Double-wedge self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding body connecting clamp and mounting method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a double-wedge-plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding body connecting clamp and a mounting method thereof. The connecting clamp comprises a shell, a first wedge plate and a second wedge plate in a shell mounting cavity, and the first wedge plate and the second wedge plate are respectively moved from both ends of the shell to the inside of the mounting cavity. During connection, the first flexible grounding body is folded back after bypassing the first wedge plate, so that the first wedge plate is located in a clamping area formed by the first flexible grounding body; the second flexible grounding body is folded back after bypassing the second wedge plate, so that the second wedge plate is located in a clamping area formed by the second flexible grounding body. When the flexible grounding body is subjected to an axial tension, the tension is transmitted to the corresponding wedge plate through a back-turning structure, so that the wedge plate moves to the inside of the mounting cavity, the clamping gap between the wedge plate and the shell is reduced, and the clamping effect on the flexible grounding body is enhanced. External tension can be converted into clamping force, the tensile stability of the connecting structure is improved, and the problem that the clamping force is reduced due to deformation of the flexible grounding body during long-term use can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of power system grounding technology, and relates to a double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding body connection clamp and its installation method. Background Technology

[0002] Graphite-based flexible grounding electrodes have been gradually applied in engineering fields such as power transmission line tower grounding, power facility grounding, and lightning protection grounding due to their excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and flexible installation.

[0003] Existing graphite-based flexible grounding electrodes are typically connected using mechanical clamps to achieve reliable conductive connection and mechanical fixation between the two grounding electrodes. Currently, a single-wedge plate stacked connection structure is commonly used in engineering. This type of connection structure usually includes a clamp housing and a wedge plate set inside the housing. The wedge plate wedges in to generate clamping force, fixing the grounding electrode inside the clamp.

[0004] However, existing single-wedge plate structures still have certain shortcomings during long-term operation. On the one hand, graphite-based flexible grounding electrodes are usually formed by combining graphite materials with reinforcing fibers, possessing certain flexibility and compressibility. Under long-term clamping pressure, soil pressure, and changes in ambient temperature, the grounding electrode may undergo compressive deformation and stress relaxation, reducing the thickness of the contact area and causing a decrease in the original clamping pressure, thus affecting the reliability of the connection. On the other hand, existing single-wedge plate structures mainly rely on the friction between the wedge plate and the grounding electrode for fixation. When the connection is subjected to axial tensile force, the grounding electrode tends to slide outward, and the wedge plate may loosen accordingly, leading to a decrease in wedge clamping force and creating a problem where the greater the force, the easier it is for the connection to loosen.

[0005] In addition, some existing technologies use elastic elements or additional locking mechanisms to improve anti-loosening performance, but this increases the complexity of the structure, the number of parts, and the risk of long-term operational failure.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a graphite-based flexible grounding body connection clamp that is simple in structure, easy to install, and can improve clamping reliability by utilizing the stress state of the connection itself. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems in the prior art and provide a double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding body connection clamp and its installation method.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: A double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding electrode connection clamp includes: The housing has an internal mounting cavity that extends along the connection direction; The first wedge plate and the second wedge plate are disposed in the mounting cavity. The first wedge plate and the second wedge plate move from both ends of the outer shell into the mounting cavity, and both the first wedge plate and the second wedge plate have a wedge-shaped structure with the thickness gradually increasing along the corresponding moving direction. The first flexible grounding electrode bypasses the first wedge plate and then turns back, so that the first wedge plate is located within the clamping area formed by the first flexible grounding electrode; the second flexible grounding electrode bypasses the second wedge plate and then turns back, so that the second wedge plate is located within the clamping area formed by the second flexible grounding electrode. When the corresponding flexible grounding body is subjected to axial tension, the first wedge plate and the second wedge plate tend to move towards the inside of the mounting cavity, thereby reducing the clamping gap between the wedge plate and the outer shell and enhancing the clamping effect on the flexible grounding body.

[0009] The outer casing includes a first inner wall surface and a second inner wall surface disposed opposite to each other, and a clamping channel for accommodating a first wedge plate, a second wedge plate and a flexible grounding body is formed between the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface.

[0010] The first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface are respectively provided with unidirectional limiting structures arranged along the moving direction of the wedge plate. The unidirectional limiting structure includes a guide surface for guiding the movement of the wedge plate and a limiting surface for restricting the reverse movement of the wedge plate.

[0011] The unidirectional limiting structure is a ratchet structure spaced apart along the length of the mounting cavity, and the ratchet structure is integrally formed with the outer shell.

[0012] The outer surfaces of the first and second wedges are provided with locking areas that cooperate with the one-way limiting structure, so that the first and second wedges can pass through the one-way limiting structure when moving in the wedge direction, and restrict reverse exit.

[0013] The first flexible grounding body and the second flexible grounding body enter the mounting cavity from both ends of the outer shell, and then turn back after bypassing the corresponding wedge plates, so that the two flexible grounding bodies overlap and contact inside the mounting cavity.

[0014] The outer shell, the first wedge plate, and the second wedge plate are made of insulating engineering materials with corrosion resistance and aging resistance.

[0015] The insulating engineering material is an unsaturated polyester bulk molding compound.

[0016] An installation method for connecting a graphite-based flexible grounding electrode using a connecting clamp as described in any of the preceding items, comprising: The first flexible grounding electrode is inserted into the mounting cavity from one end of the outer shell, so that the first flexible grounding electrode passes around the first wedge plate and then folds back; Insert the second flexible grounding electrode into the mounting cavity from the other end of the outer shell, so that the second flexible grounding electrode passes around the second wedge plate and then folds back; The first and second wedges are pushed into the mounting cavity in corresponding directions, so that the first and second wedges press against the flexible grounding body located between them and the outer shell.

[0017] After installation, when the flexible grounding body is subjected to axial tension, the first wedge plate and the second wedge plate move into the installation cavity under the drive of the flexible grounding body, and the reverse movement is restricted by the one-way limiting structure to maintain the clamping state of the flexible grounding body.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention employs a first wedge plate and a second wedge plate located at both ends of the outer casing. The flexible grounding electrode bypasses the corresponding wedge plate and then folds back to form a clamping structure, creating an enveloping force relationship between the flexible grounding electrode and the wedge plate. When the flexible grounding electrode is subjected to axial tensile force, the force is transmitted to the corresponding wedge plate through the rewinding portion, causing the wedge plate to tend to move towards the interior of the mounting cavity. This overcomes the problem of easy loosening under tension in traditional wedge plate connection structures and improves the tensile stability of the connection.

[0019] In this invention, both the first and second wedge plates are configured as wedge-shaped structures with gradually increasing thickness along the wedge insertion direction. When the wedge plate moves into the mounting cavity under the tension of the flexible grounding body, the clamping space between the wedge plate and the outer shell gradually decreases, causing the flexible grounding body located between the wedge plate and the outer shell to be subjected to greater compressive force. Therefore, the axial tensile force at the connection can be converted into a driving force that enhances the clamping effect, giving the connection structure the characteristic of increasing clamping capacity with increasing force.

[0020] Because the present invention adopts a structure in which the wedge plate can move along the wedge direction, when the flexible grounding body undergoes compression deformation or thickness change under long-term clamping, the wedge plate can move further into the mounting cavity under the action of force, so that the wedge plate and the outer shell maintain a relatively stable clamping relationship, thereby reducing the problem of decreased clamping force due to long-term material deformation and improving the long-term stability of the connection structure. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding body connection clamp of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-loosening structure of the thorny pedestal of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0024] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0025] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0026] A double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding electrode connection clamp of the present invention includes: The housing includes an internal mounting cavity extending along the connection direction. The housing comprises a first inner wall surface and a second inner wall surface disposed opposite to each other, with a clamping channel between the first and second inner wall surfaces forming a space for accommodating a first wedge plate, a second wedge plate, and a flexible grounding electrode. One-way limiting structures are respectively provided on the first and second inner wall surfaces, arranged along the wedge plate movement direction. Each one-way limiting structure includes a guide surface for guiding the movement of the wedge plate and a limiting surface for restricting the reverse movement of the wedge plate. The one-way limiting structure is a ratchet structure spaced apart along the length of the mounting cavity, and the ratchet structure is integrally formed with the housing.

[0027] The outer surfaces of the first and second wedges are provided with locking areas that cooperate with the one-way limiting structure, so that the first and second wedges can pass through the one-way limiting structure when moving in the wedge direction, and restrict reverse exit.

[0028] The first wedge plate and the second wedge plate are disposed in the mounting cavity. The first wedge plate and the second wedge plate move from both ends of the outer shell into the mounting cavity, and both the first wedge plate and the second wedge plate have a wedge-shaped structure with the thickness gradually increasing along the corresponding moving direction. The first flexible grounding body bypasses the first wedge plate and then folds back, so that the first wedge plate is located in the clamping area formed by the first flexible grounding body. The second flexible grounding body bypasses the second wedge plate and then folds back, so that the second wedge plate is located in the clamping area formed by the second flexible grounding body. The first flexible grounding body and the second flexible grounding body enter the mounting cavity from both ends of the outer shell, and bypass the corresponding wedge plates and then fold back, so that the two flexible grounding bodies overlap and contact inside the mounting cavity.

[0029] When the corresponding flexible grounding body is subjected to axial tension, the first wedge plate and the second wedge plate tend to move towards the inside of the mounting cavity, thereby reducing the clamping gap between the wedge plate and the outer shell and enhancing the clamping effect on the flexible grounding body.

[0030] The outer shell, the first wedge plate, and the second wedge plate are made of an insulating engineering material with corrosion resistance and aging resistance. The insulating engineering material is an unsaturated polyester bulk molding compound.

[0031] The installation method for connecting graphite-based flexible grounding electrodes using the connecting clamps in this invention specifically includes the following steps: The first flexible grounding electrode is inserted into the mounting cavity from one end of the outer shell, so that the first flexible grounding electrode passes around the first wedge plate and then folds back; Insert the second flexible grounding electrode into the mounting cavity from the other end of the outer shell, so that the second flexible grounding electrode passes around the second wedge plate and then folds back; The first and second wedges are pushed into the mounting cavity in corresponding directions, so that the first and second wedges press against the flexible grounding body located between them and the outer shell.

[0032] After installation, when the flexible grounding body is subjected to axial tension, the first wedge plate and the second wedge plate move into the installation cavity under the drive of the flexible grounding body, and the reverse movement is restricted by the one-way limiting structure to maintain the clamping state of the flexible grounding body.

[0033] This embodiment provides a double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding electrode connection clamp, which is used to realize the mechanical connection between two graphite-based flexible grounding electrodes.

[0034] The connecting clamp includes a housing, a first wedge plate, and a second wedge plate.

[0035] The outer casing is configured as a cavity structure with a through mounting cavity that extends along the connection direction of the flexible grounding electrode and is used to accommodate the flexible grounding electrode to be connected and the wedge plate structure.

[0036] The first wedge and the second wedge are respectively located at both ends of the outer shell.

[0037] The first wedge plate is used to clamp the first flexible grounding electrode, and the second wedge plate is used to clamp the second flexible grounding electrode. Both the first and second wedge plates adopt a wedge-shaped structure, and their thickness gradually increases along the wedge insertion direction.

[0038] As the wedge moves from the end of the outer shell into the mounting cavity, the clamping space between the wedge and the inner wall of the outer shell gradually decreases due to the gradual increase in the thickness of the wedge, thereby exerting a squeezing and fixing effect on the flexible grounding body located between the two.

[0039] The flexible grounding electrode connection structure is as follows: during installation, the first flexible grounding electrode enters the mounting cavity from one end of the outer shell. After entering the mounting cavity, the first flexible grounding electrode bypasses the first wedge plate and folds back from the other side of the first wedge plate, so that the first wedge plate is located inside the clamping area formed by the first flexible grounding electrode.

[0040] In the above manner, a wrapping connection is formed between the first flexible grounding electrode and the first wedge plate.

[0041] Similarly, the second flexible grounding electrode enters the mounting cavity from the other end of the outer shell, bypasses the second wedge plate, and then turns back, so that the second wedge plate is located inside the clamping area formed by the second flexible grounding electrode.

[0042] After the above settings are completed, the two flexible grounding electrodes are brought close to each other and kept in contact inside the mounting cavity.

[0043] During the self-reinforcing clamping process, when the flexible grounding electrode after connection is subjected to a tensile force along the connection direction: Because the flexible grounding electrode forms a clamping structure by bypassing the corresponding wedge plate, the axial tensile force on the flexible grounding electrode is transmitted to the corresponding wedge plate, causing the wedge plate to be subjected to a force along the direction inside the mounting cavity. Under this force, the first and second wedge plates move into the mounting cavity respectively. Since the thickness of the wedge plate gradually increases along the direction of movement, the distance between the wedge plate and the outer shell gradually decreases during the movement of the wedge plate, generating greater clamping pressure on the flexible grounding electrode.

[0044] This results in a force-feeding process in the connection structure: increased axial tension, further movement of the wedge plate, reduced clamping space, and increased clamping force. Compared to traditional structures that rely on initial friction to maintain the connection, this embodiment can further enhance the clamping effect and improve connection reliability by utilizing the external tension at the connection point.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the one-way limiting structure, a one-way limiting structure is provided on the inner wall of the housing mounting cavity. The one-way limiting structure is arranged along the movement direction of the wedge plate and includes: An inclined guide surface for guiding the wedge plate into position; and a limiting surface for restricting the reverse movement of the wedge plate.

[0046] As the first and second wedges move into the mounting cavity, the wedges can gradually enter along the inclined guide surface. When the wedge is subjected to an outward retraction force, the limiting surface prevents the wedge from moving in the opposite direction.

[0047] Therefore, after the wedge plate further clamps the connection, it can maintain its current position, thus improving the long-term stability of the connection structure.

[0048] Preferably, the unidirectional limiting structure and the outer shell are formed by integral molding to reduce additional connecting parts.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the inner wall of the housing mounting cavity is provided with a ratchet structure. The ratchet structure is arranged along the wedge plate's movement direction, and its cross-section can be configured as a unidirectional tooth structure. The side facing the wedge plate's movement direction is configured as an inclined guide surface, allowing the wedge plate to smoothly pass into the mounting cavity; the side facing away from the wedge plate's movement direction is configured as a limiting surface, used to restrict the wedge plate from retracting outwards. When the wedge plate moves into the mounting cavity under the tension of the flexible grounding body, it can gradually enter along the guide surface of the ratchet structure; when the connecting structure vibrates, experiences thermal expansion and contraction, or the flexible grounding body tends to retract, the limiting surface of the ratchet structure can prevent the wedge plate from moving in the opposite direction. Therefore, the wedge plate can maintain a gradually strengthened clamping state during continuous force application, achieving mechanical locking.

[0050] In one embodiment, the outer casing, the first wedge plate, and the second wedge plate are made of an engineering insulating material. Unsaturated polyester bulk molding compound is preferred. This material possesses good heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability, meeting the long-term operating environment requirements of underground grounding projects.

[0051] In other implementations, engineering materials with similar properties can be selected depending on the usage environment.

[0052] The outer shell is injection molded from unsaturated polyester bulk molding compound (DMC). The injection temperature is controlled at 240℃~260℃, the injection pressure is controlled at 70 MPa~90 MPa, and the holding time is 8~12 seconds. The glass fiber content in the DMC material is 10%~30%, and the fiber length is 3 mm~25 mm. The outer shell is 150 mm long, 60 mm wide, and 50 mm high. The inner cavity has a rectangular cross-section, with parallel top and bottom surfaces, and open at both ends, measuring 41 mm wide and 31 mm high.

[0053] The upper and lower surfaces of the inner cavity are each equipped with a ratchet structure aligned with the wedging direction. The ratchet is a unidirectional tooth with a tooth height of 1.0 mm and a tooth pitch of 4 mm. The tooth surface facing the center of the cavity is inclined (at an angle of 30° with the wedging direction), while the surface facing away from the center of the cavity is nearly vertical (at an angle of 85°–90° with the wedging direction). The ratchet structure and the outer shell are integrally molded using the same injection molding process.

[0054] The wedge is injection molded from the same DMC material as the outer shell, with a thickness that gradually changes from 3mm at the wedge-in end to 10mm at the other end, and is 40mm wide and 15mm long.

[0055] It is compatible with 40 mm wide and 5 mm thick strip graphite-based flexible grounding electrodes.

[0056] This embodiment provides an installation method for connecting grounding electrodes using the aforementioned double-wedge self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding electrode connection clamp. The installation method includes the following steps: Step 1: Install the first flexible grounding electrode by inserting it into the mounting cavity from one end of the outer casing. Make the first flexible grounding electrode bypass the first wedge plate located within the mounting cavity. After bypassing, fold the first flexible grounding electrode outwards so that the first wedge plate is clamped within the enclosing area formed by the first flexible grounding electrode.

[0057] Step 2: Install the second flexible grounding electrode. Insert the second flexible grounding electrode into the mounting cavity from the other end of the outer casing. Make the second flexible grounding electrode bypass the second wedge plate. After bypassing, fold the second flexible grounding electrode back so that the second wedge plate is located within the clamping area formed by the second flexible grounding electrode.

[0058] Step 3: Push the wedges to complete the initial locking. Push the first and second wedges respectively, so that they enter the housing mounting cavity along the corresponding wedging direction. As the wedges enter, due to the gradual increase in the thickness of the wedges, the flexible grounding body is subjected to the squeezing action between the housing and the wedges, thereby completing the initial fixation.

[0059] Step 4: Forming a self-locking state under force. After the connection is completed, when the flexible grounding body is subjected to axial tension: the flexible grounding body drives the corresponding wedge plate to move into the installation cavity; the wedge plate further wedges in, increasing the clamping pressure; if a one-way limiting structure is provided, the one-way limiting structure restricts the wedge plate from retracting, so that the wedge plate maintains a new locking position.

[0060] Through the above process, the self-reinforcing maintenance of the connection state of the flexible grounding electrode is achieved.

[0061] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding electrode connection clamp, characterized in that, include: The housing has an internal mounting cavity that extends along the connection direction; The first wedge plate and the second wedge plate are disposed in the mounting cavity. The first wedge plate and the second wedge plate move from both ends of the outer shell into the mounting cavity, and both the first wedge plate and the second wedge plate have a wedge-shaped structure with the thickness gradually increasing along the corresponding moving direction. The first flexible grounding electrode bypasses the first wedge plate and then turns back, so that the first wedge plate is located within the clamping area formed by the first flexible grounding electrode; the second flexible grounding electrode bypasses the second wedge plate and then turns back, so that the second wedge plate is located within the clamping area formed by the second flexible grounding electrode. When the corresponding flexible grounding body is subjected to axial tension, the first wedge plate and the second wedge plate tend to move towards the inside of the mounting cavity, thereby reducing the clamping gap between the wedge plate and the outer shell and enhancing the clamping effect on the flexible grounding body.

2. The double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding electrode connection clamp as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing includes a first inner wall surface and a second inner wall surface disposed opposite to each other, and a clamping channel for accommodating a first wedge plate, a second wedge plate and a flexible grounding body is formed between the first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface.

3. The double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding electrode connection clamp as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first inner wall surface and the second inner wall surface are respectively provided with unidirectional limiting structures arranged along the moving direction of the wedge plate. The unidirectional limiting structure includes a guide surface for guiding the movement of the wedge plate and a limiting surface for restricting the reverse movement of the wedge plate.

4. The double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding electrode connection clamp as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The unidirectional limiting structure is a ratchet structure spaced apart along the length of the mounting cavity, and the ratchet structure is integrally formed with the outer shell.

5. The double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding electrode connection clamp as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The outer surfaces of the first and second wedges are provided with locking areas that cooperate with the one-way limiting structure, so that the first and second wedges can pass through the one-way limiting structure when moving in the wedge direction, and restrict reverse exit.

6. The double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding electrode connection clamp as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first flexible grounding body and the second flexible grounding body enter the mounting cavity from both ends of the outer shell, and then turn back after bypassing the corresponding wedge plates, so that the two flexible grounding bodies overlap and contact inside the mounting cavity.

7. The double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding electrode connection clamp as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell, the first wedge plate, and the second wedge plate are made of insulating engineering materials with corrosion resistance and aging resistance.

8. The double-wedge plate self-locking graphite-based flexible grounding electrode connection clamp as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The insulating engineering material is an unsaturated polyester bulk molding compound.

9. An installation method for connecting a graphite-based flexible grounding electrode using the connecting clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, include: The first flexible grounding electrode is inserted into the mounting cavity from one end of the outer shell, so that the first flexible grounding electrode passes around the first wedge plate and then folds back; Insert the second flexible grounding electrode into the mounting cavity from the other end of the outer shell, so that the second flexible grounding electrode passes around the second wedge plate and then folds back; The first and second wedges are pushed into the mounting cavity in corresponding directions, so that the first and second wedges press against the flexible grounding body located between them and the outer shell.

10. The installation method according to claim 9, characterized in that: After installation, when the flexible grounding body is subjected to axial tension, the first wedge plate and the second wedge plate move into the installation cavity under the drive of the flexible grounding body, and the reverse movement is restricted by the one-way limiting structure to maintain the clamping state of the flexible grounding body.

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