module, the first bracket is configured to allow translational movement of the vacuum interrupter relative to the support frame.
[0013] Similarly, the second bracket is configured to allow axial translation of the vacuum interrupter relative to the support frame.
[0014] Since no axial constraint is imposed on the vacuum interrupter, there is no force tending to tilt the vacuum interrupter out of alignment. The relative positions of the two electrical contacts of the vacuum interrupter can be maintained with higher precision. The current interruption ability of the vacuum interrupter can be more consistent throughout the life of the vacuum interrupter.
[0015] The second bracket is reversibly fixed to the first bracket.
[0016] According to one aspect of the disconnect module, the second bracket is only fixed to the first bracket.
[0017] In an embodiment of the disconnect module, the radial gap between the first radially adjacent surface and the vacuum interrupter is between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm.
[0018] Similarly, the radial gap between the second radially adjacent surface and the vacuum interrupter is between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm.
[0019] This range of radial gaps corresponds to the maximum angle of the vacuum interrupter, which is between 0° and 5.0°.
[0020] There is an axial gap between the first bracket and the housing of the vacuum interrupter.
[0021] There is an axial gap between the second bracket and the housing of the vacuum interrupter.
[0022] In an embodiment of the disconnect module, the first electrical contact is fixed relative to the support frame, and the second electrical contact is movable relative to the first electrical contact between a disconnected position and a closed position, and the first bracket and the second bracket define an opening through which the second electrical contact passes.
[0023] In an embodiment of the disconnect module, the vacuum interrupter includes a first end cap and a second end cap, each end cap enclosing a respective axial end of the housing, and the first bracket includes a bent portion configured to receive a first portion of one of the end caps.
[0024] The bent portion of the first bracket is, for example, semi-circular.
[0025] Similarly, the second bracket may include a bent portion configured to receive a second portion of the one end cap.
[0026] The bent portion of the second bracket is, for example, semi-circular.
[0027] In an embodiment of the disconnect module, the bent portion of the first bracket and the bent portion of the second bracket define a circular opening.
[0028] The first radially adjacent surface and the second radially adjacent surface match the shape of the end cap to provide radial support in any direction.
[0029] In an embodiment of the disconnect module, the end cap includes:
[0030] - a first, disc-shaped portion that extends in a plane transverse to the axis of the housing, and
[0031] - a second, cylindrical portion that extends along the axis of the housing,
[0032] and the circular opening surrounds the second portion of the end cap.
[0033] The first bracket may be metallic. The second bracket may be metallic.
[0034] The first bracket and the second bracket are, for example, castings.
[0035] The first end cap and the second end cap include a metallic material.
[0036] The first end face of the first bracket and the first end face of the second bracket extend in a first common plane.
[0037] The second end face of the first bracket and the second end face of the second bracket extend in a second common plane.
[0038] The first common plane and the second common plane are parallel to and transverse to the axis of extension of the vacuum interrupter housing.
[0039] The housing and the two electrical contacts are coaxial.
[0040] The housing is made of a ceramic material, such as alumina.
[0041] The vacuum interrupter includes a first end cap and a second end cap, each end cap respectively closing an axial end of the housing.
[0042] In an embodiment of the disconnect module, the first bracket includes two positioning surfaces that are configured to contact the support frame.
[0043] The two positioning surfaces can be symmetrically positioned relative to the semi-circular opening.
[0044] The two positioning surfaces can extend perpendicular to the axis of the electrical contact of the vacuum interrupter.
[0045] In an embodiment of the disconnect module, the support frame includes two receiving areas, each receiving area being configured to respectively receive the positioning surfaces of the first bracket.
[0046] The receiving areas of the support frame are arranged axially between the vacuum interrupter housing and the first bracket.
[0047] The receiving areas of the support frame can be symmetrically arranged relative to a plane including the extension axis of the vacuum interrupter.
[0048] In an embodiment, the receiving areas of the support frame extend perpendicular to the axis of the electrical contact of the vacuum interrupter.
[0049] In an embodiment of the disconnect module, the positioning surfaces of the first bracket include positioning singularities that are configured to cooperate with the positioning singularities of the corresponding receiving areas of the support frame.
[0050] The positioning singularities help to precisely position the first bracket in the disconnect module.
[0051] In an embodiment of the disconnect module, each positioning surface of the first bracket includes a positioning singularity that is configured to cooperate with the corresponding positioning singularity of each receiving area of the support frame.
[0052] In an embodiment, the positioning singularity of the positioning surface is a protrusion, and the positioning singularity of the receiving area of the support frame is a recessed area.
[0053] In a variant, the positioning singularity of the positioning surface is a recessed area, and the positioning singularity of the receiving area of the support frame is a protrusion.
[0054] The recessed area can be a round hole, and the protrusion can be a cylindrical pin that can pass through the cylindrical hole.
[0055] Similarly, the second bracket may include positioning singularities configured to cooperate with the positioning singularities of the corresponding receiving regions of the support frame. The positioning singularities may be protrusions that can be inserted into the recesses of the receiving regions of the support frame.
[0056] According to an embodiment of the disconnect module, the first bracket is fixed to the support frame by screws extending through two positioning surfaces.
[0057] The fixing screws of the first bracket may but are not limited to being parallel to the axis of the electrical contact.
[0058] According to another embodiment of the disconnect module, the first bracket is fixed to the support frame by rivets extending through two positioning surfaces.
[0059] According to another embodiment of the disconnect module, the first bracket is fixed to the support frame by a clip.
[0060] According to yet another embodiment of the disconnect module, the first bracket is fixed to the support frame by glue. The glue is disposed between each positioning surface and the support frame.
[0061] In an embodiment of the disconnect module, the second bracket is fixed to the first bracket by screws.
[0062] In another embodiment of the disconnect module, the second bracket is fixed to the first bracket by a clip.
[0063] For example, during a maintenance operation, the second bracket can be separated from the first bracket and fixed again.
[0064] The fixing screws of the second bracket are, for example but not limited to, perpendicular to the axis of the electrical contact.
[0065] The fixing screws of the second bracket can be symmetrically positioned with respect to the semi-circular opening.
[0066] In an embodiment of the disconnect module, the first bracket includes an abutting region configured to receive the abutting region of the second bracket.
[0067] According to an embodiment, the abutting region of the first bracket and the abutting region of the second bracket have complementary shapes.
[0068] The accuracy of the relative position of the second bracket with respect to the first bracket is improved. In addition, the stability of the second bracket during the assembly operation is improved. Therefore, the assembly is easier, and the risk of the second bracket falling off during the assembly of the disconnect module is reduced.
[0069] According to an embodiment, the first bracket is integral with the support frame.
[0070] The present disclosure also relates to a medium - voltage or high - voltage switchgear, which is configured to connect and disconnect current in a three - phase medium - voltage or high - voltage power grid, and includes the disconnecting modules respectively arranged on each phase of the power grid as described above.
[0071] A method for assembling a disconnecting module is also proposed. The assembling method includes the following steps:
[0072] - Provide a support frame, the support frame including a first conductive rod configured to be fixed to the electrical contact of the vacuum interrupter,
[0073] - Provide a first bracket, the first bracket including a first radially adjacent surface configured to receive the vacuum interrupter housing,
[0074] - Fix the first bracket to the support frame,
[0075] - Provide a vacuum interrupter including two electrical contacts movable relative to each other,
[0076] - Position the vacuum interrupter against the first bracket and fix one electrical contact of the vacuum interrupter to the first conductive rod,
[0077] - Fix the other electrical contact to a second conductive rod,
[0078] - Switch the vacuum interrupter to the closed position of the electrical contacts,
[0079] - Fix the second bracket to the first bracket so as to clamp the vacuum interrupter relative to the support frame.
[0080] When only the first bracket is installed, the vacuum interrupter is inserted into the disconnecting module. Thus, the insertion is easy. Then the vacuum interrupter is fixed to the fixed conductive rod. Thus, one end of the vacuum interrupter is fixed while the other end remains free. Then, the electrical contacts are closed so that the vacuum interrupter housing self - orients at an angular position corresponding to the real internal force between the two contacts. Then the second bracket is assembled and fixed to the first bracket while the electrical contacts are still closed. During the assembly operation, no external axial or radial constraints are applied to the housing of the vacuum interrupter. Only the axial force generated by the closing of the electrical contacts is applied. Thus, the risk that the vacuum interrupter is misaligned with its preferred orientation respectively is eliminated.
[0081] The first conductive rod is fixed relative to the support frame.
[0082] The second conductive rod can move relative to the support frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0083] Other features, details and advantages will be shown in the following detailed description and the drawings, wherein:
[0084] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a medium - voltage or high - voltage switchgear,
[0085] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a disconnection module according to an embodiment in a fully assembled state,
[0086] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a partial perspective view of the disconnection module of
[0087] Figure 4 is Figure 2 another partial perspective view of the disconnection module of
[0088] Figure 5 is Figure 2 another partial perspective view of the disconnection module of
[0089] Figure 6 is Figure 2 a top view and a bottom view of the disconnection module of
[0090] Figure 7 shows Figure 2 two perspective views of the fixing bracket of the disconnection module of
[0091] Figure 8 shows Figure 2 different steps of the assembly process of the disconnection module of
[0092] Figure 9 shows Figure 2 subsequent steps of the assembly process of the disconnection module of
[0093] Figure 10 is a block diagram of different steps of an assembly method of a disconnection module according to an embodiment. Detailed Description of the Invention
[0094] To make the drawings easier to read, the various elements are not necessarily drawn to scale. In these figures, the same elements receive the same reference numerals. Some elements or parameters may be indexed, that is, specified by, for example, "first element" or second element, or first parameter and second parameter, etc. The purpose of this indexing is to distinguish similar but different elements or parameters. This indexing does not imply that one element or one parameter is superior to another, and their names can be interchanged. When it is mentioned that a subsystem includes a given element, it is not excluded that there are other elements in the subsystem.
[0095] Figure 1 Schematically shows a medium - voltage or high - voltage switchgear 100, which is configured to connect and disconnect current in a three - phase L1, L2, L3 medium - voltage or high - voltage power grid. The medium - voltage or high - voltage switchgear 100 includes disconnection modules 50a, 50b, 50c respectively arranged on each phase L1, L2, L3 of the power grid.
[0096] For each of the three phases, the switchgear 100 includes a first conductive rod and a second conductive rod. Reference numerals 60a, 60b, 60c respectively correspond to the first conductive rod of each of the three phases L1, L2, L3. Similarly, reference numerals 61a, 61b, 61c respectively correspond to the second conductive rod of each of the three phases L1, L2, L3. For each phase, a vacuum interrupter is inserted between the first conductive rod and the second conductive rod.
[0097] Reference numeral 4a denotes a vacuum interrupter dedicated to the first phase L1, 4b denotes a vacuum interrupter dedicated to the second phase L2, and 4c denotes a vacuum interrupter dedicated to the third phase L3.
[0098] Each of the vacuum interrupters 4a, 4b, 4c is respectively integrated in the disconnection modules 50a, 50b, 50c. Each of the disconnection modules 50a, 50b, 50c can interrupt the current of the corresponding phases L1, L2, L3. The disconnection modules can be the same. Each disconnection module corresponds to a specific design that will be described in detail below. Reference numeral 50 refers to the proposed design and is independent of the electrical phase it refers to.
[0099] Figures 2 to 7 An embodiment of the proposed disconnection module is shown.
[0100] The disconnection module 50 for medium-voltage or high-voltage switchgear 100 includes:
[0101] - A vacuum interrupter 4, including a housing 3 forming a casing, a first electrical contact 1 and a second electrical contact 2 are arranged in the casing, and the first electrical contact 1 and the second electrical contact 2 are configured to move relative to each other along an axis D between an open position O where the two contacts 1, 2 are separated from each other and a closed position C where the two contacts 1, 2 are in contact with each other,
[0102] - A support frame 30,
[0103] - A first bracket 5, fixed to the support frame 30 and including a first radially adjacent surface 7, and the first radially adjacent surface 7 is configured to limit the radial movement of the vacuum interrupter 4 relative to the support frame 30,
[0104] - A second bracket 6, including a second radially adjacent surface 8, and the second radially adjacent surface 8 is configured to limit the radial movement of the vacuum interrupter 4 relative to the support frame 30, wherein the second bracket 6 is fixed to the first bracket 5.
[0105] During the assembly of the disconnect module 50, the vacuum interrupter 4 can be inserted into the disconnect module 50 when only the first bracket 5 is fixed to the support frame 30. In this configuration, the insertion is easy because a large access space is available around the vacuum interrupter 4 as there is no obstruction from the second bracket 6 which does not exist at this stage. Once the vacuum interrupter 4 has been positioned against the first bracket 5, the second bracket 6 can then be fixed to the first bracket 5 to secure the installation of the vacuum interrupter 4. The assembly of the vacuum interrupter 4 in the disconnect module 50 is easier and eliminates the risk of misalignment of the vacuum interrupter 4 relative to the support frame 30.
[0106] The first conductive rod 60 is fixed relative to the support frame 30. The first conductive rod 60 is fixed to the first electrical contact 1. The second conductive rod 61 is fixed to the second electrical contact 2. The second conductive rod 61 can move relative to the support frame 30. The transition between the closed state and the open state of the vacuum interrupter 4 is achieved by the translational stroke of the second electrical contact 2. To allow the translational movement of the second electrical contact 2, the second conductive rod 61 includes a flexible strip 62 to accommodate the displacement of the movable electrical contact 2 of the vacuum interrupter 4. The flexible strip 62 has a curved shape and the curvature of the flexible strip 62 changes between the closed position C and the open position O of the vacuum interrupter 4. In the example shown, the first electrical contact 1 is fixed relative to the housing 3 of the vacuum interrupter 4. The second electrical contact 2 can translate relative to the housing 3 along its extension axis.
[0107] The first bracket 5 is configured to allow translational movement of the vacuum interrupter 4 relative to the support frame 30. Similarly, the second bracket 6 is configured to allow axial translation of the vacuum interrupter 4 relative to the support frame 30.
[0108] Since no axial constraint is imposed on the vacuum interrupter 4, there is no force tending to tilt the vacuum interrupter 4 out of alignment. The relative positions of the two electrical contacts 1, 2 of the vacuum interrupter 4 can be maintained with higher precision. The current interruption capability of the vacuum interrupter 4 can be more consistent throughout the life of the vacuum interrupter 4.
[0109] The second bracket 6 is reversibly fixed to the first bracket 5. The second bracket 6 can be detached from the first bracket 5 and then reattached to the first bracket 5. Such temporary detachment can occur, for example, during a maintenance operation in which a new vacuum interrupter is installed in the disconnect module. Similarly, the first bracket 5 is reversibly fixed to the support frame 30. If required, the first bracket 5 can be detached from the support frame 30 and then reattached.
[0110] The second bracket 6 is only fixed to the first bracket 5. In other words, the second bracket 6 has no direct mechanical connection to the support frame 30. The second bracket 6 is rigidly linked to the first bracket 5 which itself is rigidly linked to the support frame 30.
[0111] In the illustrated embodiment of the disconnect module 50, the radial clearance between the first radially adjacent surface 7 and the vacuum interrupter 4 is between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm. The radial clearance between the second radially adjacent surface 8 and the vacuum interrupter 4 is between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm.
[0112] The first bracket 5 and the second bracket 6 maintain the spatial position of the vacuum interrupter 4 during the opening and closing sequences of the vacuum interrupter 4. No radial constraint is exerted as long as the vacuum interrupter 4 does not bear against one or the side of the two fixed brackets 5, 6.
[0113] This radial clearance range corresponds to the maximum angle of the vacuum interrupter 4, which is between 0° and 5.0°.
[0114] There is an axial clearance between the first bracket 5 and the housing 3 of the vacuum interrupter 4. There is an axial clearance between the second bracket 6 and the housing 3 of the vacuum interrupter 4.
[0115] In the illustrated embodiment of the disconnect module 50, the first electrical contact 1 is fixed relative to the support frame 30, and the second electrical contact 2 can move relative to the first electrical contact 1 between an open position O and a closed position C, and the first bracket 5 and the second bracket 6 define an opening through which the second electrical contact 2 passes.
[0116] Once the disconnect module 50 is assembled, the second electrical contact 2 is surrounded by the opening defined by the first bracket 5 and the second bracket 6. The axial position of the second electrical contact 2 relative to the first bracket 5 and the second bracket 6 depends on the electrical state of the vacuum interrupter, and this position is different when the vacuum interrupter 4 is in the open position or the closed position.
[0117] In the different figures, the actuating mechanism capable of opening or closing the vacuum interrupter 4 is not shown and will not be described here.
[0118] The vacuum interrupter 4 includes a first end cap 9 and a second end cap 10, each end cap 9, 10 respectively closing the axial ends of the housing 3. The first end cap 9 seals the axial end of the housing 3 corresponding to the second contact 2, where the second contact 2 is the stationary contact here. The second end cap 10 seals the axial end of the housing 3 corresponding to the first contact 1, where the first contact 1 is the moving contact here. The vacuum interrupter 4 includes a first end cap 9 and a second end cap 10. Each end cap 9, 10 closes the corresponding axial end of the housing 3. The first bracket 5 includes a bent portion 11, and the bent portion 11 is configured to receive a first portion of one of the end caps 9, 10, which is the end cap 9. The bent portion 11 of the first bracket 5 is, for example, semi-circular, as Figure 3 and Figure 6 is particularly visible in.
[0119] In the same way, the second bracket 6 includes a bent portion 12 configured to receive a second part of one of the end caps 9 in the end cap. As Figure 7 shown, the bent portion 12 of the second bracket 6 is semi-circular here.
[0120] The bent portion 11 of the first bracket 5 and the bent portion 12 of the second bracket 6 define a circular opening 13. The first radially adjacent surface 7 and the second radially adjacent surface 8 match the shape of the end cap 9 to provide radial support in any direction transverse to the axis D of the vacuum interrupter.
[0121] As Figure 5 shown, the end cap 9 includes:
[0122] - a disc-shaped first part 15 that extends in a plane transverse to the axis D of the housing 3, and
[0123] - a cylindrical second part 16 that extends along the axis D of the housing 3,
[0124] The circular opening 13 surrounds the second part 16 of the end cap 9.
[0125] The second part 16 is fixed relative to the first part 15. The second part 16 includes two protruding lugs 20A, 20B. The second electrical contact 2 includes two grooves 14A, 14B. The protruding lugs 20A, 20B and the grooves 14A, 14B have complementary shapes. The first lug 20A extends into the first groove 14A, and the second lug 20B extends into the second groove 14B. Figure 6 This characteristic becomes particularly evident.
[0126] The arrangement of the lugs 20A, 20B of the second part 16 and the grooves 14A, 14B of the second electrical contact 2 provides an anti-twist function. In other words, rotation of the second electrical contact 2 relative to its extension axis is prevented. The torque generated by the assembly of the second electrical contact 2 and the second conductive rod 61 is prevented. When Figure 5 the fixing screw 65 shown is tightened to fix the second electrical contact 2, this torque is applied.
[0127] The grooves 14A, 14B are symmetric with respect to each other about the extension axis of the second electrical contact 2 respectively. Similarly, the lugs 20A, 20B are symmetric with respect to each other about the extension axis of the second electrical contact 2 respectively. The second part 16 is also referred to as an anti-twist cap. Its lateral outer surface is provided with splines so that the tool can firmly hold it during the assembly process.
[0128] The first bracket 5 can be metallic. The second bracket 6 can be metallic. The first bracket 5 and the second bracket 6 are, for example, castings. The abutment surfaces 7, 8 can be machined. The abutment surfaces 7, 8 can remain in the as-cast state.
[0129] The first bracket 5 can also be made of a plastic material. Similarly, the second bracket 6 can be made of a plastic material.
[0130] The first end cap 9 and the second end cap 10 comprise a metallic material. The second end cap 10 corresponding to the static contact 1 is made of metal. The first end cap 9 corresponding to the moving contact 2 comprises a first metallic part 15. The second part 16 can be a plastic part fixed to the first part 15. The first end cap 9 and the second end cap 10 are welded to the housing 3 of the vacuum interrupter 4.
[0131] As Figure 7 shown, the first end faces of the first bracket 5 and the second bracket 6 extend in a first common plane P1. In this example, the second end faces of the first bracket 5 and the second bracket 6 extend in a second common plane P2.
[0132] The first common plane P1 and the second common plane P2 are parallel and transverse to the extension axis D of the housing 3 of the vacuum interrupter 4.
[0133] The housing 3 and the two electrical contacts 1, 2 are coaxial. The housing 3 is electrically insulating. The housing is cylindrical. The housing 3 is made of a ceramic material, such as alumina.
[0134] In the illustrated embodiment of the disconnect module 50, the first bracket 5 includes two positioning surfaces 17, 18 that are configured to contact the support frame 30. The two positioning surfaces 17, 18 are symmetrically positioned relative to the semi-circular opening.
[0135] The two positioning surfaces 17, 18 extend perpendicular to the axis D of the electrical contacts 1, 2 of the vacuum interrupter 4. In Figure 5 it can be observed that the two positioning surfaces 17, 18, where the first bracket 5 and the second bracket 6 are separated and offset from the vacuum interrupter 4, and in Figure 7 the two brackets are fixed together with a vacuum interrupter not shown.
[0136] The support frame 30 includes two receiving areas 31, 32. Each receiving area 31, 32 is configured to receive the positioning surfaces 17, 18 of the first bracket 5, respectively.
[0137] The receiving areas 31, 32 of the support frame 30 are arranged in the axial direction between the vacuum interrupter housing 3 and the first bracket 5. The receiving areas 31, 32 of the support frame 30 can be symmetrically arranged relative to a plane including the extension axis of the vacuum interrupter 4.
[0138] In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving regions 31, 32 of the support frame 30 extend perpendicular to the axis D of the electrical contacts 1, 2 of the vacuum interrupter 4.
[0139] The positioning surfaces 17 of the first support 5 include positioning singularities 19 which are configured to cooperate with the positioning singularities 33 of the corresponding receiving regions 31, 32 of the support frame 30.
[0140] The positioning singularities 19 assist in precisely positioning the first support 5 within the disconnect module 50 during the assembly process.
[0141] In an example not shown, each of the positioning surfaces 17, 18 of the first support 5 may include positioning singularities 19 which are configured to cooperate with the corresponding positioning singularities 33 of each of the receiving regions 31, 32 of the support frame 30.
[0142] As Figure 7 shown, the positioning singularities 19 of the positioning surfaces 17, 18 are protrusions and the positioning singularities 33 of the receiving regions 31, 32 of the support frame 30 are recessed regions. The recessed region 33 is a circular hole here.
[0143] In a variant not shown, the positioning singularities 19 of the positioning surfaces 17, 18 may be recessed regions and the positioning singularities of the receiving regions 31, 32 of the support frame 30 may be protrusions.
[0144] The recessed region may be a round hole, the protrusion may be a cylindrical pin which can pass through a cylindrical hole. The round hole may be a through hole or a blind hole.
[0145] The first support 5 is fixed to the support frame 30 by screws 25 extending through the two positioning surfaces 17, 18. Here, the fixing screws 25 of the first support 5 are parallel to the axis D of the electrical contacts 1, 2, but are not limited thereto.
[0146] The second support 6 is fixed to the first support 5 by screws 26. Thus, for example during a maintenance operation, the second support 6 can be separated from the first support 5 and then reassembled.
[0147] The fixing screws 26 of the second support 6 are, for example but not limited to, perpendicular to the axis D of the electrical contacts. The fixing screws 26 of the second support 6 are symmetrically positioned with respect to the semi-circular opening 13.
[0148] The first support 5 includes an abutment region 21 which is configured to receive the abutment region 22 of the second support 6. The abutment region 21 of the first support 5 and the abutment region 22 of the second support 6 have complementary shapes.
[0149] The accuracy of the relative position of the second bracket 6 with respect to the first bracket 5 is improved. In addition, the stability of the second bracket 6 during the assembly operation is enhanced. As a result, the assembly is easier, and the risk of the second bracket 6 falling off from the disconnect module 50 during its assembly is reduced.
[0150] Similarly, the second bracket 6 includes positioning singularities 29 that are configured to cooperate with the positioning singularities 34 of the corresponding receiving regions of the support frame 30. The positioning singularities can be protrusions. In the illustrated embodiment, the second bracket 6 includes two protrusions 29 in the shape of cylindrical pins. Each protrusion 29 can be fitted into the positioning singularity 34 of the support frame 30. The assembly of the second bracket 6 on the first bracket 5 becomes easier because the second bracket 6 can be maintained in its correct position before the fixing screws 26 are installed.
[0151] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the first bracket 5 is fixed to the support frame 30 by an alternative fixing device.
[0152] The first bracket 5 can be fixed to the support frame 30 by a rivet extending through two positioning surfaces 17, 18. The insertion direction of the rivet can be the same as the direction of the fixing screws already described.
[0153] In another variant of the disconnect module 50, the first bracket 5 is fixed to the support frame 30 by a clip. The clip can be provided on the first bracket 5, and corresponding parts such as slots are provided on the support frame 30.
[0154] Alternatively, the clip can be provided on the support frame 30, and corresponding parts such as slots are provided on the first bracket 5. The clip is elastically deformed by being inserted into the slot and can expand once they are fully engaged in the slot. Thus, a rigid fixation of the components is provided. If necessary, the operator can deform the clip to allow disassembly.
[0155] In another variant of the disconnect module 50 (not shown), the first bracket 5 is fixed to the support frame 30 by glue. The glue is provided between each of the positioning surfaces 17, 18 and the corresponding receiving regions 31, 32 of the support frame 30.
[0156] Similarly, in another embodiment of the disconnect module (not shown), the second bracket 6 is fixed to the first bracket 5 by a clip. If necessary, the operator can deform the clip to allow disassembly.
[0157] Now, the assembly method of the disconnect module 50 will be described. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The different steps of the assembly process are shown in chronological order.
[0158] The assembly method includes the following steps:
[0159] (i) Provide a support frame 30, the support frame 30 including a first conductive rod 60, the first conductive rod 60 being configured to be fixed to the electrical contacts of the vacuum interrupter 4.
[0160] (ii) Provide a first bracket 5, the first bracket 5 including a first radially adjacent surface 7, the first radially adjacent surface 7 being configured to receive the vacuum interrupter housing 3.
[0161] (iii) Fix the first bracket 5 to the support frame 30.
[0162] (iv) Provide a vacuum interrupter 4, the vacuum interrupter 4 including two movable electrical contacts 1, 2 relative to each other, the first electrical contact 1 of the vacuum interrupter 4 being fixed to the first conductive rod 60, and the second electrical contact 2 being fixed to the second conductive rod 61.
[0163] (v) Position the vacuum interrupter 4 against the first bracket 5.
[0164] (vi) Switch the vacuum interrupter 4 to the closed position C of the electrical contacts 1, 2.
[0165] (vii) Fix a second bracket 6 to the first bracket 5 so as to clamp the vacuum interrupter 4 relative to the support frame 30.
[0166] The vacuum interrupter 4 is inserted into the disconnection module 50 while only the first bracket 5 is installed. Thus, the insertion is easy even if the vacuum interrupter has been connected to the first conductive rod 60 and the second conductive rod 61. In fact, at this stage, the second bracket 6 does not exist, which provides the possibility of lateral access in a direction transverse to the conductive rods. There is no obstacle to the insertion of the vacuum interrupter.
[0167] Figure 8 Part A of [the figure] shows the vacuum interrupter 4 before being inserted into the support frame 30 and thus offset from the support frame 30. In Figure 8 Part A of [the figure], the first bracket 5 has been assembled to the support frame 30. Figure 8 Part B of [the figure] shows the vacuum interrupter 4 after it has been inserted into the support frame 30 and the first electrical contact 1 has been fixed to the first conductive rod 60. The contacts 1, 2 are in the closed position and are in contact with each other by the contact pressure applied by the actuating mechanism of the disconnection module 50. The second bracket 6 has not been assembled yet. When the electrical contacts 1, 2 are closed, the vacuum interrupter housing 3 self-aligns at an angular position corresponding to the true internal force between the two contacts 1, 2. Then, the second bracket 6 is assembled and fixed to the first bracket 5 while the electrical contacts 1, 2 are still closed. During the assembly operation, no external axial or radial constraints are applied to the housing 3 of the vacuum interrupter 4. Only the axial force generated by the closing of the electrical contacts 1, 2 is applied. Thus, the risk that the vacuum interrupter 4 is misaligned with its preferred orientation respectively is eliminated. Figure 8Part C of shows the disconnect module 50 where the second bracket 6 is assembled and fixed to the first bracket 5. The assembly is complete.
[0168] Compared with Figure 8 Part A of shows the disconnect module 50 after the vacuum interrupter 4 is inserted and before the second bracket 6 is assembled, from a different perspective. Figure 9 Part B of shows the disconnect module 50 where the second bracket 6 is assembled and fixed by screws 26. From a different perspective, Figure 9 Part B of corresponds to Figure 9 Part C of. Figure 8
[0169] In an embodiment not shown, the first electrical contact 1 can also be translated relative to the housing 3 of the vacuum interrupter. In other words, both electrical contacts 1, 2 are movable.
[0170] In an embodiment not shown, the first fixed bracket 5 is integral with the support frame 30. For example, the fixed bracket 5 and the support frame 30 are cast simultaneously. In this case, steps (i), (ii), and (iii) of the assembly method are combined and carried out simultaneously.
Claims
1. A disconnection module (50) for a medium - voltage or high - voltage switchgear (100), comprising: A vacuum interrupter (4), including a housing (3) forming a casing, a first electrical contact (1) and a second electrical contact (2) being disposed in the casing, the first electrical contact (1) and the second electrical contact (2) being configured to move relative to each other along an axis (D) between an open position (O) where the two contacts (1, 2) are separated from each other and a closed position (C) where the two contacts (1, 2) are in contact with each other, A support frame (30), A first bracket (5), fixed to the support frame (30) and including a first radial abutment surface (7), the first radial abutment surface (7) being configured to limit the radial movement of the vacuum interrupter (4) relative to the support frame (30), A second bracket (6), including a second radial abutment surface (8), the second radial abutment surface (8) being configured to limit the radial movement of the vacuum interrupter (4) relative to the support frame (30), wherein the second bracket (6) is fixed to the first bracket (5).
2. The disconnection module (50) according to claim 1, wherein: The first bracket (5) is configured to allow translational movement of the vacuum interrupter (4) relative to the support frame (30), and The second bracket (6) is configured to allow axial translation of the vacuum interrupter (4) relative to the support frame (30).
3. The disconnection module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrical contact (1) is fixed relative to the support frame (30), and the second electrical contact (2) is movable relative to the first electrical contact (1) between the open position (O) and the closed position (C), wherein the first bracket (5) and the second bracket (6) define an opening through which the second electrical contact (2) passes.
4. The disconnection module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vacuum interrupter (4) includes a first end cap (9) and a second end cap (10), each end cap (9, 10) closing a respective axial end of the housing (3), and wherein: The first bracket (5) includes a bent portion (11), the bent portion (11) being configured to receive a first part of one of the end caps (9, 10), and The second bracket (6) includes a bent portion (12), the bent portion (12) being configured to receive a second part of the one end cap (9).
5. The disconnection module (50) according to claim 4, wherein the bent portion (11) of the first bracket (5) and the bent portion (12) of the second bracket (6) define a circular opening (13).
6. The disconnection module (50) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the end cap (9) includes: A first, disc - shaped portion (15), the first portion (15) extending in a plane transverse to the axis (D) of the housing (3), and A second cylindrical part (16), the second part (16) extending along the axis (D) of the housing (3), and wherein the circular opening (13) surrounds the second part (16) of the end cap (9).
7. The disconnect module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first bracket (5) comprises two positioning surfaces (17, 18), the two positioning surfaces (17, 18) being configured to contact the support frame (30), and wherein the support frame (30) comprises two receiving regions (31, 32), each receiving region (31, 32) being configured to receive respectively the positioning surfaces (17, 18) of the first bracket (5).
8. The disconnect module (50) according to claim 7, wherein the positioning surfaces (17, 18) of the first bracket (5) comprise positioning singularities (19), the positioning singularities (19) being configured to cooperate with the positioning singularities (33) of the corresponding receiving regions (31, 32) of the support frame (30).
9. The disconnect module (50) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each positioning surface (17, 18) of the first bracket (5) comprises positioning singularities (19), the positioning singularities (19) being configured to cooperate with the corresponding positioning singularities (33) of each receiving region (31, 32) of the support frame (30).
10. The disconnect module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first bracket (5) is fixed to the support frame (30) by a screw (25) extending through the two positioning surfaces (17, 18).
11. The disconnect module (50) according to claim 10, wherein the fixing screw (25) of the first bracket (5) is parallel to the axis (D) of the electrical contacts (1, 2).
12. The disconnect module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second bracket (6) is fixed to the first bracket (5) by a screw (26), and wherein the fixing screw (26) of the second bracket (6) is perpendicular to the axis (D) of the electrical contacts.
13. The disconnect module (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first bracket (5) comprises an abutment region (21), the abutment region (21) being configured to receive the abutment region (22) of the second bracket (6), and wherein the abutment region (21) of the first bracket (5) and the abutment region (22) of the second bracket (6) have complementary shapes.
14. A medium-voltage or high-voltage switchgear (100) configured to connect and disconnect current in a three-phase (L1, L2, L3) medium-voltage or high-voltage electrical network, comprising a disconnect module (50a, 50b, 50c) according to any one of the preceding claims, the disconnect modules (50a, 50b, 50c) being arranged respectively on each phase (L1, L2, L3) of the electrical network.
15. A method of assembling a disconnect module (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising the following steps: Provide a support frame (30), the support frame (30) including a first conductive rod (60), the first conductive rod (60) being configured to be fixed to the electrical contact of the vacuum interrupter (4). Provide a first bracket (5), the first bracket (5) including a first radially adjacent surface (7), the first radially adjacent surface (7) being configured to receive the vacuum interrupter housing (3). Fix the first bracket (5) to the support frame (30). Provide a vacuum interrupter (4), the vacuum interrupter (4) including two movable electrical contacts (1, 2) relative to each other. Position the vacuum interrupter (4) against the first bracket (5) and fix one electrical contact (1) of the vacuum interrupter (4) to the first conductive rod (60). Fix the other electrical contact (2) to the second conductive rod (61). Switch the vacuum interrupter (4) to the closed position (C) of the electrical contacts (1, 2). Fix the second bracket (6) to the first bracket (5) so as to clamp the vacuum interrupter (4) relative to the support frame (30).