Voltage transformer and switchgear

Abstract

This disclosure relates to voltage transformers and switchgear. A voltage transformer (1) includes: a housing (10); a connection terminal (11) configured to be electrically connected to a first voltage side; a fuse assembly (12) including a fuse (121) having a first end electrically connected to the connection terminal (11); and a coil assembly (13) electrically connected to a second end of the fuse (121) and configured to output a second voltage for a second voltage side based on the first voltage, the second voltage being different from the first voltage; wherein both the connection terminal (11) and the coil assembly (13) are located within the housing (10) near a first side (101) of the housing (10), and the fuse assembly (12) is located within the housing (10) near a second side (102) of the housing (10) opposite to the first side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to switchgear, and more specifically to voltage transformers in switchgear. Background Technology

[0002] Switchgear is used to open, close, control, and protect electrical equipment during the power generation, transmission, distribution, and energy conversion processes in a power system.

[0003] The limited internal space of switchgear necessitates extensive testing and verification for any improvements to the components housed within it, and enhancing the electrical reliability of switchgear remains an ongoing research topic. While some solutions have emerged to improve the electrical reliability of switchgear, these solutions typically require additional functional components, thus occupying significant space within the switchgear. This necessitates redesigning the switchgear layout to accommodate these solutions, or reducing or eliminating some components to free up space for these improvements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve one or more of the problems mentioned above and / or other potential problems.

[0005] According to a first aspect, a voltage transformer is provided, comprising a housing, connecting terminals, a fuse assembly, and a coil assembly. The connecting terminals are configured to be electrically connected to a first voltage side. The fuse assembly includes a fuse, a first end of which is electrically connected to the connecting terminals. The coil assembly is electrically connected to a second end of the fuse and is configured to output a second voltage for a second voltage side based on the first voltage. The second voltage is different from the first voltage. Both the connecting terminals and the coil assembly are positioned within the housing, near a first side of the housing. The fuse assembly is positioned within the housing, near a second side of the housing opposite to the first side.

[0006] This implementation method enables the voltage transformer to be compact while simultaneously providing it with the functional characteristics of a fuse. Furthermore, the connection terminals positioned within the housing allow for protrusions on the output terminals of the corresponding phases of the switchgear connected to these terminals.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the connection terminal includes a female connector configured to connect to a male connector at the first voltage side for transmitting the first voltage. Connecting the male and female connectors together improves the stability of the circuit connection. The female connector can be in the form of a socket, and the male connector can be in the form of a plug.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the female connector includes a hollow tapered profile that tapers relative to a direction from the first side toward the second side. In this manner, a male connector can be inserted into the hollow portion of the female connector, and at a predetermined position, the side of the male connector can make face contact with part or all of the side of the female connector that forms the tapered profile.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the fuse includes a first portion extending along a length direction, and the fuse assembly further includes a first shielding member for preventing air gap discharge, the first shielding member being arranged along the length direction of the first portion and at least partially covering the first portion. Because an air gap exists between the fuse and the housing, the first shielding member can function to prevent air gap discharge.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the housing includes an aperture configured to allow the fuse assembly to be accessed from outside the housing for replacement of the fuse. This implementation allows the fuse to be disassembled for inspection when needed, or to be replaced if damaged.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the housing includes a metallized outer shell. The metallized outer shell can be formed by a metal spraying process to form a metal coating of a predetermined thickness. The metal coating can include a metal or an alloy. The metal can include aluminum, etc.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the voltage transformer further includes a plug configured to be received by the orifice and comprising an insulating material. The arrangement of the plug helps prevent current flowing through the fuse from leaking to the outside of the voltage transformer.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the fuse assembly further includes: a base configured to abut against one of a first end and a second end of the fuse; and a fastening member configured to abut against the other of the first end and the second end of the fuse and apply force to the fuse. This implementation allows for reliable fixation and electrical connection of the fuse.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the fastening member includes a threaded screw and a nut, the nut being secured to the housing. The engagement of the screw and nut allows the level of force applied to the fuse to be adjusted, and also allows the fuse to be accessed by removing the screw, thereby facilitating fuse replacement.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the connecting terminal is electrically connected to the fuse via a spring. If there is a deviation between the actual installation position and the predetermined position of the connecting terminal and the fuse, the compression of the spring can compensate for these deviations, thereby still achieving an electrical connector between the connecting terminal and the fuse.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the voltage transformer further includes a second shielding member for preventing air gap discharge, the second shielding member being disposed on the side of the connection terminal near the fuse and covering at least a portion of the connection terminal. By arranging the second shielding member, air gap discharge at the mating interface of the female connector can be prevented.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the voltage transformer further includes a mounting assembly positioned on the first side of the housing, the mounting assembly being configured to secure the housing to a corresponding location within the switch cabinet. This allows for convenient securing of the voltage transformer.

[0018] According to a second aspect, a switch cabinet is provided, the switch cabinet including the voltage transformer according to the first aspect.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the switch cabinet includes an output terminal configured to extend into the housing of the voltage transformer and connect to the connection terminal of the voltage transformer.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the output terminal includes a male connector.

[0021] These and other contents will become readily understood and elucidated by referring to the accompanying drawings and the description of various embodiments thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will become more readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are shown by way of example, not limitation, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a voltage transformer according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a voltage transformer is shown.

[0025] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the voltage transformer is shown.

[0026] Figure 4A fuse assembly according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The fastening components shown; and

[0028] Figure 6 Connection terminals and a second shielding member according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0029] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The subject matter described herein will now be discussed with reference to several exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are discussed only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and thus implement the subject matter described herein, and are not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the subject matter.

[0031] The terms “comprising” or “including” and variations thereof shall be interpreted as open-ended terms meaning “including, but not limited to”. The term “or” shall be interpreted as “and / or” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “based on” shall be understood as “at least partially based on”. The terms “one embodiment” and “embodiment” shall be understood as “at least one embodiment”. The term “another embodiment” shall be understood as “at least one other embodiment”.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “connection” and “coupling” and their variations are used extensively and cover both direct and indirect connections and couplings. Furthermore, “connection” and “coupling” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. In the following description, the same reference numerals and designations are used to describe the same, similar, or corresponding parts in the figures. Other explicit and implicit definitions may be included below.

[0033] A switchgear may include at least one phase for inputting / outputting a corresponding phase voltage / current. The switchgear also includes other electrical components for operating, switching on, or changing the corresponding phase voltage / current. For the line in at least one phase, a voltage transformer may be configured to change the voltage characteristics. These voltage characteristics include the voltage level. Changing the voltage characteristics can be specifically achieved by coil groups (e.g., multiple windings) within the voltage transformer.

[0034] Integrating a fuse into a voltage transformer can effectively protect the circuit downstream of the fuse (in terms of the direction of current flow) and the components on that circuit.

[0035] In view of this, this disclosure provides several embodiments of a voltage transformer in which a fuse is arranged, and in which the components are arranged to make full use of space. Although the following is combined with the appendix... Figures 1-6 A voltage transformer has been specifically described, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Various variations of embodiments implemented in accordance with the spirit of this disclosure after understanding its features should also be considered to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, although the voltage transformer of this disclosure is primarily used in switchgear, it can also be adapted to form other types of electrical installations.

[0036] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a voltage transformer is shown. See also Figure 1 The voltage transformer 1 may include a housing 10, a connection terminal 11, a fuse assembly 12, and a coil assembly 13. The connection terminal 11 may be configured to be electrically connected to a first voltage side. The first voltage side may correspond to the input side of a corresponding phase in at least one phase of the switchgear. The first voltage may be the phase voltage of the corresponding phase. The fuse assembly 12 may include a fuse 121. A first end of the fuse 121 may be electrically connected to the connection terminal 11. The coil assembly 13 may be electrically connected to a second end of the fuse 121 and configured to output a second voltage for a second voltage side based on the first voltage, the second voltage being different from the first voltage. The second voltage side may correspond to the output side of the corresponding phase for powering devices downstream of the circuit. In some embodiments, the second voltage is lower than the first voltage. The coil assembly 13 may include multiple windings. In some embodiments, the coil assembly 13 may also include a magnetic core. In one embodiment, the voltage transformer 1 further includes an output interface 19 for outputting the second voltage.

[0037] The fuse 121 may include a first portion 1211 extending along its length. The fuse assembly 12 may also include a first shield 122 for preventing air gap discharge, the first shield 122 being arranged along the length of the first portion 1211 and at least partially covering the first portion 1211.

[0038] In one embodiment, the fuse assembly 12 may further include a base 123 and a fastening member 124. The base 123 is configured to abut against one of a first end and a second end of the fuse 121. The fastening member 124 is configured to abut against the other of the first end and the second end of the fuse 121 and to apply force to the fuse 121. In some embodiments, the fastening member 124 includes a threaded screw 1241 and a nut 1242, the nut being secured to the housing 10.

[0039] In some embodiments, both the connection terminal 11 and the coil assembly 13 are positioned within the housing 10, near a first side 101 of the housing 10, and the fuse assembly 12 is positioned within the housing 10, near a second side 102 of the housing 10 opposite to the first side.

[0040] In another embodiment, the base 123 may also include a spring 1231. The spring 1231 is configured to apply a counterforce to the fuse to cooperate with the fastening member 124 to clamp the fuse 121.

[0041] Figure 2 A perspective view of a voltage transformer is shown. (Reference) Figure 2 The connection terminal 11 may include a female connector 111. The female connector is configured to connect to a male connector 21 at the first voltage side for transmitting the first voltage. The female connector may be in the form of a socket, and the male connector may be in the form of a plug.

[0042] In some embodiments, the female connector 111 may include a hollow tapered profile. The tapered profile tapers relative to the direction from the first side 101 toward the second side 102. In one embodiment, the dimensions and shape of the female connector 111 conform to European standards (EN) (e.g., technical standards approved by the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) or specifications developed / published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

[0043] In some embodiments, the female connector 111 may further include a mating interface 1111. The mating interface 1111 may include a snap-fit ​​component for securing the male connector 21 relative to the housing 1 when the male connector 21 and the female connector 111 are used in mating. The snap-fit ​​component may be coupled to a mechanical switch. The mechanical switch may be configured such that the snap-fit ​​component secures and releases the male connector 21 based on switching of the mechanical switch. The mating interface 1111 may also include a spring for maintaining face contact between the male connector 21 and the female connector 111, thereby achieving a stable electrical connection.

[0044] In some embodiments, the voltage transformer 1 may further include a second shield 17 for preventing air gap discharge. The second shield is disposed on the side of the connection terminal 11 near the fuse 121 and covers at least a portion of the connection terminal 11. In some embodiments, the second shield 17 may have an annular shape and be arranged to surround at least a portion of the connection terminal 11.

[0045] In some embodiments, the housing 10 further includes a hole 14. The hole is configured to allow the fuse assembly 12 to be accessed from the outside of the housing 10 for replacement of the fuse 121. When the condition of the fuse needs to be checked or replaced, the screws 1241 in the fastening member 124 can be removed through the hole to access the fuse 121 for inspection or replacement.

[0046] In some embodiments, the fuse 121 may be disposed within a fuse housing, and the fuse 121 includes one or more fuse wires. The fuse housing with the fuse 121 may be clamped by a base 123 and a fastening member 124. In some embodiments, the fuse housing may include features, such as protrusions or recesses, provided on the outside of the fuse housing for clamping purposes, to facilitate securing the fuse housing with the fuse 121. This facilitates the inspection or replacement of the fuse 121.

[0047] In some embodiments, sand is disposed within the fuse housing. The sand can be used for arc extinguishing and also for fuse positioning. When multiple fuse wires are disposed within the fuse housing, the sand can also separate the multiple fuse wires from each other. In some embodiments, the sand comprises quartz sand, and the sand fills most or substantially all of the space within the fuse housing.

[0048] In some embodiments, the voltage transformer 1 may include a plug 15. The plug 15 is configured to be received by the orifice 14 and includes an insulating material. In some embodiments, the size of the plug 15 corresponds to the size of the orifice, and the plug 15 may be secured to the housing 10 via screws.

[0049] In some embodiments, the portion of the plug 15 received by the hole 14 is also configured to contact the screw 1241. In other embodiments, the portion of the plug 15 received by the hole 14 is also configured to contact the nut 1242 and not the screw 1241. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the portion of the plug 15 received by the hole 14 can be determined based on a first voltage using a reference voltage-dimensional table. This voltage-dimensional table can be directly provided by documents related to European Standards (EN), or it can be obtained by transformation based on a table directly provided by documents related to European Standards (EN).

[0050] Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of a voltage transformer is shown. (Reference) Figure 3In some embodiments, the housing 10 includes a body made of insulating material and an outer shell 101 made of metallic material surrounding the body. The outer shell 101 may be in the form of a coating. The outer shell 101 may be formed by a metal spraying process to form a metallic coating of a predetermined thickness. The metallic material may include metals or alloys, and the metal may include aluminum, etc. The outer shell 101 may be configured to be grounded. In some embodiments, the insulating material may include epoxy resin. The housing 10 is thermoformed according to predetermined positions / spaces of the connection terminals 11, fuse assembly 12, and coil assembly 13.

[0051] In some embodiments, a spring 16 may be used to electrically connect the connection terminal 11 to the fuse 121. The deformability of the spring 16 is particularly advantageous in compensating for discrepancies between the actual and predetermined installation positions of the connection terminal 11 and fuse assembly 12 due to manufacturing errors in the housing 10, as the spring 16 can be stretched or compressed to accommodate these differences. Similarly, another spring may be used to electrically connect the fuse 121 to the coil assembly 13.

[0052] In some embodiments, the voltage transformer 1 may further include a mounting assembly 18. The mounting assembly 18 may be positioned at the first side 101 of the housing 10. The mounting assembly may be configured to secure the housing 10 to a corresponding position within the switch cabinet. In some embodiments, the mounting assembly 18 may have a plurality of through holes. The plurality of through holes includes a first through hole 181, and the first through hole 181 is configured to suspend the housing 10 to a corresponding position within the switch cabinet via fastening bolts. In one embodiment, the plurality of through holes includes a second through hole 182. The position of the second through hole 182 corresponds to the connection terminal 11. The size of the second through hole 182 is determined to be larger than the connection terminal 11 / output terminal 21, such that the output terminal 21 can pass through the second through hole 182 to be electrically connected to the connection terminal 11.

[0053] Figure 4 A fuse assembly according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. References Figure 4 In some embodiments, the first shield 122 may include a cylindrical shape, the cylindrical shape including a hollow portion 1222. In some embodiments, the cylindrical shape may be formed of a metal mesh. A first portion 1211 of the fuse 121 can be accommodated by the hollow portion 1222 of the first shield 122. In some embodiments, the base 123 may include a cavity 1232. The cavity 1232 can be used to receive a first end portion of the fuse 121. Figure 1 The spring 1231 shown can be arranged within the cavity 1232, and the spring 1231 includes a free end. The free end of the spring 1231 is positioned close to the open side of the cavity 1232.

[0054] In some embodiments, the nut 1242 of the fastening member 124 is configured to abut against the first shield 122. The nut 1242 may also be configured to secure the first shield 122. In some embodiments, a portion of the first shield 122 may be configured to abut against the outer portion of the nut 1242.

[0055] In another embodiment, the screw 1241 of the fastening member 124 is configured such that when the screw 1241 is connected to the nut 1242, a portion of the screw 1241 can extend into the hollow portion 1222 of the first shield 122 to contact the second end portion of the fuse 1211.

[0056] refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, the screw 1241 may include a base portion 40 and a protrusion 41. The protrusion 41 is arranged along the outer periphery of the base portion 40, and the protrusion 41 and the base portion 40 may form a cavity 42. The cavity 42 may be used to receive a second end portion of the fuse 121. The screw 1241 may have external threads 43. In some embodiments, the external threads 43 are arranged on the protrusion 41.

[0057] In some embodiments, the nut 1242 includes a base 50. The base 50 has a hollow shape and includes a cavity 51. The nut 1242 may have an internal thread 53 corresponding to the external thread 43. The internal thread 53 may be arranged on the inner side of the base 50. The nut 1242 may also have a mounting hole 52 located on the outer side of the base 50 of the nut 1242, and can be used to secure the nut 1242 to the first shield 122 by engaging with a fixing screw. For example, when a portion of the first shield 122 abuts against the outer portion of the nut 1242, the fixing screw may pass through the fixing hole of the first shield 122 and reach and engage with the mounting hole 52 on the nut 1242. In some embodiments, the number of fixing holes of the first shield 122 may be multiple, such as three, and in some cases, the number of mounting holes 52 on the nut 1242 may be equal to the number of fixing holes of the first shield 122, and the mounting holes 52 are arranged to align with the fixing holes respectively.

[0058] In some embodiments, the nut 1242 may include a stop 53 positioned inside the base 50. In one embodiment, the stop 53 may be disposed at or near the end of the internal thread 53. The stop 53 may be configured to inhibit additional movement of the screw 1253 from a first side of the nut 1242 toward a second side of the nut 1242. The stop 53 may be integrally formed with the base 50. The stop 53 may include a continuous or discontinuous segment projecting from the base 50.

[0059] Figure 6 Connection terminals and a second shielding member according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Reference Figure 6 In some embodiments, the second shield 17 may have a size corresponding to the female connector 111 of the connection terminal 11. The second shield 17 may also include features for... Figure 1 The through-hole of spring 16 is shown. In some embodiments, the second shield 17 may include an electrical connector 1112, such as a spring, for electrical connection to the male connector 21 and spring 16. The electrical connector 1112 may be arranged at or near the center of the second shield 17 for easy alignment with the male connector 21. Such an implementation can promote the stability of the electrical connection.

[0060] This disclosure also provides a switch cabinet that may have the voltage transformer described above. In some embodiments, the switch cabinet may further include an output terminal that may be configured to extend into the housing 10 of the voltage transformer 1 and connect to the connection terminal 11 of the voltage transformer 1. In some embodiments, the output terminal may include a male connector 21 described above in conjunction with the female connector 111. In some embodiments, the output terminal corresponds to a voltage in the switch cabinet.

[0061] This switchgear also benefits from a description of the voltage transformers. For the sake of simplicity, it will not be elaborated upon here.

[0062] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A voltage transformer (1), comprising: Shell (10), The connection terminal (11) is configured to be electrically connected to a first voltage on the first voltage side; A fuse assembly (12) includes a fuse (121) whose first end is electrically connected to the connection terminal (11); A coil group (13) is electrically connected to the second terminal of the fuse (121) and configured to output a second voltage for a second voltage side based on the first voltage, the second voltage being different from the first voltage; The connection terminal (11) and the coil assembly (13) are both located inside the housing (10) near a first side (101) of the housing (10), and the fuse assembly (12) is located inside the housing (10) near a second side (102) of the housing (10) opposite to the first side.

2. The voltage transformer (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connection terminal (11) includes a female connector (111) configured to connect to a male connector (21) at the first voltage side for transmitting the first voltage.

3. The voltage transformer (1) according to claim 2, wherein the female connector (111) includes a hollow tapered profile that tapers relative to the direction from the first side (101) toward the second side (102).

4. The voltage transformer (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fuse (121) comprises a first portion (1211) extending along the length direction, and The fuse assembly (12) further comprises: A first shield (122) for preventing air gap discharge, the first shield (122) is arranged along the length direction of the first portion (1211) and at least partially covers the first portion (1211).

5. The voltage transformer (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the housing (10) includes a hole (14) configured to allow the fuse assembly (12) to be accessed from outside the housing (10) for replacement of the fuse (121).

6. The voltage transformer (1) according to claim 5 further includes a plug (15) configured to be received by the hole (14) and comprising an insulating material.

7. The voltage transformer (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the fuse assembly (12) further comprises: Base (123), the base being configured to abut against one of the first and second ends of the fuse (121), and A fastening member (124) is configured to abut against the other of the first and second ends of the fuse (121) and apply force to the fuse (121).

8. The voltage transformer (1) according to claim 7, wherein the fastening member (124) comprises a threaded screw (1241) and a nut (1242), the nut being fixed to the housing (10).

9. The voltage transformer (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, 6 and 8, wherein the connection terminal (11) is electrically connected to the fuse (121) via a spring (16).

10. The voltage transformer (1) according to any of claims 1-3, 6 and 8, further comprising: A second shield (17) for preventing air gap discharge is arranged on the side of the connection terminal (11) near the fuse assembly (12) and covers at least a portion of the connection terminal (11).

11. The voltage transformer (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, 6 and 8, further comprising a mounting assembly (18) positioned on the first side (101) of the housing (10), the mounting assembly being configured to secure the housing (10) to a corresponding position within a switch cabinet.

12. The voltage transformer (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, 6 and 8, wherein the housing (10) comprises a metallized outer shell (101).

13. A switch cabinet comprising a voltage transformer (1) according to any one of claims 1-12.

14. The switch cabinet according to claim 13, wherein the switch cabinet includes an output terminal configured to extend into the housing (10) of the voltage transformer (1) and connect to the connection terminal (11) of the voltage transformer (1).

15. The switch cabinet according to claim 14, wherein the output terminal includes a male connector (21).

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